As the world’s most discerning travellers seek deeper meaning from their getaways, one design philosophy is quietly shaping the future of ultra-luxury escapes. First coined as a term in the 1960s, biophilia refers to “the human tendency to connect with nature and other living things”.
‘Biophilic architecture’ intentionally weaves natural elements and principles into buildings and interior spaces to foster a closer connection between people and nature, and the benefits are clear.
Bringing nature indoors and creating environments that amplify natural settings improve wellbeing, reduce stress and enhance sustainability.
Research shows that guests spend 36% more time in hotel lobbies featuring natural design elements, and that 90% of guests report higher satisfaction levels in biophilic spaces.
Biophilic design has been shown to boost wellbeing by up to 200%. Wellness tourism, an industry largely centred around nature immersion, is valued at $650 billion globally and is projected to grow by 16.6% annually. Reconnection with nature is no longer optional for affluent travellers; it’s a priority.
For the conscious traveller seeking authentic reconnection, Muskoka delivers an elevated nature-based slow travel escape. Set in Ontario’s ‘cottage country’, the region is renowned for its log and timber lakefront homes, scattered across a landscape of 1,400 lakes and vast expanses of dense woodland.
In rural Ontario, traditional log cabins and cottages were the original icons of early cottaging. Many of these rustic homes, some built by Indigenous peoples and early settlers nearly 200 years ago, still stand today, lovingly restored and steeped in history.
This architectural heritage continues to evolve, with a new wave of architects preserving the spirit of the past while embracing scale, grandeur and modern biophilic design.
Jayne McCaw, founder of Jayne’s Luxury Rentals, has already tapped into the growing interest in biophilic architecture, hand-picking properties that embody the concept at its best and working closely with architects whose ethos aligns with nature-first design.
Among Jayne’s Luxury Rentals’ trusted collaborators is Simon Hirsh, a highly celebrated Canadian architect who, alongside his team of highly skilled woodcrafters, has been designing and building log and timber homes for over 25 years.
Using premium British Columbia and local timber species, Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, Hirsh Log Homes fuse time-honoured artistry and impeccable craftsmanship with bold, natural design.
The result is a portfolio of properties that effortlessly blend structure and natural setting.
Signature homes in the Jayne’s Luxury Rentals collection include Rosseau Manor, a six-bed, six-bath log cottage with a matching two-bed, one-bath boathouse on the shores of Lake Rosseau.
Set on 324ft of frontage, the estate features a sandy entry, sauna, outdoor shower, and an abundance of water toys —and is said to have previously hosted Justin Bieber and Drake, among other high-profile guests.
Over on North Lake Joseph’s exclusive Billionaire’s Row, Westwood is a striking eight-bed log home with a boathouse, cinema room and hot tub nestled within a secluded, forested backdrop.
Hirsh’s latest design, Rhinestone, is an expansive property on Lake Muskoka offering total privacy, all-day sun, and convenient access to the towns of Port Carling and Bracebridge.
“Nature is always the inspiration. Our vision is to create a ‘living in nature’ environment by blending our homes into their natural landscape, and Muskoka is the most idyllic destination to work with. We simply celebrate – and cherish – what already exists in Muskoka naturally,” says Simon Hirsh.
Also bringing a distinct architectural lens to the Jayne’s portfolio is Alex Foreshew, whose studio is based in Port Carling between Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau. Known for his purposeful and technically precise designs, Foreshew takes a contemporary approach to traditional lakeside living.
His properties are characterised by full-height glazing, natural materials and thoughtful integration with the land.
Standout properties include A Modern Moose Lodge on Lake Rosseau, where expansive windows maximise light and lake views, earthy tones anchor the interiors, and the structure itself is carefully embedded into the rocky shoreline.
At the rear, granite stairs cascade down to the boathouse- a striking slice through the landscape that echoes Foreshew’s refined, elemental aesthetic.
His signature style continues at Bal Harbour, a custom-built, recently renovated cottage filled with bespoke details and all-new furnishings designed to reflect the serenity of its natural surroundings.
Each of these properties offers more than luxury; they provide an immersive experience. In a region defined by its lakes, forests and granite cliffs, these homes are crafted not just to sit within nature but to celebrate it.
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