I am always looking to try out new places to stay along the North Shore, so I was so excited when Odyssey Resorts asked me to stay at the newly acquired Sea Villas! It seems like every trip up the North Shore always has a touch of magic, but staying at the Sea Villas was almost like out of a fairytale. I’ve been to the North Shore dozens of times, staying at various hotels, lodges, and cabins, and usually, with all there is to explore, I typically don’t spend too much time inside, but staying at the Sea Villas I couldn’t believe how much time I wanted to spend inside or just on property!
Location + Living Space
Located in Lutsen, just minutes from downtown Lutsen, these Sea Villas are quaint and cozy and the perfect option for both unplugging & adventuring as they really give you the best of both worlds! Offering 1 or 2 story units, each Sea Villa is unique in its own way but one thing you can always count on is having the best view of the lake and being just steps from the shoreline. Our unit was a 1 bedroom + loft that had cozy & rustic ski chalet vibes and was perfect for us! We had everything we needed for a long weekend of work, adventure, and relaxing.
Just one step inside the villa you are greeted with a view of Lake Superior. It was an open concept, with a full kitchen and full bathroom that led into the living area complete with a cozy couch & chair, table & chairs, and woodburning stove to keep us warm. We loved having the full table to use for our meals and also while we worked. I have to say their Wifi was incredible! It kept us connected when we needed to be. On the main floor is the main bedroom and then you can find a ladder that brings you up to the loft with three additional single beds – perfect for bringing the kiddos! Each interior is unique as most of the Sea Villas are privately owned so you’ll find characteristics of the owners amongst the villa. It was fun to see the array of movies, games, and books in ours.
Each Villa is equipped with a wood stove and plenty of firewood for your use, free of charge. We actually left for an afternoon and came back to find our wood was restocked! You’ll also always have a deck out the back (ranging in size) with a small charcoal grill, and along the property you will find fire pits for beach bonfires!
Amenities
The Property has its own private trail connecting each end that snakes throughout too. Wander through the woods and across bright red bridges to see the landscape in all its beauty, no matter what season. From my starting point, I took it to the middle of the property, where it brought me to the main building. Here you can find some of my favorite amenities they offer – the Pool house!
Imagine it’s winter and you just had the most epic morning skiing up the road in Lutsen. Your body is a little sore and you’re looking for a little break before you either go back out or call it a day. Head back to the Sea Villas, slip on your swimsuit, and head to the pool house to enjoy one of the most beautiful pool houses I’ve seen in Minnesota. Take a dip in the pool, relax in the jacuzzi, or sweat it out in their sauna too. I was so fortunate to enjoy this while watching the snow fall outside too! It really is the perfect apres-ski activity!
Along with the trail and pool house, you can also find a playground on the property and several benches, picnic tables, and chairs where you can stop and just enjoy the natural beauty.
One of the BEST things about booking with Odyssey is that you have access to their Odyssey Experiences. At the Sea Villas, you are not far from one of their other locations and experience hub, Caribou Highlands, where you can sign up for professionally guided tours or check the events calendar to see what is being planned on or near the property. All Odyssey guests are welcome to participate in any signature experience from their 2 different hubs (Larsmont Cottages or Caribou Highlands). In the summer think kayak tours, fly fishing, agate hunting, paddle boarding, canoeing, and more. And in the winter, you have access to snowshoeing, ski-shoeing, brewery hop, natural history hikes, and more! I was able to experience one of the natural history hikes, and I was immediately blown away!
We went to Sugarloaf cove for an easy 1-mile loop around the area. Jacob, our guide, was so enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable about the history and natural landscape of this place. You could tell he was very passionate about his job and his life on the North Shore. A guided hike is anywhere from $10-$25/person (this would be one around $10/person) and they will shuttle you to your location too! Even if you’ve already done some of the hikes they offer on your own, I highly recommend booking one for a new perspective on your surroundings!
Surrounding Area
The Sea Villas give you the freedom to really choose your own adventure and it’s perfect for everyone. And did I mention it was dog-friendly?! You really can’t beat the location too! While you can have an amazing unplugged weekend at the Sea Villas or try one of their guided experiences, there are several other things to explore near the property too!
-Head to town to fuel up with coffee from Fika and anything you might need from the newly renovated General Store
-Have happy hour at the North Shore Winery
-Make a day trip to Grand Marais and eat and shop your way around town! Check out my favorite things to do in Grand Marais here.
-Hike at Cascade State Park
-Ski the Sawtooth Mountains then dine at Moguls Grille and Taproom at Caribou Highlands
So whether you’re wanting a girlfriend getaway, solo retreat, or romantic weekend – Make the Sea Villas top of your list! You can also save 15% off your bookings at the Sea Villas now through May 2022 with code LATELY. Check out Odyssey’s other properties along the North Shore here too!