That sounds like an amazing trip! Here’s a nature retreat itinerary that starts on Saturday and includes hiking, kayaking, wine drinking, and a much-needed rest and relaxation day on Day 5. For the cheapest area in the USA, I’d recommend looking into Southern Utah or Northern Arizona areas, which offer beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and affordable accommodations. A great choice is Sedona, Arizona, or Moab, Utah.
8-Day Nature Retreat Itinerary in Sedona, Arizona(Sedona offers incredible natural beauty, red rock landscapes, outdoor activities, and great wine regions, all while being budget-friendly)

Day 1: Arrival in Sedona - Saturday

• Private Transfer from Airport: Arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and take a private transfer to Sedona (approximately 2-hour drive). Your private transfer can be arranged through your accommodation or a local service.
• Accommodation: Check into an affordable hotel, such as The Sedona Motel or Arabella Hotel Sedona. Both offer comfortable stays at a budget-friendly rate.
• Evening: Relax and unwind at Bell Rock for a stunning sunset view of the red rocks. Dinner at a local restaurant like The Hudson, offering great food with a view.

Day 2: Scenic Hiking & Wine Tasting

• Morning: Enjoy a morning hike on the Devil's Bridge Trail, one of Sedona's most popular and relatively easy hikes with stunning views of red rock formations.
  • Difficulty: Moderate (3.9 miles round-trip)
• Afternoon: After the hike, head to a local winery for a wine tasting at Page Springs Cellars or Sedona Wine Adventures.
  • Wine: Sample wines from Arizona’s growing wine scene while enjoying the beautiful vineyards.
• Evening: Dinner at Sedona’s Secret Garden Café, offering a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food.

Day 3: Kayaking on Oak Creek & Exploring

• Morning: Kayaking on Oak Creek – Rent kayaks and enjoy a scenic paddle down Oak Creek, surrounded by lush greenery and red rock formations.
  • Activity: You can also choose to do a guided river trip for a more relaxing experience if you prefer.
• Afternoon: After kayaking, enjoy a hike at Cathedral Rock, one of the most iconic landmarks in Sedona, known for its unique spires and breathtaking views.
  • Difficulty: Moderate (1.5 miles round-trip)
• Evening: Dinner at Poco Diablo Resort’s restaurant, known for its casual dining and excellent southwestern cuisine.

Day 4: Hiking & Scenic Drive

• Morning: Go for a hike at Boynton Canyon or West Fork Trail, both offering stunning landscapes and well-maintained trails.
  • Boynton Canyon: Moderate (3.5 miles)
  • West Fork Trail: Moderate (3.3 miles, shaded with a creek)
• Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic drive along Red Rock Scenic Byway, a 7.5-mile route showcasing stunning views of Sedona’s red rock formations.
• Evening: Relax at Vino Di Sedona for some wine and small bites, followed by a casual dinner at The Cowboy Club.

Day 5: Rest and Relax Day

• All Day: Take a rest and relaxation day to recharge.
  • Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Late Morning: Treat yourself to a spa day at one of Sedona’s affordable wellness centers, such as Sedona Day Spa. Indulge in a relaxing massage or facial.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy some time at the Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon or Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (no museums/art galleries—just exploring the charming shops and eateries).
  • Evening: Sunset at Airport Mesa for panoramic views of the red rocks and a peaceful dinner at Elote Café, which offers excellent southwestern cuisine.

Day 6: Hiking and Wine Tasting

• Morning: Take a hike at Chapel of the Holy Cross for a short, beautiful walk with amazing views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate (1.5 miles round-trip)
• Afternoon: After your hike, head to Caduceus Cellars for a wine tasting, owned by Maynard James Keenan (of Tool fame). It's a unique wine experience.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy a delicious dinner at The Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, with a lovely atmosphere and great views.

Day 7: Kayaking & Exploring Sedona’s Vortexes

• Morning: Kayak or take a boat trip on Lake Pleasant (if you’re up for a day trip outside Sedona), or paddle down Oak Creek again if you prefer to stay local.
• Afternoon: Explore Sedona’s energy vortexes: Sedona is known for its spiritual energy vortexes, and you can visit places like Airport Mesa and Boynton Canyon to experience these peaceful spots. Enjoy meditation or simple reflection.
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at The ChocolaTree Organic Café or The Wildflower Bread Company.

Day 8: Departure - Sunday

• Morning: Enjoy one final hike or walk around Red Rock Crossing or Slide Rock State Park, both of which have beautiful natural scenery and are great for a quick morning exploration.
• Afternoon: Take your private transfer back to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for your departure.

Cost-Saving Tips

• Accommodation: Choose budget-friendly motels or Airbnb options, such as The Sedona Motel or Arabella Hotel Sedona, to save money on lodging.
• Food: Consider grabbing breakfast and lunch at local cafés or grocery stores to keep food costs down. For dinners, stick to casual dining spots that offer delicious yet affordable meals.
• Activities: Many of the outdoor activities, like hiking and kayaking, are low-cost or free. For wine tasting, opt for smaller wineries to save on tasting fees.

Private Transfer

• You can arrange a private transfer from Phoenix Airport to Sedona through services like Sedona Red Rock Tours or Sedona Shuttle, or book a private car service in advance.

This 8-day retreat combines outdoor adventures, nature, and relaxation while keeping things low-cost, especially in terms of activities and accommodation. Let me know if you need further adjustments or help with bookings!