Like uncovering a longed-for treasure, there’s nothing like discovering a resort destination so special that from the first glance, you want to return to it again and again.
Sessions Retreat and Hotel, a boutique lodging in Big Bear Lake is exactly that place. Unique décor, beautiful, shared guest spaces, a variety of room options, and fire pits that allow perfect star gazing above the pines – what more could you ask for. Well, possibly, and accommodating, welcoming ownership that is all too rarely encountered. With a focus on art, wellness, and nature, you’ll want to come for one “session” and return for multiple Sessions stays.
Before diving into all this property has to offer, it’s worth noting that I am not usually a fan of Big Bear itself. I normally gravitate toward the desert or the ocean rather than the mountains, and I’ve stayed at the kind of “rustic” cabin-in-the-woods spots that the community has available by the score. But finding Sessions reveals the pure pleasures of the area: watching the sunset over the lake, the moon rising over the trees, listening to the morning birds while strolling the grounds.
The second personal preference worth noting: regular readers and subscribers here know that art is something I pursue and love experiencing. When I originally booked this property back in February – a planned visit delayed by the anomaly of astronomical snowfall in the region – I had no idea that the hotel was art-centric. But it is: from the unique, witty, found and installation art in public and shared spaces to the lovely art in each room and a fun mural with spiritual vibes lining an outdoor corridor that connects the property’s office to other buildings.
Let’s start with a look at the accommodations. Regardless of the room type, amenities are artistic yet comfortable. Bedding and towels are first class, and the complete redo of what was an older property is thoughtfully done. Beautiful hand-laid patterned tiles brighten the bathrooms, original art on the walls has a meditative quality, and an intelligent use of space make up the basis of every room type. Walls have a color block pattern that makes rooms feel and look more spacious. Small touches count: a small bonsai in a white-painted fireplace, a sculpture of a golden heart with branching arteries; a hanging lamp emanating gold light from a shade that could’ve come from Morocco. Two books rest on a wall shelf: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, by John Koenig, and the wildly fascinating Remember – Be Here Now with its mandala-like cover. A reed diffuser emanates the mellow scent of a Black Forest. Rooms are pet-friendly and have high-speed WIFI.
These amenities are a part of each room type. We stayed in the two story The Club, a former motel space that holds single kings and two-queen-bed rooms which also hold a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and smart TV.
The budget option – but you’d only know it by measuring the size of the rooms, which are smaller, is The Lodge. The rooms in this building are private with private baths, however the lower floor of the building holds a communal space with billiards, fun and funky wall art, an old-fashioned electric fireplace, dining tables, and a large and modern kitchen. This building would make a great space for group up to 30 including retreats or family/friend gatherings.
More commodious offerings are found at The Chalet, duplex, ample studio-size cabins quipped with queen beds, a full kitchen, and along with that queen bed a pull-out queen couch, as well, making them ideal for families or couples who want a little extra space. The biggest private space of all is Cabin 69, which has two queen bedrooms and a full kitchen.
Then there’s open space available for all hotel guests to enjoy: an outdoor deck, two gas-fed firepits with comfortable Adirondack chairs, a pool, and best of all, the Flatlander, a bar and event space that the owners named as a bit of an inside joke, at the Big Bear-locals somewhat derogatory name for a person who lives or lived at low altitude or at any city. There’s a classic pinball machine and mini-bowling arcade game that likely originated in the 1940s; a glassed-in collection of beer cans; a gilded throne chair – perfect for a birthday queen on a raised platform; a goggle wearing statue of a grinning mobster as the ersatz bouncer; and of course the long, shiny, well-stocked bar. It’s a cross between the coolest rec room ever and an art installation that’s half steam-punk and half 1970s kitsch.
Beyond it is an outdoor patio, the long, long green lawn and trees, and a tee pee, where at times, yoga and meditation classes are conducted. Mushroom-shaped solar lights dot the paths, and overhead solar lights sparkle between buildings at night.
What more could you ask for? Well, maybe s’mores by those fire pits, and when we mentioned stocking up on some fixings, co-owner and property operator Frank Caruso proved his stated belief in hospitality accommodating every guest’s needs – and left Hershey bars, graham crackers, and marshmallows for us.
Caruso is an exceptional hotelier, one of three friends who saw the potential in the property as an “adult playground…filled with art and centered around strengthening our connection to nature and each other.” And so, what was a rather run-down and typical Big Bear vacation spot became this unique, sophisticated, yet sweet experience that creates what the team calls an integration of “ART-chitecture in Nature.”
Judging by the speed at which the property has been completely redone, the further changes Caruso and his team envision for the resort may already be under way – food and beverage service at The Flatlander even when events are not scheduled at the venue; making a Cinderella-like motorcoach on the property operational; creating a full-on yoga program. Even though it doesn’t seem as if it could get any better, Sessions is and will.
Personally, I can’t wait to go back, and you shouldn’t wait – go.
For more information visit sessionsretreat.com.
- Genie Davis; photos by Genie Davis