Discover Navajo

LECHEE, ARIZONA – The Navajo Tourism staff took a day trip to visit with Baya Meehan to talk about and see her glamping business, Shash Diné Eco-Retreat, located just 12 miles south of Page, Arizona.

Upon arriving to the property, we were greeted by Baya and invited to join her under the communal shade house. After our brief introductions, Baya delved into her experiences about her calling to create a business and navigating the tribal system of legitimizing her business.

Ten years ago, the Meehan family made the decision to create a small hospitality business. The idea to utilize the land was expressed by Baya’s husband, Paul. Paul recalled how as an in-law, he saw the immediate beauty of the land they were living on. With motivation from Paul, Baya started thinking outside the box, she recalled a hogan that was not being used by a nearby relative. Baya asked her relative if she could use the hogan to start her hospitality business. With her relative’s blessing, Baya had her start. The hogan needed some upgrades to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for visitors. Baya and Paul got to work, they decided what the hogan needed, such as linens, the toiletries and all the details they could think of. After some upgrades and final touches, they opened their hogan for overnight stays. Baya recalled how visitors shared their need to experience staying in a traditional hogan and they appreciated the Meehan family for making their stay possible.

With the motivation of getting to know the ropes of the hospitality environment and meeting people from all over the world, the Meehan family decided to take the next step and expand their business.

The staff were impressed, not only with her experiences, but with the property itself. Taking one gaze at their property, we can see how much dedication and love they put into their business. And it showed, especially when Baya said “We put our blood, sweat and tears into building our business… brick by brick…”

Next, Baya gave us a tour, starting with the two single wagon carriages. Each wagon had its own solar light installation, a bed with native-inspired blankets, and side benches for sitting. It definitely had a rustic cozy feel, like you could leisurely read a book on a Thursday afternoon without any interruptions.

With a short walk to the next accommodation, we reached The Cube. This was an elevated, rust-colored square structure that had modern features such as a sliding glass door entry, plush carpeting over a wood floor, multi-window paneling in the north wall, ultra modern wood burning stove, and a comfy queen-sized bed. We spent some time inside this cube, in awe of its details, like the board games, stack of cards, books and magazines, Navajo tabletop rugs, the papasan chair covered in a sheepskin, the acoustic guitar in the corner, and even a doll-sized Lego couple painted like a Navajo couple.

The next feature was the white bell canopy tents. The tents each have a wood platform with a staircase leading up the entry. Upon opening the tent, there were two queen-sized beds opposite of each other, two side tables with books, games, and LED lantern. On one of the beds, there was a laminated paper guide that had written on it: ‘Feel at ease. Enjoy yourself. Relax. Walk to the view. Count the stars. Have a campfire.’

Although it was daytime, we can totally envision a night under the stars next to a campfire in this spot and just soaking it all in. Sounds romantic, right?

With all these wonderful accommodations, you are probably wondering, what about the restrooms or showering? Well, Baya took us to the communal off-grid shower house, located not far from the shade house. When she opened the sliding door to the shower, we were taken back at its modernity. There were two side-by-side shower stalls with curtains and shower heads and black mats for the non-slip flooring. And if you take a look up, you will notice a mirrored disco ball. I teased Baya, asking if there is a spot light aimed at the ball to provide the ambiance. She chuckled, there isn’t, but there is a string of Christmas lights strung along the top edges inside of the house. Exiting the shower house, Baya showed us what makes the shower ‘off-grid.’ There is a 300 gallon water tank beside the house complete with a propane heating source, piping, and a separate wash basin for hand washing.

A short walk away, Baya showed us the outdoor commodes. Being eco-conscious, the Meehan’s have built a wood structure housing both the female and male commodes. Of course each is separated by a wall. Baya did let us know they have the commodes pumped every week to keep it clean, so there isn’t a worry of any stenches and there is no waste product going into the ground.

The last accommodation on property is the traditional earth-covered Diné hogan and just outside of it, sits an antique wagon that had been in Baya’s family for generations. Entering the hogan, there were four twin-sized beds along the walls, an old-fashioned wood stove in the center with a chimney leading out the roof, dirt flooring, and a small cabinet with the overnight essentials and snacks. This hogan is meant for the truly off-grid experience, while giving a peek into the traditional Diné way of life.

At the end of our tour, we felt like we got to know Baya and Paul. And we were so amazed of their accomplishments and determination in establishing their footprint in the glamping industry – in not only as a Diné-woman owned & operated establishment, but also while on Diné Bikéyah and respecting Mother Earth. We exchanged hugs, told her how amazed we were, to keeping going, waved goodbye and we departed for our 3-hour drive back to the office.

On our drive back, we talked about how awesome that place was and how we each felt motivated to share the Meehans’ experience of building a glamping business on the Navajo Nation. In closing, we are proud of the Meehan’s and wish them continued prosperity. We know you can do it. You have done it.

If you would like to book accommodations with Shash Diné Eco-Retreat, visit their website at https://www.shashdine.com/ – also follow their social media on Facebook and Instagram @shashdineecoretreat for their latest updates.