We had a 2 nights weekend stay in April for my husband's birthday.
Communication with hosts before arriving was great. They helped me order breakfast, prepare a little cake and birthday decoration. Very responsive and accomodating with all my questions.
I gave 3 stars to rooms because of a few things: This is not a quiet stay up in the woods, where you can relax. If you have issues with noise, the non-stop jacuzzi noise and the electric wood pellets heater will give you a hard time. If you have issues with light, the fire from the electric heater and the sun coming out at 6am will make sure you won't rest. They tell you to bring cozy slippers! Not because they are cute, but because there's a huge cold draft around the floor. April was still cold with -7C during the night, where we turned on the heated mattress, the heater above the bed and the electric stove. As cute as it is to think you can watch the stars from bed, trust me, you won't be able to through the thickness of the dome! Charging $450 CAD a night, and then extra for cleaning is a bit of a rip off. This whole glamping is a cute and hip idea, but way overpriced! On top of everything, you are required to do your own dishes. (btw, there is no dish rack where you could put clean dishes ... other than laying them on the counter.) I would also highly recommend hosts to add a little shelving unit, or a mini chest of drawers. There's a very tiny rack at the door with four hangers, for coats. The "nightstands" are floating shelves that barely fit a book and a cup of water. There is absolutely no place to put a little overnight bag or clothing other than the floor.
Otherwise, a nice cute little room with about everything you need (mini fridge, coffee, tea, etc.). We got the breakfast both days - truly very tasty and good yoghurts and granola!
I gave 4 stars to location for the following reasons: There is truly nothing to do!! You can read a book and bring your own games, but otherwise, there are no amenities on the property. A little pond and "hike" is advertised ... it is a total of a 30min walk! Which is another reason why $450/night feels like too much for just a comfy bed. It is a 20-30min drive to any dining option or hike or activity, if that's what you're looking for. While I appreciate the lack of light polution (and watching the stars at night!!! amazing!), it would also be nice to have a lighted path from the parking lot to the dome. There are some super tiny lights at the bottom of the maple trees, but if you don't turn on the flashlight on your phone ... it's borderline a safety issue!
All in all, a unique and nice experience. I would've probably enjoyed it more if it was a maximum of $300-350/night. For that price, unfortunately, I expect a...
Read moreWe stayed in the Balsam dome for 2 nights in mid-October. The fall foliage was perfection this time of year. The first day/night it was a bit rainy and overcast, so no chance for stargazing. However, it was perfect evening to stay in the dome and cook a nice meal, drink wine and enjoy the hot tub in between rain drops. The small kitchen really is equip to make most simple meals. The second day was a beautiful fall day and we enjoyed an afternoon in town shopping and had lunch. Came back and explored some of the hiking trails on the property. Then went to dinner (Bruce Wine Bar, also 5*) to celebrate our anniversary. We got dessert to-go and enjoyed it back at the dome after another hot tub session. The stars were out and I could have spent all night staring at the sky. The dome was comfortable and cozy. It did get pretty warm in the afternoon when the sun came out. I had to turn the AC unit on for a couple hours to cool it down. Then at night it gets chilly, but I love to sleep in an icebox, so this was ideal to me. We didn't use the mattress warmer at all, but I can imagine it's needed in the wintertime. The beds are very comfortable. The coffee provided in the dome is delicious. I love a French press coffee. My only suggestions are- #1 The chairs in the dome are very uncomfortable. We just used them to place our bags and things. A cozy oversized chair or small couch would be a nice addition instead of the 2 hard chairs. Or another comfy chair choice. Also, a luggage rack would be nice to have in the domes. #2 The shower. I personally dislike rainfall showerheads. I didn't wash my hair during our stay, so it was hard to rinse off without getting directly under the showerhead, which made it difficult to keep my hair out of the water. Also the water pressure was very weak, so thank goodness I didn't need to wash my hair or else I would have spent forever rinsing it out. These 2 complaints/suggestions are not a big deal and didn't deter from the wonderful time we had. We are already discussing coming back next year, hopefully in the wintertime to experience the snow globe magic! If you are looking for a chance to getaway from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with your partner (or yourself!), this is the ideal setting. Thank you for a wonderful time,...
Read moreMy husband and I recently had the pleasure of staying at Back Forty, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.
Nestled among stunning fall foliage, the vibrant colours of the leaves created a breathtaking backdrop that enhanced the serenity of our stay.
The tranquility and privacy were truly remarkable. The dome felt like a peaceful sanctuary, allowing for much needed relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of daily city life. We enjoyed the slow down feeling, making it the perfect escape as parents of 2.
Inside, the bed was incredibly comfy, ensuring a restful night's sleep. It felt like a luxurious hotel, complete with soft linens and cozy pillows that made it hard to leave in the morning.
Every amenity was thoughtfully provided, from a small kitchenette to a well-appointed bathroom, nicer than ours at home. Additionally, the hot tub and sauna elevated the experience even further. Soaking in the hot tub under the stars, as well the sauna was the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day. The fire pit was also cozy, allowing for more stargazing and appreciating the silence of the night.
The option for added easy prep meals ready in our dome at our convenience was also a huge highlight. The delicious, locally sourced food (croissants, granola, roast beef dinner, pizza) not only saved us the hassle of cooking but also enhanced the overall experience. Everything was so delicious.
Overall, glamping here provided the perfect blend of comfort, peace, and nature, making it an ideal getaway for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect.
11 out of 10 Back Forty, you and your team go above and beyond! Thank you! We will...
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