We plan the days so you don't have to.
Stillwild started in 2016 with one desert retreat and eight guests. Ten years later we run six retreats in six countries — and the groups are still small enough to share one table.
(01) Origin
Maren spent ten years producing documentaries in remote places, and noticed the crews always came home calmer than they left.
So she tried to bottle it: the long days outside, the shared meals, the fire at night, the sense of having nothing to organise. The first Desert Silence ran in February 2016 with eight guests. Four of them still come every year.
01
Twelve at most
Small enough to share one table and for every guide to know your name by the first evening. We'd rather run another date than add a thirteenth guest.
02
Honest ratings
Every retreat is rated for rest and effort, so you can choose the week for the person you are now — not the one you're planning to be.
03
Local, always
Every house is family-run. Every guide is certified. Every kitchen buys from within 50 km wherever it can.
01
Choose your week
Filter by place, month and how hard you want it. Not sure? Write to us.
02
Reserve with 30%
Pick a room and hold your place. Balance due 60 days before you travel.
03
We prepare you
Packing list, health form and a call with your guide six weeks out.
04
Just turn up
We meet you at the airport or station. Everything else is arranged.
(04) Sustainability & ethics
Travel has a cost. We try to make sure the places we visit are better for having us.
Partners
100% family-run houses and camps
Food
70% sourced within 50 km
Carbon
Transfers offset; trains suggested on every route
Give back
2% of revenue to local water and trail projects
Guides
Paid above local rates, all year round
★★★★★
I came for the trekking and left with a sauna habit and four friends I still message every week. Nothing ever felt rushed.
Hanna K.
Mountain Trek & Sauna
★★★★★
Two days into the silence I stopped reaching for my phone. By day four I could hear the camels before I saw them.
Olu A.
Desert Silence
★★★★★
Dario had me in 9°C water on day one and grinning about it by day three. The food alone justifies the price.
Priya S.
Island Cold-Water & Calm
★★★★★
I stood up on day two and on a green wave by day five. Inès's evening yoga was the best I've ever done.
Clara M.
Coastal Surf & Yoga
★★★★★
I'm 61 and was nervous about keeping up. Elias never once made me feel slow. I'm booking the Picos next.
Ruth D.
Mountain Trek & Sauna
★★★★★
Four days and I slept properly for the first time in a year. The bread alone is worth the train journey.
Tom B.
Forest Breathwork Reset