Notes from the host
Equani Lodge
Set up high on the ridge with plunging views of Lake Norfork, the undiscovered gem of the Ozarks. With clear, still waters, it is the perfect lake for a family vacation. You can swim, boat, water-ski, fish, take a sunset cruise, hike the lakeside trail - or simply relax and enjoy the mesmerizing views from your luxury lodge.
With comfortable accommodations for up to 30 people, Equani Lodge is the perfect setting for a family reunion. There are 7 bedrooms, a nursery, 5 bathrooms inside, 1 at the pool cabana, 2 kitchens, 2 decks, a balcony, a heated pool (open from April - October) with pool deck, pool bar, BBQ, games room with pool table, playground equipment, hiking trail, fire pit, and 11 acres of lake view land for your exclusive use.
Your home away from home, everything is provided to make sure that your family and friends can relax and spend time bonding and making memories. All ages have been considered carefully, with ramp access to the whole main floor, and down to the pool, we can accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. The outside decks are each fenced in to keep our little ones and dogs safe, and the pool has an automatic cover. Children have highchairs, plastic plates, a crib, and a playground. The swimming pool has two ledges, one at 1.5 feet and one at 3 feet so kids can always find a safe place to stand around the edge of the pool. There are shady spots to relax on all three decks, where you can avoid the midday sun whilst still enjoying the great outdoors.
Everything comes ready to go for 30 people. From the bed linens, to the bath towels, to the cooking pots, pans, appliances, plates, mugs, silverware, plastic cups and plates, to the pool towels, and outside seating on the main deck which seats up to 30. The Great Room and Games Room each have a Smart TV and keypad so you can hook-up to the internet, your Netflix account etc. But with a huge array of channels on offer you may not need to. There is free wi-fi throughout the house and at the pool. The Games Room has a pool table and there is a basketball game at the pool, a swing, seesaw, and a badminton net and rackets.
In the winter months, there is still plenty to do at Equani Lodge. Our hiking trail leads from the front yard all the way down through the woods to the lake, then continues to Tracy Ferry Marina (2.7 miles each way) with beautiful lake views and wildlife along the way. The fire pit is perfect for cooler evenings and has a backdrop of Lake Norfork and spectacular sunsets. There are plenty of options for fishing in the area - either striper and walleye on the lake or trout on the White River. We can recommend some great guides in the area to show you the best secret spots.
In the warmer months, the highlight of any trip to Lake Norfork is getting out on the beautiful clean, clear water. There are very strict guidelines restricting any development around the lake which is the reason it remains so natural, quiet and clean. Lake Norfork is one of the most exclusive lakes in the region. However these restrictions also applies to boat docks which are very limited, so there is not direct water access from the house. Fortunately, there is a full service marina only 10 minutes away which offers a variety of boats for rent, along with gas, supplies etc. It is impeccably maintained and has slopes for wheelchair access etc. If you have your own boat and trailer, there is ramp access less than a mile away.
Luxuriously appointed bedrooms are all different from one another, each is influenced by one of the beautiful local birds of the Ozarks. There are 7 bedrooms and a nursery, with a variety of room configurations, some with ensuite bathrooms, balconies, terraces, and all (but one) with a stunning lake view.
Your every need has been anticipated so expect to have the most comfortable stay of your life. Beds feature high thread count linens, memory foam mattresses, fluffy duvets, and ample pillows. There is a ceiling fan over each bed, and air-conditioning so your room will be cool and breezy. Blackout curtains ensure you can sleep or nap whenever you like. Full length mirrors, wardrobes, a desk and chair, plenty of sockets for charging your devices, and free Fios wi-fi, give you all the comforts of home.
These are the lodge's bedrooms:
CARDINAL (sleeps 2-3)
The only bedroom in the Upper East Wing of the lodge, the master bedroom has a King Bed, one Single Bed, balcony with table, chairs, and a stunning lake view. The Master bathroom is en suite, which has a freestanding egg bath complete with lake view, walk-in rainfall shower, twin sinks, and a walk-in wardrobe.
BLUE JAY (sleeps 2-4)
Walk across to the Upper West Wing of the lodge, to the Blue Jay Master bedroom with a King Bed, 2 Single Beds, and French doors leading to the large deck with a panoramic lake view. The Bathroom is next door, and shared with the Goldfinch Room. It has a walk-in shower, single sink, and lake view window.
GOLDFINCH (sleeps 2-4)
This room is adjoining the Blue Jay Room above so would work well for families that wis to be close together. Two Queen Canopy beds make this an elegant room for couples or children to share. This is the only bedroom which does not have a lake view, but it has a lovely view over the garden.
BALD EAGLE (sleeps 2-4)
Now we take a trip downstairs to the Lower West Wing of the lodge. The bald eagle room has a striking monochromatic color scheme, a window with a Lake View, a King bed and 2 Single Beds. It connects to a large bathroom with bathtub/shower and twin sinks. The bathroom is also shared by the Bluebird Room which is next door.
BLUEBIRD (sleeps 2)
The pretty iridescent blue tones of this room make this one a favorite. It has a great lake view, and a King bed so it is ideal for couples.
PELIATED WOODPECKER (sleeps 2)
Walk across to the Lower West Wing of the lodge, and the Peliated Woodpecker Room is great for those who wish to be in the heart of the action. With the downstairs kitchen on one side, and the Games Room on the other, and a door leading to the lower deck and swimming pool, there is always something to do. The elegant iron canopy Queen bed makes it a romantic choice for couples. It is also closest to the nursery - so would be good for parents. The Peliated Woodpecker Room shares a bathroom with the Nursery and games room. The bathroom has a large walk-in rainfall shower and twin sinks.
ORIOLE (nursery sleeps 1-2)
A whimsical room with a full size crib, toy chest and a small sofabed, perfectly designed for our younger guests.
HUMMINGBIRD (sleeps 4-6)
The largest room in the house, with its own ensuite bathroom complete with twin rainfall shower, and twin sinks. There is a King Bed, bunk beds with one Full Bed and one Single Bed, plus a Queen sofabed. There are two sets of French doors which open out onto the Lower Deck and pool area.
GAMES ROOM (sleeps 2-4)
The Games Room provides a fun setting with ample seating, large flatscreen TV for watching movies, and a stone fireplace. It also has a Queen sofabed, two Single sofabeds, and blackout curtains so it works very well as an extra bedroom. There are two sets of French doors which open out onto the Lower Deck and grass area. The bathroom is just a few steps away and has a large rainfall shower and twin sinks.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Equani Lodge has a sister property, Anedodi which is only a 15 minute drive away. VRBO Listing #213735