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Spotlight: Moose Meadow Lodge Treehouse

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast experience in New England, look no further than Moose Meadow Lodge in Vermont. Located amongst 86 secluded acres in the Green Mountains, sits the Adirondack style Moose Meadow Lodge.

Above all, this secluded destination provides peace and serenity. Undoubtedly, the Treehouse at Moose Meadow offers the most unique experience. This glamping treehouse is a handcrafted two-story wonder. This is the perfect destination to feel close to nature and not forego any creature comforts. There are 29 windows in the Treehouse – you’re never far away from the surrounding forest. Structurally it is made of cedar, pine, maple, and hemlock and supported by two sturdy, mature pine trees.

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Photo: Moose Meadow Lodge website

The main living area of the treehouse is on the first floor with a wrap-around deck. The bedroom is on the second floor and has a queen-size bed – not too shabby for sleeping so high above the forest floor. The balcony on top is the highest perch from which you can gaze into your natural surroundings and the beautiful Vermont sky. Young or old, treehouses like this one light your imagination on fire. What more could you ask for than comfort and warmth while surrounded by rugged beauty?

There is no bathroom in the Treehouse, but one happens to be nearby in the main lodge. I guess you can’t have everything in the world of treehouses. Still, it’s a small sacrifice for staying in such unique lodging, even if a flashlight trip in your slippers is required in the middle of the night.

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Photo: Moose Meadow Lodge website

If you need more excitement than the lodge’s 86 acres can offer, Waterbury, Vermont is centrally located for enjoying the area’s most popular destinations, events, activities, and entertainment. Waterbury is the gateway to all types of recreation and is home to some of the world’s best specialty food companies.

The most important thing is that you can relax and surround yourself with natural beauty. The wooded outdoors and luxury lodge-style interiors and furnishing make a refined but casual atmosphere. This is chance to get away from the crowded feeling of regular life. Think of Moose Meadow Lodge as a rustic home away from home.

Find out more about Moose Meadow Lodge and take advantage of your next holiday from work or plan a getaway for an upcoming special occasion.

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Glamping is Good For Your Health

Spending nights under the stars is much more than taking a break from your everyday life. Vacations have always been viewed as a great way to getaway and recharge your batteries. Recent research now explains part of the reasons why we feel so good.

A report recently published in the Current Biology journal reveals that camping for a week can reset the body’s natural internal clock. The study hypothesized that the biggest culprit of insomnia is electric light. Although electric light is arguably one of the most important human inventions, it has a side effect of interrupting natural circadian rhythms.

In the study, the volunteer subjects went camping for a week but were limited to only natural light sources, i.e. no flashlights or other electronics. By the end of the week the internal clocks of the campers had reset and synchronized with the natural light-dark cycle. Most of the subjects’ body clocks were reset earlier by two hours.

The benefits of getting a good night’s sleep are nothing new, but now it’s easier to understand what’s preventing it from happening. So what should we do? Cut the electricity to our homes? At least knowing how our bodies are reacting to the artificial light helps. Maybe the best solution is to upgrade our vacation habits from ‘rarely’ to ‘frequently.’

The Resort at Paws Up May 2012Photo: The Resort at Paws Up

And because of my biased opinion I would add that the bed you sleep in will affect your results. Camping implies sleeping on the ground, which can be, if we’re honest, downright uncomfortable. Going to bed at a better hour is great, but if you’re sleeping on a rocky, uneven ground you won’t wake up feeling refreshed. This is where glamping comes in – sleep in a king-size bed while “camping.” I happen to know of a website where you can find a plethora of glamping choices. This would be great for a follow-up test. There would be no trouble finding volunteers to participate.

It’s always good news when doing the things you love also improves your health. So, happily add “health reasons” to your list of justifications for planning your next glamping adventure today. Now, take a vacation and go glamping – your health depends on it!

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Paws Up Montana, USA
Turtle Inn, Belize
El Capitan Canyon, USA
Chem Chem Safari Lodges, Tanzania
Cuckoo Down Farm, UK
Whitepod, Switzerland
Emerald Glamping, Ireland
Canonici Di San Marco, Italy
4 Rivers Floating Lodge, Cambodia
Tiger Tops, Nepal

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Spotlight: Marataba Safari Company

There are few places that can be described as mystical and unparalleld, Marataba is one of them. Marataba Safari Company is a place of dreams where the plains touch the mountains deep in the heart of rhino country in South Africa. Marataba is a contemporary, luxurious game lodge surrounded by a world of vibrant color and nature. This magnificent tented safari camp sits at the base of the Waterberg Mountains.

The secret recipe behind Marataba’s success is the intelligent design that combines nature and architecture. Stone, glass, and canvas are used to create a surprisingly comfortable camp in the African wilderness. What could be more enticing than enjoying contemporary comforts in one of the last really raw places on earth? After a day of adventure, it’s a great feeling to crawl into a king-size bed with 300 thread count cotton sheets.

suites-2Photo: Marataba website

There are 15 luxurious tented suites that will live up to anyone’s glamping expectations. Each tent is secluded and blends in with the surrounding environment enhancing the experience and connection with nature. The tents have a main bedroom that overlooks the river and African bush. The en-suite bathrooms have stone baths and showers. The private deck overlooks sweeping plains and twisting river below. The views of the scenic landscape are simply spectacular.

Marataba game drives take you to see the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) and most other large mammals synonymous with Africa. Look for cheetah, white and black rhino, hyena, kudu, impala, and many other species. It’s amazing what you will learn from your guide about the behaviors and habitats of the animals. There is an abundance birdlife. Chacma baboon and vervet monkey can be seen here especially around the lodge. You may even have the opportunity to spend time with a professional wildlife photographer and learn skills for taking great photos.

marataba-3Photo: Marataba website

Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit and sunblock. On particularly hot days, you can venture with a guide to swim at naturally formed rock pools. A sumptuous picnic and fully stocked bar will accompany you so you can either frolic and splash in the water or relax with drink in hand.

experiences-2Photo: Marataba website

Marataba is a malaria-free 23000 hectare private concession at the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains and forms part of the Marakele National Park in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Marakele National Park is a haven for an impressive variety of wildlife, thanks to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and wetter eastern regions of South Africa. Contrasting majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys characterize this spectacular park.

Marataba is the perfect destination for a variety of occasions including family vacations, weddings, and honeymoons. Some kids dream of being astronauts while others dream of being a game ranger. Guides take special care in spending time with children to spark their interest in Africa’s natural wonders. Make a wedding magical by hosting it at Marataba. The experienced staff understand the importance of this special day and tailor all arrangements as you like them. Marataba is an unrivalled destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. Whatever your reason, Marataba will set the scene for an unforgettable adventure.

marataba-2Photo: Marataba website

Plan your trip with Marataba Safari Company. Get more information about Marataba.