This is a sponsored post. I was provided a hosted stay at The Nest in Hot Springs in exchange for my honest thoughts on this luxury tent.
They say good things come to those who wait. And I’d say that statement is true after awaiting more than a year for our stay at The Nest in Hot Springs, Arkansas! When the owner, Cheryl, and I began discussing a blog collaboration over a year ago for her newly designed luxury tent accommodations, I was rather surprised to discover the place was already mostly booked for the entire first year. That right there told me this place must be worth the wait.
There is an age requirement of 10 and up for visitors at The Nest so Scooter Britches and Little One were treated to a nice weekend with their grandparents. And the Hubs and I had our first couple’s only getaway in a couple years.
Today, I’m here to help answer questions you may have if you are considering a luxury vacation rental in Hot Springs, Arkansas. If the Nest is not on your list for an adults getaway, I think it should be. Hopefully, my feedback from our recent stay will help you with any questions you may have! I loaded this post up with plenty of photos so you can get a good idea of the lay out and style. And if you didn’t catch my Instagram Reel over on Instagram, I’ve linked it below. It gives a real look at everything from the outside to the inside.
What is The Nest in Hot Springs?
Although it may be hard to believe when you see the pictures, The Nest is a full-on luxury tent supported on stilts. It features a wrap-around outdoor living space. I’ve never experienced anything like it. When lounging inside you easily forget you are inside a tent. The owner’s AIRBNB listing describes the tent as a luxury 5 star African tent. I would agree this is an accurate description.
The Nest is nestled in a wooded area just off Amity Road in Hot Springs. The location is great. You are still pretty close to Central Avenue with all of its restaurants and stores. But when you retreat back to the Nest, you feel a hundred miles out in nowhere. Although there are a couple of other nearby properties, you feel quite secluded while there.
I like the nice wooden fence going around the front for security and for seclusion purposes. Also, a key code is required for entering both the outdoor living space and the tent for added security.
In this next shot, you can see how the tent is supported by stilts.
Which Groups of People Would Enjoy the Nest?
In my opinion, most anyone would enjoy at stay in this luxury tent. However, with the studio design of the space, I would especially recommend this Hot Springs retreat for couples. I could also see this being a fun and relaxing location for a girls’ weekend. One thing to consider is that with the studio layout, there is no wall separation from the bedroom to the living space. However, the living room sofa is a sleeper sofa. Therefore, I could imagine up to four girlfriends sharing the space if they were comfortable sharing the two beds. I would say that this luxury tent would be most comfortable for two people but can accommodate four people.
What is the Inside of the Luxury Tent Like?
This is probably what inquiring minds really want to know…what is the inside of this luxury tent like? Well, friends, it is much like the inside of a luxury hotel suite or a luxury studio apartment.
Here is a shot I took on Saturday morning with the morning sun streaming through the windows and doors. Look at the pillowy goodness of the ceiling!
And here is a cozy lamp-lit shot from the night before just after we arrived.
There is an open-floor concept for the living area, kitchen area, and bedroom area. There are two large TVs – one in the living area and one in the bedroom space. There is a ceiling fan over the bed and another over the sofa, central heat and air, hot water, WiFi, a Dish cable package for the two mounted televisions, and even an Alexa video speaker for playing music.
The Kitchen Area
I was quite impressed with the kitchen area at the Nest of Hot Springs. There was a fridge plenty large enough for our two-night stay. The kitchen is equipped with a coffee maker (with coffee essentials supplied in one of the drawers), ice maker, an oven, a microwave drawer, and an Instapot. If someone needed to cook something stove top style, they can use the attachment on the barbecue grill located outside on the deck.
We ate at some local dining establishments for our lunches and dinners, but we did prepare breakfast in the kitchen with ease.
The Bedroom Space
The bedroom space features a king-sized pillow top bed topped with a fluffy white down duvet and colorful global pillows. The flanking nightstands each have a lamp and places for charging devices.
Across from the bed is one of the two TVs with a styled console beneath.
What About the Bathroom Situation?
The bathroom situation is a luxury spa type of situation. I never thought I would have so much to say about a toilet. But the toilet is a heated bidet toilet in its own little toilet room. There is a keypad on the wall that operates the bidet. While the bidet kind of freaked out the Hubs, I LOVED it! Heated toilet seats? What is not to love?
As for the rest of the bathroom, there is a total Zen-like vibe with the cowhide rug on the floor, the double white waffle-knit robes on display, a tray of spa-like soaps and bath salts, and the soaking tub with a spray nozzle.
From the beautiful global-inspired hamper basket in the bathroom to the lovely wood blanket ladder for fluffy spa-style towels, this bathroom is full of style.
What is the Outdoor Area Like at the Nest in Hot Springs?
Whether you are with a significant other or a couple of girlfriends, the outside space alone allows for some amazing conversation areas. Since the tent is stilted over the valley floor of Hot Springs, you get a bird’s eye view of nature. Speaking of birds, they really put on quite a show and music festival near the deck. And while looking out at the lake through the trees, we also saw a lot of squirrel activity. In the evenings, we heard what we believed to be deer walking about.
Seating Areas
There is a large seating area with teak furniture under the awning just outside the doors to the tent. A group can easily gather under this space on the patio sofa and chairs. Additionally, there is a second seating section located near the barbecue grill and a large dining table as well.
Hot Tub
Of course, I must mention the hot tub which is located near the edge of the deck. This hot tub is the perfect place for taking in the morning or afternoon scenery while you soak or for taking in the stars in the black night sky. I would recommend that you turn the hot tub on well in advance of using it. Hot tubs take a while to heat up.
Take a peek at my Instagram Reel posted in the next section for a glimpse of the hot tub bubbling in action.
Outdoor Shower
There is an outdoor shower with hot water near the hot tub area on the deck. Although we did not actually use the shower, it was definitely a nice touch on this huge veranda.
Check out my 30-second Instagram Reel featuring the outdoor space and the indoor space.
What is it Like Staying in the Tent in Winter?
We were there in mid-January, and I was concerned it might not be a good time of year for a stay. In fact, prior to our trip, the Hubs expressed concern I wasn’t going to be able to handle staying in a tent in cold weather. The man seems to think I’m some sort of diva.
We both were wrong! We got all the glamping benefits by staying in January. First of all, the first night we arrived was a super windy night. While snuggled up in the super comfy king-sized bed in the heated tent, we still were able to enjoy the swaying of the tent against the wind. It was the best of both words – hotel accommodations inside a tent.
Much of the time, I forgot I was even inside a tent. Of course, occasionally I would remember that I was, indeed, inside a tent and was amazed every time I thought about it.
And in the mornings, I enjoyed my coffee, breakfast, and book out on the deck with no problems. It was a bit chilly, but a good kind of chilly for me.
What Stores and Restaurants Are Near the Nest of Hot Springs?
While the location of the Nest feels secluded and off-the-beaten path, the location is not far from Central Avenue in Hot Springs. The closest grocery store is a Harp’s (which I believe may close at 8 p.m. in case that matters for your planning purposes). However, there is a Kroger not far away on Central…maybe 10 minutes. There are also many restaurants and shops on Central Avenue. One of my favorite casual restaurants in Hot Springs is Fisherman’s Wharf. We ate dinner there on the first night of our stay. It is located not far from the Nest.
For a more upscale dining experience, I recommend 501 Prime. It’s further away from the Nest, but not terribly far. Additionally, we hear great things from friends about The Vault. Be sure to call in well ahead for reservations! We tried to reserve a table on the weekend of this trip, but we were too late.
Our Favorite Things About the Nest
If you’ve been reading this blog over the years, you know I’m a decor girl. Global decor and vintage beauties are just my thing when it comes to styling a space! I get an adrenaline rush over vintage rugs and furniture, a good global pattern, and art. And Cheryl hit it out of the park with her stylish touches in the Nest! Just take in these details!
This British campaign shaving mirror on this quaint little desk is one of the many touches.
Then, there is this beautiful art sculpture displayed with coffee table books on the TV console in the bedroom space.
Gosh, I’m a sucker for global patterned pillows.
The living space boasts a vintage-style fan and gorgeous ceramic horse book-ends. There is also a wooden guestbook for guests to record their favorite memories during their stay. I really enjoyed reading through the notebook and seeing what everyone else thought. There were guests from all over the U.S. in the first year the Nest of Hot Springs was open to renters.
Also, I’m just a sucker for a good leather chair! Look how well that camping-style leather chair, colorful patterned pillow, and industrial lamp complement each other!
While the styled indoor spaces are what really sold me on this luxury tent, it is the outdoor elements of nature that did it for the Hubs. He enjoyed spending time outside and listening to the birds and watching for deer in the woods.
Things to Consider Before Booking at the Nest of Hot Springs
- Children must be at least 10 years of age to stay at the Nest.
- Pets are allowed with a $75 non-refundable deposit per pet.
- Spices, dishware, glassware (including coffee mugs and wine glasses), serving dishes, essential cooking equipment, and paper towels are provided in the full kitchen space.
- You may want to book your stay well in advance since this luxury tent seems to be quite popular!
- You will want to load up your play list and your book stash before your stay.
How to Rent The Nest of Hot Springs
To book your own stay at the Nest, you can use the AIRBNB listing I linked above. Or, if you prefer VRBO, here is the VRBO listing.
I hope you are able to plan your own visit to the Nest in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We certainly enjoyed our getaway!
Other Travel Posts
If you are interested in other adventures in Arkansas and travels elsewhere, be sure to check out some of my other travel posts:
Treehouse Cabins in Eureka Springs
Kayaking on the Arkansas River
5 Fun Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids
What to Do in Panama City, Panama
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