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Get Back to Your Nature Roots at Hostel in the Forest

Get Back to Your Nature Roots at Hostel in the Forest

January 24, 20161397Views

How would you like to spend the night in a treehouse? A unique spot just north of the Florida state line in Brunswick, Georgia offers this very opportunity! The Hostel in the Forest is nestled deep within a lush subtropical forest of palms, cedar, pine, oak, and tall broadleaf evergreens. If you’re looking for a memorable and rustic spot to spend the night, read more about this one-of-a-kind treehouse getaway.

History

A community of geodesic domes as well as its signature treehouses, the Hostel in the Forest has operated as an international youth hostel for 35 years. The mission behind the organization is to teach and promote sustainability while also serving as a spiritual retreat. The lodgings have been built and are maintained solely by volunteers. The 133-acre complex of forest and wetlands welcomes hundreds species of visiting birds each year, as well as a large variety of reptiles and amphibians that call the forest home.

Outdoor Activities

As Hostel in the Forest is a 501C(3) non-profit organization, reservations at this down to earth spot can only be made by members; annual membership can be purchased for a mere $10. The cost for lodging is only $25 per night, which includes a vegetarian meal each evening made from produce grown onsite. Members have access to a number of trails, footpaths, and boardwalks in addition to a swimming pool and lake. Canoes are available for those who wish to enjoy a serene paddle. There are also a number of workshops and retreats held each year. Members are asked to contribute to the well-being of the Hostel through skill-sharing or simply helping with simple chores and minor repairs.

Lakota Sweat Lodge

Another unique opportunity offered by the Hostel in the Forest is an authentic Lakota sweat lodge. Held during most full moons, this tradition was started 10 years ago and can accommodate up to 15 people. Participants are encouraged to bring stones with them to use in the lodge. Smooth river rocks are ideal, wherein granite or crystal are not because they will shatter when exposed to high heat. Your stones will be an integral part of this spiritual ceremony. Check out the Hostel in the Forest and make your reservation today!

Related article: Travel Time: Staying in a Hostel or Camper’s Guide: Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Featured Image from Janusz Maniak/Unsplash