The Retreat At Sky Ridge

Specialties

Open year round, the Retreat at Sky Ridge is an unspoiled, 140 acre pet friendly resort away from noise and traffic, yet only minutes from Eureka Springs. Seven fully-​furnished, themed rental cabins centered in a designated native Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary with natural creeks, springs & 2 spring-​fed fishing ponds.

Cabins feature wood-​burning fireplace, Jacuzzi or soaking tub, stereo/​DVD player, private covered porch with rocking chairs & swing, outdoor grill & free Beaver Lake access pass. Lake & pond views available.

Resort is home to Sky Ridge Pavilion event center with indoor seating for 150, fireplace, catering kitchen & outdoor terrace – perfect for weddings, retreats & reunions. Other amenities: gazebo, covered picnic area w/​huge party grill (seating 40+), meditation labyrinth, hiking trail, outdoor stone fire circles & free movie/​book/​game library. Concierge available to book canoe/​kayak/​fishing trips, horseback riding, lake tours & tickets to local shows/​attractions.

History

Established in 1987.

The property was homesteaded in 1885 and the original stone homestead cabin (now the Guest Welcome Center & Office) was built then. Starting in 1987 with a few rental cabins, the resort was named Fairwinds Mountain Cottages.

New owners purchased the pet-​friendly resort in May 2009 and quickly began renovating & redecorating all cabins with unique themes. Other improvements included: a second pond with a waterfall, expanded covered picnic area (seating 40+), outdoor stone fire circles, and construction of the Turtle Moon labyrinth. The resort was re-​named «The Retreat at Sky Ridge.»

The Sky Ridge Pavilion Event Center for wedding/​special events (indoor seating for 100+) is the latest addition and the largest facility of its kind in Eureka Springs West. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission has designated the140 acre resort a Native Bird & Wildlife sanctuary due to its extensive wooded areas, natural springs, creeks and spring fed ponds. The resort overlooks pristine Beaver Lake.

Meet the Business Owner

Eric S.

Business Owner

Eric graduated from Ohio State University with dual degrees in Business Administration and Real Estate. He and his wife Cindy moved to Eureka Springs Arkansas in 2009 when they acquired their first resort, The Retreat at Sky Ridge near Beaver Lake. Together, they also founded Creekwater Reptile Rescue & Rehab Service, specializing in treatment & release of injured native turtle species.

Studer has worked with leading hospitality companies, including Holiday Inn, Hilton International and Accor. As VP Marketing at Accor, his team handled marketing for the Motel 6, Studio 6, Red Roof Inn, Novotel and Sofitel hotel brands, winning numerous marketing awards. The Motel 6 «We’ll Leave the Light On» advertising campaign was voted one of the «Top 100 Ad Campaigns in the Last 100 Years,» by Ad Age Magazine.

Eric has also managed wildlife parks, entertainment facilities, water parks and is a board of directors member for Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge — America’s largest big cat sanctuary.