The leaves are falling and snow has arrived in some areas of the country. Winter is coming. Are you excited or dreading the cold nights and dreary days?
If you already miss summer, then you aren’t alone. Tens of thousands of snowbirds pack up and head south for the winter. But if you are only able to sneak away for a long weekend, here are three wonderful (and warm) glamping spots to bring back summertime memories.
Headwaters Hideaway Eco Retreat - Jupiter, Florida
Enjoy your own private retreat surrounded by native Florida plant life, edible gardens, and other thoughtfully designed landscape elements. Nestled at the headwaters of the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River, Headwaters Jupiter is encased in Florida-native plant life, organic gardens, hiking and biking trails, and most importantly the river itself. The main lodge is a 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with kitchen and living room constructed from up-cycled shipping containers. The perfect getaway for a family gathering or holiday celebration.
With average winter daytime highs in the mid-70s and evening lows in the upper 50s, you’ll be able to replace your parka with a light sweater. Just cool enough to enjoy evenings by the fire pit and warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities like exploring the five miles of bike and blueway trails inside the 1,000-acre wilderness preserve.
Wake to incredible views of Loxahatchee River and Riverbend Park then savor your morning coffee while watching wildlife from a huge balcony. Spend your afternoons in beautiful Jupiter, a quaint beach town surrounded by crystal blue water and 6 miles of undeveloped beaches where sea turtles nest. Tee off on one of 12 golf courses, wander around the Bush Wildlife Sanctuary, relax with a picnic lunch at Riverbend Park, or explore by land or water Jonathan Dickson State Park and its rich historical interests including a secret World War II training camp, the story of the shipwrecked Quaker merchant, and Trapper Nelson, the legendary Wild Man of the Loxahatchee.
Walk from your front door to award winning restaurants, movie and live theaters, paddle board and kayaking, six miles of beach, Juno Beach Pier, Carlin Park and the Heart Trail, tide pools, grocery stores, and Harbourside shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.
No matter how you enjoy your time at Headwaters Jupiter, one thing is for certain: You won’t miss a minute of winter.
Wahwahtaysee Resort - Kingsbury, Texas
Situated on over 100 acres of private land along the San Marcos River, Wahwahtaysee Resort is a luxury glamping retreat that features beautifully appointed safari tents that allow you to enjoy all of life’s extravagant comforts amidst the great outdoors, creating a truly unique experience.
The safari tents, which were made in South Africa, are around 650-square feet and feature all the amenities of a five-star resort. The bedroom boasts a king-size bed, along with a queen sleeper sofa in the living room for additional guests. The modern bathroom comes with a large shower and a spa bathtub. Luxury linens, bedding, and towels are provided. A kitchenette comes equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and a coffeemaker, as well as a dining area to enjoy your meals.
The spacious living area extends outdoors onto the expansive deck where you can truly disconnect from day-to-day life and reconnect with the great outdoors. There is outdoor furniture and a hammock, providing the perfect spot for relaxing with a book or a morning cup of coffee while nature provides a soothing soundtrack. There is also an outdoor shower for a truly unique experience. Lastly, there is a Green Egg to grill your own meals.
When not relaxing inside your beautifully decorated tent, you can hike the property's many walking trails, pick pecans in the 150-year-old pecan orchard, or explore the numerous private beaches, swim in or tube down the crystal clear San Marcos River, test your patience with some fly fishing, stretch your boundaries with yoga, go on a adventure on horseback, and stargaze at night with the sounds of nature in surround sound.
Little Raccoon Key Glamping - Jekyll Island, Georgia
Little Raccoon Key is a reef island off the coast of Georgia, and part of the Golden Isles of Georgia. The abundant marine, land, and bird life make your exclusive stay on the unspoiled island a one-of-a-kind glamping experience.
Your stay at Little Raccon Key begins with a mini-Dolphin Tour to and from the island. The waters between Little Raccoon Key and Jekyll Island are teeming with wildlife, and it is not uncommon to see large pods of dolphin swimming by the island or pelicans diving into the water to catch fish.
Once you arrive on the island, your accommodations will include a 26 X 15 foot luxury canvas tent run by solar power (there are also lanterns and plenty of batteries should you need them). Amenities inside the tent include a memory foam mattress and pillows, fresh linens, a wood burning stove, dishes and pans for meals, a coffee/tea kettle, board games & books.
You’ll be awed by the wild beauty Little Raccoon Key, which includes 10,000 year old bivalve (oysters, muscles, clams) reef, spartina grass savannah, shell middens, mounds, and rakes, pods of Dolphin, dozens of species of fish, transatlantic bird flocks, rare trees such as the Privet, and ancient artifacts.
Watch the sunrise over the Golden Isles with a cup of coffee or tea in hand, relax in a hammock while reading a book, or get some sun (and maybe a mid-day nap) in your comfy loungers. Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the southern charm of Georgia and decide winter can go on without you this year.
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While seasonal change may be inevitable, how you spend your time this winter is completely up to you. Why not enjoy some sun and sand at one of these glamping sites and return home with a tan that will make all your co-workers jealous.
