“You’re in a place that you immediately feel that you’re being really cared for; almost every guest at some point comments on the attention to detail here and that’s deliberate...", says Michelle Duarte.
 

About 60 miles north of the California border, hidden on five acres of ancient Native American grounds on the central south Oregon coast, Port Orford (innkeeper Michelle Duarte parallels the location to “Big Sur about 20 years ago”), travelers visit WildSpring Guest Habitat to get away from the real world without forfeiting real style.  In this magical, natural setting, accommodating five shingle-style guest cabins built like small homes with over-the-top amenities and a guest hall serving meals and hosting small weddings (up to 22) and other special events, rapture is effortless.  At every turn, mountains and forests, cultivating 80-foot trees that sway in the breeze, rendezvous with the crashing ocean to a predominant audience of deer, squirrels, birds, gray whales and other gentle animals.  “You get the sense that there’s no one else in earshot around you,” is how Michelle expresses the WildSpring experience. 

Much like “coming home,” guests need not look for a front desk.  Instead, their key, flashlight and applicable paperwork await them inside the cabin’s mailbox.  For guests who prefer utmost privacy, Michelle or her co-innkeeper and husband, Dean, remain in the background.

 “You’re in a place that you immediately feel that you’re being really cared for; almost every guest at some point comments on the attention to detail here and that’s deliberate.  There’s something about human nature, when they see that everything around them is perfect, whether it registers consciously or not, at that point they can truly begin to relax on a deep level; even if it’s just a one-night stay,” Michelle says.

One night, one week or longer; honeymoon, special anniversary, reunion or wedding; even “ordinary” holidays are special occasions at WildSpring.  It is apparent that Michelle has spent the last eight years in the hospitality marketing/advertising business.  Visitors will discover upscale, luxurious, top-of-the-line surroundings.  Each cabin is a haven for romance with vaulted ceiling and a pillow-high, queen-size Simmons bed.  Once guests sink into the down comforter, time stops.  A video cassette player (complete with a movie assortment borrowed from the guest hall library) and CD player and a vast musical selection, replace television.  Instead of a telephone, cabin guests have an intercom to ring for service.  At hand are additional thought-out sundries, such as wine glasses, corkscrews, reading lights, hairdryer, and extra candles and lighter.  All this is topped off with an amazing array of artwork (indoors and outdoors), plush, overstuffed loveseats, antique and vintage furniture. 

In the guest hall, a chic, but comfortable quarter that inspires slow conversation, even the flatware is imprinted with the WildSpring logo; the mugs and dishes all specially designed by local artists.  Couple these accessories with a delicious aroma that wafts through the premises each morning.  “We put out a really opulent, extended continental breakfast; not a bowl of fruit and a muffin.  It’s fresh-baked muffins and an incredible selection of every kind of breads….quiches and egg puffs and hot fruit cobbler.  And every morning we do a fresh fruit salad depending on seasonal stuff,” Michelle explains.

Since the former California residents opened the “first luxury accommodations in a 50-mile stretch of the southern Oregon coast” in 2004, between Michelle’s expertise to detail and Dean’s wide array of talent ranging from carpentry to plumbing that he utilized as a Los Angeles stagehand employed with the Lion King stage production, it’s understandable that previous WildSpring guests have been as generous with their accolades as Mother Nature has been with her hand outdoors.  One of Michelle’s favorite quotes from a recent guestbook is, “When I need to go to my most favorite and peaceful place in my mind, I will return here.”

Much like a sanctuary, Michelle distinguishes WildSpring, saying, “We offer a retreat environment, but we are a boutique resort.”  Elaborating about the grounds, she explains, “There’s places around the property where you can walk; we have meditation alcoves; we have a walk-in labyrinth; we have some beautiful, little groves where you can read; we have hammocks under the trees; there’s an extended lounging deck where people just like to sit during the day and watch the ocean or the outdoor sculpture garden or the spa (the open-air slate hot tub/spa overlooks the ocean).”

Although WildSpring is neither a retreat center nor under the umbrella of any particular theme, the innkeepers can arrange for things like massages and guided meditation and will accommodate groups with a range of interests from Tai Chi to drumming/Native American flute circles.  Michelle describes a bridal party that rented the property.  The groom’s family was from North Carolina and the bride’s family was from Australia.  She explains, “They had never met each other before this, so they were able to spend five days really getting to know each other.“

Michelle adds, “We’re central to an extraordinary number of recreational opportunities and very cool attractions on the south Oregon coast. “  Relax, chill, fall in love, heal, whatever it is that you necessitate, WildSpring doles out all the components to fill the prescription—perfectly each time. 

WildSpring Guest Habitat
92978 Cemetery Loop, Port Orford, OR 97465.
Phone: 541.332.0977, 866.333.WILD (9453)
Web: www.wildspring.com 
Email: michelle@wildspring.com