You don’t have to go to Italy or India or Bali to take a spiritual quest like Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling book author of “Eat, Pray, Love.” You can renew your soul at a variety of bed and breakfast inns without ever leaving the Arkansas Labyrinth United States.
Kristie and Ray Rosset, innkeepers for Lookout Point Lakeside Inn in Hot Springs, Arkansas, seek to provide a memorable experience of body, mind, soul and relationship. They accomplish this through peaceful relaxation, gracious hospitality, fine dining, luxurious accommodations, and exposure to God’s spectacular beauty.
Located on a beautiful lake setting, the innkeepers provide an outdoor labyrinth for their guests. After a guest has walked through the calming labyrinth, a conversation of “spiritual friendship” often follows. Kristie Rosset is a seminary-trained ordained United Methodist clergyperson. She frequently offers a listening ear and can offer spiritual counseling to guests if they request it.
The Rossets can also provide life coaching through Donna Collins of Reflections. Guests will meet Donna by phone before arriving and then in person during their stay. Two of the retreats that Lookout Point Lakeside Inn offers are “Dessert for the Soul,” and “Mindfulness Retreats.” “Dessert for the Soul” focuses on nurturing the body, mind and soul, while the “Mindfulness Retreats” are designed to encourage intentional mindful living for healthy living and stress reduction. For more information about these retreats or about the inn, visit www.lookoutpointinn.com.
Oregon Forest & Ocean
If you want to watch a pod of California grey whales as part of your renewal experience, then visit the WildSpring Guest Habitat in Port Orford, Oregon. The WildSpring Guest Habitat is a perfect setting for spiritual groups to connect with nature and each other, away from the distraction of daily life. Surrounded by a forest of 100-foot trees and ocean views of the Pacific Ocean where whale watching is a year-round experience, WildSpring provides a peaceful and serene environment where people are able to connect to a higher spiritual plane in a beautiful, natural setting.
WildSpring is an eco-friendly resort located on five acres of old Native American grounds. Everything that guests see or touch is made of some form of natural materials. Cabins are filled with art and antiques and are very quiet. There are no cars allowed the cabin area.
Stargazing and a walking labyrinth are also relaxing activities for guests who stay at WildSpring. Other activities can be arranged by request, including Tai Chi, Drumming and Flute circles, guided meditation sessions, and art workshops. Visit http://www.iloveinns.com/bed_and_breakfasts/oregon/wildspringguesthabitat.htm to inquire about all that WildSpring Guest Habitat offers their guests.
Pennsylvania Retreats
Pau-Lyn’s Country B & B in Milton, Pennsylvania, invites and welcomes small groups for spiritual retreats and getaways. The B & B provides lodging for guests who come to the area for seminar and as special church speakers, as well as small music groups who present programs at local churches. Pau-Lyn’s provides a restful haven and unique atmosphere for quiet and meditation. There are a number of local colleges near the B & B that bring in many apprehensive parents who are escorting their children to college for the first time. Pau-Lyn’s has prayer before each breakfast which encourages every guest with the assurance of the presence of God to be with them for that day and the following days. The closing statement in their welcome letter found in each inn room is “It is a delight to have you as our guest. Our prayer continues to be for your safety and comfort. May your experience build memories of lasting value.” More information about Pau-Lyn’s Country B & B can be found at http://www.iloveinns.com/bed_and_breakfasts/pennsylvania/paulynscountry.htm
West Virginia Heritage Farm
For an entirely unique experience, travel to Heritage Farm in Huntington, West Virginia. This 500-acre farm is a working historical farm. Catering to church and religious groups, the B&B offers a beautiful log church with curved wooden pews, which can accommodate 80 to 100 people. There are five large homes and three meeting and reception halls. The farm also provides guided tours of five different museums of Appalachian culture and also has a farm petting zoo. Heritage Farm’s motto is to “study the past to gain an appreciation of the present, and leave with a sense of excitement about the future.” Heritage Farm information can be found by visiting http://www.iloveinns.com/bed_and_breakfasts/west_virginia/heritagefarmmuseumvillage.htm
Colorado “Praire Prayer Package”
Craig Ranch Bed and Breakfast, in Limon, Colorado, has a special Prairie Prayer package, in addition to other western-themed accommodation packages. Guests are invited to arrive in time to join the B & B’s Bible Study and enjoy a free light supper with their Prairie Prayer package. Bible studies are usually held on Thursday evenings. To find out more about the spiritual package, visit http://www.iloveinns.com/bed_and_breakfasts/colorado/craigranch.htm
California Mountain Observatory
Star Gazers Inn & Observatory in Big Bear Lake, California, offers SoulJourner Retreats, as part of their unique guest experience packages. The retreats are three to seven day personalized inspirational adventures for individuals and couples. Guests meet with experienced spiritual teachers and healers from the Big Bear Lake and San Bernadino Mountains on topics relating from diet and wellness to releasing creativity. The Drumming Circle provides guests a way to experience a unique form of releasing feelings and creativity by rhythmically drumming together with others. Other tours and experiences are available from Stargazer Inn Bed and Breakfast and details can be found on their website, http://www.iloveinns.com/bed_and_breakfasts/california/stargazersobservatory.htm
Still undecided? Log onto www.iloveinns.com and browse through the 19,000 B&Bs and country inns that specialize in other events and locations that may interest you. Many of the properties listed above are also in the best-selling bed and breakfast guidebook Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns with a Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free Certificate. ILoveInns also offers Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificates, a perfect solution to help celebrate any occasion.
About American Historic Inns and iLoveInns.com
American Historic Inns, Inc. (www.iloveinns.com), founded in 1981, is the leading publisher of bed & breakfast guidebooks, with more than 2.5 million bed & breakfast guidebooks sold, and runs iLoveInns.com, a top bed & breakfast and country inns directory.
Note: For photos or interviews, please contact Deborah Sakach at 949-497-2232.
