A New Startup Is Bringing Five-Star Bivouacs to America’s Natural Wonders

Featuring in-tent massages. Just like John Muir intended.

March 20, 2017 9:00 am

“Experiencing nature” and “roughing it” don’t have to be mutually inclusive.

Combining the call of the wild with the perks of five-star accommodations: Collective Retreats, an Aspen-based travel service that plants pop-up luxury retreats in scenic destinations — particularly places that are lacking traditional campsites and hotels.

It’s glamping at the highest end: on-site chefs, wifi, 1,500-thread count Egyptian cotton linens, in-tent massages, etc. And to keep things personal, the retreats limit the amount of tents to about 10-20 per destination, and allow each visitor to fill out an online Traveler’s Mark form to help create customized experiences.

Collective Retreats (5 images)

A few CR retreats worth noting:

Collective Vail: Surround yourself with 1,000 acres of working ranchland. Here, you’ll horseback ride, imbibe at the on-site winery and enjoy local farm-to-table dining. Jeep/ATV tours, ziplining and fly fishing also available. Oh, and you’re near a lot of golf courses. (May-October)

Collective Yellowstone: Just outside of Big Sky, this is your nature trifecta of lakes, forest and mountains. Fly fish, paddleboard or take a hike during the day — it’ll get you hungry for that nightly lakeside barbecue. (June-October)

Collective Sonoma: Welcome to wine country. Cycle to various vineyards and explore the local art scene. (Opening in the fall, along with sites in Hudson Valley and Austin’s Hill Country)

Coming soon: Treehouses and Airstream trailer retreats.

Rates for the tents are about $500-$700 per night, with booking available now for summer.

Nature calls.

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