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

WELCOME to RAPHA’s REST RETREAT!!

[Read FULL DESCRIPTION w/HOUSE RULES + ANSWER Pre-Book QUESTIONS 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 pray, hike & explore.

** DISCOUNTS: LAST MINUTE, MILITARY, & MINISTRY LEADERS (w/documentation) **

Before describing this DESTINATION RETREAT, pls note we are only set up for specific sojourners & may not be the best place for you ... Ask QUESTIONS @ HOUSE RULES BEFORE BOOKING. Ie. NO PETS, NO ALCOHOL or TOBACCO (incl. vaping) for liability reasons.

3rd PARTY BOOKINGS: We take GUEST SAFETY seriously. For that reason we RARELY accept 3rd Party bookings. If you wish to “scholarship” a gift (ie. pastor appreciation), we can usually accommodate! HOWEVER, if you wish to book for different party (ie. business trip, friend, etc.) we are not your place. All of our cabin guests deserve to know other guests have been properly vetted.

ENGLISH: Guests must be able to communicate in ENGLISH for SAFETY of all. We are an interactive property & best experienced when all amenities & boundaries are clearly understood.

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

RAPHA’s REST offers 5 Cozy Cabins & 2 Private Rooms remotely located on 42 acres in the piney woods of E TX, only 1-2 hours from Louisiana, Tyler, & DFW. Great for sojourners seeking healing REST & RESTORATION, or for small family reunions or ministry groups! Play w/the goats, read a book or roast marshmallows ... PERFECT REST-STOP on your continued journey!

This 2BR cabin is lofted (stairs) w/ balcony deck overlooking our wooded property. The kitchen comes fully stocked with full-size appliances including a stove, refrigerator, & microwave in addition to outdoor grill. Master has a QUEEN bed w/Tempur-Pedic mattress & small closet. 2nd BR includes 4 adult-size bunks. [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. Access to fire-pit on Pool Deck to enjoy late night reminiscing or roasted marshmallows [SMORES BASKET @ $10 Donation.]

Recommend this cabin for couples & families of 4-6. However, for a small set-up fee of $10, we can add a COT [total of 7]. STILL NOT SURE?? Chk out our other 4 cabins!

PARKING: FREE / 2 VEHICLES.
$15/stay for each additional vehicle. [DETAILS @ possible BOAT PARKING BELOW] … *CONFIRM BEFORE BOOKING*

PROPERTY: In addition to 42 acres to explore & your own private deck, relax on large Pool Deck [perfect for group gatherings when using multiple cabins]. 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 won’t keep you from having a good time!!]

HIKING: 42 tree'd acres to hike, pray, & explore. Bring good shoes for exploring!

WORK-OUT ROOM: Complete w/ weights, TreadClimber, & MASSAGE CHAIR!! Just another layer of “Rest” for guests here at Rapha’s Rest!!

BOOKSTORE/ MOVIES:
We just opened our BOOK-NOOK & VINTAGE COUNTRY STORE … books, gifts, snacks & farm-fresh eggs!! Also, we have a full LIBRARY of DVDs to use for rainy & hot days!

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.

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. Pls be respectful of other guests. [SAFETY PARAMETERS FOR MINORS BELOW]

NOTE: NO MUSIC PLEASE as guests have different tastes. If you would like to add MUSIC at the pool, please request Hosts to turn on SPEAKER for RAPHA’S REST RADIO (Coffee House Mix). 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!)

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

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

** When available, farm fresh eggs ($5/dz), quail eggs ($3/dz) or a S'more's Pkg ($10) can be purchased.

CHK-IN/OUT: Important PROPERTY INSTRUCTIONS upon ARRIVAL … This 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: All DONATIONS go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES overseeing maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.]

INTERNET: We encourage guests to get the full benefit of RAPHA’s REST by detaching from all devices. However, POOL DECK does have internet available when needed - slow, but fine for a quick email check. We ask that you NOT upload/download/ or stream movies, games, etc. due to the LIMITED SPEED/ DATA. THANK YOU!!

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

BOATERS: We are only minutes from Lake Fork/Lake Quitman! We cannot guarantee BOAT PARKING, but make every effort, depending on what all of our other guests’ needs are. If Overnight Battery CHARGING needed, there is a DONATION of $10/night required. BRING an extra long EXTENSION CORD. All Fish cleaned outside with remains sealed & placed in trash (not tossed on property). NOTE: We have ONLY 1 CABIN that can handle 2 BOATS [Inquire BEFORE BOOKING].

NON-BOOKED 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. VISITOR POLICY includes an added $DONATION (Outlined Below) + AGREEMENT to PROPERTY/HOUSE RULES + SIGNED RELEASE OF LIABILITY.

KID FRIENDLY? While the answer is YES, our RETREAT design is ADULT-ORIENTED. Ie. Pool was created with adult relaxation in mind - not a sports pool. Kids do enjoy it, however. We encourage exploring, playing with goats, etc, but there are many potential dangers. So … ALL MINORS under 18 must have an adult ONSITE. Swimming in POOL, an adult must be within eye-site. ALL CHILDREN under 13 must be accompanied around the 42-acre property by an adult or older sibling. This is for both for SAFETY & MEDICAL LIABILITY.

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.

FINAL WORD: 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 **

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) 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?

3) $ DONATION OPTIONS are as follows:
- $40/visitor/per day… Any length of time + AMENITIES (ie. Pool, etc.), LEAVE BY SUNSET

- $20/visitor/per day … 2-8 hours, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc), LEAVE BY SUNSET

- FREE … Less than 2 hours (ie. a meal / visiting) at your cabin area, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, massage chair, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET

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

5) All visitors must be OFF PROPERTY by SUNDOWN.

6) All Visitors must agree to HOUSE RULES & SIGN RELEASE of LIABILITY upon arrival. The Donation PAYMENT is surety and a pledge of Agreement to such.

7) 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.

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

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, & increase property wear & 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.

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