A new 75-acre nature-based resort is opening its doors in Williamsburg this weekend, offering a “camping meets luxury” experience in unique geodesic domes outfitted with full furnishings, electricity, AC/heating, private kitchens and bathrooms, firepits, hammocks, and outdoor tubs. Woodland Creek Furniture owner Rob Evina and his business partner, Mark Grattafiori, are launching the first season of Silver Birch Resort with six domes in 2023, with the goal of expanding to 12 by next spring and up to 37 long-term.

The resort, located on Moore Road in Whitewater Township, was inspired by years of family getaways between Evina and several childhood friends. Hotels didn’t provide the “closeness and emotional connection” sought by the group during their reunion trips, so they switched to camping. But the lack of amenities while camping – like hot showers, air-conditioning, and on-demand hot coffee – was also off-putting for many adults.

Thus the idea for Silver Birch Resort was born, offering “the benefits of camping while having the amenities of a quality resort,” according to the company’s website. The initial six “dome homes” – which are fully booked for opening weekend – have 780 square feet of living space, 16-foot-high ceilings, full kitchen/bathroom/living amenities (including a king-sized bed), and outdoor deck. The forested sites are typically at least 100-150 feet apart for privacy and include screened outdoor tubs, firepits, and hammocks. Varying units can hold up to 2, 4, and 6 guests each.

Evina “went to great lengths” to preserve the natural environment of the property with “minimal impact from the development,” he says. Guests are permitted to explore the 75 acres of surrounding property, with miles of trails and wildlife including deer, raccoons, porcupines, coyotes, and the occasional bear. The resort is also adjacent to state land, providing connections to more hiking and birding opportunities. “We’re not encouraging dirt bikes or ORVs or anything like that,” Evina says. “We’re trying to keep it peaceful and tranquil. You’ll get the full effect of a northern Michigan experience.”

Many people are familiar with yurts or the concept of “glamping,” but Evina says the resort’s geodesic domes are in a different category. “We’re trying to dispel those stereotypes,” he says. “A luxury tent isn’t a fair characterization. We took it one step further by building these structures to residential standards. They have all the amenities of a home.”

Though the first six domes are not designed for year-round use – the planned rental season is May-October – they are snow load-bearing and can remain in place during all seasons. Evina hopes to add six more domes by next spring, which will be nearly twice the current size with 1,200 square of living space and 20-foot ceilings. Adding heated cabins to provide winter rentals is also a future option. The property is approved to eventually host up to 37 total units, Evina says. “It will depend on the demand, but it seems like the interest is there,” he says.

As proof of that interest, Evina first listed the domes for rent six weeks ago in anticipation of the resort receiving its certificate of occupancy this week. “That’s pretty late in the short-term rental season,” he says. “Many people who come up for Horse Shows or festivals or other events have already booked their stays.” Still, Silver Birch Resort already has 120 reservations on the books and is almost sold out for July. “We’re seeing a nice range of people,” Evina says, from honeymooning couples to wine tour groups to family vacations. Evina says he’s also received inquiries about weddings and corporate retreats, which he’s exploring as a future possibility. Rental rates run from $299 to $399 per night, he says.

Evina is hopeful Silver Birch Resort will occupy a niche in the local vacation market, particularly post-pandemic when more people are looking to be outdoors and reconnect with nature. “There are all different types of accommodations here in Traverse City,” he says. “I think we have something that fills a void. My perfect experience for a guest is they would wake up in the morning, have a coffee, and see a deer walk by their window. Yet they’re a mile-and-a-half from the casino, they’re near the Horse Shows, the beaches, downtown, Old Mission Peninsula. They’re right on the edge of everything, but can still have this unique experience in nature and detox from the city.”