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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We 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, 2023What 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, 2023The venue was much more spacious then I envisioned it. There were beautiful views of the forest in all directions. The sauna experience was amazing! Will definitely be coming back!,
Roxanne
January 7, 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 -
I 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, 2022 -
Such 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, 2022Simply 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, 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, 2022Vicki
August 7, 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, 2022A beautiful guesthouse surrounded by nature. Leigha and Travis are extremely warm and welcoming hosts. Throughly enjoyed our stay at Silvae Spiritus!
Char
July 17, 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 -
Katlyn
June 12, 2022I 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, 2022The kindest, most down to earth, very knowledgable, and extraordinary humans! This space has left no detail unattended to, such a beautiful place! Plan for a great stay!
Emily
May 24, 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, 2022 -
This 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, 2022I’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, 2022 -
Silvae 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, 2022This 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, 2022Pictures do not do the place justice. Clean, spacious, comfortable, and secluded. Strongly recommended.
Kyle
January 30, 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, 2022 -
Leigha 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, 2022This was my third time here after a visit in the summer and fall. There are so many things to love every season and it feels like I’m experiencing it... read more for the first time! So cozy by the wood stove, and fun to trek through the snow all bundled up. The friends I take here fall in love with it too and it’s so fun to share it with them. Leigha and Travis are, as always, thoughtful, authentic and kind. Thank you!
Adeline
January 17, 2022I highly recommend this house. The house is very relaxing, clean, and filled with comfortable furniture. The place was well prepared and clean.
Niccolo
January 6, 2022Tanner
December 20, 2021My friends and I enjoyed a fairy tale perfect retreat here this week, hiking the trails on the property, cooking in the well appointed kitchen, luxuriating in the giant spa... read more tub, and curling up with books in all the cozy nooks upstairs and down. Travis and Leigha are so welcoming and gracious. Hope we can come back soon.
Heidi
December 17, 2021This place was the most relaxing winter stays I’ve ever had. The tub is amazing, comfortable furniture, thoughtful and kind hosts, the wood stove was cozy. A+++++
Emily
December 12, 2021This place is special…it cleared our heads and filled our hearts with serenity and calm.
I booked this Airbnb for my boyfriends 50th birthday and he has said... read more over and over that it was the best birthday he has ever had!
Leigha and Travis have truly thought of everything. The kitchen is extremely well appointed making cooking your own meals fun and easy. The wood burning stove keeps everything so cozy and is a joy to gather around! Everything from the softest sheets, extra blankets and incredibly comfortable beds was wonderful! The aesthetic is cozy yet modern and bright. And thats just the house…the property sits on 30 acres with beautiful trees and paths. We took every opportunity to go outside and enjoy the snow and stillness of the land. There are private decks to enjoy star gazing and fire pits to stay warm. Leigha and Travis offer guided Forrest bathing which was incredible and we highly recommend! Their presence and energy were delightful and we enjoyed hanging out with them around the fire and hearing about things to do and places to go on their property.
This Airbnb is also only an hour from Duluth, so great for a day trip! We can’t recommend this place enough! Thank you for making this surprise birthday truly the best ever!Anna
December 7, 2021 -
Great place. Great surroundings. Great hosts. 100% wonderful place to stay. If you are waffling on how many nights to stay, stay longer. You won't regret it.
Janet
November 21, 2021As always a great stay! I was here in the summer and it is just as beautiful in new ways in the fall. Thank you both for being so friendly... read more and thoughtful.
Adeline
October 31, 2021Quiet, secluded location with plenty of room to explore. Large, open main floor living area with spiral staircase leading to the bedrooms and central den/tv area. Spacious deck overlooking... read more the wooded area.
Timothy
October 24, 2021Beautiful place to stay and get away! Landscape and trails are beautiful, the living space upstairs was so comfortable and easy to settle into! We enjoyed walking the trails to... read more take in the nature and fall colors and loved coming into the home to enjoy the cozy living space. Easy and accommodating place to stay! Would recommend!
Derek
October 17, 2021The owners are lovely people who are particular and pay attention to all of the details, big and small. They take pride in their offerings and it shows.
Desiree
October 10, 2021This spot is an amazing place to relax and enjoy the wonderful nature-rich experience that is northern Minnesota. To put it simply, the hosts have created such a perfect nature... read more getaway. Each room was both calming and inviting, and the overall energy of the home was beyond welcoming.
The stay includes access to the beautiful and enjoyable trails on the property, which we would highly recommend you take advantage of.
Please, don’t make the same mistake that we did and only book one night. It is well worth the stay.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 and Travis obviously care deeply about creating just the right... read more atmosphere that invites deep rest and relaxation through connection to Nature. The space itself is gorgeous, spacious, and clean. As many other reviews mentioned, there are also a number of thoughtful and personal touches, pleasing artwork and my favorite, a rich atmosphere of peaceful silence. The great thing about this place is that you don’t have to sacrifice modern comforts but indeed there is a wonderfully simple feeling of luxury and everything you’d need for bath/kitchen/technology convenience. Savored walking in the woods, quiet meditation time indoors with gorgeous window views of the woods, or a luxurious soak in the whirlpool tub! You won’t be disappointed!
Alexandra
October 3, 2021This is a wonderful hidden gem that I definitely hope to return to. The hosts are beyond kind, and so willing to help.
The spot is lovely, clean, curated... read more for rest and beauty.
Hiking is close, state parks just a short car ride away, Duluth about 30 min away.
I can't wait to come back!Danielle
September 27, 2021Travis and Leigha are amazing hosts. Their place is exactly like the photos and they are very gracious hosts and delightful people
Sheila
August 27, 2021Beautiful place to stay and get away! Landscape and trails are beautiful, the living space upstairs was so comfortable and easy to settle into! We enjoyed walking the trails to... read more take in the nature and fall colors and loved coming into the home to enjoy the cozy living space. Easy and accommodating place to stay! Would recommend!
Derek
October 17, 2021The owners are lovely people who are particular and pay attention to all of the details, big and small. They take pride in their offerings and it shows.
Desiree
October 10, 2021This spot is an amazing place to relax and enjoy the wonderful nature-rich experience that is northern Minnesota. To put it simply, the hosts have created such a perfect nature... read more getaway. Each room was both calming and inviting, and the overall energy of the home was beyond welcoming.
The stay includes access to the beautiful and enjoyable trails on the property, which we would highly recommend you take advantage of.
Please, don’t make the same mistake that we did and only book one night. It is well worth the stay.John
October 4, 2021
EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY:
Every booking = one tree planted!