Building ReTreet Resort: A Vision and Legacy of Alabama’s Premier Glamping Resort
ReTreet Resort: A Vision Born from Nature and Luxury
ReTreet Resort is more than just a destination; it's the culmination of a dream—one that began with the vision of creating an extraordinary glamping resort that blends luxury with nature. Nestled on the beautiful hills above Lake Guntersville, ReTreet was designed with the future in mind. Its journey started in 2021, with a dedicated three-year construction plan and a goal to craft an unforgettable experience that travelers could enjoy for years to come.
From day one, ReTreet has been about building a legacy—creating a space for guests to relax, reconnect, and explore the natural beauty of North Alabama. With careful consideration of both nature and luxury, the owners have focused on delivering an immersive experience that encourages guests to escape, unwind, and find a new perspective in nature.
Site Development: Designing a Space That Honors Nature
ReTreet’s development was not without its challenges, but careful planning and a commitment to sustainability guided every decision along the way. The primary goal was to create a retreat that minimized environmental impact while offering guests the highest level of comfort.
Location was paramount; the resort had to be near Lake Guntersville to provide guests easy access to water activities while ensuring that nature remained front and center. Every decision, from site design to the placement of utilities, was made with this goal in mind. All utilities were placed underground to preserve the natural aesthetic and reduce interference with the environment. Units were designed on stilts to protect the hillsides and preserve the landscape, while deer paths were followed to keep the natural flow of the terrain intact.
Guest comfort was another key consideration. Each of ReTreet's accommodations features private, indoor bathrooms—ensuring a level of luxury that is often lacking in traditional communal glamping spaces. With accessibility and enjoyment in mind, the entire resort was designed to be golf cart and ATV-friendly, offering guests the chance to explore firepits, trails, and scenic vistas without sacrificing comfort or ease.
Sustainability was at the heart of every step in development. Fallen trees were repurposed into complimentary firewood for guests, ensuring nothing went to waste. The future expansion plans include the addition of hiking trails and a spa to further elevate the guest experience.
Influencer Marketing Success: Driving Authentic Exposure
ReTreet’s success has been fueled not only by its stunning accommodations and incredible guest experience but also by a savvy approach to influencer marketing. In just 18 months, the resort achieved an impressive 87% direct bookings through influencer collaborations, a testament to the power of authentic engagement and storytelling.
By hosting creators nearly every week since June 2023, ReTreet has fostered genuine connections with diverse audiences while minimizing traditional advertising costs. Creators are captivated by ReTreet’s unique features—private hot tubs with lake views, Alabama’s only glass dome event space, and the Nordic Cycle Station, which offers a Scandinavian-inspired wellness experience. Their content showcases the magic of the resort through photos, reels, and stories, attracting an engaged and loyal following. ReTreet’s influencer strategy goes beyond just posting pictures; it’s about creating a long-term relationship with influencers who become brand advocates.
Tracking systems integrated with Hostaway and HubSpot help ReTreet monitor the success of these collaborations, ensuring they receive measurable returns on investment and continually fine-tune their influencer approach.
Challenges & Solutions: Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Vision
No major project comes without its challenges, and ReTreet was no exception. Some of the more prominent hurdles included ensuring consistent water pressure for units located on the hillside, which was solved by installing a pressure pump system. The process of building on steep terrain required extra care and unique designs to ensure stability without damaging the land. The ReTreet team has also been continuously adapting to the challenges of Alabama’s unpredictable winter weather, particularly in terms of frozen precipitation.
Another hurdle was securing a liquor license for the property. Despite being located in a dry county, ReTreet spent two years working with local government and educating the community on the economic benefits of tourism. In 2024, they successfully passed legislation to obtain a liquor license, opening new doors for the resort’s offerings.
Finally, driving midweek bookings in an industry that typically thrives on weekends posed a challenge, but creative campaigns and partnerships helped achieve occupancy levels beyond industry norms. ReTreet’s ability to adapt and innovate has been key to overcoming these obstacles.
Guest Experience: A Unique Blend of Nature & Luxury
Guests who visit ReTreet often rave about the one-of-a-kind experience. The resort’s blend of nature and luxury is unmatched, with guests frequently commenting, “Y’all thought of everything!” From private hot tubs and firepits to the serene ambiance created by the Nordic Cycle Station, ReTreet has become the go-to destination for those seeking a tranquil yet luxurious getaway.
It’s the little touches—like personalized guest experiences, curated amenities, and a seamless stay—that truly set ReTreet apart. Guests have the opportunity to explore the surrounding nature trails, relax at the Star Dome, or unwind by the fire pit, creating an experience that goes far beyond just accommodation.
Marketing Success & Community Outreach
Beyond influencer partnerships, ReTreet continues to engage audiences through dining events, property tours, and partnerships with local tourism organizations. The resort has also seen success through Instagram and TikTok, where guest perspective storytelling has resonated most with potential visitors. Engaging content strategies and creative campaigns have helped boost bookings and brand awareness.
ReTreet’s Guest Referral Program has further contributed to their success by incentivizing repeat visits and encouraging guests to share their experience with friends and family. A focus on sustainability and community outreach also helps set ReTreet apart, attracting like-minded travelers who value responsible tourism.
Future Plans: Expanding & Passing the Torch
Looking ahead, ReTreet Resort is now welcoming luxury and relaxation for guests in a whole new way. Leaf & Stone Spa, one of the final development phases, will elevate the resort’s wellness offerings, while the addition of a restaurant will further enhance the guest experience. With these expansions, the owners plan to transition ownership to a visionary leader who can take ReTreet to the next level post-2025. The goal is to continue building a legacy—one that celebrates nature, relaxation, and the ReTreet community for years to come.
Lessons Learned: Staying Ahead of the Curve
The road to success wasn’t without its bumps, but valuable lessons were learned along the way:
Planning and Permitting: Establishing realistic timelines and understanding the permitting process were crucial to staying on track and avoiding delays.
Networking and Education: Attending conferences like the Glamping Show Americas and collaborating with other industry professionals provided invaluable insights that helped ReTreet evolve.
Leadership: Ensuring leadership aligns with the company’s vision has been key to success. Leaders must not only have the right skills but also understand and champion ReTreet’s long-term goals.
Advice for Newcomers: Building with Purpose
As ReTreet continues to grow, it remains committed to offering a seamless, personalized guest experience and designing with sustainability at the forefront. Whether you’re starting a glamping resort or building something entirely new, key advice includes:
Researching the market and competitors.
Prioritizing sustainability in every phase of development.
Designing a seamless guest experience that will keep them coming back.
With a strong foundation built on intention, hard work, and visionary leadership, ReTreet Resort is set to continue inspiring travelers from across the country for years to come.
A Legacy in the Making
ReTreet Resort is more than just a place to stay—it’s a vision brought to life, a legacy in the making, and a testament to the power of thoughtful, intentional development. With plans for expansion and continued commitment to sustainability, ReTreet is ready to make its mark as a leader in the glamping resort industry. And with the media attention it has received from Glamping Americas, Southern Living, Vogue for Breakfast, and more, ReTreet Resort is already paving the way for future growth and success.