Glamping in New Hampshire: A Luxurious Stay at Lumen Nature Retreat
Nestled in the scenic landscape of New Hampshire, Lumen Nature Retreat offers the perfect glamping experience for those seeking a luxurious yet nature-immersed getaway. New Hampshire, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, wildlife, and picturesque hiking trails, is an ideal destination for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. Upon arriving at Lumen, my first impression was how charming and secluded the compound was. Located near many hiking trails and featuring water views along a serene river with mountain vistas, Lumen Nature Retreat is truly a hidden gem.
A Luxurious Stay at Lumen Nature Retreat
Accomodations
At Lumen Nature Retreat, the accommodations blend rustic charm with modern comforts. From canvas tents to eco-friendly cabins, there’s a perfect stay option for every guest. We opted for a canvas tent, which was both cozy and functional. Though the bed was not the most comfortable, the plush down comforter made chilly mid-October nights bearable. The A-frame structure, trendy in design, housed a space heater, making it a lifesaver as temperatures dropped significantly at night.
Guests can choose from luxury Safari tents, A-frame tents, or cozy Nordic cabins like Cabin Hygge and Cabin Lykke. Each stay includes hotel-quality beds, linens, and towels, along with access to a communal, climate-controlled bathhouse with hot showers. Each site features a smokeless firepit, picnic table, and Adirondack chairs perfect for relaxing around the fire.
A Frame Tent
A Frame Tent
Each tent has its own private location along the river, making it an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts or those looking to unwind by the fire pit. The clean and well-maintained communal bathrooms offer hot showers, modern toilets, and large mirrors—a delightful part of the glamping experience. Though the saunas weren’t completed during our stay, they looked promising for future guests.
Bathrooms
Community Area
Setting and Surroundings
Lumen Nature Retreat is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in New Hampshire, including forests, rivers, and hiking trails. The retreat blends seamlessly with the environment, promoting sustainability while providing a peaceful, immersive experience. The best time to visit for those chasing fall foliage is during the first two weekends of October, though our mid-October visit still presented stunning colors.
When we stayed, Lumen only offered tents, available from spring to fall. However, they’ve since added cabins for year-round stays, which I imagine would make for an incredibly cozy and picturesque winter getaway, especially if it starts to snow.
Dining and Local Flavors
While Lumen Nature Retreat doesn’t offer on-site dining, there’s a grocery store about 20 minutes away, perfect for picking up ingredients to cook meals over the campfire. Glamping offers the best of both worlds—luxury and the fun of traditional camping, including cooking outdoors under the stars. We thoroughly enjoyed making our dinners over the firepit located right outside our tent.
There are, however, plenty of restaurants nearby including Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train and Schilling Beer Company. You can view all of the nearby restaurants via their website.
Activities
Lumen Nature Retreat offers a range of outdoor experiences to complement your glamping stay. Guests can hike nearby scenic trails like Flume Gorge and Lost River Gorge (which is what we did), explore beautiful lupine fields, or enjoy a day at Echo Lake for swimming and picnicking. In the winter, you can go skiing at Cannon and Loon Mountains, or visit the magical Ice Castles.
We found stargazing to be one of the most magical activities here. Away from city lights, the sky comes alive with constellations and shooting stars—a truly breathtaking experience.
Service and Hospitality
What truly sets Lumen Nature Retreat apart from other glamping destinations is the “off-the-grid” experience. There’s no formal on-site reception, which makes it feel like a more intimate, personalized stay. Though there is no 24/7 concierge, the staff is always available to assist when needed and can even help arrange guided nature walks or custom itineraries for adventurous guests.
The absence of a traditional hotel lobby adds to the laid-back camping vibe, offering a balance between luxury and the simplicity of nature.
Overall Experience
Lumen Nature Retreat exceeded our expectations. The unique blend of luxury and nature provided a rejuvenating escape from daily life. While we went as a couple, I can easily see how this would be a fantastic getaway for families or solo adventurers as well. The community areas are welcoming and perfect for socializing with fellow guests, and I’m already planning a trip back with friends.
The experience felt like excellent value for money, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return. For anyone looking for an upscale glamping experience in New Hampshire, Lumen Nature Retreat is a must-visit.
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