We had an amazing 2 nights at ReTreet - so glad we found out about this place! There's no front desk to check in at - it's more like an airbnb than a hotel. (Though if you call to request something - they arrive very quickly! Super helpful both times we called.) When you arrive, check to see if there's a golf cart with your name on it. If there is, your room/cabin is ready. You park your car at the bottom of the hill, load your stuff into the golf cart, then use the golf cart to get around the property. Around the parking area is a self-serve gift shop, a patio area with corn hole and a koi pond, and a covered deck with grills and tvs and a bathroom. Their pretty dome for events is here as well.
Up one side are the treehouses, a fenced-in dog park, and a playground. It seemed like most of the families with kids stayed in these. Up the other side are the glamping tents and the tiny houses. At the top (both of these roads are fairly steep) is a large firepit with plenty of firewood, and on a deck above, the 3-step nordic cycle area with a sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge, plus a bathroom and an outdoor shower.
I LOVED our Harry Potter glamping tent! All the decorative touches were great, especially the lighting, and the room is very comfortable with a king bed and a small pull-out sofa. The kitchenette has a toaster oven, a microwave, a fridge, and a hot plate you can pull out and use on the back deck, plus all the dishware and pots and pans you could probably want. The back deck faces the woods and if you draw the curtains on either side, is very private. Inside, it feels like a nice hotel room, but with the canvas tent roof, you can still hear the cicadas outside, or the wind in the trees, so it does feel like you're more "outside" than just a regular cabin. (And if it rains, it's quite loud!)
We loved our stay, with some caveats: We used our private hot tub the first night, which was nice, but it got very foamy after a while, which means it hasn't been cleaned well or shocked recently. The next morning, we did the sauna/cold plunge/hot tub cycle, which was REALLY cool - until a horde of kids descended to run between the hot tub and the cold plunge. I wish that area was adults-only, and/or there were another small pool for them to play in. We got through one "cycle" but the kids really prevented us from doing any more. That night, we made a fire in the big fire pit, and while there is a huge amount of firewood in a covered shed, they don't want you to burn paper or cardboard, so any kindling seems to be whatever leaves or loose bark you can sweep up from the woodshed (or maybe gather in the woods.) There are no lighters around, but we had one of our own and with the help of some still-warm charcoal from a nearby grill, we got a good fire going.
All in all, it was a fantastic time and really fun, even with some minor...
Read moreOutstanding Experience at Retreet – A True Gem!
I recently had the pleasure of staying at Retreet, and I cannot rave enough about the experience! From start to finish, this place exceeded all our expectations. The golf cart provided was an absolute highlight, making it so easy and fun to explore the area. The hot tub was a perfect touch for unwinding after a day of adventure.
What truly sets Retreet apart is the impeccable attention to detail. Every corner of the property reflects thoughtful design and care, and we found ourselves marveling at the little touches that made our stay so special. It was clear that they have gone above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience – we kept saying, "Wow, they thought of everything!" From the different options of rooms to stay in, 24/7 Tree Store, walking sticks for hiking, room service options, signs everywhere to explain rules & safety precautions, and even a snake bite kit just in case, everything was covered!! Even little touches to make your stay in your room comfortable - sound machine, options for lighting, easy to use AC, makeup remover wipes, coffee, stocked kitchen, heated blankets, stocked bathroom, complimentary Chardonnay, heated table outside, and SO much more.
The atmosphere was incredibly relaxing and private, providing the perfect escape from life. The amenities available were top-notch, adding to the comfort and convenience of our stay. This is a place you stay at to unwind from the real world. If you want to adventure out, Guntersville is the place to go for shopping and eating.
If there’s one area for improvement, it would be the communication aspect. A message portal for guests to ask questions or address issues would be a valuable addition. I sent an email during our stay and didn’t receive a response, but this minor point didn’t detract from the overall fantastic experience.
In summary, Retreet is a hidden gem that offers an extraordinary stay with its thoughtful details and exceptional amenities. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a luxurious and...
Read moreThere were highs and lows for sure. The idea behind the retreet is great! The golf carts and the beautifully lit paths were a definite plus! The layout of the whole area was very well done and the fire pit, hot tub and fire place were all very well placed and design was top notch! The glamping tent was very nice! Again, well thought out and designed. However, the metal roof cover to protect the canvas tent was not a good choice. We were continuously startled, both day and through the night, by falling acorns pelting the metal. Did not make for very restful nights or relaxing days. As smart as the owner is I'm sure they will figure something out. The "free ear plugs" offered are not the solution. I was also disappointed that there wasn't some sort of notification on the website about this. Clearly the owner knows this is an issue, so it comes across as a little shady/dishonest. Visitors should also be made aware of the road noise. That's a busy road 24/7! This did not bother us too much, but if expecting a tranquil, peaceful experience, Visitors may want to go elsewhere. The frisbee golf was a cool idea, but unless you are really, really good at throwing a Frisbee, the continuous uphill throws make the course too challenging for the average person to have much fun. Suggest shortening the distance from tee to basket, or reversing some of the holes so that you're throwing Downhill. Overall, we'd come back, but would try the tree house over the glamping tent, and we'd avoid coming in the Fall when the acorns are...
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