We’re perched on a small wooden deck watching the sun creep over the Ozark Mountains. It’s cold — bitter for late March — and everyone’s wrapped in wool blankets that curl open each time we sip from our steamy coffees and exotic teas.
Mist drifts skyward from a small pond below the deck as morning’s first light bathes our chilled bodies with welcomed warmth.
It’s the last day of a weekend Yoga workshop at the Wattle Hollow Retreat in northwest Arkansas, and my fellow retreaters and I are enjoying what owner Joy Fox calls “silent sunrise.”
This is a special time here, where visitors are asked to reflect on themselves, their beliefs, and anything else that makes them feel at peace.
Fox, a rugged woman with thick, wiry black hair that hangs to her shoulders, prides herself in helping guests clear their minds of cobwebs, whether they’re here to enjoy high-level Yoga, or on an overnight self-indulgent getaway.
To Fox, Wattle Hollow is about reexamining life’s intentions and making adjustments in areas that just don’t feel right anymore. She often jokes with first-time guests about “Wattle Warp,” a sort of time blur that happens when you free your mind of cluttered thoughts.
It’s the first step in rediscovering yourself, she says.
“When people come here and they are ready to change something in their lives, then they forget about whatever else was bothering them,” says Fox, who is in her late 50s but is still as sprightly as a 20-something. “It’s basically when you can’t remember what it is you thought you had to do, so you can focus on things that are important.”
It’s easy to focus and reflect on the simple things when you’re at Wattle Hollow — there are no tvs, radios or any other distractions, just a sense of peacefulness that gently tugs your mind into park as soon as you stop at the end of the retreat’s bumpy, pockmarked driveway.
Fox has created a modern-day utopia in the lush green mountains 15 minutes south of Fayetteville, where bright purple wisteria hangs like a lavish curtain over the forest floor, and where the only sound for miles is that of quail and bullfrogs.
The retreat offers many different options for those who stay here — think of it as a customizable buffet for the soul. Each month features new activities and events, from Tibetan chant masters sharing their ancient practices to experts on Vipassana, a form of Theravadan Buddhist meditation.
Classes are usually broken up throughout the day with generous chunks of private time, giving visitors plenty of chances to scout Wattle Hollow’s rugged 40-acre landscape.
Wildlife abounds here, with owls, hummingbirds, whippourwill, woodpeckers and countless other creatures fluttering through the treetops and around the forest floor.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, there’s plenty of hiking and exploring to keep you busy. One of my favorite hikes is to an ancient creek bed that’s carved through the mountains 300 feet below Wattle Hollow.
To get there, you'll follow a stone path that twists down to Wattle Creek; it's a fairly rigorous climb, but well worth the effort.
During spring and early summer, frigid water roars over Volvo-sized boulders that are scattered along the creek bed. This is one of the most private places at the retreat and a must visit for those who can handle the climb.
One other popular feature at Wattle Hollow is the “Peace Path,” a narrow trail that winds around the property’s eclectic mix of cabins and buildings, eventually leading to the meditation hall.
Along the path, you’ll pass one of the most unique buildings at Wattle Hollow: An adobe and rock structure dubbed the “Cob Castle.” This round one-and-a-half-story building looks like something from a child’s dream, with ornate stained glass windows that shower the entrance hall in brilliant blues, greens and reds.
The castle sits atop a 300-foot cliff and is nestled under high stretching oak trees that tower over a nearby tulip garden. Just down a pathway from the castle sits the main cabin, where classes and meals are held. This building is the central focus of Wattle Hollow and offers a spectacular view of the mountains from its deck.
The deck is also a popular spot for visitors to socialize and share stories after classes.
It’s where I meet Patricia Wyatt of Fayetteville, a refined woman who has become a repeat visitor to Wattle Hollow. She’s on her second retreat, and like most of us, has already felt the effects of "Wattle Warp."
After her first night here, Wyatt, 59, says she’s starting to make a lot of small changes in her life that are making a big difference.
“Beginning the day with a short yoga practice and then a meditation, using Joy’s deep breathing techniques —even in meetings — has helped me,” she says. “This place is a spiritual vortex, where you can breath more deeply. It’s one of those Ozark secrets that you just hear about word-of-mouth.”
But like all good secrets, this one’s slowly being revealed.
Getting here
Fayetteville is approximately 340 miles from the DFW area. Travel north toward Sherman and Denison, continuing on U.S. 69 through Oklahoma to the Interstate 40 interchange near Checotah, Okla.
Proceed on Interstate 40 East for approximately 78 miles to the Interstate 540/Interstate 40 interchange. Proceed on Interstate 540 North toward Fayetteville.
Take exit 52, also the exit for Devil’s Den State Park. Turn left (west) toward the park, following Arkansas 170 (Devil's Den Road) signs for approximately 14 miles. At the sign that says “Devil's Den State Park, 4 miles,” continue on Arkansas 170 another half mile.
There will be a 'Wattle Hollow' sign on the left, just before the driveway (there is a stone cairn also on the left, and a small white house with mailboxes on the right). Go left down the driveway for one mile, then take the right fork in the drive and continue to the end of the road.
Lodging and rates
Lodging options at Wattle Hollow include the Cob Castle, Ocean View Lodge, Great Mother Room, Grotto Room, Teacher’s Cabin (usually reserved for visiting instructors) and the Dogwood Lodge and Crystal Palace, both of which feature dormitory-type environments.
There are only two flush toilets at Wattle Hollow, located at the Cob Castle. Visitors are encouraged to use the compost toilets — out houses that are well constructed and quite comfortable.
Hot showers are available.
Wattle Hollow is available for private events or single getaways; most of the
cabins and bunk houses can be rented throughout the year.
Retreat rates differ depending on the instructor. During retreats, organic food is included in the price, but you're on your own otherwise. There are two full service kitchens on site; drugs and alochol aren't permitted.
For uninstructed retreats, single rates run $35 for the first night and $25 for each additional night.
Couples rates run $45 for the first night and $35 for each additional night. Groups of three to ten will be charged $30 for the first night and $25 for each additional night.
In addition, tent space is available for those who feel the urge to camp.
Pets are also welcome at Wattle Hollow.
Travel tips
• Bring bug repellant, as ticks and other tiny critters run wild through the forest floor.
• Bring a camera and journal to document your time here.
• Bring at least one pair of slip-on shoes, as many buildings at Wattle Hollow don't allow shoes.
• Bring towels, pillows and blankets. Depending on where you stay, you may need extra.
More information is available by logging on to www.wattlehollow.com.
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