Your information to Trailborn Resorts & Resorts

As vacationers more and more search for memorable stays — and infrequently wish to get nearer to nature — many lodge rewards packages are incorporating extra outdoorsy lodging, together with Marriott Bonvoy’s new Trailborn Resorts & Resorts journey lodge model.

I just lately had an opportunity to spend two nights at Trailborn Highlands, positioned within the small mountain city of Highlands, North Carolina, roughly a three-hour drive from each Atlanta and Charlotte. Since my dad and mom reside close by, I made a decision to carry my mother alongside for some mother-daughter bonding time — and I might return in a heartbeat.

Here is what I discovered from my keep, and why you could wish to think about reserving a Trailborn property to your subsequent energetic journey or restful retreat (or each).

Associated: Marriott is leaning into the nice outside with new lodge assortment and reserving platform

A boutique base camp

In accordance with the model’s web site, “Each Trailborn is a seamlessly curated jumping-off level to probably the most extraordinary out of doors locations on the planet.”

Moreover Highlands, these areas are:

• Estes Park, the gateway city to Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
• Wrightsville Seaside on the North Carolina seaside
• Williams, Arizona, close to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park’s South Rim
• Mendocino, a coastal city in northern California (coming quickly)
• Jackson Gap, a mountain city in Wyoming (coming quickly)

If the phrase “journey lodge” conjures pictures of bare-bones cabins in the midst of nowhere, suppose once more. Every Trailborn property is a one-of-a-kind boutique lodge in a (comparatively) central location.

On this case, “central” does not imply you will discover big-name sights or a handy public transportation system. Slightly, count on miles of mountaineering trails, different out of doors actions and charming small cities to discover.

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When my mother and I reached the tip of our meandering drive from Asheville, North Carolina (Google Maps predicted an hour and 40 minutes, however the curvy mountain roads took us a little bit longer), we discovered an unassuming 63-room, two-story constructing tucked behind a stand of bushes on the outskirts of Highlands. Crammed with earth tones, pure supplies and midcentury-modern furnishings, the property’s inside echoed the pure magnificence and backcountry allure of the encompassing Blue Ridge Mountains.

The lodging felt fashionable and stylish, but low-key. Our room was small however thoughtfully designed to the smallest element, from the ornamental quilts and air conditioner cowl to the linen spa robes and cooler bag obtainable totally free day use. The outcome: I felt like a child on a household highway journey, minus the station wagon and musty sleeping bag.

Trailborn Highlands has an reasonably priced price ticket to match its down-to-earth vitality. Our queen balcony room, which included two queen beds and a non-public balcony, begins at $158 per evening this fall. Nonetheless, you will additionally have to funds for a rental automotive.

The lodge’s location was simply distant sufficient to really feel like a slice of paradise whereas nonetheless providing loads of issues to do. It is inside a 20-minute drive of assorted mountaineering trails and some minutes’ stroll from the lovable city of Highlands (or you’ll be able to avail your self of one of many property’s complimentary cruiser bikes).

Associated: How to economize on a nationwide park journey with factors and miles

For me, Trailborn Highlands was a really perfect place to attach with each the nice outside and my journey companion. Nonetheless, a few of the gathering areas and actions is probably not best for big teams. And for those who’re on the lookout for extra conventional facilities like a pool, spa, health middle or full breakfast, you is likely to be dissatisfied.

Take a look at every lodge’s Experiences web page to see what’s obtainable, and go to the Subject Information web page for mountaineering trails, eating spots and different suggestions within the space.

On my two-day journey with my mother, we did not get an opportunity to strive one of many curated experiences — we have been too busy placing miles on our mountaineering boots and buying and consuming our means by means of Highlands. However with so many choices, I do not suppose it will be exhausting to fill our time on an extended keep.

Nonetheless, for those who’re a metropolis slicker who prefers museum hopping and tremendous eating over tramping by means of wilderness, you could run out of issues to do after a few days.

Since Trailborn Resorts & Resorts joined Marriott Bonvoy earlier this yr, you’ll be able to earn and burn Marriott factors on a keep at certainly one of these adventurous properties.

Bonvoy members can earn 10 base factors per greenback spent, in addition to elite evening credit towards Marriott standing, when reserving straight by means of Marriott or Trailborn channels — so long as you add your Bonvoy quantity to your reserving. You too can redeem Bonvoy factors and free evening certificates for an award keep by means of your Marriott account.

Trailborn properties provide a few of the typical Bonvoy advantages, together with complimentary Wi-Fi for Bonvoy members, Marriott’s Final Reservation Assure, and welcome items for Gold Elite and Platinum Elite members. Nonetheless, some advantages — together with discounted member charges, assured lounge entry, Nightly Improve Awards, Prompt Redemption Awards and 48-hour assured availability — are usually not obtainable at Trailborn properties.

So, for those who’re a top-tier elite member, you could favor to remain at a Marriott property the place you will get extra out of your standing.

Associated: Get your fifth evening free on Marriott award stays

How you can get outdoors on factors

Fundamental rooms at Trailborn Highlands begin at $140 or 41,000 Marriott factors per evening this fall, although charges can go as excessive as $400 or 75,000 factors on weekends subsequent Might. Both means, you will get nicely under our October 2025 valuation of 0.7 cents per Marriott level.

In consequence, this is probably not one of the simplest ways to maximise your factors. Plus, some room varieties, like these with fireplaces and balconies, aren’t obtainable to ebook with factors. If money charges are affordable, you could be higher off reserving a paid stick with one of many greatest Marriott bank cards and incomes factors towards a future redemption.

Trailborn is not the one factors lodge model taking company outdoors. Marriott Bonvoy additionally just lately built-in Postcard Cabins, a group of over 1,200 totally geared up tiny cabins, all nestled within the nice outside however inside a two-hour drive of main cities.

Equally, World of Hyatt added glamping model Underneath Canvas final yr, and Hilton Honors added AutoCamp’s assortment of Airstream trailers and different outdoorsy lodging. With so many decisions, it is simpler than ever to earn and burn factors on a nature retreat.

Should you love the nice outside, you would be equally at dwelling right here on a calming solo retreat, romantic weekend or end-of-summer household getaway.