Wunderland Resort, a new 35-acre nature retreat created by Owner Shawn Verbrugghe, opened along Curtis Creek Road on the outskirts of downtown Old Fort (North Carolina), offering guests a sustainable and luxurious outdoor experience centered on wellness, connection and adventure.
The resort features a variety of lodging options, including themed glamping pods, forest villas, van and RV pads, and primitive campsites. Amenities include a spring-fed swimming pond, cold plunge, sauna, community kitchen, fire circle, event space and private family-style bathrooms.
According to its website, the Fire Element Pod offers guests a one-of-a-kind glamping experience where “romance, desire, and energy” ignite in harmony. Set within a forested backdrop, this custom-designed villa combines canvas, wood, and steel to create an artistic and luxurious retreat.
Guests can also participate in yoga sessions, guided hikes and off-site excursions designed to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Verbrugghe described Wunderland as “nature’s playground for your soul,” indicating that every element of the resort’s design from the layout to the artwork was crafted to encourage reflection and mindfulness.
“My goal is to invisibly guide them—through intentional art and spatial design—to more deeply connect, play and feel more alive while they’re with us,” Verbrugghe said, as reported by Sky Mountain News on October 22. “I hope people walk away with a renewed sense of well-being, a deeper appreciation for staying in nature and maybe even a notion to live a simpler, more sustainable and unplugged life.”
Drawing on a background in sustainability for 15 years, Verbrugghe developed Wunderland with a focus on environmental innovation and energy-efficient design.
Phase one of Wunderland is now complete and reservations open. Two additional phases are also planned. Phase two will introduce a ridge-top overlander site with mountain views, designed for off-road vehicles and featuring an optional bouldered access road for 4×4 enthusiasts.
“We’re open for bookings—even while construction continues. Some amenities are limited, but you can still enjoy early access and special pricing this weekend and beyond,” the resort’s website indicates.
Phase three will also add several “hobbit-style” villas to further expand the resort’s accommodations.
“This process has been completely transformational for me and quite humbling,” Verbrugghe said. “The fact that I get to utilize my love and understanding of sustainable building, experiential design, outdoor adventure, preserving nature and its resources is an honor.”
For more information about the resort’s amenities, visit their website here.
Featured image by Wunderland Resort via wunderlandresort.com