I went to a wellness glamping retreat and disconnected from technology. Here's why I would go back in a heartbeat.

Jean Chen SmithDec 26, 2022, 17:59 IST

A view of Crooked River Gorge from the edge of Green Rock, a wellness retreat near Culver, Oregon.Jean Chen Smith

I spent a weekend at Green Rock Retreat, an off-the-grid glamping and wellness lodge with no WiFi.
I went on the retreat hoping to disconnect from technology and practice mindfulness.

In October, I spent 3 days at Green Rock Retreat, a wellness lodge and nature sanctuary in Culver, Oregon.

The sign at the entrance of Green Rock in Culver, Oregon.Jean Chen Smith

As I drove up to the gated glamp site, I was struck by the remoteness of the location.

I drove through miles of untouched land and trees on my way to the lodge.Jean Chen Smith

When I arrived, the owner Tory Junkin welcomed me to the property and took me to my private tent.

Green Rock's owner, Tory Junkin, welcomed me to the property and took me to my tent.Jean Chen Smith

Junkin gave me a hand-drawn map of the 50-acre property, showing where I could find gardens, walking trails, the outdoor kitchen, and other amenities.

The map of the property, hand-drawn by the owner. I loved how authentic it looks.Jean Chen Smith

I was glad to find that my tent had all of the amenities to make for a comfortable glamping stay.

This was my tent that had a queen-sized bed and comfortable pillows.Jean Chen Smith

I loved the cute seating area, and appreciated that the tent felt spacious because I like to spread out.

The seating area in my tent provided a space to read, write, and reflect.Jean Chen Smith

I stayed in a single queen-bed tent, but there are several other tent layout options, including one that I thought would be perfect for a family or group of friends.

Another tent had two beds, a futon, and a handicap accessible ramp.Jean Chen Smith

I enjoyed the outdoor shower because it reminded me that I was surrounded by nature.

The outdoor shower was clean and private and had shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.Jean Chen Smith

I carried my favorite trusty water bottle around with me to stay hydrated.

I bring my trusty water bottle everywhere. It makes life easier and saves me money.Jean Chen Smith

I brought 3 books with me because I wanted to have something to do while being off the grid.

I brought several books and spend time reading in my tent's seating area.Jean Chen Smith

I wasn't on a specific retreat, but I was able to make use of the yoga and meditation room to do some stretching.

This is where group yoga and meditation activities are held for guests on a retreat.Jean Chen Smith

Each morning, I went on a run along the trails and walked to the Crooked River Gorge, where I sat and enjoyed the view of the river and mountain range in the distance.

Green Rock Retreat is set on a 50-acre nature reserve.Jean Chen Smith

I found a special tree on the west side of the property near a cliff overlooking the Crooked River.

Many guests at Green Rock have written and tied prayers around the Prayer Tree's branches.Jean Chen Smith

On the cliff overlooking the Crooked River and next to the Prayer Tree, I came across a Buddha statue hidden in a rock hollow.

The Buddha was hidden inside a cave adjacent to the Prayer Tree.Jean Chen Smith

On the northwest edge of the property was the labyrinth, a series of stones on the ground in the shape of a winding circle, which was meant to be a meditation and prayer aid.

Other guests who had walked the labyrinth built little rock altars as an offering.Jean Chen Smith

On the northwest edge of the property was the labyrinth, a series of stones on the ground in the shape of a winding circle, which was meant to be a meditation and prayer aid.

Another aspect I loved about Green Rock was being able to bring my dog, which made my stay extra fun.

My dog, Tonka, approved of our glamping tent.Jean Chen Smith

I brought my own food, and prepared and ate my meals at the outdoor pavilion, where there was a lounge area and a dining table.

The outdoor pavilion and kitchen where guests can prepare meals.Jean Chen Smith

On the last day of my stay, there was a small gathering for past retreat guests in the outdoor pavilion, and they invited me to eat pizza from the wood-fired pizza oven.

The pizzas from the recently built wood-fired oven were delicious.Jean Chen Smith

On the last day of my stay, there was a small gathering for past retreat guests in the outdoor pavilion, and they invited me to eat pizza from the wood-fired pizza oven.

Before my stay, I was anxious about not having my phone and being bored with no TV to watch. But in the end, it was a refreshing experience that I'd definitely do again.

Spending quality time with Tonka.Jean Chen Smith

Before my stay, I was anxious about not having my phone and being bored with no TV to watch. But in the end, it was a refreshing experience that I'd definitely do again.

I'm glad I chose Green Rock Retreat to disconnect from my obsession with my phone and reconnect with nature, which I was able to do in the peaceful and spiritual environment of the lodge.

At the end of my stay at Green Rock, I felt relaxed and refreshed.Jean Chen Smith

I'm glad I chose Green Rock Retreat to disconnect from my obsession with my phone and reconnect with nature, which I was able to do in the peaceful and spiritual environment of the lodge.

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I went to a wellness glamping retreat and disconnected from technology. Here's why I would go back in a heartbeat.

In October, I spent 3 days at Green Rock Retreat, a wellness lodge and nature sanctuary in Culver, Oregon.

As I drove up to the gated glamp site, I was struck by the remoteness of the location.

When I arrived, the owner Tory Junkin welcomed me to the property and took me to my private tent.

Junkin gave me a hand-drawn map of the 50-acre property, showing where I could find gardens, walking trails, the outdoor kitchen, and other amenities.

I was glad to find that my tent had all of the amenities to make for a comfortable glamping stay.

I loved the cute seating area, and appreciated that the tent felt spacious because I like to spread out.

I stayed in a single queen-bed tent, but there are several other tent layout options, including one that I thought would be perfect for a family or group of friends.

I enjoyed the outdoor shower because it reminded me that I was surrounded by nature.

I carried my favorite trusty water bottle around with me to stay hydrated.

I brought 3 books with me because I wanted to have something to do while being off the grid.

I wasn't on a specific retreat, but I was able to make use of the yoga and meditation room to do some stretching.

Each morning, I went on a run along the trails and walked to the Crooked River Gorge, where I sat and enjoyed the view of the river and mountain range in the distance.

I found a special tree on the west side of the property near a cliff overlooking the Crooked River.

On the cliff overlooking the Crooked River and next to the Prayer Tree, I came across a Buddha statue hidden in a rock hollow.

On the northwest edge of the property was the labyrinth, a series of stones on the ground in the shape of a winding circle, which was meant to be a meditation and prayer aid.

Another aspect I loved about Green Rock was being able to bring my dog, which made my stay extra fun.

I brought my own food, and prepared and ate my meals at the outdoor pavilion, where there was a lounge area and a dining table.

On the last day of my stay, there was a small gathering for past retreat guests in the outdoor pavilion, and they invited me to eat pizza from the wood-fired pizza oven.

Before my stay, I was anxious about not having my phone and being bored with no TV to watch. But in the end, it was a refreshing experience that I'd definitely do again.

I'm glad I chose Green Rock Retreat to disconnect from my obsession with my phone and reconnect with nature, which I was able to do in the peaceful and spiritual environment of the lodge.