GROUPS & RETREATS
A Thoughtful Setting for Gathering
The Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center offers a calm, inspiring environment for groups seeking connection, creativity, and focus. Located on the Curley Creative Campus in the historic town of Ajo, our campus provides welcoming spaces for retreats, workshops, meetings, educational programs, and group stays of all kinds.
Whether you're planning a weekend gathering or a multi-day retreat, we work closely with groups to create meaningful experiences rooted in place.
Intentional Time Together
Just a scenic drive from Phoenix and Tucson, the Sonoran Desert Inn offers a true change of pace without the need for long travel. Ajo’s remote desert setting creates the feeling of getting away from it all — making it an ideal destination for summer retreats, team off-sites, and creative gatherings.
The Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center can accommodate groups from 10 to 250 guests, with overnight lodging for up to 60, allowing your group to stay, meet, and connect in one walkable campus setting. Here, days unfold more slowly, distractions fade, and groups can focus on collaboration, connection, and new ideas.
Why Summer Retreats Work Here
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Fewer distractions and quieter surroundings
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Greater availability and flexibility
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Ideal for planning, strategy, and team bonding
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Comfortable indoor meeting spaces
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Magical desert evenings and night skies
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The quiet season in Ajo creates a slower rhythm that supports big ideas and focused collaboration
Ideal for
We welcome a wide variety of gatherings that value shared experience and a respectful campus environment:
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Corporate and nonprofit retreats
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Workshops and training programs
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Educational and university groups
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Wellness and creative retreats
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Family reunions and special gatherings
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Faith and community groups
Planning a wedding? Visit our Weddings page to begin exploring your celebration at the Sonoran Desert Inn.
Spaces Designed for Collaboration
Our campus offers flexible meeting and gathering spaces designed to support both structured sessions and relaxed connection.
Spaces may include:
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Meeting rooms and classrooms
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Auditorium and presentation spaces
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Courtyards and outdoor gathering areas
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Shared dining and catering spaces
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Comfortable guest accommodations on campus
Our team works with each group to match the right spaces to your goals and schedule.
TESTIMONIAL
"We brought our senior leadership team for a three day conference. The facilities were outstanding. They helped us come up with an agenda that met our needs and our budget. The food was amazing, the housing was great and the setting was beautiful."
- Bradley, New York, New York
On-Site Catering & Shared Meals
Food brings people together, and shared meals are often the highlight of a retreat experience. Our commercial kitchen and local culinary partners provide catering options for groups of all sizes, with menus tailored to your schedule, budget, and dietary needs.
From simple breakfasts and working lunches to festive group dinners, we help create meals that bring your group together around the table.
Stay Together on Campus
With guest rooms located right on the Curley Creative Campus, groups can stay, meet, and gather in one place. This walkable setting makes it easy to move between sessions, meals, and downtime — creating a relaxed and cohesive retreat experience.
Explore the Desert Together
Beyond the campus, the surrounding Sonoran Desert offers opportunities for shared experiences and team building:
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Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
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Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge
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Historic Ajo Plaza and public art
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Desert hiking, photography, and stargazing
These experiences can help round out a retreat with moments of exploration and inspiration.
Plan your Gathering
We welcome groups that value community, creativity, and a respectful shared campus environment. Our team is happy to help you explore availability, options, and next steps.
Inquire about group stays and retreats by filling in the form below.
Groups & Retreats Planning Request
Planning a retreat, workshop, or group gathering?
Tell us about your group and your goals, and we’ll follow up to discuss availability and how we can support your stay.
