Esta’s and the Fine Art of Retreating

Bob Pest
Photos by Judy Pest

Webster’s Dictionary defines retreat as a place for relaxation, contemplation, meditation, renewal, and rejuvenation. Unlike resorts, which frequently define themselves by the number of organized activities they offer and the size of the crowds at those activities, retreats define themselves by what they don’t have–crowds, traffic, lines, noise, bright lights, more lines.  A retreat is where we go, to borrow a phrase from the Frank Sinatra songbook, to “get away from it all.” Or, to use an increasingly common metaphor, a retreat is a place to “recharge our batteries.”  A crowded resort is a success; a crowded retreat is a contradiction in terms.

Esta’s White River Retreat in tiny Locust Grove, just outside Batesville, is the paradigm of what a retreat should be.  Secluded without being remote, off the beaten path without being hard to find, Esta’s offers the privacy and natural beauty that characterize many Ozark Foothills retreats, but adds a surprising and welcome level of comfort and amenities. The three large log homes that make up the retreat are furnished in a relaxed, uncluttered style that perfectly suits the serene surroundings and recognizes that the real show is just outside. Both the buildings and the grounds are meticulously maintained, further reinforcing the sense of calm that soon overtakes even the most “hyper” visitor.

The soothing magic of Esta’s is due in large part to its location, lining the bank of the White River.  Spread pretty evenly along the river, the three log homes offer incredible views and immediate access to the river. Bordered on one side by the river and on the other three by abundant pine, cedar, and white oak, the retreat is as unassuming as it is magnificent. Esta’s has no office or front desk, nothing to suggest the business end of the operation.  Arriving is like pulling up to a friend’s house; leaving is like leaving home.

Ohana, the largest of the three houses on the complex, gets its name from the Hawaiian term meaning “extended family.”  It is large enough that it might well be called a lodge.  The name is especially appropriate for a retreat that lends itself to large family gatherings. Ohana has six spacious bedrooms, each with a private bath and one with a wood-burning fireplace. The comfortable living/dining room area opens onto large deck just yards from the river. Visitors frequently enjoy breakfast on the deck, a wonderful option, and it’s easy to spend most of a morning there watching the morning mist rise on the river. 

The Riverside Pavilion and barbecue are located directly behind Ohana. The canopy-covered pavilion can accommodate several dozen people and is ideal for small weddings, anniversary celebrations, and special birthdays. During the hotter summer months, the clear cold water of the White River lowers the shoreline temperatures by 5 to 10 degrees, making it possible to remain outdoors long even when the mercury rises.

The other two log houses in the complex, the Honeymoon Cabin and the Cedar Lodge, share the casual but impeccable character of Ohana.  The Honeymoon Cabin sports its own deck overlooking the river, as well as majestic windows on the second floor.  The Cedar Lodge includes two dorm-like rooms upstairs, perfect for family reunions.  Both are somewhat more rustic in look but no less comfortable.

For the “fast tracker” trying to get “out of the fast lane, “ sleeping late is a good first step.  Esta’s high quality mattresses and bed linens make it easy for even “go getters” to catch up on their sleep, experiment with an afternoon nap, or just lay around.  Equally essential to the retreat prescription are slow strolls along the riverbank and mandatory porch time, preferably at least twice a day. For maximum results take a news fast, turn off your cell phone, and whatever you do, don’t check your email. If you want to bring something to read, consider Emerson, Wordsworth, Whitman, or Thoreau.

The essence of the artful retreat is to do nothing with style and conviction, but Esta’s is also equipped for the active retreater with a large outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, basketball court, horseshoe pits, volleyball court, and athletic field perfect for frisbee flying or touch football.  Fishing enthusiasts can explore the shoreline or arrange for canoe or fishing boat rentals.  Guests who bring their own boats have full access to the concrete boat ramp.  

Esta’s will handle all of the details for corporate retreats, weddings, and family reunions. Arrangements can also be made for picnic lunches, private dinners, and other large functions.  The commitment to customizing each stay, whether a couple for a weekend or four generations of a family for a week, sets Esta’s apart from most other vacation destinations.  The follow-through and attention to detail that underlie that commitment make it truly one of a kind.

The longer you stay at Esta’s, the further it seems from the stressed out, workaday world you left behind.  But all the essential provisions are only five miles away at Canard’s Country Store in Locust Grove, amazingly well stocked with everything from homemade peanut brittle to Perrier, salsa to sorghum. From there it’s only twenty minutes to Batesville, well worth an afternoon jaunt to check out the downtown historic district, the Old Independence Regional Museum, or the Mark Martin Museum.  But be sure to get back to Esta’s in time to roast some marshmallows, catch the sunset, and be serenaded by the crickets.

Information is available at www.estaswhiteriverretreat.com. Esta’s is a member of the Bed and Breakfast Association of Arkansas.
Bob Pest lives in Locust Grove.