New Mirror Hotel opens soon with invisible cabins within driving distance of Charlotte

Owner Joanna Cahill says she has incorporated what people love about glamping (but leaves out everything they don’t like — such as a general lack of amenities) in order to create an elevated experience that encourages guests to enjoy being outside.  

What’s happening: Cahill and partner Patrick Lovett of Asheville Glamping have created 18 invisible cabins designed to blend into the natural environment and reflect everything around them.

• Guests will only be able to make reservations and receive discounts if they join the email list.
• Cahill says the response has been overwhelmingly positive, and that reservations have booked up quickly.
• “We are so psyched because we didn’t know the reaction would be this great. It was so exciting,” Cahill says.

Layout: John Yurko with Yurko Design helped bring Cahill’s vision to life with two different cabin designs that create an immersive outdoor experience.

• The elevated invisible cabin and the grounded invisible cabin have 17 feet of architectural mirrors on their exteriors, aimed at reflecting the nature they’re surrounded by.
• Cahill’s cabins are the first of their kind in the U.S. A similar design can only be found in Sweden at Treehotel.
•  “It’s important for us to create something unique,” Cahill says.

Elevated cabin: The 900-square-foot units (nine total) can sleep six people with three beds. 

• Depending on the day, the cabins can range anywhere from $800 to $1,200 per night.
• Indoor amenities include everything you won’t see at their glamping units, such as smart TVs, high-speed internet, full soaking tub, shower, washer and dryer.
• Outdoor spaces to relax include a large deck, hammock, grill, pizza oven, hot tub and fire pit.

Grounded cabin: The 600-square-foot spaces (nine total) are similar to lofts with two beds that can sleep up to four people.

• Expect to spend about $500 to $600 per night for these dog-friendly and handicap-accessible units.
• These rentals are spaced out by 200 feet with an outdoor space including a deck, hot tub, fire pit area and outdoor dining.
• Cahill wanted to make sure people can spread out without being claustrophobic in these rentals.
• “For many years I thought tiny houses were cool until I lived in one and realized that I needed more space,” Cahill says.

Location: The cabins are located exactly two and a half hours away from Charlotte but close to popular attractions in Asheville.

• The rentals are about 25 minutes north of downtown. They’re not far from outdoor activities such as the Appalachian Trail, French Broad River rafting and Sandy Bottom Trail Rides. 

What’s next: Mirror Hotel is working with an investment group to expand to a few surrounding states. 

• Cahill says there will be at least three locations in the next three to four years.