E Lincoln Retreat in Norwich, CT

Pros

• The Octagon is described as a perfect anniversary getaway.
• Bert is highlighted as super friendly and welcoming.
• Nancy's artistry is evident in every detail.
• Water Forest is described as whimsical, beautiful, fun, and peaceful.
• The owners are called the nicest people ever, creating a tranquil paradise.
• The stay is described as incredibly lovely with thoughtful touches and warm hospitality.
• The hosts are kind and wonderful, going above and beyond to ensure comfort.
• The cabin experience is quiet, private, and relaxing, like a refined cabin in the woods.
• The property’s trails, pond, and waterfall are called magical and peaceful.
• The attention to detail and care put into the space is frequently praised.
• Guests often say they will definitely be back and plan another visit.

Cons

• One reviewer was a little skeptical about Water Forest Retreat.
• A guest noted the price was a bit steep.
• A guest admitted a downside was forgetting their sandals.
• One reviewer worried the location might be in someone’s backyard.

Review

This Norwich retreat is best suited for couples and small parties who crave a private, nature-forward escape where every corner feels thoughtfully crafted. It is ideal for anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and quiet getaways that hinge on serenity, intimate spaces, and immersive outdoor beauty. The centerpiece Octagon cabin and the surrounding Water Forest setting create a sense of sacred retreat, with water features, winding trails, and panoramic views that invite lingering, reflection, and connection. Guests who prize meticulous attention to detail, handmade touches, and a sense of magic will find this community extraordinarily rewarding.

Those who may want alternatives include travelers seeking more urban convenience, larger multi-room accommodations, or facilities with extensive on-site staff and dining options. Families with kids or groups needing more space or activities beyond a couple’s retreat may find the offerings too intimate or spread across a few small cabins. Anyone requiring ADA-friendly access or guaranteed level pathways for mobility needs should assess the terrain and access routes, as the property’s charm rests on forest trails, stone steps, and pebble walkways. And budget-conscious travelers may weigh the premium against other options that deliver similar serenity at a lower price point.

The strongest positives center on privacy, ambiance, and personal hospitality. Guests routinely praise the high level of care poured into the design, rooms that feel curated, outdoor spaces that invite conversation, and seating areas positioned to capture quiet moments by ponds and waterfalls. The hosts, Nancy, Bert, and sometimes Roberto, emerge as the defining value, offering warm, attentive, almost familial hospitality that feels both genuine and effortless. The cabins and trail system deliver a cohesive experience: a sense of belonging in a private forest, with accommodations that blend rustic comfort and upgraded amenities, so the stay never feels roughing it, even when tucked away from everyday life.

Price and accessibility represent the clearest trade-offs. The sentiment that the experience is “worth it” is common, but it sits atop a premium. The environments are pristine, the craftsmanship is evident, and the fixes-and-fixes-before-you-arrive mindset translates into consistently pristine spaces. Yet the cost, combined with a highly private, low-density footprint, makes this option less appealing for those who must stretch the budget or who require a bustling, city-adjacent scene. Those who want to bring extended family or rely on easy, frequent mobility within a city hub may find the balance tilts toward other lodging.

When the pros offset the cons, the match is unmistakably strong for a romantic, unplugged escape that doubles as a personal retreat. The privacy is total, the surroundings are unhurried, and the hosts’ energy elevates ordinary moments into memorable rituals, firesides, nature walks, and intimate conversations that feel almost ceremonial. The attention to detail, custom decor, thoughtful touches, well-planned trails, and the sense that the place was built from the heart, transforms a simple night away into a lasting impression. For those who value a curated, intimate environment over convenience-focused lodging, the advantages become quickly compelling.

In practical terms, this community serves as a premier choice for couples or couples-adjacent travelers who want a one-of-a-kind, quiet, nature-rich escape and are comfortable with a price premium and a more self-guided, unplugged experience. Alternatives are worth considering for anyone seeking more activity options, broader family accommodations, or guaranteed accessibility. If the decision centers on creating a memory-laden, private retreat with extraordinary hosts, Water Forest Retreat stands out as a rare find in Norwich, one that rewards advance planning, seasonality, and a readiness to invest in a truly distinctive stay.

This part of Norwich, Connecticut offers a convenient location with easy access to pharmacies, physicians, hospitals, places of worship, restaurants, cafes, parks, and theaters. The close proximity of CVS Pharmacy and Backus Hospital provides peace of mind for any medical needs. Additionally, the variety of dining options nearby makes it easy to enjoy a meal out. The presence of parks like Taftville Playground and Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. With New London Union Station just a short drive away, transportation options are readily available for exploring the surrounding area. Overall, this area provides a blend of essential amenities and recreational opportunities ideal for senior living.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Health Mart Pharmacy (7.8 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (10.8 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (11.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Mark Lutheran Church Elca (0.7 miles)
• Versailles United Methodist Church (5.4 miles)
• Temple Emanu-El (10.7 miles)

Physicians

• Women & Infants Faculty Physicians (0.7 miles)
• Thomas Henry Lesnik (1.1 miles)
• Backus Physician Services (1.3 miles)
• Backus Outpatient Care Center (1.7 miles)
• Matthew Brown (2.1 miles)
• Melissa J Welch (2.1 miles)
• David A Kalla (2.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Wendy's (1.1 miles)
• Ninety-Nine Restaurant & Pub (1.2 miles)
• Five Guys Burgers & Fries (1.2 miles)
• Burger King (1.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.3 miles)
• Irene's Family Restaurant (1.6 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (1.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Backus Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Center For Mental Health (1.3 miles)
• Backus Hospital (4.6 miles)
• Joshua Center-Montville (6.3 miles)
• Lawrence And Memorial Family Medicine (8.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Dexters Smoothie Coffee Vault (1.8 miles)
• Baker's Dozen (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (10.6 miles)
• Washington Street Coffee House (11.8 miles)

Parks

• Taftville Playground (3.4 miles)
• Lisbon Meadows Park (6.3 miles)
• Leary Park (9.9 miles)
• The Park 2 (10.4 miles)
• Washington Park (11.7 miles)
• Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park (11.8 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Cinemas Waterford 9 (11.2 miles)

Transportation

• New London Union Station (11.8 miles)