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 is our second time staying at Silvae Spiritus and it definitely won’t be our last! Every detail is intentional... read more 
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... read more 
John
May 10, 2022 Love this place as usual. 🥰 
Adeline
May 8, 2022 This space was even more beautiful than the photos! I took my wife here for her 30th birthday and she... read more 
Jessie
April 28, 2022 Slivae Spiritus, and the hosts of this beautiful retreat are nothing short of amazing.
While the photos certainly... read more 
Leon
April 24, 2022 This place is so peaceful. It's the perfect getaway. Everything you need is there (including a full kitchen and toiletries)... read more 
Dre
April 20, 2022 This place is a sanctuary. Leigha and Travis have done an amazing job making this place special for their guests.... read more 
Kathleen
April 16, 2022 Beautiful place inside and out. Wonderful hosts. Don’t skip the sauna. This place is something special. 
Janet
April 3, 2022 My husband and I visited Leigha’s place as a birthday celebration and were pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere, small... read more 
Malisa
March 27, 2022 - Silvae Spiritus is a beautiful, pristine getaway near Finlayson, MN, and we enjoyed our second visit as much or even... read more
Irene
March 16, 2022 This place was even more beautiful than the pictures. Extremely cozy and relaxing. Plenty of thoughtful touches throughout the house.... read more 
Melissa
March 2, 2022 Peaceful, comfy and a beautiful location in the woods. Comfy beds and a kitchen that lacked for nothing. We... read more 
Carol
February 27, 2022 Fourth time staying here in six months - enough said! Adeline
February 20, 2022 We had a great stay! The place is so cute and cozy. We want to come back in warmer weather... read more 
Carly
February 13, 2022 I cannot recommend this place highly enough. My husband and I spent our anniversary weekend here and it was just... read more 
Brandie
February 7, 2022 Pictures do not do the place justice. Clean, spacious, comfortable, and secluded. Strongly recommended. 
Kyle
January 30, 2022 Beautiful place to stay in a beautiful location. Hosts are very responsive and welcoming. It was an easy drive from... read more 
Rebecca
January 28, 2022 A truly special & enchanting place that celebrates the beauty of the surrounding woods with complete coziness in mind. So... read more 
Tara
January 26, 2022 - Leigha was a great communicator; quick responses. They were even able to offer a 1 hour early check in. We... read more
Samantha
January 22, 2022 This was my third time here after a visit in the summer and fall. There are so many things to... read more Adeline
January 17, 2022 We would definitely stay here again! The space, the atmosphere, and the amenities were everything we expected and more! The... read more 
Tyler
January 9, 2022 I highly recommend this house. The house is very relaxing, clean, and filled with comfortable furniture. The place was well... read more 
Niccolo
January 6, 2022 Such a wonderful place, and even more spacious and beautiful than the photos do justice! 
Tanner
December 20, 2021 My friends and I enjoyed a fairy tale perfect retreat here this week, hiking the trails on the property, cooking... read more 
Heidi
December 17, 2021 This place was the most relaxing winter stays I’ve ever had. The tub is amazing, comfortable furniture, thoughtful and kind... read more 
Emily
December 12, 2021 This place is special…it cleared our heads and filled our hearts with serenity and calm.
I booked this... read more 
Anna
December 7, 2021 This place was amazing! Leigha and Travis are incredible hosts who communicate perfectly and provided a comfortable and relaxing stay.... read more 
Claire
November 24, 2021 - Great place. Great surroundings. Great hosts. 100% wonderful place to stay. If you are waffling on... read more Janet
November 21, 2021 We had a wonderful time! The place was lovely and cozy, and we would definitely recommend scheduling a forest bathing... read more 
Will
November 13, 2021 Really cool property and great vibes all around ! Would highly recommend. 
Liam
November 7, 2021 As always a great stay! I was here in the summer and it is just as beautiful in new ways... read more Adeline
October 31, 2021 Quiet, secluded location with plenty of room to explore. Large, open main floor living area with spiral staircase leading... read more 
Timothy
October 24, 2021 Beautiful place to stay and get away! Landscape and trails are beautiful, the living space upstairs was so comfortable and... read more 
Derek
October 17, 2021 A great place with amazing hosts! Emily
October 14, 2021 The owners are lovely people who are particular and pay attention to all of the details, big and small. ... read more 
Desiree
October 10, 2021 This spot is an amazing place to relax and enjoy the wonderful nature-rich experience that is northern Minnesota. To put... read more 
John
October 4, 2021 - This isn’t just a place, it’s an experience. If you’re looking for the perfect “Retreat” sanctuary, visit “Silvae Spiritus”! Leigha... read more
Alexandra
October 3, 2021 This is a wonderful hidden gem that I definitely hope to return to. The hosts are beyond kind, and so... read more 
Danielle
September 27, 2021 Beautiful design and lovely woods to explore. Definitely coming back! Miriam
September 19, 2021 Travis and Leigha are amazing hosts. Their place is exactly like the photos and they are very gracious hosts and... read more Sheila
August 27, 2021 Great place to stay. Comfy and Quiet. Corey
August 19, 2021 Beautiful place to stay and get away! Landscape and trails are beautiful, the living space upstairs was so comfortable and... read more Derek
October 17, 2021 A great place with amazing hosts! Emily
October 14, 2021 The owners are lovely people who are particular and pay attention to all of the details, big and small. ... read more Desiree
October 10, 2021 This spot is an amazing place to relax and enjoy the wonderful nature-rich experience that is northern Minnesota. To put... read more John
October 4, 2021
EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY:
Every booking = one tree planted!