HUMMINGBIRD NEST HIDEAWAY LOFT: East Texas Spiritual Retreat & Country Resort

WELCOME to RAPHA’s REST!! [READ Full Description & House Rules BEFORE BOOKING!] …

HUMMINGBIRD NEST HIDEAWAY LOFT is located at RAPHA’S REST Spiritual Retreat & Country Resort ... a PLACE OF PRESENCE ... surrounded by 42 wooded acres w/trails to hike, explore & spend time w/Papa-God.

Before describing this DESTINATION RETREAT, please note we are only set up for very specific sojourners & may not be the best place for everyone ... [QUESTIONS @ HOUSE RULES BEFORE BOOKING. For example, NO PETS, ALCOHOL, or TOBACCO incl. vaping for liability reasons.]

IF THESE PARAMETERS ARE NOT AN ISSUE, PLEASE READ ON...

HUMMINGBIRD NEST HIDEAWAY LOFT is one of 5 cabins at Rapha's Rest remotely located in the piney woods of East TX for sojourners seeking healing REST & RESTORATION before continuing on their journey! It is among our largest cabins with 2 separate bedrooms sleeping 6 (7 with a portable twin cot set up upon request). This cabin is lofted up high with balcony deck overlooking our wooded property, pool and (future) pond. The kitchen comes fully stocked with full-size appliances including a stove, refrigerator, and microwave in addition to its outdoor grill. This is one of our only cabins where the sleeping is separated from living/dining room. The Master has a Queen bed w/Tempur-Pedic mattress & small closet. 2nd BR includes adult-size bunk sleeping for 4 w/ ladder access. [Note: TOP 2 BUNKS do not have safety rails & not suitable for young children].

HUMMINGBIRD NEST offers a balcony deck for privacy, a gas grill & easy access to amenities at main house deck ... pool, hot tub, & (future) pond. Outside its covered sitting porch, you will also find a private firepit to enjoy late nights reminiscing or roasted smores and marshmallows [Ask about a SMORES BASKET available for a $10 Donation.]

We especially recommend this cabin for couples and families of 4-6. However, for a small set-up fee of $5/night, we can add a cot to the Living Room [total of 7]. STILL NOT SURE?? Check out all 5 of our cabin designs, or ask for our recommendation …

PARKING: FREE / 2 VEHICLES.
$10/stay for each additional vehicle - INQUIRE @ BOOKING.

**Ask about MULTI-NIGHT DISCOUNT for active MILITARY, VETERANS, & MINISTRY LEADERS (w/ documentation) **

PROPERTY: In addition to 42 acres to explore & your own private deck, relax on large Retreat Center Pool Deck - also perfect for group gatherings when using multiple cabins. A hot tub & fire-pit is perfect for enjoying those cooler evenings. Multiple yard games including corn-hole, frisbee golf (1 basket), horseshoes, etc! Summer evenings can bring a bat show over the newly dug (future) pond.

[ NOTE: You will notice multiple unfinished projects around the property! We're a work-in-progress, but it shouldn't keep you from having a good time!!]

HIKING: There are 42 tree'd acres to hike, pray, & explore. You will need good shoes for exploring/walking, especially when wet.

POOL: Open 8am-10pm so BRING SWIM SUITS!! Kids love it but it was designed around adults: Pool features Waterfall, Hot Tub, & Tanning ledge. BEACH TOWELS provided in each Cabin, but you may want to bring a robe/flip flops for walking back to room or cabin. Please be respectful of other guests. Ie. NO MUSIC PLEASE as guests have different tastes. If you would like to add MUSIC at the pool, please request Hosts to turn on RAPHAS REST RADIO. THANK YOU!!

YEAR-ROUND HOT TUB:
(Attach’d to Pool) **IMPORTANT** DUE TO RISING COST OF PROPANE, use 1x FREE/Booking. Each additional use = $15 DONATION. [Once temperatures drop below 50 degrees, each use $15]. We ask that once you request heat on, you ARRIVE WITHIN 10 MINUTES of being ready - after that we have to cut it off. (We understand delays happen, but you may not be fond of cold showers if propane is depleted!)

WORK-OUT ROOM: Complete with weights, a TreadClimber, and MASSAGE CHAIR!! BLUETOOTH your favorite relaxing tubes to the Chair. Just another layer of “Rest” for guests here at Rapha’s Rest!!

LATTES/ FRAPPES: Upon request with small DONATION when “Barista Cheryl” is avail. [formerly owned a Coffeehouse]

FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST: Upon request with DONATION (Couple $30; Family $12ea /$8 under 8) when Randy & Cheryl are avail. REQUEST @ BOOKING. It may include any of the following ... farm-fresh eggs or egg casserole, our own coffee roast, juice, fruit, pancakes or sweet rolls/muffins, etc ... served inside Main House or outside, weather pending.

CHECK-IN/OUT: Important PROPERTY INSTRUCTIONS upon ARRIVAL … We may not work for you … SO PLEASE READ:

— CHECK-IN: 3-7:00pm [FIRM]
** Plan +30min for traffic/detours!
— CHECK-OUT: 1pm [FIRM]
** INSTRUCTIONS sent to cell#

** EARLY/LATE CHECK-IN/OUT: Up to 2-HOUR Early/Late Check-in/out for $25 Donation WHEN OWNERS AVAIL ($40/both) … INQUIRE @ BOOKING.

NOTE: DONATIONS go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES which oversees maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.]

ANIMALS: Our property cannot accommodate PETS or EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS. [Certified Service Dogs permitted]. However, we have a virtual zoo ... 2 VERY LARGE lovable dogs, 2 cats, small goats, multitude chickens/turkeys/quail, and 1 potbelly pig!

INTERNET: The Retreat Ctr Main House has internet available, but it is VERY SLOW - fine for a quick email check, but it does not stream well if you need to do extensive work/Zoom calls, etc. We also ask that you not upload/download/ or stream movies, games, etc. while here due to the LIMITED SPEED/ DATA.

BOOKSTORE/ MOVIES: We want guests to be as free from distractions as possible, so we do not have cable in the cabins/rooms. However, we have a full LIBRARY of DVDs for rainy or extra hot days! We also just opened our BOOKSTORE … books, gifts, & farm-fresh eggs!!

** When available, a dozen farm fresh chicken eggs ($5), a doz. quail eggs ($3) or a S'more's Pkg ($10) for the firepit can be purchased.

BOATERS: We are only minutes from Lake Fork/Lake Quitman! We cannot guarantee BOAT PARKING, but we make every effort, depending on what all of our guests’ needs are. If Overnight Battery CHARGING needed, there is a DONATION of $10/night/boat required. BRING an extra long EXTENSION CORD. [INQUIRE @ BOOKING]. THIS IS THE ONLY CABIN THAT CAN POSSIBLY ACCOMMODATE 2 BOATS. Note: All Fish cleaned outside with remains sealed & placed in trash (not tossed on property).

VISITOR POLICY: It is not a surprise that guests occasionally want to share their Rapha’s Rest experience w/ a friend or family member. However, due to past experiences we have had to become STRICT @ non-reservation visitors on the property. We now have a VISITOR POLICY w/ DONATION that applies to ALL visitors of Cabin Guests … DETAILS BELOW.

KID FRIENDLY? While the answer is YES, our design is ADULT-ORIENTED. For example, the pool was created with adult relaxation in mind - not a sports pool. Kids do enjoy it, however. We encourage exploring, playing with goats, etc; however, please remain with your children, as there are many potential dangers. The primary purpose of Rapha’s Rest is found in its name ... REST. If you choose to bring your children, we encourage you to come back again to receive all the “Rest & Restoration” that God has waiting to give in His Presence.

PRAYER CHAPEL: So excited to have our “CHAPEL IN THE WOODS” finally open - it’s been a labor of love!! Another quiet space to spend with Papa-God.

One name for Jesus is Jehovah-Rapha which means "God our Healer". Rapha’s Rest was created as a healing PLACE OF PRESENCE ... a PERFECT rest-stop on your continued journey for healing REST & RESTORATION!

Blessings,
Randy & Cheryl Bland


** NON-REGISTERED VISITORS **
VISITOR POLICY includes a DONATION + AGREEMENT to Property/HOUSE RULES with RELEASE OF LIABILITY.

PRIMARY REASONS:
a) MULTIPLE REQUESTS. We have 5 cabins + 3 Rooms where at times multiple bookings want to invite family/friends at same time. This can take away use of Amenities from paying guests, change our peaceful atmosphere, and increase property wear and maintenance. THEREFORE, your request is NOT GUARANTEED.

b) LIABILITY/ SAFETY. We need to know who is on the property at all times. Since family/friends are not vetted, nor under the liability agreement of registered guests, this leaves both us & other guests vulnerable, especially when our GATE CODE is given out.

CABIN VISITOR POLICY:
1) All Visitors must be pre-approved through Blands, and only approved when it is compatible with all guests booked during your stay. It is not an automatic privilege & we CANNOT GUARANTEE approval. INQUIRE @ BOOKING.

2) Please DO NOT give out our GATE CODE. This is for the security of all. Please meet Guests at Front Entrance and have them follow you to your Cabin.

3) All Visitors must agree to HOUSE RULES/ RELEASE of LIABILITY. The Donation PAYMENT is surety and a pledge of Agreement to such. A signed agreement may also be requested upon arrival.

4) NO OVERNIGHT VISITORS that were not in original Booking.

5) All visitors must be OFF PROPERTY by SUNDOWN.

6) $ DONATION OPTIONS are as follows:

- $10 DONATION/visitor… Less than 3 hours (ie. a meal / visiting) at your cabin area, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET
- $20 DONATION/visitor… More than 3 hours, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET
- $40 DONATION/visitor… Any length of time W/ AMENITIES (ie. Pool, etc.) LEAVE BY SUNSET

7) If you still wish to request a visitor(s), please clarify
a. WHO (Name/Cell# for HOUSE RULES)?
b. WHAT DAY / TIME?
c. HOW LONG?

REQUEST @ BOOKING. We will let you know what we can/cannot do once request is submitted.

** NOTE: If a DONATION does not work for your visitors, there are lovely Coffee Houses, Parks, and Restaurants within a 10-minute drive to meet your friend/family!