Summary: We tried Postcard Cabins (previously Getaway) for a mini-vacay and enjoyed it for a much-needed reset. The simple cabins (called Outposts) emphasize calm, unplugged time and offer us opportunities to connect with each other and the natural surroundings. 🍃

Pros:

• Looking for a way to unwind, enjoy nature, and foster deeper connections with yourself and/or your better half? Postcard Cabins is just the ticket.
• The minimalist design is cozy and inviting, and helps prioritize meaningful rest and relaxation. 
• The queen-sized bed is quite comfy for a great night’s rest.
• There’s a lot to do at Postcard Cabins: Lounge, connect within, read, play games, explore the property, meditate, and other general ways to unplug and experience nature.

Things to consider:

• Prices can vary greatly, with a one-night stay costing upwards of $400, making it inaccessible for some budgets.
• Getaway is very accessible with marked pathways and easy access, but it’s definitely recommended to have access to a car. The Outpost is accessible via rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, but wait times can be long and inconsistent outside of larger city limits. 

Raise your hand if your resolution this year was to cut back on screen time. Yeah, me too. In an effort to doom scroll less and see more stars, my partner and I decided to set this intention and get out of town ASAP.

That’s where Postcard Cabins (formerly Getaway) comes in. The Marriott Bonvoy properties are a collection of cabins — their locations are charmingly referred to as Outposts — sprinkled across the United States, and each cabin is a minimalist dream tucked away in nature with a simple design in a calming, functional space.

“Created with the idea that free time should be synonymous with nature, every Outpost is a respite from the busyness of life.”

What intrigued me about Postcard Cabins wasn’t just the beautiful design concept (I’m a total sucker for Nordic and Danish-style designs because they just evoke a sense of peace), but the ethos behind the brand. Created with the idea that free time should be synonymous with nature, every Outpost is a respite from the busyness of life. Picture it: Tiny homes where unstructured time with zero obligations is front and center. Sign me up. 

Planning your Getaway

“The cabins are nestled onto the grounds amid lush forest views and are spaced apart from one another.”

The cabins are tiny, ranging from 140 to 200 square feet, nestled on the grounds amid lush forest views, and spaced apart from one another. Though I could see our neighboring cabins from our perch, each cabin was tucked far enough away that my surroundings remained quiet and restful. While these spaces may be small, they’re mighty in privacy and amenities (don’t worry, there’s electricity, AC, heat, and more). Each cabin kitchen is stocked with cooking essentials like oil, pots and pans, plus non-perishable provisions like pasta, popcorn, and coffee (for purchase). And that’s not all, the bathroom is stocked with fresh linens and towels and a hot shower. Ideal for a winter vacay.

Prices for a one-night stay range between $184 to $400+, depending on the time of year and whether it’s a weeknight or a weekend. Bringing your furry companion? Add another flat fee of $50 for your pup.

Note: Postcard Cabins is not an off-leash establishment for furry friends, but there is a long lead with every cabin so your dog can join you outdoors by the fire pit or the picnic table. And some locations have an on-site dog run for off-leash exercise, too.

What to pack

Now, if you’re itching to book a little holiday away but aren’t sure what to pack, don’t fret. Since I’ve enjoyed a stay at the Machimoodus location (more on that below), I already got my packing sorted and am here to give you the much-needed intel. 

“After choosing your Outpost and considering the time of year, set an intention for your nature holiday.”

After choosing your Outpost and considering the time of year (is it going to be chilly or humid outdoors?), set an intention for your nature holiday. For me, I wanted to reduce screen time and enjoy more personal time. Which means, I was dreaming of connecting with my husband and our dog Pepper, plus finishing the latest novel on my TBR pile. That translated to feel-good outfits ideal for lounging and stepping out into town to pick up groceries for dinner.

For a one-night stay, here’s what I packed in my carry-on:

• Two pairs of black leggings (one for wearing, one for sleeping)
• Hiking boots
• A long-sleeved T-shirt
• A cozy top for snoozing
• Toiletries and some self-care essentials like a sheet mask and facial oil
• A book (in this case, I was finishing up Bram Stoker’s Dracula)
• Phone chargers (I *actually* unplugged on this trip, but I always like to be fully charged in case of a roadside snafu or emergency)
• My everyday jewelry
• Dog food, a toy, and treats for my pup

And to travel, I wore a pair of jeans, sneakers, and a sweater with my winter sidekicks, like a wool beanie and a puffer coat (also to add, any of these travel day pieces could be swapped out with anything from my carry-on, if my mood changed). 

Check-in & experience

I’m rather familiar with the New York Hudson Valley area, so I booked us a night at the Machimoodus location in Connecticut to experience somewhere new. I was certainly looking forward to time spent unwinding: Going for walks, playing a card game or two, building a fire (firewood and firestarter are available for purchase at every cabin), and each space is equipped with lanterns, books, cards, and an activity booklet.

“Driving up to the property, it felt like I was already in a peaceful state surrounded by trees and a sprinkling of black cabins.”

The ride up from Brooklyn to Connecticut was a breeze, and the two-and-a-half-hour drive itself is rather scenic. Driving up to the property, it felt like I was already in a peaceful state surrounded by trees and a sprinkling of black cabins (these cabins are rather far apart, so you’re not going to interact much with your neighbors unless you planned a group trip). 

Check-in was super quick and seamless — it’s contactless, and a code is texted to you pre-arrival. All of the cabins are “lovingly named for the grandparent of a staff member or guest,” and ours was called Laverne (so cute!).

Inside was my minimalist, phone-free dream: A queen-sized bed, a small but fully functional kitchen, dog treats, and a bathroom. Snacks and coffee were also available in the kitchen for purchase. Outside each cabin is a fire pit, picnic table, locked box (with fire pit and s’mores essentials), and a long lead for a dog. 

“My favorite spot in the cabin? The full-size, floor-to-ceiling window right next to the bed.”

Beyond a brief stop into the neighboring town for groceries and a latte (Two Wrasslin’ Cats is a delightful coffee shop, btw), we set our sights on hunkering down in our home away from home for the night. We cooked dinner together, and while it was a squeeze for two people to make a meal together, it wasn’t a deal breaker. The rest of the night included conversations around the fire (and s’more making), snuggling with my dog while I read in bed, and pulling a few tarot cards (I had left them in my purse, a fun discovery!).  

My favorite spot in the cabin? The full-size, floor-to-ceiling window right next to the bed. It was great for stargazing, reading, and having a few quiet moments to myself in the morning light (I also spotted some wild turkeys wandering about, during my mindful moments). My partner’s favorite spot was undoubtedly the fire pit, where he also engaged in some much-needed me-time and meditated.

All in all, toasting marshmallows, walking around with our pup, getting lost in a book (and not a screen), and finding a way to deepen our relationship connection without staring at our phones was restorative and fun. But waking up surrounded by trees and nature? (And by my furry friend who was *very* excited to see wild turkeys for the first time?) It was hilarious, unforgettable, and completely priceless. 💫

Stephanie Valente is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She is a copywriter and editor covering wellness, commerce, lifestyle — and more — for publications like Brooklyn Magazine. Based in Brooklyn, she’s often writing poetry, getting lost in a book, or hanging out with her dog.