For decades almost everyone who has stayed at Guhyaloka has walked the kilometer or so to ‘The World’s End’ – the edge of 200 metre drop overlooking the Guadalest Valley to Altea and the Mediterranean. En route one sees a delightful little house; everyone comments on how good it would be for Guhyaloka to own that house to make it available for solitary retreats. After twenty years on and off negotiations we do now own the property and it is available for retreats.
Arthasarana is a small house set in 9 Hectares (22 acres) of open, mostly unkempt terraces and rough mountain side; there are views to Mediterranean and across the valley to a mountain ridge. A short walk over our private land takes one to the overhanging edge of a great cliff from which there are mind expanding views. Outside the house is an old fig tree to sit under in the heat of the day.
Arthasarana is at the end of a rough track about a kilometre from the main part of Guhyaloka and so is very isolated. As a house rather than a cabin it is much more suitable for longer retreats and we will be giving priority to those want to use it for longer periods of time – typically three to six months. Booking for a month is possible but you may be asked to change your date or venue if someone wants to book a long retreat. (Normally those who want a long retreat make their booking well in advance)
The ground floor is open plan with kitchen, dining area, and sitting area with a massive open fronted wood stove. Upstairs there is a shrine room and a large bedroom that could accommodate two people easily, and more if needed. This makes Arthasarana suitable for small community retreats. There is a large cave in the terrace next to the house which provides storage space – although it has been used as a meditation cave.
Drinking water is supplied in bottles and the rain water tank collects water for other needs. Solar panel power supply is enough for the electric lighting of the hut and for charging your devices. Toilet and shower are both outside and have a rustic character.
