The Silvae Spiritus Guesthouse
“Our Vision centers on restoring right relation with Nature; reconnecting us to ourselves, each other, and our living planet.“
-Leigha Horton and Travis Norman, Silvae Spiritus co-founders

Nestled in the Minnesota Northwoods halfway between Minneapolis / St. Paul and the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior, this inviting guest house is part of a quiet nature retreat close to charming small towns, as well as Banning State Park (hiking, white-water rafting), Willard Munger state bicycle trail, and Robinson Park (rock and ice climbing). Whether for deep relaxation and rejuvenation, a romantic getaway, or simply connecting with nature, these 30 acres feature woods, ephemeral ponds, meadows, and winding trails throughout.
The private guest house, attached to our home, provides easygoing luxury in a spa-like atmosphere. Special features include full kitchen fit for a several-day stay, modular living room furniture that can be easily reconfigured to open the space for yoga, dance, or group meditation, and a modern wood-burning stove for indoor fireside relaxation. Second-floor bathroom with jet tub, private balcony for enjoying sunsets, private rustic fire pit near the house for cozy nights under the stars, and private campsite nestled in the woods.
Your on-site hosts, Travis and Leigha, are Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guides. To learn more about the practice of Forest Therapy (also known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin-Yoku) or our Guided Sauna sessions, visit What We Do. To book a Guided Walk or Guided Sauna session beyond normal operating hours during your stay, contact us and we’ll be happy to work with you to make special arrangements.
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This was fantastic! It was exactly the get away my friend and I needed. Everything was like a little zen retreat ❤️
Catherine
May 28, 2023We received a warm welcome as we pulled up to this beautiful home nestled within the heart of the forest. The hosts graciously took care of us from start to... read more finish, spoiling us with customized amenities and an immersive therapeutic sauna/cold plunge experience. Definitely recommend this place with the sauna package, and cannot wait to return this fall!
Will
May 14, 2023This place was perfect for relaxation. We did the sauna package with cold plunge tubs and hot tub; that was an experience in itself. Having never done the thermic process... read more before, and experiencing it was amazing and a whole new world. They have everything you need to stay, including fire pit with wood. The place was decorated nicely and euphoric. 10/10 would recommend. Leigha and Travis were very kind, easy going hosts.
Abby
May 12, 2023This is the second time we've stayed here and we truly love it. It feels like home, the instant you walk in the door it feels like a weight is... read more taken off your shoulders. The furniture is versatile and comfortable, the design is spacious but still cozy, the entire space is amazingly and thoughtfully stocked. We brought our moms as a mother's day gift and they both instantly fell in love with the place. We will 1000% be back and just may have to make this our Mother's Day tradition!
Melissa
May 8, 2023What a special getaway - very close to banning state park, which was a wonderful hike. The sauna and cold plunge experience was well worth it and addicting. Can’t wait... read more to go back. The place was super cozy, great furniture, and very comforting with the wood fire burning stove inside. And the LPs 🙂
Amanda
April 30, 2023Josh
April 23, 2023Awesome space & hosts!
I came up for a silent solo retreat and Leigha and her husband honored and facilitated that marvelously.
I highly recommend the guided sauna! Even for... read more a seasoned sauna taker like myself, the experience was transformative & blissful. Amazing space!Christopher
April 16, 2023 -
Such a peaceful, cozy spot. Hosts were wonderful and kind, location is beautiful, and just a wonderful experience overall. Can't wait to visit again when we can enjoy their beautiful... read more nature areas!
Kylie
April 9, 2023Staying at Leigha and Travis’s was a wonderful, relaxing weekend away. Everything was perfect and exactly as they described. Both spacious, and cozy. We had a great sauna experience and... read more enjoyed looking out onto the property. It was exactly what we needed!
Brittany
April 2, 2023A beautiful spot for relaxing and mentally recharging in the woods of Minnesota. Large windows on the main floor look out over trees, many birds, deer at dusk, and bright... read more stars on clear nights. The wood-fired stove provided us long nights of warmth and pensive enjoyment. Taking full advantage of the sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge tub made our stay even more magical; with Leigha & Travis calmly guiding us through the sequences of hot, cold, and rehydration. It even snowed a bit the night we were out in the tubs, which was just so nice. The jacuzzi tub inside the Air B&B was also super fun since we don't have anything like that in our home. Such a wonderful place to spend a few days. I suggest it for couples, a small family, or maybe two couples looking to get away from the city. Leigha & Travis have truly created an experience here that is an extension of their personalities and passions for nature, mindfulness, music, and sauna culture. Highly recommend!
Chip
March 22, 2023Once again, pure bliss in this private woodland sanctuary. Will continue to host retreats here and enjoy guest unwind and reconnect to themselves and nature.
Amanda
March 19, 2023Always a memorable stay with Leigha and Travis! We left replenished with a full heart after experiencing many wonders in nature, heartfelt conversations, and a rejuvenating experience with the sauna... read more and hot tub!
Emily
March 15, 2023Really loved staying here! A perfect retreat away from the city. Beautiful home and property! Loved the decor, too.
Devon
March 11, 2023This is our second time here this winter, we love it so much. A perfect place for a peaceful and restful babymoon:) took a walk around the property, loved following... read more deer paths throughout the woods.
Rachel
March 8, 2023My wife and I’s new favorite place. Leigha and Travis are the sweetest hosts ever and their place/property and services are a direct reflection of that. If you stay here... read more (and especially if you take them up on the sauna/cold therapies and forest bathing)…I promise you, it will not be your last visit! Cannot wait to go back!!! I thought about leaving some belonging on “accident” so we had to come back lol. Thank you both so much and we will be back VERY soon 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏
Ben
March 5, 2023 -
Me and my wife had an excellent honeymoon thanks to Leigha and Travis! If you’re looking for a cozy, private, and romantic getaway with lots to do indoors plus... read more some site seeing, this is the place to be!
Aaron
March 3, 2023Silvae Spiritus is a gem. Leigha and Travis are excellent hosts - responsive and so friendly. The place feels peaceful and down-to-earth (and smells amazing, thanks to the thoughtful aromatherapy... read more touches throughout). We appreciated the spacious bedrooms, as well as the many comfy spaces throughout for lounging and relaxing. The kitchen is well stocked with all of the tools, dishes, pots/pans you could need - perhaps the best stocked of any Airbnb kitchen we've used. It is obvious that so much care and attention goes into caring for this space. The land around the house is magical and lends itself to quiet walks and nature exploring. The sauna is absolutely not to be missed. Truly the highlight of our stay! We can't recommend this place enough. It's hard to see how one could not be delighted with a stay here!
Bonnie
February 26, 2023We had a wonderful winter weekend getaway in the woods! Travis & Leigha’s place was perfect and had all the comforts of home: fully stocked kitchen, bathrobes, games, books, tv,... read more a thoughtful welcome basket, slippers, wood for the fireplace, and more! The sauna experience is absolutely worth it - it was the highlight of our weekend. We also enjoyed snowshoeing around the property and the short drive up to explore Banning State Park. Thank you Travis & Leigha for a beautiful, peaceful weekend escape - we can’t wait to come back one day!
Jennifer
February 20, 2023Magical place in the woods
Only 1,5 hour short drive from the cities, and you are transported to a different kind of place, where time slows down and magic... read more happens.
The place/grounds: peaceful and serene, forest, meadows and wild life; with many walkable trails lovingly maintained by the hosts. The guest house feels like a retreat with many big windows facing the woods, sunlit spacious rooms, the most comfortable furniture for napping or snuggling, gorgeous color scheme and many thoughtful touches and details (from music collection to a handmade smore kit).
The magic: meeting the hosts, Leigha and Travis. Their love for this place and their passion for sharing it with the guests. Wood fired sauna/hot tub in the woods not to be missed. That was the highlight of our trip. Can't wait to go back!Lida
February 16, 2023Beautiful and thoughtful touches in every corner. Very strong energy throughout the home and surrounding woods. A lovely snowfall began right after we arrived and immediately got to see 10... read more deer with babies trekking through the woods. The next day’s walk was the most beautiful sunlight on the snow, birds singing and snowfall blowing from the trees against a blue sky. A safe place for queer love outside the metro. We will be back and look forward to a longer stay to try out some of the amenities xo
Simone
February 8, 2023We’ve come back to Silvae Spiritus many times, and will continue to! It’s so peaceful and beautiful. Spotless, amazing furniture and art. Wood-burning stove makes it so cozy.
Miriam
February 5, 2023We absolutely loved our stay. It felt tranquil and peaceful from the moment we arrived. Beautiful well furnished home, such thoughtful touches throughout - treats in the kitchen, essential oils... read more in the bedrooms, etc. it felt like a spa retreat into nature. We loved watching deer and turkeys by the fireplace. We cannot wait to come back:)
Rachel
January 29, 2023 -
What a beautiful and restorative space! Exactly what I needed and what I expected from the description. Highly recommend in any season. Snowshoeing was great! Lots... read more of bird watching and seeing the surrounding forest cloaked in winter. I can't wait to go back in the spring and fall to enjoy the outdoor spaces differently. Great communication from the hosts, lovely space inside with so many nice touches. Everything was so well coordinated and communicated that we didn't need to reach out for any additional information or help, but I know if we had to do so we would have had a prompt and helpful response from Leigha or Travis.
Char
January 23, 2023Our stay was exactly as we had hoped and more. The peace and beauty of the snow filled forest allowed for the perfect rest and reset weekend. We did not... read more want to leave. We will definitely return.
Cara
January 15, 2023Our stay at the Finlayson retreat was serene and magical. The entire experience from the cabin living quarters to the guided sauna and forest bathing exceeded all expectations. Leigha and... read more Travis facilitated the best Airb&b experience we’ve had yet. From over the top amenities to the down to earth spirit of our hosts, this getaway fostered forever favorite memories. We can’t wait to be back!
Ceci & BrandonCecilia
December 30, 2022Silvae Spiritus is much more than a beautiful Airbnb; it is a relaxing, peaceful haven. Surrounded by beautiful forest, you feel intimately connected nature. I also could not recommend the... read more wood-fired sauna/hot-tub enough. It is a life-changing experience that you will be dreaming about for years to come. Book your stay now!!
Nelson
December 21, 2022This was our second stay here. It is so incredibly peaceful. We drove up after a snowstorm and the snow covered forests were breathtaking. We did the guided sauna and... read more would definitely recommend that as well! Travis and Leigha were so incredibly gracious and helpful. Thank you again for sharing this space!
Meghan
December 17, 2022Leigha and Travis are incredible and gracious hosts. Their space is beautiful and peaceful, are the surroundings. They were extremely communicative and went out of their way to accomodate a... read more flexible check in after we had a flight delay. They also offer a guided sauna and cold bath session on the property through Silva Spiritus, which we can't recommend highly enough. It is clear that they are committed to hospitality and to creating a positive space. Thank you for the lovely visit!
Jessica
November 30, 2022Such a magical place! So cozy and restful. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat where you can refuel definitely check out Silvae Spiritus. Lovely furnishings - both the couch... read more and bed were extra comfy. The kitchen had all the things you could need and more! Hinoki essential oils in the bedroom had to be my favorite touch 😍 can’t wait to share it with more folks and visit again!
Maggie
November 23, 2022 -
A beautiful and peaceful place to get away. The attention to detail and thoughtfulness shines through
Adam
October 28, 2022I have only positive things to say and are already thinking of when we will book here again. I have honestly never booked the same Airbnb, but Leigha and Travis's... read more place is an utter oasis of serenity, nature, and restoration. Thank you for our stay!!!
Melissa
October 25, 2022I cannot say enough about this place except for that I’ve stayed here ~7 times in the last 16 months, so I will let that speak for itself. ❤️ A... read more really serene and special spot, and you won’t want to miss the sauna.
Adeline
October 22, 2022Leigha and Travis are perfect hosts and have created an amazing get away. Everything was so well laid out and we had a peaceful and restorative weekend. The... read more tub is incredible! We also did a 90 minute sauna session. Highly recommended!
David
October 9, 2022Wow Wow Wow!! This place is a GEM!!! I highly recommend to add the forest bathing and then do the sauna, cold dip and hot tub at sunset!! We will... read more be back!
Casia
October 6, 2022This place is truly a retreat. Leigha and Travis have gone the extra mile to make this space peaceful, restorative, cozy and inviting. We loved enjoying a cup of coffee... read more with a crackling fire in the morning and the sunlight streaming through the windows. Walking around their property on their cared for trails was peaceful and beautiful- listening to all the sounds of nature. They put a special touch on everything from happily making us a campfire (and included extra fire wood, lanterns, bluetooth speaker, cushions to sit on) to putting essential oils in the diffusers in the bedrooms. Leigha and Travis have put a lot of intention into this space and property. Our weekend was enjoyably spent disconnecting from the distractions of world and reconnecting with nature. It was healing and restorative. Cannot wait to stay here again!
Kathleen
October 2, 2022Such a treasure of a place! Travis and Leigha and their furry family are wonderful hosts and such a joy to spend time with. They put so much love and... read more passion into making this experience dazzle, and it shows! We spent only two nights there, and it felt like just scraping the surface of possibility for all of the wonderful ways to spend time there. It was such a blessing to be there in all the beauty of the fall colors, abundant sunshine, and clear starry nights, but it's easy to see that this place would be magical all year round! Thank you, Travis and Leigha!
Krista
September 28, 2022 -
Simply enamored in every way by Silvae Spiritus. The hosts and all provided resources including natural habitat to explore and personalized accouterment at every turn left us feeling pampered beyond... read more words. We couldn't recommend this destination more! We left feeling recharged and inspired to do great things!
James
September 9, 2022This is beautiful and restful space for getting a retreat in the woods. Spacious enough to have a whole family without everyone being crowded and lots of soothing scenery.
Doreen
August 25, 2022Leigha and Travis were incredible hosts and their property is amazing- so tranquil that we were whispering in the house all weekend. For sure take advantage of all the amenities... read more they have on site- the sauna as our favorite part of the whole weekend and the forest bathing experience was one we won’t forget.
Connie
August 21, 2022Hidden gem. Even better than described and pictured in the profile pics. You will not be disappointed. The property is awesome and so are the hosts 🙂
Lucas
August 18, 2022Amazing stay at Leigha and Travis’ place. It was so peaceful, clean, and Leigha and Travis were gracious hosts and filled the place with thoughtful touches. You will definitely enjoy... read more your time here.
Kendall
August 10, 2022Guest house is beautiful. We went in August and the bugs were bad so we couldn’t really be on the deck or outside which was a bummer. You can hear... read more the owners quite a bit so if you are looking for a more secluded feeling it may not be the best but truly a wonderful spot and wonderful hosts!
Jenna
August 4, 2022 -
This space is amazing and gorgeous. It was so comfortable, clean and cozy, and allowed for true relaxation and pampering. Leigha and Travis made us feel so welcome, and... read more had taken care of everything, and were so accommodating and easy to communicate with. Not only is the home perfect, but the area is beautiful. We’d go back any time!
Jennifer
July 24, 2022such a beautiful place to stay at! the host was great at communicating and the details in the home made our stay wonderful. The energy inside the home was amazing... read more and we are already planning our next trip back. thanks for everything!
Benjamin
July 20, 2022I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is my favorite place in the world right now. Travis and Leigha are such beautiful people. Their understanding of how nature positively... read more affects us is so important and it shines throughout this whole experience.
The stay was magical and the place itself was both luxurious and down to earth.Michael
July 10, 2022I loved staying here. From the “Wow!” that came out of my mouth as I walked in I knew it was a special place. Very peaceful and green. The kitchen... read more was very well supplied. The balcony upstairs was where I spent a lot of time. The soaps smell foresty which just fit in. Lovely walks around the grounds. If you need a place to be quiet and let your soul breathe, this is it! Leigha is a great host.
Chris
July 8, 2022Leigha and Travis have a beautiful and soothing space in a sublime forest setting. They are incredible and gracious hosts. The kitchen is perfect for creating and sharing meals. The... read more living room is spacious and comfortable. And the upstairs is exquisite. I highly recommend experiencing this place.
Colleen
June 29, 2022I love this place so much that I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve stayed here - each stay better than the last! Thanks Leigha and Travis ❤️
Adeline
June 23, 2022This place is a true gem. I was so stressed leading up to our stay (work, busy schedule…) but this was such an amazing reset. I highly recommend the sauna... read more experience. That was phenomenal. It was so quiet and peaceful. I wish we had stayed longer. The owners were so gracious and friendly. I hope to be back again!
Meghan
June 14, 2022 -
I loved seeing the house and property in the summer after previously visiting in winter! The house is so beautifully appointed and the natural environment can't be topped. I look... read more forward to visiting again.
Linnea
June 9, 2022Great stay! Definitely recommend the sauna experience. I’ve been to Iceland’s sky lagoon sauna and this Airbnb’s experience definitely is worth it! Friendly and kind people with a gorgeous place... read more to stay.
Nitali
May 30, 2022I left my weekend feeling rejuvenated and revivified! Highly recommend this special retreat and I cannot wait to return!
Nicholas
May 22, 2022This air B and B is in a very lovely setting, clean and comfortable, and with a lovely hostess who made us feel very welcome. We highly recommend this... read more for a wonderful get away! We especially loved the bathtub with jets that relaxed tired muscles, and the beautiful surroundings. Also the kitchen is well equipped with great cookware! Oh yes, we also loved the wood burning stove during a spring thunderstorm. Very relaxing and Fun!
Colleen
May 19, 2022This is our second time staying at Silvae Spiritus and it definitely won’t be our last! Every detail is intentional and beautiful. The addition of the sauna is wonderful—don’t miss... read more it.
Miriam
May 15, 2022 -
I’ve stayed in many many Airbnbs all over the country and this one is the best! It’s so incredibly beautiful inside and outside. The most thoughtful touches everywhere! And the... read more sauna/cold plunge is as good as it gets! Do not hesitate to book!
John
May 10, 2022This space was even more beautiful than the photos! I took my wife here for her 30th birthday and she was blown away, as was I. The hosts were so... read more helpful and kind as they set up some extra special things for my wife's birthday. The space smelled so nice which really made it feel even more calming and peaceful. We will definitely be back!
Jessie
April 28, 2022Slivae Spiritus, and the hosts of this beautiful retreat are nothing short of amazing.
While the photos certainly help to paint a picture of the beauty of the... read more house and the land, both need to be experienced first-hand to truly appreciate the magic held within.
The living and communal spaces in the Airbnb were spotless upon arrival, and I was immediately impressed with how warm and inviting it felt. There is a harmonious attention to detail that is easy to appreciate, and feels effortless at the same time.
Everything from the spectacular bedrooms and luxurious bathroom to the open and spacious kitchen were well-stocked with necessities and more, and the house manual was the best I've ever seen: well-organized with labeled tabs, high-quality printed sheets and photos, and lots of information about the property and surrounding area. Between the timely and well-crafted welcome and departure messages/emails, it was easy to find the answers to any questions I might have had.
The real magic begins with the outdoor wood-fired sauna, cold plunge baths, and wood-fired hot tub. This experience alone is worth the price of admission and then some.
Continue your walk through the natural wonderland as you explore the property's multiple hand-built campsites (in the ethos of bushcraft), and take in the flora and fauna of this beautiful part of rural Minnesota. Retire to the guest house next to a wood burning stove and a plush rug (surrounded by comfy, modular chairs) that reminds your toes of the lush meadows just through the picturesque view of the trees.
This property and what it offers (including its owners) are truly hidden gems, worthy of high praise and many return visits. I'm already planning my next one as I write this!
I cannot recommend this location enough. Even if you're on the fence about an overnight stay, you can book time for the outdoor sauna and hot tub ( I'd be shocked if you didn't fall in love with the place as quickly as I did).
Thank Silvae Spiritus for a most spectacular stay - I cannot wait to return and recharge once again!Leon
April 24, 2022This place is so peaceful. It's the perfect getaway. Everything you need is there (including a full kitchen and toiletries) and the attention to detail is incredible. We really loved... read more the Forest Bathing and Sauna/Cold Plunges! Highly recommend!!
Dre
April 20, 2022This place is a sanctuary. Leigha and Travis have done an amazing job making this place special for their guests. There is so much intention to help guests cultivate rest... read more in this space. From the oils pre loaded in the diffusers, local handmade goat milk soap, s’mores kit, books, to the fully stocked fire place. Their sweet dog, Frankie, joined me on a walk around the property! Oh and the wood fired sauna and cold plunge experience overlooking the woods!!? AMAZING!! What an experience!! This weekend away was life giving. I cannot wait to come back. Thank you for your hospitality!
Kathleen
April 16, 2022Beautiful place inside and out. Wonderful hosts. Don’t skip the sauna. This place is something special.
Janet
April 3, 2022My husband and I visited Leigha’s place as a birthday celebration and were pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere, small touches and the beauty of the space. I initially booked... read more because of the huge tub — which was as amazing as expected — but the rest of the house was a cherry on top. Clean, cozy, comfortable. The added elements like essential oil diffusers, a delicious smelling handmade bar of soap and snacks upon arrival made this a much appreciated retreat to the wilderness. I’d love to visit again in the summer and also take advantage of the wood fired hot tub in the future!
Malisa
March 27, 2022Silvae Spiritus is a beautiful, pristine getaway near Finlayson, MN, and we enjoyed our second visit as much or even more than our first. Hosts Leigha and Travis set the... read more tone with their friendliness and hospitality. The two-level rental is furnished with all the comforts of home and more. The kitchen is spacious and well equipped. The living room area is so cozy, with the wood-burning stove, plush rug and modular furniture. Bedrooms are spacious and comfortable. We loved sitting in the entertainment room upstairs and watching movies. A highlight in March was walking in the warm--yes warm--snow with Frankie (the dog) leading the way, and sitting by the outdoor fireplace. We still haven't done it all--next time we'll try the new sauna.
Irene
March 16, 2022 -
This place was even more beautiful than the pictures. Extremely cozy and relaxing. Plenty of thoughtful touches throughout the house. Would love to come back again!
Melissa
March 2, 2022Peaceful, comfy and a beautiful location in the woods. Comfy beds and a kitchen that lacked for nothing. We had fun snowshoeing on the property, playing games and relaxing... read more by the fire. I recommend this peaceful retreat and would love to come back soon.
Carol
February 27, 2022Carly
February 13, 2022I cannot recommend this place highly enough. My husband and I spent our anniversary weekend here and it was just what we had hoped for - a peaceful respite from... read more the chaos of the world. The place, amazing amenities, gracious hosts, all of it was perfect.
Brandie
February 7, 2022Beautiful place to stay in a beautiful location. Hosts are very responsive and welcoming. It was an easy drive from the Twin Cities for a chance to soak in the... read more quiet, walk through the trees, see the stars shining brightly, enjoy a cozy fire, and unwind. Highly recommend!
Rebecca
January 28, 2022A truly special & enchanting place that celebrates the beauty of the surrounding woods with complete coziness in mind. So many thoughtful details - from wind chimes singing at the... read more entrance to firewood stacked & ready in the wood stove to a handmade soap gift by the jacuzzi tub. I left feeling deeply restored, which is an absolute gift in these times!
Tara
January 26, 2022Leigha was a great communicator; quick responses. They were even able to offer a 1 hour early check in. We enjoyed walks in the snowy woods, and on our return,... read more the fireplace and hot bath were delightful options.
Travis and Leigha were welcoming hosts; we would go back if we could! We were welcomed with local fudge, homemade soap, and MN coffee.
Perfect love for a quiet retreat!!Samantha
January 22, 2022
EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY:
Every booking = one tree planted!