Cabin Fervor: The PLEIN AIR Getaway Guide

All images come from the respective resorts' marketing materials. Image credits belong to the rightful owners.  

Cue up your OOO message and fire up that ol’ group text, it’s “let’s circle back after the new year” time. Whether you’re barely crossing the finish line, or you’re celebrating a year of successes, one thing is for certain; you’re due for a break. So put in that time off request and dust off your suitcase—your PTO plan is here for the taking. 

But what will you wear? And where will you go? Don’t fret darlin’, we already did the heavy lifting. We’ve curated all the best stays for group trips, romantic getaways, and even those solo jaunts to be totally alone. From where to visit and what to pack, we’ve got your next vacation covered. So where are we sending you? Here’s a hint; it’s less about the destination and more about the dwelling. If vision-boarding your trips is a favorite pastime, then you’re going to love what we have cooking. 

This year’s Holiday Getaway Guide is all about CABIN FERVOR. Yeah, ya heard that right, cabin fervor, not cabin fever.  

Cab·in fer·vor
/ˈkabən/ /ˈfərvər/
Noun
A passion for small, comforting homes situated in wild or remote areas.

We’re PLEIN AIR girlies, we’re going to be obsessed with finding the most dream-worthy lodging, it’s simply part of our job description. After all, did you really have a great ski day without an aesthetically cozy fireplace to cuddle up to afterward? And how about that full day of surfing, not as great without the beachfront cottage views, huh? Yeah, we don’t think so either. That’s why we’re here, curating your next adventure so you don’t have to compromise on comfort, style, or anything else important. 

What do you say, shall we start exploring? 

Our Favorite Cabin-esque Hotels and Resorts in The United States, By Nightly Rate: 

AutoCamp — Multiple Locations

Holiday nightly rates starting at $163

“AutoCamp guests can cook over a campfire, try a natural wine tasting, skip rocks, and skip straight to dessert in bed—all in the same day.” This right here is our type of vacation. Started as an airstream cabin collective, AutoCamp has grown to now have over nine different resort destinations, all ideally located in the great outdoors. Some of our favorites include Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Asheville, and Cape Cod. 

Flying Moon Cabins — Idaho Springs, Colorado 

Holiday nightly rates start at $173

This quaint mountain-rustic retreat is a short 45 minute drive from Downtown Denver (without i-70 traffic, which we know is wishful thinking on the weekends) and is located just 10 minutes from downtown Idaho Springs. Denver locals may recognize the charming design style, as the owners of this creekside destination also own the popular Weathervane Cafe. While all cabins are the same size, it’s worth noting that The White Rabbit cabin has a private sauna & we’d urge you to spring for said cabin if available, like any *true* friend would. 

Captain Whidbey, Whidbey Island, Washington

Holiday nightly rates starting at $219

While Whidbey Island isn't the most tropical of island destinations, like at all, we still love it for the dreary, moody vibe. If you’re feeling burnt out from whatever this year brought you, this rustic lodge is the perfect place to recuperate. Stay out of the cold and hunker down in the gathering library, which they mention is great for “reading, learning, and quiet conversation.” Pack your Kindle and your favorite (quiet) board game and get to recharging.  

Metolius River Resort — Camp Sherman, Oregon 

Holiday nightly rates starting at $225

If it’s your dream to star in a real-life hallmark story about a city girl who settles down in a quaint mountain town and falls in love with the local *insert extremely niche career* man — then this is your ideal holiday stay. We obviously can’t guarantee the whirlwind romance, but we can guarantee you’ll fall in love with the rustic charm of this riverside resort. Located just outside of Sisters, Oregon, and about a 50-minute drive from Bend, Oregon,  the Metolius River Resort is a quiet hideaway for those visiting the Cascade Mountains. 

Lumen — Woodstock, New Hampshire

Holiday nightly rates starting at $249

Want a modern homelike stay without all of the frills and fuss of a big commercial resort? Lumen is for you. Nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, this micro-cabin collective features scandi-style dwellings and luxury level amenities. Guests can enjoy the newly renovated, climate controlled public bath house along with a communal barrel and nordic sauna. Outside of the resort, there’s plenty to enjoy, like skiing at Loon Mountain which is just a short 12-minute drive away or dining on the famous Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train. 

Fireside Resort, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Holiday nightly rates starting at $325

Located just a few miles from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Fireside Resort is a great option for snow-chasers seeking that Teton-level-thrill.  Choose from the Caboose Cabin, best for four to six guests, or the similar style Wedge Cabin, best for two to four guests. Both cabins come with a king bed in the main bedroom, flat screen TV’s in both the bedroom and living room, and a gas fireplace in the living room— so your après ski recovery is already on its way.  The best part? This resort is dog friendly. Bring your powder pup along and spend the evenings curled up by the fireplace together. 

Coast Cabins — Manzanita, Oregon 

Holiday nightly rates starting at $325 

Itching to be near the coast? These, aptly named, Coast Cabins are what Pacific Northwest dreams are made of. Owned by a couple (and their dog) who invested in this boutique hotel after an idyllic trip to Manzanita, these cabins are so homey you may decide to make the move too. While the weather on the Oregon Coast can be unpredictable during this time of year, the comfort of this unique stay will make you want to stay inside any way. 

Inness — Accord, New York

Holiday nightly rates starting at $449

For the finer-things-in-life type of traveler, we’re obsessed with Inness, an elegant cottagecore escape that feels reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel. With 28 cabins, a 12-room farmhouse, on-property restaurant and bar, golf course, and a spa coming in the spring of 2024, this resort has everything you need for a “I never left the resort” type of retreat. 

A Frame Club — Winter Park, Colorado

Holiday nightly rates starting at $690

New as of  January of 2023, this cabin collective offers a stylish mountain escape for skiers visiting the Winter Park complex. Influenced by mid-century modern design, the cabins, and resort as a whole, have a cohesive aesthetic that feels simultaneously warm and sophisticated. Each cabin comes with a bedside soaking tub, perfect for dipping into after a long day on the slopes. 

Noble + Proper — Big Bear,  California

Holiday nightly rates starting at $695

Since opening its doors in December of 2022, this boutique hotel property has brought refreshing pops of color to the classic lakeside cabin interior. Focused towards travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of Big Bear, this escape has chic appeal while still incorporating the warmth and comfort of a cozy stay that feels like home. The property consists of eight gorgeous cabins ranging from two- to four-bedroom setups, sweetly named after the hotelier’s family members. Pro tip: book Orville’s Lodge for the private cedar hot tub; you can thank us later. 

Sea Ranch Lodge —  Sea Ranch, California

Holiday nightly rates starting at $815

The Sea Ranch Lodge is famous for more than its beachfront views and sharp mono-cedar exterior. The resort was originally conceptualized in 1964 as a forward-thinking ecological community and was made popular by its progressive founders. Once a resource center for the community, housing a post office, land sales office, and information center, the hotel lodge is now reimagined and outfitted with modern furnishings to accommodate guests from all over. Travelers can either book a room or suite at the main lodge, or upgrade to an individual cabin.  

Colorado Lodge — Big Bear Lake, California

Holiday nightly rates starting at $1,284

Mountain modern meets quaint and cozy quarters? Say less. This luxury cabin collective, located in downtown Big Bear Lake, is just a four-minute drive from Snow Summit, one of the four Big Bear Mountain Resorts. After hitting the mountain, guests can relax on their patio or go for a restorative soak in their private hot tub before retreating to the scandi-style lodge. If you’re looking for a minimalist mountain retreat, this is your spot.

Dunton Hot Springs — Dolores, Colorado

Holiday nightly rates starting at $1,385

For a more elevated experience, the Dunton Hot Springs offers a remote escape to refined comfort. Each historic log cabin has been authentically restored and eclectically designed to enhance the original architecture. Beyond its obvious beauty, this property boasts five different soaking pools, including one situated in their restored 19th century bathhouse. During the winter months, guests can opt for any of the resort’s curated experiences, which include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and taking sleigh rides through the San Juan Mountains. 

So you’ve booked the destination. Now, let’s get to planning: 

The Ultimate Cabin Trip Packing List

You told yourself 100 times to pack the portable speaker, so why on earth did you leave it at home again? Don’t hit the road without good tunes, or anything important for that matter. With the help of our extensive packing checklist, you’ll make it to your destination with everything on hand. We’ve parceled each checklist into the destination type, so whether you’re heading to a warm-weather destination or somewhere a bit colder, you’ll know exactly what you need. See our cabin trip packing list(s) here. 

Outfit Inspo: What to Wear on a Cabin Trip 

Planning a cabin trip? So much fun. Narrowing down what outfits are going to fit in your suitcase? Not as easy. Especially when you’re headed somewhere cold, like on a week-long ski trip, and need to squeeze as many outfits out of the same options as possible. We did the preliminary planning for you and put together a few formulas for cabin-appropriate attire, so you can get back to the fun parts of planning, like deciding which recipe your friends will make on the first night together. 

The Best Recipes to Make at a Cabin 

Speaking of recipes… we know, we know, you’re more than capable of managing the meal planning on your own. But isn’t sharing recipes with friends the best part about cooking? And we are friends, aren’t we? Great, glad we got that covered. See our favorite cabin trip recipes here. And if you have one you’d love to share, email it to us at hello@intopleinair.com

The Best Games for a Cabin Trip — Dropping December 25, 2023

No cabin trip is complete without a board game or card game to pass the time, even if it means playing solitaire by yourself. We’ve rounded up the best, most packable games to keep you entertained on your next getaway.

The Ultimate Cabin Trip Playlist(s) — Dropping December 27, 2023

The speaker you’re definitely going to remember now (re: cabin trip packing list above) will be put to good use with these tunes. From the slow morning wake-up songs to the stay-out-late pregame jams, your music for the trip is covered.