Hotels in heritage buildings, boat hotels, hotels where celebrities did weird things; we’ve got it all on The Hotel Journal. And if you ever find yourself looking for somewhere to stay on Canada’s Prince Edward Island, then be sure to factor this yurt camp into your plans. We review Nature Space Resort and discover a magical experience set against Canada’s awesome environment.

A review of Nature Space Resort

The northern wilderness of Canada’s Prince Edward Island is an unlikely spot for a Mongolian yurt camp. But when a friend and I check into the Nature Space Resort for a summer stay, we discover a certain synergy between these tent-like nomadic structures and the area’s natural landscape that pulls everything together to create a blissful experience.

A labour of love

Tucked into a lushly forested area next to a lake, Nature Space Resort is exactly the place to go to immerse yourself in natural surroundings and enjoy some outdoor activities while getting some serious R’n’R.

communal space at Nature Space Resort
The Hive is the communal place to be for cooking and chatting with our guests

Created by Heather and Jarrod Gunn McQuillan, the resort is a deeply personal passion project that was years in the making. The pair had the idea for a unique accommodation and adventure tourism experience in the early 2000s. But it was only when they moved to Prince Edward Island in 2010 that they found the perfect parcel of land at Saint Peter’s Harbour. Still, a concept for the space remained elusive and the land untouched.

In 2016, after losing her father, Heather took the time for some self-reflection. It was while on this journey that she stayed in yurts at a wilderness lodge in Cape Breton and discovered exactly what kind of property she wanted to create. By 2019, the family had a business plan and Jarrod had taken unpaid leave from his job to make their plans a reality. Then the pandemic hit. After some false starts and pandemic-induced delays, Nature Space opened in its full capacity in summer 2022.

The room

With just five accommodation options, Nature Space resort is as boutique as they come. For some extra luxe, there’s the Eagles’ Nest Loft, a self-contained one-bed loft above the property’s boathouse. But you’ll want to book one of the four Mongolian yurts named for animals found on the property.

 

We check into the Kingfisher, a cosy, blue-hued bolthole nestled amidst plenty of greenery for extra privacy. There’s a plush queen-sized bed, along with a spacious daybed and multipurpose table-and-two-chairs setup. Because the resort bills itself as a “four-season” destination, there’s a portable air-con unit for warm summer days and a wood-burning stove for chilly winter nights. And, to put the glam in glamping, the private outdoor deck boasts a hammock, firepit, and hot tub.

As you might expect, the yurts don’t come with ensuites. And yes, I was definitely angsty about this before we arrived. But, a quick look at The Hive, the purpose-built communal space made largely with reclaimed wood, and I breathed a sigh of relief. There are clean, spacious shower and toilet cabins, a fully-equipped kitchen, and plenty of board games. It’s a convivial space where guests trade travel suggestions over breakfast—and perhaps play a rowdy game of Taboo late into the night. It’s also the only place on the property with Wifi.

All the extras

If you’re keen to get active and explore the breadth of Prince Edward Island’s natural and culinary bounties, Nature Space has plenty of options. Yoga classes, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking are just the beginning.

An oyster biologist by training, Jarrod runs kayaking tours to a nearby oyster farm where you can shuck-and-slurp to your heart’s content—though there’s a beer version too, where you taste a few local brews. In the winter, the resort runs snowshoeing expeditions and SNOWga (yoga on snowshoes), while in summer, you might find a three-course Beach Feast.

Taking advantage of the stunning natural setting, there are also regular events such as forest bathing, and wellness retreats that include sound bath meditations, yoga workshops, and even ecstatic dancing.

kayaking tour
Take a kayaking tour to a nearby oyster farm

Then there are the add-on food options. They usually require 24 hours’ notice, but within just a few hours, Heather manages to put together some incredibly Instagrammable boards for us. The first features local cheese and meats, carrots and tomatoes from her garden, and a delightfully moreish spirulina mustard; the second is overloaded with fresh pineapple, apples, and cherries, as well as marshmallows, Rice Krispie treats, and a chocolate fondue set-up. Served alongside a spectacular sunset and a fire on The Hive’s patio, these boards make for one of our favourite island dinners.

Given everything that’s happened in the last few years, we could all use some time to unplug, retreat into nature, and enjoy some relaxation, gentle activity, great food, and good company. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Nature Space Eco Resort. After just 48 hours, we leave feeling thoroughly rejuvenated.

Find out more about Nature Space Resort

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