Tucked inside the Hollywild Animal Preserve, Nature Nook Retreats are a unique way for families (or friends) to unwind and connect in “the wild.” It’s part camping, part animal adventure. The experience is perfect for kids of all ages, and especially those who love animals and the outdoors. Each retreat space – aka, cabin – is private, peaceful, and just the right blend of rustic and cozy.
What To Expect
Charming, Cozy Cabins. Chickadee Landing (the one we stayed in, pictured above), Blue Heron Hideaway, Robin’s Nook, Cardinal Crest, Wren’s Nest, and Sparrow Ridge all sit in the middle of the forest, surrounded by beauty and offer peaceful porch sitting!
Intimate Animal Interactions. Connect and interact with alpacas, deer, goats, donkeys, elands, kangaroos, peacocks, and more. Guests receive complimentary feed tailored to the group size. The feed came in the cutest mason jars.
Recreation & Relaxation. Enjoy outdoor games like corn hole, giant Jenga and Ping-Pong. Cast your line in a pond (with your own fishing rod) or unwind by the fire pit.
Clean, Shared Bathhouse. The facility serves all cabins except the Blue Heron Hideaway, which has its own bathroom. Air conditioning is available in most of the cabins. The A-frames have fans for a true “glamping” vibe.
Our Review
I took my animal-obsessed son, JP, to experience the retreat. If I’m being one hundred percent honest, I was anxious. While I love dogs, I am more skeptical of farm/wild animals. We won’t go into the reasons why, OR the fact that I am terrified of cows. Having said that, I am happy to report that I felt at ease from the moment we pulled onto the property. The (furry) residents’ habitats are enclosed in fences. Except for the peacocks who roam free, and maybe one or two stray goats.
We both enjoyed walking the trails and feeding the animals. Aka, JP fed the animals while I took pictures of him. In JP’s own words, “I have nothing but positive things to say about Nature Nook and hopefully we’re planning to go back this fall!” He’s a hard sell when it comes to hotels and resorts, so this one sentence is the equivalent of a five star review!
Know Before You Go
- The air conditioning is nice, but if you go in the hot summer months, I would take a fan to provide additional comfort.
- When you read on the website that there is a bathroom, it is referring to the bathhouse, so plan accordingly (bath shoes, flashlight, etc.) The Blue Heron Hideaway does have its own bathroom.
- Stop on the way into the resort for water, snacks, napkins, or anything else your group may need to keep hydrated and happy – civilization is within a ten minute drive, though, which is nice.
- Throw a raincoat and umbrella in the car – it rained pretty hard on us and we were not prepared.
- Keep in mind you’re on an animal preserve when packing shoes.
- Pay attention and adhere to the signs posted about feeding the animals and walking on certain trails.
Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a nature-loving solo retreat, or romantic escape, waking up with the wildlife was SUPER cool!
Nature Nook Retreats offers an unexpectedly magical way to recharge.
*We do want to note that this is a FUN experience for people who love camping and animals!