People are inquisitive about the Hazelnut Inn. What would it be like actually to stay there?
Janis & I celebrated our fiftieth wedding anniversary by spending a night in the North Star suite of the Hazelnut Inn. It was magical in every way possible. We’ve travelled far and wide to do our projects through the years. We’ve stayed in all sorts of hotels, both plain and very fancy. We’ve holidayed in ‘themed’ rooms at numerous resorts around the world. Although enjoyable, none of these experiences were anything like the North Star suite of the Hazelnut Inn. Booking at the Hazelnut Inn is done online or with a phone call and it is easy and quick. There is no front desk. We received an email the day before our stay with instructions and codes for the main gate, garden gate and the suite door.
This experience was special for us and long anticipated. Janis and I felt the same giddy excitement as we did fifty years ago as we embarked on our honeymoon. Travel was the easiest we’ve ever experienced on a romantic getaway. Instead of a drive to the airport, going through security and experiencing an exhausting flight, along with ground travel to the hotel, we simply strolled down the sidewalk to the Inn next door. The codes we had received via email worked perfectly as we let ourselves onto the property and into the North Star garden. The moment we walked through the gate we were instantly transported to an exotic local as we walked up the stairs and path to the elevated garden. The bubbling brook splashed happily below us as we crossed the bridge, leaving the ordinary world far behind. Rounding the corner at the top we were suddenly in a lush garden overflowing with exotic ‘artifacts’. The fire pit and cozy wicker chairs begged us to sit and relax.
We punched in the code for the door and as it swung open an exotic world of colour and imagination greeted us. It was like stepping into a wonderful land of fiction from our favourite book. Unlike any hotel we’ve ever visited, this was warm and inviting, overflowing with exquisite detail in every direction we gazed. Rich, layered fabrics softened the exotic decor of the rooms. Janis and I kicked off our shoes and abandoned our suitcase to snuggle up on the couch to soak up the amazing ambiance. Like giddy kids in an amazing playground, we didn’t quite know what to do first. Although we routinely create magical experiences and places as our way of making a living, actually staying here still took our breath away. The room was perfectly quiet and still and the real world was instantly far, far away. The lighting was perfect and very romantic. Together, we explored each nook and cranny, and although we had been in the room countless times as it was built, actually staying here was perfectly enchanting. Throughout the evening we indulged ourselves, trying out each of the luxurious amenities, including the delightful soaker tub. Dozens of candles (electronic but completely believable) flickered on the shelf over the king-sized bed as we fell asleep, living our perfect, romantic dream.
The Hazelnut Inn is not your typical place to stay as one travels. It is instead an exciting journey to a faraway kingdom of your imagination. It is a rare place for a loving couple to experience a romantic getaway and create memories they can share for a lifetime.
