If you’re searching for a stay that’s truly out of the ordinary, Treetop Retreat Ohio is one of those places that immediately grabs your attention. It’s quirky, modern, tucked away in the woods, and absolutely nothing like your average Ohio hotel. This is the kind of getaway where you trade elevator dings and lobby crowds for forest views, quiet mornings, and a shipping container turned boutique hideaway. If you want a unique stay that feels like a little adventure, this one deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Treetop Retreat is located just outside Sugarcreek, Ohio, making it an easy weekend getaway from Columbus (about 90 minutes) or Cleveland (about 1.5–2 hours). You’ll definitely need a car for this trip, and the last bit of road is country-style, so plug it into your GPS ahead of time and download the map just in case your cell service drops.
Check-in is simple and contactless — you’ll get a door code ahead of time so you can go straight to your room. Parking is right near the entrance, but here’s the part that surprises most people: you actually go down a big set of stairs and then follow a gravel path to get to the unit.
And let me just say — if you’re an overpacker like me, this is the moment you’ll question your life choices while carrying your bags down those stairs. (Consider this your friendly reminder to maybe leave the fourth pair of boots at home. Your quads will thank you later.)
The room is cleverly laid out inside its converted shipping container — modern and cozy without feeling cramped. Warm wood paneling softens the industrial edges, there’s a fireplace that makes the whole space glow at night, and a private balcony with a peaceful forest view.
But here’s the honest truth: the bed felt a lot like sleeping on a camping air mattress — not soft, not plush — so if you’re particular about mattresses, you’ll want to know that going in. The huge windows are gorgeous for letting in daylight, but they make it hard to sleep in since they let in all the morning sun. (Bring an eye mask if you want any hope of sleeping past sunrise.)
The outdoor bathroom setup is one of the most unique features — there’s not just a shower but also a soaking tub. Taking a bath or shower surrounded by nature is a total main-character moment. And when you’re done, you can sit by the outdoor firepit and enjoy the evening sounds — perfect for roasting marshmallows or just staying warm on chilly nights.
This is a very small, boutique-style stay — no lobby, no pool, no on-site restaurant — and that’s part of its charm. It’s private, quiet, and really designed to make you slow down and unplug.
Plan your meals ahead because you’ll want to explore the area’s best spots:
Park Street Pizza – my personal favorite, and yes, it’s worth the drive.
Rebecca’s Bistro – perfect for a cozy weekend brunch.
Local wineries – even if you don’t drink, they often have great food and views.
Heini’s Cheese Chalet – free samples of all the cheeses (a must).
You can also bring your own groceries and enjoy a simple dinner right there — nothing beats sitting by the firepit with a mug of hot cocoa and just listening to the quiet.
I personally recommend only staying a night or two here — any longer and you may really start to feel that firm bed. Two nights is the sweet spot: just enough time to explore Sugarcreek, check out the wineries and cheese shops, grab brunch, and still enjoy time by the firepit or soaking in that outdoor tub. Two nights also gives you time to explore Sugarcreek — I cover all my favorite stops in my Weekend in Sugarcreek, Ohio guide.
Treetop Retreat is one of the most unique hotels in Ohio — a shipping container turned secluded woodland stay that gives you the feeling of getting away from everything without sacrificing modern comforts. It’s quiet, creative, and ideal if you’re looking to reset for a couple of nights.
Just be prepared for the stairs and gravel path (your legs and luggage will get a workout), pack an eye mask, and maybe edit your packing list so you don’t end up hauling an entire wardrobe down the stairs. This is the kind of stay where you sip hot cocoa, light the fireplace just because, sit by the outdoor firepit, and end your night with a soak under the stars.
If you’re road-tripping through Ohio, check out my Where to Stay in Columbus guide too.
I walked down what looked like a regular hillside entrance and came out into a room that could almost fit a football stadium. 🪨 Tuckaleechee Caverns is the highest-rated cavern in the Eastern US and until you’re standing inside it, that’s just a fact. When you’re actually there, it feels earned.
Stalagmites 24 feet tall. A 210-foot underground waterfall. Formations that took 20 to 30 million years to build. A family that still runs the whole thing.
Bring a jacket. Wear good shoes. Don’t Google how it was discovered before you go hearing it on the tour is so much better.
#townsend #visittennessee #travel #travelling #travelvlog
If you’ve only ever seen the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge side of the Smokies, Townsend is going to feel like a completely different state. 🌲 No neon signs. No traffic. No crowds fighting for the same overlook.
🥾 Middle Prong Trail | River views, small waterfalls & fresh air the whole way. Hike as little or as much as you want.
⛰️ Tuckaleechee Caverns | Start underground with massive cave rooms, waterfalls & guided tours. Go early, beat the rush.
🍕 Peaceful Side Social | Made-from-scratch food, craft beer & mountain views. Fair warning: you’ll stay longer than planned.
🚗 Scenic Drive to Tremont | Slow down. Stop. Take it in. The drive itself is part of the experience.
Summer swap? Ditch the hike for River Rat Tubing — same vibe, more splash.
Townsend calls itself the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. After one full day there, I completely understood why. Entire itinerary linked in bio.
@peacefulsidesocial is what happens when someone builds exactly the restaurant a mountain town deserves. Made-from-scratch food. Craft beer brewed on site. A kids’ play area outside, & mountain views from the patio. ⛰️
It’s casual in the best way, the kind of place where you sit down for lunch and suddenly it’s two hours later and you don’t care.
@cityoftownsend | 📍Townsend, TN
I walked through the gates and immediately understood why people fly back to Curaçao just for this place. 🌴
23 rooms. Private beach. A Balinese-inspired resort built stone by stone by the owners themselves. Buddha statues next to conch shells. Candles lit everywhere at night. Beachfront dining that eats like fine dining but feels like you’re just having dinner on the sand.
It’s currently the #1 resort in the Caribbean and after spending time there, I get it completely.
Full review linked in bio
#travelling #curaçao #visitcuraçao #luxuryresort #travelvlog
I walked down to the beach and immediately noticed how calm the water was. 🐚
It sits in a small cove, so there’s really no waves pushing in. You just walk right in without thinking about it. I grabbed my snorkel (they actually rent them for free at the resort, which I didn’t expect) and went out near the pier and stayed way longer than I planned, because the water was that clear.
Honest caveat: if you need a lot of energy and activity at a beach, this probably isn’t it. It’s quiet, it’s calm, and you’re mostly just... sitting there. Which for me was exactly the point.☀️
Full Baoase review linked in bio. 🔗
#curaçao #travel #luxuryresort #privatebeach #visitcuraçao
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
