Experience the buzz and bliss of bee therapy!
The Honeycomb Cottage MN, located in Stillwater, Minnesota is the only vibrational ecology experience you’ll find in the state of Minnesota.
What Is Honeybee Therapy?
Honeybee therapy, also known as apitherapy, is a nature based wellness experience offered at Honeycomb Cottage MN where you rest above live honeybee hives and gently breathe in the natural air of the colony.
Each session is designed to be effortless. You simply lie down on a screened platform above the hives, safely separated from the bees, while your body is immersed in their natural vibrations, sound, and hive air.
This experience combines elements of sound therapy, breath based relaxation, and environmental exposure to create a calming, full body reset.
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What Happens When You Breathe Hive Air?
As you relax, you naturally inhale hive aerosol. This is the warm, aromatic air produced inside an active honeybee colony.
Hive air contains a complex mix of naturally occurring compounds from bees, plants, and the surrounding ecosystem, including:
• Antimicrobial plant compounds from propolis and floral resins
• Volatile organic compounds that may support immune balance
• Trace environmental microbes that interact with the respiratory system
• Pollen based flavonoids and polyphenols associated with reduced inflammation
• Naturally ionized air often linked to improved breathing comfort
Unlike synthetic scents or essential oils, hive air is a living, dynamic environment that reflects the biology of the bees and the landscape around them.
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Why Do People Do This?
Research and long standing practices in parts of Eastern Europe suggest that regular exposure to hive environments may support:
• Respiratory comfort and sinus health
• Reduced inflammation and seasonal allergy symptoms
• Nervous system relaxation and stress reduction
• A deeper sense of calm through rhythmic, natural vibration
At Honeycomb Cottage MN, this experience is designed to help you slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with a more natural sensory environment.
No effort required. Just rest, breathe, and let the hive do the work. Honey Bees embody a sense of wonder and enchantment, offering a glimpse into the magic of nature.
As the sole insect responsible for producing food for humans, they have many more wonders to share. The soothing hum of their industrious activity and the sweet aroma of their honey production create a truly captivating experience.
Typically, only beekeepers get to appreciate the full extent of this wonder, but now, the Honeycomb Cottage MN invites you to immerse yourself in the full sensory delight of the bees' world, beyond just the taste of honey.
The Honeycomb Cottage MN
According to traditional apitherapy (which is a broader term that encompasses various bee-related therapies), the gentle hum of the bees creates a soothing, vibrational energy that can be absorbed by lying on top of the beehives. This calming, massage-like effect can help to reduce stress, improve circulation, and boost overall energy levels, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation. Now, in Stillwater Minnesota you can experience this form of bee therapy at the Honeycomb Cottage MN!
Spending time near bee colonies and inhaling the aerosol may have a range of benefits. The air is filled with aromas of honey, beeswax, propolis, and Royal Jelly, which may have antimicrobial and stimulating properties. Some people find that this environment helps improve respiratory function, immunity, and blood composition. The gentle vibrations, regulated temperature, and soothing buzzing sound of the bees may also contribute to a sense of relaxation. While the exact effects are still being explored, many find this experience immensely calming.
We were unaware of apitherapy prior to meeting Hailey Kisch of Big Sky Acres in Schafer, MN in early 2024. Hailey then introduced us to Mike Mackiewicz of Bone Lake Meadows Apiary in Scandia, MN. Together we worked on designing the Honeycomb Cottage MN over the next few months and we were able to open for our first season in the summer of 2024.
At the Honeycomb Cottage MN, we have raw unfiltered local honey and beeswax candles provided by Hailey Kisch at Big Sky Acres for sale.
Hailey has raw local honey, beeswax candles, herbal tinctures, chicken, chicken and duck eggs, milk, cream, vegetables and additional handmade, locally sourced products for sale year round that can be ordered online here. You can also go to her farm stand in Shafer, MN to shop in person and see what kinds of products she has available seasonally. The location of Hailey’s farm stand can be found here. We highly recommend making the trip to check it out!
We are forever grateful to be partnered with Mike and Hailey, it is because of their help and guidance that we have been able to make the Honeycomb Cottage MN a reality!
We are also fortunate to have connected with Jenny Holsinger of Apotheosis in Wyoming, MN. Jenny has been practicing Reiki and Life Coaching since 2017 and has expanded her expertise to include Spinal Flow Technique, hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and emotional body guidance. We are excited to begin offering Spinal Flowing with the Bees in our 2025 season! Additionally, we sell Jenny’s exceptional tea blends in the Honeycomb Cottage.
How It Works
Bee entrance
The bee hives are located in enclosed boxes on the south and west sides of the Honeycomb Cottage MN. These hives are located under the resting benches. The bees come and go through small holes on the outside of the structure.
Your entrance
There is a human door on the front of the Honeycomb Cottage MN that opens into the spacious interior. We have a mat outside where you can leave your shoes, there are pillows and yoga mats inside so you can get comfortable and relax!
The separation
Under the resting benches inside the Honeycomb Cottage MN is a double layer of steel mesh that keeps the bees on the outside of the cottage, while allowing the aromas, vibrations and sounds of the hive to come through.