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Whispers of winter: Highwood Retreat’s Narnia-inspired experience

Photo credit: Highwood retreat

In the heart of The Green Mountains with its enchanting winter landscape, Highwood Retreat is a luxury escape for those looking for solace and adventure.

In the heart of The Green Mountains, where winter blankets the landscape in a pristine layer of snow, there is a haven for those seeking an enchanting escape from the ordinary. Highwood Retreat, an exquisite and luxurious camp, beckons adventure-seekers with the promise of a Narnia-like winter experience.

The canvas of luxury embraced by winter

Photo credit: Highwood retreat

Highwood Retreat, a creative collaboration of husband-and-wife duo Sam Parsons and Katharine Mangold, unfolds across a vast 90-acre property, a testament to nature’s grandeur. Here, winter is not just a season; it’s a magical journey through a wonderland of snow-dusted landscapes and crystalline wilderness.

The centerpiece of this thoughtfully designed retreat is the safari tent, a canvas cocoon that seamlessly blends the opulence of a high-end hotel with the rugged charm of sleeping under the stars. From the moment you step inside, the warmth of the wood-burning stove and the sumptuous furnishings welcome you to a world where luxury meets nature in perfect harmony.

Photo credit: Highwood retreat

“The true essence of this experience comes at the intersection between luxury and ruggedness,” says Katharine. “You build your own fire by lantern light and have perfect cocktails delivered to you in shimmering silver hip flasks.

You can hear the owls hooting and the coyotes howling as you slip into a crisp bed, nestled in down and velvet. In the morning, you can unzip your tent to a snow-covered landscape bathed in the soft light of sunrise.”

Immersive enchantment in a winter paradise
Highwood Retreat isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience crafted to surprise and delight its visitors. Tunnels of trees, a secluded gale, morning mist, or a full golden moon rising over the tree line — the Highwood Retreat property is a place of wonder and enchantment. And as winter unfolds with its icy embrace, the camp transforms into a wonderland, offering a captivating escape for those searching for a different kind of adventure.

Photo credit: Highwood retreat

Imagine waking up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the canvas walls, casting a warm hue on the snow-covered landscape outside. The crisp mountain air invigorates your senses as you step onto the deck, where Adirondack chairs invite you to savor a hot cup of locally sourced coffee, steam rising into the frosty air.

Photo credit: Highwood retreat

And it turns out a snow-covered landscape can be good for you. Spending time in a snowy location in the middle of the woods has unique positive effects on your health, energy, and happiness. The quiet you experience when you step out into a snow-covered landscape creates a feeling of serenity and calm. Experiencing a snowy environment can also help you feel invigorated. According to research from the University of Rochester, when people spent more time in nature, they felt greater vitality and improved resilience and physical health — even 20 minutes per day in nature helped them feel more energized and positive.

Winter adventures
For those drawn to the call of adventure, Highwood Retreat is a gateway to winter exploration. The camp’s surroundings become a playground for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or simply meandering through the pristine wilderness. Frozen lakes glisten in the winter sun, inviting guests to skate or marvel at the reflections of snow-covered trees.

As the day unfolds into a masterpiece of winter scenery, guests can unwind around a private firepit adjacent to the tent, wrapped in cozy blankets, and relishing the crackle of burning wood. The ethereal stillness of the winter night amplifies the sense of solitude and connection to nature.

Katharine explains, “Vermont is renowned for rustic beauty and natural charm. The lush forests and rolling hills of the Green Mountains are serene and peaceful and welcome you to explore and rest. The experience of staying at Highwood Retreat reflects this by never being intimidating but instead allowing guests to blend in effortlessly with the natural surroundings.”

Deepening your connection to nature

Photo credit: Highwood retreat

Every corner of Highwood Retreat is designed to create lasting memories. With its luxurious amenities and attention to detail, the safari tent becomes a sanctuary where guests can retreat after a day of winter adventures. Plush spa robes, the crackling warmth of the wood-burning stove, and the inviting comfort of the queen-size bed cocoon guests in a world of serenity and luxury.

“Our mission is to create a haven where our guests can disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and connect with nature,” says Sam. “We want guests to indulge in a luxurious camping experience, so when they leave here, they feel rejuvenated, inspired, and connected to the wilderness in a meaningful and memorable way.”

The retreat’s commitment to providing an intimate and enriching experience is evident in every gesture. A private outdoor cedar shower with hot water and towels allows guests to refresh after a day in the snow, embodying the perfect blend of rugged exploration and pampered comfort.

A winter wonderland for the soul

Photo credit: Jonathan Marchal

Highwood Retreat transcends the ordinary, offering more than just a place to stay; it immerses into the enchantment of winter. The snow-covered landscapes, the pristine wilderness, and the cozy embrace of the safari tent create a Narnia-like experience where time seems to stand still, and the world outside transforms into a canvas of winter magic.

For the adventurous soul in search of a winter escapade, Highwood Retreat is the key to unlocking the door to a Narnia-like wonderland. It’s a place where luxury, nature, and the spirit of adventure converge to create an experience that transcends the ordinary and etches itself into the fabric of unforgettable memories. Winter at Highwood Retreat is not just a season; it’s a poetic journey through a realm of dreams and serenity, where the call of the wild harmonizes with the song of winter’s silent beauty.

To learn more or to book your next escape, visit Highwood Retreat.

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