WHY YOU NEED TO ESCAPE THE CITY AT THIS MAGICAL HOTEL AND RETREAT IN ESCALANTE, UTAH
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OFLAND HOTEL IN ESCALANTE, UTAH
Situated in beautiful Southern Utah, Ofland (previously Yonder) is a hidden oasis you’ll never want to leave because of its breathtaking views, various accommodations, and unique amenities. It is a one-of-a-kind destination in Escalante, Utah, near two incredible National Parks, State Parks, and scenic trails. You’ll find everything you need to know about staying at Ofland in this article, along with my honest review.
There are various options available for guests to stay in at Ofland from Deluxe Cabins, Vintage Airstreams, Tiny Cabins to campsites.
DELUXE CABINS - These custom-designed deluxe cabins feature panoramic windows, an en suite restroom with a private outdoor shower, and pull-up parking. The deluxe cabins offer more privacy and personal space and are the only rooms with private bathrooms.
VINTAGE AIRSTREAMS - The vintage Airstreams have been transformed into unique guest suites with modern comforts, skylights, and plenty of space to spread out. Airstream guests have full access to Ofland’s spa-quality shared bathhouses, fully stocked and complete with heated outdoor showers.
TINY CABINS - The well-appointed, custom-designed tiny cabins feature 11’ ceilings and glass walls, immersing guests in the stunning views of Escalante’s landscape. Tiny cabin guests have full access to the spa-quality shared bathhouses as well. We opted to stay in the Tiny Cabins, and it was lovely and at the right price point for the two of us.
CAMPSITES - If you’re looking for something more affordable or have a camper van, then the campsites are ideal. Each site comes with a picnic table, charcoal grill, fire pit, a filtered water hookup, and multiple power options for electrical outlets.
What are the Tiny Cabins like?
For such a small cabin, they really make it spacious with a big bed, couch, poofs to sit on, mini fridge, microwave, and some counter space for coffee, tea, prep space, you name it! Because the front and back are glass to enjoy the views of Southern Utah and let in the natural light, there are curtains to close for privacy, and they really work quite nicely. We kept the ones at the back by the bed closed because the windows faced other cabins, and then the ones by the door open so we could wake up to the beautiful views of the land. Speaking of waking up, it was definitely hard to do here because the beds were SOOO comfortable and squishy.
What are the shared bathrooms really like at Ofland?
Again, our cabin didn’t have a private bathroom, so we had to walk to the shared bathrooms, which I wasn’t so sure about at first. I’ve camped numerous times and have used shared bathrooms a lot, but they’re typically VERY basic and not super clean. These… Oh my gosh, y’all. These bathrooms truly felt like I was in a luxury spa. They had very nice stalls with toilets and sinks on one side, and then on the other side, they had vanities with luxury Dyson blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, as well as outdoor showers. When it came to the showers, guests could sign up for a time slot and then just show up and grab the shower. They had lovely body wash, shampoo, and conditioner which is my personal favorite when traveling. They smelled like essential oils and really set the scene for an outdoor oasis. I was worried about how the timeslot of the showers would go because you never know if people are going to follow the rules, and it went very smoothly.
What things are there to do on the property?
Catch a movie at the Drive-In Theater
Yes… I said drive-in theater. Ofland has its very own drive-in theater with vintage cars for guests to sit in while they watch the movie. We really wanted to make sure we had a car to sit in, so we got to the drive-in area about 45 minutes early (I know, crazy), but we got a cute light pink car! Plus, the concession stand opened 30 minutes before the movie started, so we ate a hot dog and some candy before the show even started. You do have to pay for those; however, there is plenty of free popcorn! What you do have to pay for isn’t movie theater prices, though, which is very nice. They were showing Jurassic Park that night, which was fun to watch because I can’t tell you the last time I watched the original Jurassic Park!
Toast marshmallows in the Outdoor Lodge
After a day of exploring or relaxing, guests can hang out at the Outdoor Lodge and toast marshmallows. You can get the supplies in the front office/general store, but be prepared to spend a pretty penny. We got a pack for $13.95 to make four s’mores, which to me was expensive, but I don’t think they would let you bring your own supplies, and we really wanted little treats.
Grab some breakfast on property
I started the morning by making coffee in the cabin and sitting on the porch watching the sun come up. It was super peaceful and relaxing — it felt like everyone was there wanting the same experience, which was nice. Breakfast is included for guests every morning in the Outdoor Lodge. However, when I say breakfast, I mean muffins, cereal/breakfast bars, and coffee. For more substantial breakfast, they have a food truck on site with breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, cornbread french toast, fruit bowls, oatmeal, or even a yogurt parfait all for purchase. See the full menu here.
Relax by the pool or stargaze from the giant hot tub
The pool and hot tub at Ofland is one of THE places to take advantage of during your stay. I do recommend getting to the pool early if you want to avoid children. Eventually, some ended up there and were all over the place splashing and making it a less relaxing experience, to say the least. In the evening we took advantage of the HUGE hot tub. It was the width of the entire pool, which was nice because the hot tub was popular, and it still felt like we had our own space to stargaze and relax.
What food is available for purchase on-site?
The main lobby and office area where you check in also functions as a general store, offering a variety of items for guests to purchase, including bug spray, sunscreen, sweatshirts, and even premade meals, sodas, and beer. This is where you can purchase the $14 s’mores kits.😅
What is there to do nearby?
Experience one of the coolest cafes nestled in the rocks
We accidentally happened upon this incredible cafe and coffee shop while driving to Capitol Reef National Park and just HAD to stop on our way back. Kiva Koffeehouse is only a 20-minute drive away, and if you blink, you will miss it because you only see the sign, which blends into its surroundings. There’s a dirt road that leads to a parking lot, and then you’ll find stairs that lead down to the coffee shop, which is nestled within the rocks and canyon. When I say this is one of the coolest places I’ve ever been, I mean it. Each table by a window has an incredible view of the canyon and is the most beautiful spot to enjoy a coffee, lemonade, and chocolate chip cookie.
Grab a delicious quiche and coffee at Escalante Outfitters
We enjoyed a delicious coffee, quiche, and muffin on the morning we checked out from Escalante Outfitters. It’s only a two-minute drive from Ofland, which is great because you definitely feel secluded while at the resort, but you’re also very close to town. Besides pastries and coffee, they have a wide array of clothing and accessories to browse. There’s also a variety of pizzas available for lunch and dinner if you want to venture out a bit from the resort or grab a pizza and bring it back to your cabin.
Explore the beauty that is Bryce Canyon National Park
One of my favorite National Park hikes is in Bryce Canyon National Park, which is only about 50 miles from Ofland. The Navajo Loop Trail has the iconic switchbacks I’m sure you've seen pictures of online but be warned… this trail is not for the faint of heart. The 1.4 miles seem like nothing until the elevation change starts to hit ya! I highly recommend going in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds because it does get very crowded.
Take a scenic drive to Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Ofland in Torrey, Utah, along Scenic Byway 12. There are beautiful overlooks to stop at one in particular being the Head of the Rocks Overlook. It was absolutely stunning! The entire drive was amazing and well worth it for the breathtaking National Park. One thing I found really cool about this park is that they have a homemade pie shop within the park. We managed to snag a cherry mini pie, which was one of the last ones available. They are quite popular, so when you first arrive at the park, be sure to head there as soon as possible!
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