An Enchanting Luxury Escape
Rooted in the spirit of the Cherokee and the rich history of the Great Smoky Mountains, families and couples discover adventure, immerse in Appalachian culture, and reconnect in serene surroundings at 3 Little Bears Retreat.
ᎤᏬᏢᏍᏗ ᎤᏃᏴᏫ ᏅᏩᏙᎯᏯᏓ (Uwotlvsvdi unoyvwi nvwatohiyada) Cherokee ideal of Beyond Just Right, be Livin' Right!
Epic Views. Indelible Memories. Great Adventures
Secluded on the mountainsides of a peaceful valley of creeks and waterfalls by the "Road to Nowhere" entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits Three Little Bears Retreat, which is Bryson City's finest nature resort offering a unique and immersive guest experience both on its grounds and in your private cabin. Preview your harmony of wild adventure and serene luxury below.
ᏅᏩᏙᎯᏯᏓ "Nvwatohiyada" Cherokee state of balance and peace
Indulge in a Luxury Lodge - Families, Groups, & Retreats
Cozy Cabins, Romantic Getaways, & Unique Glamping Accommodations
The ᏄᏩᏘ "Nuwati" Hall and Spa
At 3 Little Bears Retreat, immerse yourself in a luxurious spa experience, either in the privacy of your cabin or at our Nuwati Hall & Spa (Summer 2025).
For a holistic approach to wellness, we also offer private yoga sessions, tai chi, and other activities, all designed to promote relaxation and balance amidst the serene beauty of nature either at your cabin or in the Hall.
ᏄᏩᏘ (Nuwati)-"the way of healing." In Cherokee tradition, nuwati refers not just to physical medicine but to a holistic path of wellness—encompassing spiritual, emotional, physical, and communal healing. It is deeply tied to balance and harmony with nature, oneself, and others.
Regenerative Travel
ᎣᏍᏓ (Osda) ᎤᏃᏴᏫ (Unolvtanv) "Sacred harmony with all living things."
Guided by the Cherokee belief that we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors but borrow it from our children, we are committed to becoming not just a sustainable, but a regenerative resort—one that restores, renews, and uplifts the land and its people. From our on-site recycling programs and energy-conscious upgrades to our support of wildlife rehabilitation and the protection of native Hemlocks, every effort is rooted in responsibility. A 3% stewardship fee from each booking directly supports replanting, restoration, and community resilience—ensuring that what guests enjoy today endures for generations to come.
What Others Have to Say:
"My husband stumbled across Matt’s listing the day we were suppose to leave for our anniversary weekend getaway. Matt approved our request with in an hour of booking. It was very easy to navigate our way to his lovely cabin. We felt right at home when we got there. Absolutely beautiful cabin inside & out. Bed in master bedroom was so comfortable, my husband wants one for our house lol. Matt’s cabin is located mins from town & we got to enjoy sight seeing & relaxation. The 2 things we were wanting to do. Matt checked on us & made sure we had everything we needed & made sure we were enjoying our stay. Even added a pizza oven to his outdoor cooking area. Our couple getaway was a 10/10. Thank you so much Matt. Would definitely book again in the future." – Berina Swinney - Airbnb
“We had an amazing stay! The kids absolutely loved the Airstream inside the cabin—it was such a unique and fun feature. The hot tub was so relaxing, and we enjoyed roasting marshmallows by the fire. The location is fantastic—just a short drive to downtown and the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. We couldn’t have asked for a better getaway and will definitely book again. Highly recommend!” -Jessica Johnson - Airbnb
“The truly differentiating factor at Three Little Bears Retreat is the attention to detail and the curated, experiential offerings for guests. Agnes, the Guest Experience Manager, and Matt, the owner, took the time and effort to truly provide a stay tailored to our group. Morning yoga sessions and afternoon massages - all arranged and brought on site from local businesses - and craft sessions using natural materials gathered while on a guided hike for the kids were highlights of our stay.
I have never stayed at another venue that put as much personal care into the guest experience - thank you to Matt, Agnes and the entire team at Three Little Bears Retreat!” -Kyle Larson - Google Reviews
“Matthew as a host was fabulous, helpful and quick to respond. The cabin was PERFECT for our family of 14. The kids had space to play, watch movies and have fun while adults had their space to connect and have fun. The cabin was also perfect when we all came together for meals, games and family time. The beds were all very comfortable and plenty of bathrooms!!! We loved the Mountain View’s and especially loved Woodsy the outdoor cat! Can’t wait to go back again!” -Amy Smith - Airbnb
Are You an Influencer, Creator, Artist, Journalist, Chef or Craftsman? Connect with us, we'd love to collaborate and talk about having you come out to the Retreat.
Our Arts and Crafts Season is January, February, and September where we can accommodate longer stays and trades. Please reach out for more information: matt@3littlebearsretreat.com
Your Adventure Awaits
