Badour Island Retreat in The Art of Glamping

by Louise Johnson, originally published in The Art of Glamping

This lovely, rustic retreat on beautiful Bob’s Lake (part of the Land o’ Lakes region) is the ideal getaway for large groups from family reunions, to bachelorettes, to corporate retreats. With four accommodations to choose from (Main Cottage, Guest Cottage, Tree House, and Glamping Tent) there are plenty of beds, bathrooms, and activities to keep everyone of all ages occupied. Don’t forget your furry friends! This glamping site is pet-friendly and the perfect playground to let your pooch pals roam (the hosts have a poodle).

Main Cottage

The post-and-beam main cottage (featured in Fine Homebuilding) boasts soaring, 16-foot ceilings, pine wood flooring, floor-to-roof windows, an open concept kitchen-dining-living room, and a panoramic porch with expansive views of the water. The extra long dining room table can accommodate your entire group for a cozy, chic dinner party! The kitchen is fully-equipped and the tap water is safe to drink. There is a BBQ, dishwasher, and fruit & veggie compost outside.

My favorite part of every evening was having a glass of wine and soaking in the hot tub as the sun set over the lake. It was the most serene scene.

Guest Cottage

There are paths to the guest cottage, tree house, and glamping tent, which are idyllically hidden from each other to provide the utmost privacy. The guest cottage has a futon couch (double bed) and bunk beds on the main floor, while the queen bed upstairs has its own private, covered balcony and telescope to see the stars at night.

Tree House

The one-room tree house has a queen bed, rocking chair, skylight, stained-glass window, and artist-painted mural of Bob’s Lake. There is no electricity in the tree house but would be perfect for a couple who prefer a romantic reprieve.

Glamping Tent

The glamping tent is a new addition to the property and features a King-sized bed, making it another great alternative for an outdoorsy twosome. There is an outdoor shower and outhouse (complete with half-moon door).

OTHER NOTEWORTHY TIPS:

• Bring your iPod as there is a sound system
• Cell service and WiFi provided
• Speak with Marla (the helpful host) in advance, as she will be happy to accommodate your group’s needs by providing additional water equipment (like a Hobie stand-up pedal board!) and she is also able to organize fishing/lake tours, dock-side, homemade pie delivery or a private chef for your dinner party!

The hosts (Marla and her husband Larry) have watched their children fall in love and their grandchildren take their first steps on Bobs Lake. It is a place close to their hearts and they hope it will be a special place for you to make memories with loved ones, too. In addition to Badour Island, they have multiple properties available for rent on Bobs Lake, accessible by car, for family gatherings and small, rustic weddings (room for up to 50 people).