Bigger isn’t always better. Yes, I know that saying is almost as tired as avocado toast and inspirational quotes on Instagram, but hang with me for a minute. We’re diving into why we believe a more intimate, thoughtful approach to hospitality might just be the future—and how Estancia Natura fits right into this new chapter.
These days, the most sought-after experiences aren’t about sprawling luxury resorts or five-star palaces with 14 pools and 23 bars. No, the magic is happening in intimate, design-forward micro-resorts and landscape hotels that connect guests to their surroundings in a deep, intentional way.
Picture this: beautifully crafted cabins tucked into a tropical forest, designed to blend seamlessly with nature. You wake up surrounded by the sounds of the forest, stunning views in every direction, and not a hint of traffic or commotion from the outside world. It’s idyllic. Yet, somehow, in the rush to catch this trend, developers keep missing the point. Sure, there’s some spectacular architecture out there—but it’s on properties the size of a postage stamp, with views that are amazing… if you look exactly one way.
At Spirit Mountain, we’ve spent nearly 25 years building more than just a place to sleep. We’re crafting a destination. Think Blackberry Farm in Tennessee or Amangiri in Utah—places where every element is intentional and the design honors the surrounding environment. These aren’t just accommodations; they’re experiences that live in your memory long after checkout.
I believe thoughtful, sustainable design is the future of hospitality—and architecture as a whole. Whether you’re designing a city or a single-room cabin, stewardship of our natural resources should be at the core of everything we do. Preserving the environment we’ve cultivated at Spirit Mountain is a foundational cornerstone—our developmental bible, if you will—as we move forward with Estancia Natura.
There’s a lot of noise about sustainable tourism right now. Everyone’s talking about it. Cool cabins. Minimalist designs. AI-generated renderings flooding social media with “the next big thing.” But let me tell you what sets Estancia Natura apart: it’s not just the design (though we’re proud of it)—it’s the land.
We’re talking 135 hectares (that’s 330 acres!) of pristine farm and forest at the foot of the Dominican Republic’s tallest mountains. It’s a world away from the chaos, yet it’s only 25 km from Jarabacoa and 60 km from Santiago International Airport. Conveniently remote, if you will.
Our micro-resort model? It’s all about intentionally designed, small enclaves of cabins nestled within the forest—close enough for community, far enough for privacy. Imagine sipping your morning coffee with your nearest neighbor a short stroll through the woods, yet feeling like you’ve escaped to your own secret world.
So, why are places like Estancia Natura the future of hospitality?
- Shorter, more frequent getaways: Travelers are opting for quick escapes over long-haul vacations.
- An irreversible shift: People want intimate, sustainable, and nature-integrated experiences. The era of big flag resorts is fading.
- Unique + rural stays: Sophisticated design meets farm-to-table cuisine and agroforestry education. Floating treehouses, anyone?
- Supply gap: Demand for these kinds of experiences is outpacing supply. There just aren’t enough thoughtfully developed properties to meet it.
Anyone who’s visited Spirit Mountain knows there’s a magic here. It’s emotional. It’s overwhelming—in the best way. Estancia Natura isn’t just a destination; it’s a story. And every visitor gets to write their own chapter.
We use architecture to tell that story. We don’t just talk about “less is more”—we live it. Many of you have stayed in our 440-square-foot Papagayo Perch, the perfect treehouse retreat for two. Our new A-Frames? Not much bigger but thoughtfully laid out in groups of three to five, perfect for families or friends who want to experience nature without sacrificing comfort.
Another thing that sets Estancia Natura apart: 85% of our land is preserved as a nature reserve and shade coffee farm. The cabins are intentionally spread out, buffered by open spaces and forest trails, creating a balance between privacy and community.
In the evenings, imagine sipping a glass of wine as the sun dips behind the highest mountains on the island. The trails, the views, and the symphony of nature all combine to create something truly unforgettable.
At our core, we’re as passionate about taking care of people as we are about nurturing the environment. Our deepest desire is for each guest to leave changed—whether from a hike on one of our trails, a breathtaking view, or the simple kindness of our guest experience team. We want you to catch a bit of the love we have for this place and carry it with you, passing it on to others.
If you are interested in knowing more about Estancia Natura at Spirit Mountain and how to become a part of our community, please just give me a call, send an email or shoot me a message on WhatsApp.
2025 Is Already Off to an Epic Start!
Big things are happening! We’re thrilled to be hosting the Dominican Enduro Series (DES) for the third year in a row on March 15, 2025. This year’s theme is “Next Level!”, and we’re not kidding—we’re adding a more technical downhill segment to the race, so bring your A-game and maybe some extra padding. If you’re thinking, Wait, can I practice ahead of time? The answer is yes! Our trails are open, so grab your bike and start getting in some laps. Seriously, what better way to prep than riding in the same epic landscape where you’ll race?
🚴♂️ Ready to join the competition? Sign up here: Dominican Enduro Series 2025
Coming Soon: Farm to Cup Origin Trip
Our in-house coffee wizard, Kate Lake, will be hosting a Farm to Cup Origin Trip this spring. It’s a four-day experience on the farm, perfect for anyone who wants to see the full journey from bean to brew. Keep an eye out for dates!
Until next time, stay curious, adventurous, and caffeinated. Your Chief Bean Counter,
