Reprinted from High Springs & Alachua Magazine
Every once in awhile you hear of someone following their heart's vision and ending up with more than they could have imagined.  This is the case with Rum Island Retreat.  From the world of Interior design, textile design and artistic silks for wear, Wanda Baxter imagined a retreat that would nourish her artistic spirit and at the same time be available to other wanting to immerse themselves in nature's restorative vibrations.  Wanda imagined and has breathed life into Rum Island Retreat.

Sharing space with all the wildlife known to North Central Florida and nestled in the Florida woods, Rum Island Retreat directly adjoins Rum Island Park.  The springs are adjacent to the river gate in the park and only a short walk or nice swim, float or kayak downstream.  You'll bump into a wild turkey, if you're up early enough, and hear and see the wide variety of birds among the extensive flowers and vines.  Just passing through, from time to time , is the occasional bobcat or raccoon.  It's a "live and let live" environment which lends itself to a spiritual feast.

Venturing out into the flow of life on the Santa Fe River and the deep, refreshing springs, is a simple task.  Just rent out the kayaks and canoes available right on the property.  If you wish to simply swim and snorkel, your feet can take you the 600 feet to the River.  You can swim right in the springs.

The facilities at Rum Island Retreat consist of a cabin that sleeps 8 maximum (four adults and two children would fit best); a Summer Kitchen outside for barbequing and dining al fresco; full bath and kitchen facilities inside the cabin; and, lovely grounds that include a gazebo for daydreaming and meditation. 

(incidentally, the grounds are well-suited for an intimate wedding and reception.  Contact Wanda for details.)

Rum Island Retreat is becoming a busy center of activity in the High Springs area.  In addition to families, Rum Island Retreat is perfect for a "Girlfriend Weekend," for instance.  Wanda, together with Suzie's Wellness Spa in High Springs have created a wonderful weekend of outdoor fun and spa services designed to relax, restore and rejuvenate.

And, locals are getting to know the Retreat two Tuesdays a month at 7pm meditations in the Great Room.  If you are interested, call Lori at (386) 497-3081.

If you enjoy exploring over the Internet, you can peek in at Rum Island Retreat at http://www.rumislandretreat.com and look over Wanda's artistry at http://www.silks.com.  You will definitely come away from this exploration with a sense of the qualities of beauty and peace that govern Wanda's life and that are available to all at Rum Island Retreat.