Luxury in The Woods

Seize a moment of seclusion for yourself at Azalea Falls Lodge in Kingston, Arkansas.

Spacious elegance isn't what most folks expect to find in the Ozarks. Most visitors anticipate dense forests, winding country roads, and simple cabins. But at Azalea Falls Lodge, guests get the best in both rusticity and refinement.

Encompassing 3,000 square feet of rock, glass, and redwood, the handsome abode stands sequestered among the treetops off State 21. Hiking trails, ranging from daunting to doable, meander about the property. That's what you'd expect. What you don't expect is the lodge's lavish side.

Unexpected Elegance

Fine European antiques, Asian paintings, a contemporary kitchen, three bedrooms (though up to 12 people fit comfortably), three baths, two cozy fireplaces, and enough open space to get lost in set this retreat apart from the norm. The lodge rents for $200 a night for two people. Or, if you want a smaller version, opt for their three-bedroom cabin that rents for $160 a night. It's modeled after the lodge, but isn't as grand.

"There are so many rustic cabins in this area," says Kathy Trimble, who owns Azalea Falls with her husband, Alfred Carter. "We built this place so people who weren't into outdoor activities could be comfortable too."

The lodge serves as an anchor for high-energy and stress-free outdoor adventures. From its back deck, views of an 85-foot waterfall entice visitors. Wild turkey and deer even stop by for a perusal of the property. If that's not enough, the Buffalo National River and the Ponca Wilderness area lie nearby for horseback riding and canoeing.

Whether you choose to stay indoors and relax or wander the land, one thing is certain: Luxury in the woods isn't a far-fetched notion here. It's a way of life.

Azalea Falls Lodge: H.C. 30, H.C. 65, Kingston, AR 72742; (870) 420-3941 or www.azaleafalls.com.

Reprinted with permission. Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Nov 2004