Wilderness Re-imagined with Hollywood Flair: The Highwood Retreat Story

Wilderness Re-imagined with Hollywood Flair: The Highwood Retreat Story

In a world where the cacophony of daily life often drowns out the whispers of nature, a remarkable escape nestled in the foothills of Vermont’s Green Mountains has emerged. Highwood Retreat, an antidote to the frenzy of our modern world, is a brainchild of the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Sam Parsons and Katharine Mangold. It’s a place where the rugged beauty of the outdoors merges with the comfort and opulence of a high-end hotel, offering an experience that is nothing short of magical.

Photo Credit: Highwood Retreat

In a world where the cacophony of daily life often drowns out the whispers of nature, a remarkable escape nestled in the foothills of Vermont’s Green Mountains has emerged. Highwood Retreat, an antidote to the frenzy of our modern world, is a brainchild of the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Sam Parsons and Katharine Mangold. It’s a place where the rugged beauty of the outdoors merges with the comfort and opulence of a high-end hotel, offering an experience that is nothing short of magical.

From City Lights to Forest Serenity

Photo Credit: Highwood Retreat

Sam and Katharine are both veterans of the entertainment industry. After building their careers in Los Angeles, New York, and London, they yearned for a new chapter. Though thrilling, the hustle and bustle of urban life left them craving solace and creative rejuvenation. So, Sam and Katharine did what many only dream of: they traded their 900-square-foot apartment in LA for a sprawling 90-acre property in the quiet embrace of the Green Mountains.

With backgrounds as a camera operator and actor, respectively, Sam and Katharine embarked on a journey that combined their unique artistic talents. They set out to craft Highwood Retreat, a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the chaos of modern existence and a deeper connection with nature.

“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 Highwood Retreat Experience

Photo Credit: Highwood Retreat

Highwood Retreat welcomes guests into the heart of nature with its centerpiece: an artfully designed and thoughtfully furnished canvas safari tent. This canvas cocoon offers the best of both worlds — the allure of sleeping under the stars and the comforts of a five-star hotel.

You’re immersed in luxury from the moment you step inside the 400-square-foot safari tent. Plush spa robes, tasteful furnishings, a thoughtfully designed off-grid bathroom, and solar panels providing electricity cater to guests’ every need. The queen-size bed, adorned with Brooklinen’s Luxe Sateen sheets and layers of soft quilts, ensures a restful night’s sleep even on the chilliest nights, allowing you to sink into the serenity of your surroundings.

Pets are also welcome at Highwood Retreat; they’re pampered guests, too. Pet-friendly amenities include a comfy dog bed, raised food and water bowls, and a large blanket to keep your furry companions cozy.

Inside the tent, an electric kettle and pour-over coffee carafe await, stocked with locally sourced ground beans and a selection of teas. A Vermont Castings Wood-Burning Stove doubles as a fireplace, creating a cozy atmosphere. Outside, a deck invites you to enjoy refreshments from the cooler and relax in Adirondack chairs. Adjacent to the tent, a private firepit offers the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with the natural world.

Highwood Retreat encourages guests to embrace the off-the-grid experience while enjoying all essential comforts. The bathroom boasts a composting toilet and an off-grid sink. For those looking for a refreshing outdoor shower, a private cedar shower with hot water, towels, sandals, and robes awaits. Although there are no cooking facilities, guests are encouraged to bring prepared food or enjoy take-out from local restaurants.

Katharine says, “We pride ourselves on our stellar guest relations and services — we’ll do anything to ensure our guests have a memorable stay. And sometimes, a light, almost invisible touch is just what our guests need to unwind and embrace this wilderness experience.”

Secluded Luxury, Unparalleled Convenience

Photo Credit: Highwood Retreat

Highwood Retreat is intentionally designed to whisk you away from the chaos of everyday life. And you will feel that from the moment you step onto the property. The camp is tucked into a secluded glade, yet it’s a mere 5-minute stroll along a gravel path from the parking area. The retreat offers a complimentary shuttle service for check-in and check-out to ensure a stress-free experience, a testament to Sam and Katharine’s commitment to guest satisfaction.

“We want our guests to experience the healing power of nature with more than just basic creature comforts. We want guests to feel spoiled,”.

Katharine

In an age where genuine escapes are rare, Highwood Retreat boldly ventures off the beaten path to create an unforgettable remote adventure amidst breathtaking landscapes. Here, the boundaries between wilderness and luxury blur, allowing you to rediscover the wonder and adventure within nature and yourself.

For those seeking to disconnect, rejuvenate, and reconnect, Highwood Retreat beckons. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s an immersive journey, a testament to the transformative power of nature and the art of blending luxury with wilderness. Sam Parsons and Katharine Mangold have crafted something truly remarkable, and it’s an experience that every adventurer and nature lover should have the privilege to savor. To learn more or to book your next escape, visit highwoodretreat.com.