Disconnect and Explore Nature Within the 100 Acres of Missing Hotel

Most people would advise against roaming the woods late at night. At Missing Hotel, it’s encouraged.

Not only are there relaxation pockets throughout the 100 acres that are outfitted with glittering lights only visible in the darkness, but the night is when the senses are heightened and it’s easier to attune to your surroundings. There’s the sparkling Hill Country sky dazzling in stars, the twinkling fireflies dancing in between the trees, the crackling of firewood in fire pits and the gentle psithurism. Wait, what’s that word? Meaning “a rustling or whispering sound, such as leaves in the wind,” psithurism is a favorite word of Sam Hopkins and her husband Stephen, the owners of Missing Hotel.

“When we were in Australia, I saw a poster that had the definition of ‘psithurism’ on it,” Sam says. “I was intrigued by the word, and now every time I hear the rustle of the trees, I think of the poster and take a minute to enjoy that there is actually a word for that!”

Opened in 2022, Missing Hotel is … well, somewhere in between Marble Falls and Liberty Hill. The Hopkinses prefer to keep it kind of mysterious until you book your stay in one of their 11 custom-built structures, which range from geodesic domes to small, luxury villas, all outfitted with fire pits, decks, private restrooms and either a plunge pool or hot tub. Each structure is unique (and given an equally unique name), but they all offer beautiful forest views, serenity and small details to make guests feel at home, like curated records and books, cozy towels and blankets and, mercifully, air conditioning.

“We seek to provide a retreat from the outside world and into nature. During your stay, we want you to imagine the best version of yourself, and we hope that glimmer doesn’t leave your eyes for the duration of your stay,” explains Stephen.

Almost like a scavenger hunt, the Hopkinses’ manifesto for Missing Hotel is to help guests disconnect and go a little missing. Guests receive general instructions on how to reach their shelter, as well as a basic map, but it’s up to them to explore the property — including three miles of trails, hidden “outdoor living room” vignettes tucked away into the trees, lookout points, meditation labyrinth, field with two mini cows (Elvis and Presley) and even a game area complete with a putting green — at their leisure. Sam says her favorite pastime on the property is forest bathing — think more like meditating in the trees to savor the sounds, smells and sights rather than a hike with a clear-cut destination.

“The more people venture out, the more they will experience,” says Tom Hopkinses, Missing Hotel’s Guest Liaison (and Stephen’s father, who also helps build, renovate, fix and generally man age structures on the property).

Tom is also one of the night time forest bathing advocates, telling a tale of millions of fireflies surrounding him and his golden doodle Piper while out for a midnight stroll in a field. “In the daytime it’s gorgeous, but the nighttime is just magical.”

The Hopkinses met during a travel abroad semester from University of Oklahoma in Spain and immediately bonded over their love of adventure and exploring other countries. Now married with a young daughter, the couple has traveled to more than 50 countries, owing their vacation flexibility to Sam and Stephen’s entrepreneurial successes in the energy industry.

Along their many travels, the couple took notes of elements and experiences that left an impression on them and decided to create a place that evoked all of those deep meanings and share them with others. While living in Houston, they’d travel to Austin and the Hill Country often and fell in love with its natural surroundings. They were lucky to find a parcel of 100 acres roughly an hour outside of Austin that was largely untouched and surrounded by the 50,000-acre Balcones Wildlife Preserve, and over the course of three years, created Missing Hotel.

“The uniqueness of our location is its seclusion, and the topography is dramatic with expansive views of the canyon,” Stephen says. “We’re proud we didn’t sacrifice the secluded settings we’ve created. The last thing we want when we’re getting away is to be twenty feet away from someone else.”

While Missing Hotel does indeed have wifi, it’s limited, and cell service is spotty at best. This is on purpose, according to the Hopkinses, who hope their guests unplug and unwind in nature, through forest bathing, grilling food outside, hiking and just reconnecting with themselves or each other.

“It’s a space to regroup, explore, create, process, breathe more easily and feel genuinely looked after. It’s permission to go missing for a while, trusting that when you return home, you’ll be better for it,” Sam says.