In the world of winemaking, the word “terroir” is used as a concept to describe the essence of a particular vineyard. To harness the full power of the terroir, winemakers consider aspects that can affect the grapes and ultimately the wine, such as climate, people, smells, sounds, or animals found on the vineyard. Terroir is not simply exclusive to winemaking or even products in general; it can also refer to intangibles like a particular area’s culture. For example, there is normally a vast difference between the terroir of an ocean and the terroir of a mountain because the sights, sounds, smells, and temperatures vary drastically. But for Vero Beach native Christine Walker, the essence of both boil down to one word: truth.
Walker, the owner of Ocean Drive’s Studio Gabriel, vacationed in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her family as a child. She continued her visits as an adult, and on vacation with her fellow Vero native, partner Tom Hope, she met the owner of a farm-to-table bed-and-breakfast. This owner raised animals, harvested food, ran the bed-and-breakfast, and, coincidentally, had a beauty parlor in her basement. Inspired by this kindred cosmetology spirit, Walker adopted her as a mentor and decided to follow in her footsteps.
These footsteps took her to the rural area of Mars Hill, North Carolina, where she and Hope followed gravel roads to find their own piece of land. The search was not initially smooth, but as Walker believes, “If you put your dream out into the universe, it happens.” Her dream came true with a 158-acre enchanted forest complete with underground electrical wires and the basic infrastructure of gravel roads. At a 4,200-foot elevation, she not only saw a spectacular view, but she also saw a vision for the land that was now hers.
Surrounded by a lush canopy of viridian, emerald, and kelly green leaves, Walker says she immediately knew her goal was to “share this paradise with other people so they, too, can get in touch with nature.” She wanted to create a place where people could come to rest, re-center, and find their truth. Hope readily admits this vision was more hers than his, but, as he says, “She is the hardest-working person I know, and I am happy to help her build her dream.”
Knowing they needed a destination worthy of the mountain, they decided to create Vero Mountain, a glamorous camping destination where guests enjoy nature in a 5-star setting. Regular tent or cabin walls were unacceptable, because glamping guests need quarters that provide a seamless transition between man and nature. To fill this tall order, they chose “geodomes” (geodesic domes) and glass suites.
Three maiden geodomes, named Truth, Tranquility, and Timeless, grace the land atop the mountain. The entire front of each dome is clear glass to allow a completely unobstructed view of the mountains in the distance. Seated over a covered second level, which houses a hot tub and grill, these domes boast exquisite decor that truly captures the feel of each theme. Walker and Hope decided to make the decor of each dome unique, thus allowing guests to truly enjoy a glamping experience tailored to their specific style.
Unique designs carry to the glass suites tiered farther down the mountain. Each of the four suites has its own personality, ranging from emerald elegance to boho chic. While the designs may vary, there is one non-negotiable: two sides of each suite are mirrored glass, thereby fully immersing guests in the thick forest outside their windows. Those willing to sleep with their curtains wide open can become part of the morning sunlight show that plays on the leaves…