Think about snuggling together with your honey below cozy blankets on an opulent mattress, the crackling hearth within the wooden range staving off the brisk mountain air. You pull again the covers and slip in your smooth waffle gown and put together a cup of locally-roasted pour-over espresso utilizing the electrical kettle and carry it out onto the porch deck to absorb the morning mist nonetheless clinging to the meadow and the hills past. You flip and pull again the flap of your tent…
Wait, what? Sure, you simply learn tent. However I’m not speaking about normal tent tenting (clearly). Nope, I’m speaking about Highwood Retreat, one of many latest and most luxurious locations to go glamping in Vermont.
I’ve gone glamping throughout New England, and I can inform you that Highwood Retreat provides one thing particular. It combines the design aesthetic and considerate touches of a boutique lodge with an off-grid peace and quiet that’s robust to acquire with out trekking into the backcountry.
If you’re searching for a romantic getaway in Vermont or in want of a peaceable nature retreat, let me inform you about my latest expertise at Highwood Retreat. It might be simply the factor you’re trying to find.
About Highwood Retreat
Highwood Retreat is a luxurious camp in Southern Vermont, which opened in late 2022 and has been promoting out ever since. It’s the brainchild of Sam Parsons and Katharine Mangold, who traded the lights of Hollywood for the Inexperienced Mountains of Vermont with a dream of constructing a nature retreat not like every other. There may be at the moment one luxurious safari tent lodging at Highwood Retreat, however two extra treehouse-like constructions are deliberate and there’s loads of area so as to add further types of glamping lodging sooner or later.
The off-grid glamping tent was handbuilt by Sam, who quickly realized all about putting in photo voltaic panel batteries and composting bogs to create a glamping expertise that had all of the facilities anticipated by discerning visitors. In the meantime, Kat hand chosen the finishes, which might look simply as at house in one in every of Vermont’s most interesting inns. Collectively, they offered the nice and cozy hospitality you count on from a rustic mattress and breakfast, from the quad trip out to the glamping spot from the visitor parking, to morning breakfast basket deliveries of freshly baked croissants.
Glamping in Vermont: Highwood Retreat Overview
Be aware: My keep at Highwood Retreat was complimentary with a view to facilitate this evaluation. I’m sharing my trustworthy opinion about my keep.
Highwood Retreat’s luxurious canvas tent could not have all of the facilities of another glamping resorts (just like the attractive rain bathe at Terramor or the Nordic saunas of Lumen Nature Retreat), however it provides one thing that you just received’t discover at many others — privateness. Even when one tent expands to 3, there will probably be ample area and unblemished views in order that nobody will really feel crowded.
Belief me once I say that the solitude is particular. Chances are you’ll be just a little nervous being on the market in nature on their own, however the peace and quiet is simply the pressured disconnect and rest that’s so laborious to seek out in each day life.
Lodging at Highwood Retreat
In contrast to many glamping tents which can be constructed simply off the bottom on a wooden platform, the posh safari tent at Highwood Retreat has been raised as much as the tree line, providing views and a novel nature expertise. You attain the tent by means of a five-minute stroll alongside a gravel path by a wooded land bridge and throughout a tranquil meadow, though Sam or Kat will fortunately transport you and your baggage at test in and take a look at.
A set of stairs leads as much as a big deck, that includes two umbrella-shaded lounge chairs, a bistro desk and chairs with a patio heater, and an outside cooler on your drinks and perishables. One other brief set of stairs brings you to the tent’s porch and a good looking viewpoint throughout the glade.
The within of the tent resembles a stunning New England inn room, it simply coated with canvas as an alternative of strong partitions and a roof. As quickly as you unzip the flaps, your eyes are instantly drawn to the plush mattress, with its tall picket headboard, which has been outfitted with Brooklinen’s Luxe Sateen Sheets, an over-stuffed down comforter, layers of sentimental quilts, and an electrical mattress heater that can maintain you cozy on even the chilliest nights.
In entrance sit two outsized upholstered chairs in a luxe gold velvet, all perched on a good looking woven carpet. As your eyes transfer across the room, you quickly discover a few of the different touches, just like the minimize crystal water cooler, the electrical gooseneck kettle and pour-over carafe sitting subsequent to small canisters of tea, contemporary floor espresso, and accompaniments.
Two nightstands sit beside the mattress, every with a small mild and retailers for charging your units. That’s proper, the tent is off-the-grid however you continue to have electrical energy due to the photo voltaic panels out entrance. Simply don’t carry a hair dryer or curling iron, as these usually are not allowed. I’d additionally depart your laptop at house since there isn’t any WiFi offered however cell service is greater than ample for staying related if wanted. The tent is heated by a small wooden range within the nook, and a full provide of firewood is simply outdoors the door. A heater can be offered within the winter, making Highwood Retreat a year-round retreat.
The extra time you spend cozied up within the tent, the extra you discover the opposite high quality touches such because the contemporary flowers on the small desk and a bookcase with a curated assortment of books and collectibles. The again of the tent is sectioned off by a partial wall and curtains. One aspect results in a closet space, with a garments hanging rack and opulent touches reminiscent of two waffle robes, rubber bathe sandals, further blankets, and scorching water bottles to carry to mattress.
On the opposite aspect you can find the toilet. Whereas there isn’t any operating water on the tent, the compostable rest room doesn’t emit any odor and a big water dispenser is perched on the sink to supply water for laundry your palms and brushing your enamel. This and the water within the beverage space might be replenished with water deliveries if wanted.
The toilet additionally has a small vainness with a mirror together with requirements like lotion, cotton swabs, and physique wipes. You could have observed that I didn’t point out a shower or bathe. That’s as a result of the bathe is definitely outdoors. Whereas rustic and pure, the out of doors bathe facility nonetheless pays shut consideration to element. An armoire holds contemporary fluffy towels and there are full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and physique wash. Not solely are there loads of hooks for towels and garments, there’s even a mirror and a bench for dressing.
All through the property you can find battery-powered lanterns, which you’re welcome to carry with you to mild your path should you plan on returning to the tent after darkish. Exterior the tent, additionally, you will discover a picnic desk and a small hearth ring circled by benches and tiki torches, creating a beautiful out of doors area to benefit from the pure setting.
Room Service
That’s proper. Room service. To a glamping tent. Now that was a primary. I’ve stayed at glamping resorts that supplied lodges with eating places or meals trailers, others that supplied meal kits that you could possibly cook dinner your self over a fireplace or camp range. However whereas Highwood Retreat doesn’t have any cooking capabilities, they do have a small room service menu that’s good for the setting.
You’ll be able to select from an intensive drink menu of flask cocktails, bottles of wine, and native beers and ciders. There may be additionally an unimaginable cheese and charcuterie board providing, with some scrumptious Vermont cheddar in fact. Or, should you exit to dinner you’ll be able to at all times benefit from the s’mores package over the fireplace later. The morning breakfast basket provides a selection of a bagel, freshly baked croissant, or different baked good with a carafe of freshly-squeezed orange juice.
Check out my video tour:
Location
Highwood Retreat is positioned only a couple miles south of the little city of Springfield, Vermont, simply minutes off Interstate 91 midway between Brattleboro and Woodstock. I took Kat’s suggestion and had dinner on the Copper Fox in Springfield, an area farm-to-table restaurant, and it was scrumptious. Highwood could be very simple to get to from all through the northeast, solely 2.5 hours from Boston and 4 hours from New York Metropolis by automobile.
Guests also can take the Vermonter Amtrak prepare to the Bellows Falls station and Highwood will organize a pick-up and drop-off on the station for a flat fee of $30. The Vermonter prepare route travels every day between Washington D.C. and St. Albans with stops together with Philadelphia and NYC.
Backside Line
I can actually say that I discovered my keep at Highwood Retreat completely charming from begin to end. I lucked out with attractive September climate that acquired simply chilly sufficient to need to get a fireplace roaring within the wooden range and cuddle up below layers of covers. The mattress was comfortable, I noticed nary a sight of any unwelcome bugs or furry creatures, and the toilet state of affairs was completely high quality for a brief keep. It was a bit chilly having a shower within the morning, however it was additionally a novel expertise and I didn’t have to fret a smidge about privateness or noise.
Highwood Retreat is ideal for a novel romantic getaway together with your particular somebody, however it was additionally pretty as a solo retreat. In contrast to different glamping journeys, I didn’t really feel nervous in any respect as a solo feminine traveler. I’m wanting to see what the long run holds as Highwood Retreat expands its choices.
Issues to do Close by
Highwood Retreat has an excellent location for taking day journeys to a few of Vermont’s most charming cities.
Brattleboro
Brattleboro is simply forty minutes south of Highwood Retreat. On the best way, you can also make stops at Hidden Springs Maple for a maple syrup tasting and scrumptious maple creamees (as a result of what’s a visit to Vermont with out it!). Simply down the highway you can too load up on apple cider donuts and different baked items at Inexperienced Mountain Orchards.
The city of Brattleboro is understood for its vibrant arts scene and downtown you can find galleries, boutiques, and eating places. There may be additionally a burgeoning craft beer scene with Whetstone Brewery on the Connecticut River and the Brattleboro River Backyard Market, serving up native beers and informal bites alongside cubicles from native artists and makers.
In fact, I by no means depart Brattleboro with out a cease at my favourite cheese store, Grafton Village Cheese Store, the place you’ll be able to pattern to your coronary heart’s delight. I like to recommend bringing alongside a smooth cooler to carry some purchases house (they do promote ice packs!)
Manchester
Highwood Retreat can be just one hour from Manchester, one in every of my favourite cities in Vermont. Manchester is house to the implausible Northshire Bookstore, the Orvis fly fishing college, Land Rover driving expertise, Robert Lincoln’s Hildene historic house, Pastime Pinball Arcade, the Southern Vermont Arts Middle, and extra. See my picks on one of the best issues to do in Manchester.
Woodstock
Highwood Retreat can be solely 40 minutes south of Woodstock, one in every of Vermont’s poshest cities and one other one in every of my favorites. Right here you can find the luxurious Woodstock Inn, a captivating city sq., and picturesque streets lined with eating places, boutiques, and people quintessential New England colonial properties. You’ll be able to go to the Billings Farm and Museum, take pleasure in a New England falconry expertise, go to Farmhouse Pottery, hike Mt. Tom, or take pleasure in a culinary expertise on the Woodstock Inn.
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