Azhen’s location is at a relatively high elevation compared to the surrounding towns. Being in a desert alpine climate means we get the summer heat of the Okanagan, but the evenings get much cooler. So bring some warm clothes just in case.

If a small old Honda Civic can make it up and down every day, it’s likely your vehicle can too. Our road is a wide dirt road that is government maintained year-round. It’s usually pretty smooth. If it’s snowing you’ll want an all-wheel drive vehicle with good snow tires and have chains on hand incase you need them.

We’re off the beaten path. Please plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to arrive before dark so you can find us easily and so we know you’re safe.

High speed Starlink internet is available to you. It’s faster than any city wifi most have experienced. You can comfortably hold audio and video calls. Our developed area does not have cell service, which is a part of the experience. But if you walk up a hill you can get full bars.

Stays and camp sites do not have solar power to charge devices or plug things in. They do have solar powered lights though. To charge stuff and use power you have to come to the common area.

Good footwear for walking/hiking, a towel and slips for the spa, bathing suit if you want, extra warm blankets and/or sleeping bag (it can get cold at night), flashlight or lantern, bear spray, and it would be a huge help if you can bring sheets and bedding for a queen size bed as doing laundry off-grid is difficult and consumes a lot of energy, but that’s not necessary, it just helps us out.

It’s an Indigenous custom to bring an offering to Elders, when you’re meeting someone, or being hosted. This is totally up to you, we like to honour this as an educational point.

If you’re coming to an event with Elders, common offerings are:

Sage, loose tobacco (for ceremony), sweetgrass, quality chocolate (Elder Vern loves chocolate) or homemade treat, something from your alter, a special feather, crystals or precious stones, beads or mementos (often used for dream catchers, etc), or any appropriate small gift that you bring with good intention. If you would like feedback on your offering please get in touch.

Offerings NOT to bring for Elders: Please do not bring any kind of state-altering substance like alcohol, weed, etc.

Offerings for the land can be given to the stewards of the land who are not Elders. These can be more broad:

It could be any of the above, as they do use sage and other plants to burn in ceremony and smudging, but it could also be anything from food from your garden, to a book that you love and want to offer to the communal library, or anything you think that might be beneficial to the land with good intention.

If you can’t afford an offering

Offerings do not have to be purchased. In fact the best offerings aren’t, and it is usually a more meaningful gesture if they aren’t. However we know in the modern age and for those who are new to this type of thing it can be hard to find something, and sometimes it may take time or money, so if you truly can’t make it happen that is okay.

Come be in community with a good heart, that’s all that matters. That’s what is most important.

There are two natural seasonal springs on the land. Our well water is clean and drinkable, and we do filter it with a Berkey filter. This is available to you in the common area.

You can use the fridge space, we have 3 fridges. Freezer space is usually a bit packed, but you might find room.

You’re welcome to use the kitchen, including a large griddle, 3 burner range, 2 BBQ’s, and more.

It’s fully equipped with plates, cutlery, pots, pans, kettle, french press for coffee, spices and condiments.

Walk up to our lookout point for endless views of rolling mountains, great sunset and sunrise, or hike to the top of the mountain for even better views.

Enjoy the spa, tour the land, connect with likeminded people, or sit back and find a new book from our collection.

Float the Kettle River (15 minutes away). It’s beautifully clean, a perfect depth, and nicely flowing. Find private beaches along the way, or hit the swimming hole at the nearby national park where the local jump off an old train bridge.

Head into town (15 minutes away) for a meal at the famous pub or the Trading Post cafe, ice cream at the general store, golfing at the local course, or groceries at the Petrocan.

Only 40 minutes from Osoyoos you can easily head into wine country for the day.

Or head the other way towards Grand Forks and pass through some of the oldest towns in BC where you’ll find cool old buildings, great cafes, and more sights.

Some local fishing lakes too.

Folks have come here in wheelchairs but the space is not technically wheelchair accessible by any standards. Some accommodations might be if you’re brave and fit and willing to do the untraditional. Accessibility is in the plans though. We’re thinking a 4x4 full suspension electric off-road wheelchair so everyone can enjoy the hikes and the views.

We love animals but consider Azhen an operating farm with animals, farm dogs, and machinery moving around.

If you and your dog can manage well with others and leave the chickens alone they are very welcome!

Our main dog, Jaxson, is very playful with other fun loving non-dominant dogs, he loves it, but he will not accept dominant dogs.

He is protective of the common area. It’s his space where he sleeps and eats. So please bring a long leash and ensure your dog doesn’t come within 30 feet of this area, such as while you’re dining.

Dogs must also stay off all furniture, and sleep on their beds or in a kennel while inside the accommodations. They can get muddy here quite easily and get mud and hair everywhere.

You’re also encouraged to bring your own bedding (queen size).