The honeycomb cottage is where the gentle hum of bees and the soothing scent of honey fill the air. Our innovative design brings you closer to nature, with a "bee side" on the south and west sides to fill the space with the amazing aroma.

You are separated from the thriving activity via a double layer of screens. Meanwhile, on the calm "human side", you can relax on a comfortable bench, safely above the hives, and breathe in the benefits of "beehive air".

Inspired by the European practice of apitherapy, our Honeycomb Cottage offers a unique experience of "Hive Aerosol Apitherapy". Indulge in the same beneficial properties found in honey, said to promote health and wellness. Whether you're seeking relaxation, rejuvenation or a family/ small group once in a lifetime experience, the Honeycomb cottage can provide you with what you need.

The bees are outside, you are inside!

Indulge in the sweet serenity of our apiary!

Spend a session surrounded by the intoxicating aromas of pine and honey, crafted by our busy bees as they collect nectar from over 1,000 flowers daily. As the bees work a mesmerizing vapor is released, carrying amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.

The soothing hum of tens of thousands of wings creates a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for meditation, relaxation, and even a rejuvenating nap.

Let the stress melt away and your senses come alive in our enchanting Honeycomb Cottage.

Apitherapy is a broader term that encompasses various bee-related therapies.

While beehive air therapy is a specific type of apitherapy that involves breathing in the air from a beehive to potentially reap health benefits.

Beehive Air Therapy, also known as Bee Air Therapy or Api-Air Therapy, is a specific type of apitherapy.

It involves inhaling the air from an active beehive, which is rich in aerosolized bee-derived compounds, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), terpenes, and phenolic acids.

These compounds are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to potential health benefits.

In eastern European countries, hive aerosol therapy is prescribed by doctors to assist with conditions such as asthma, allergies, COPD, anxiety and PTSD.

With approximately half a million bees we take precautions seriously.

But don't worry, we've got you covered!

To minimize the chance of getting stung:

- Be "smell-neutral" (avoid perfumes, colognes, scented lotions, scented laundry detergents, essential oils, synthetic fragrances of any kind, deodorants, shampoos or anything fruity smelling etc.)

- Avoid white clothing (bees might confuse you with our beekeeper!)

- Stand to the side or behind beehives, do not approach the entrances of the beehives.

- Approach the Honeycomb cottage on the side of the front door or the people side. 

- Walk away calmly if a bee approaches they are curious but they do not want to sting you! Honey bees die after they sting.

- Hold still if a bee lands on you, again they do not want to sting you and will generally only do so if there is a perceived threat to the hive.

- Avoid swatting or waving arms 

- If you do get stung, don't panic! Remove the stinger promptly and let us know. We're here to help and ensure your safety

Breathing beehive vapor, or "Hive Aerosol Apitherapy," is a recognized medical treatment in several countries for respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.

We're homesteaders, and holistic health practitioners not medical professionals, but we want to share the magic of bees with you! Research suggests many potential health benefits.

Here are some other links that provide more information on the positive benefits of breathing beehive air:

- Study from Saudi Arabia

- Healthy With Honey

- Hey Sweet Drop

- "How Slovenia uses the sound of bees to relax"

- The Bee Therapy House

Remember, if you're considering using Bee Huts for medical treatment, consult your doctor or medical professional first.

We are located just north of scenic Stillwater, Minnesota.

The address to Honeycomb Cottage is 14747 Manning Trail North, Stillwater, MN 55082

Yes, you need to book in advance.
You can do so on the Appointments page.

Please feel free to email us with any questions at [email protected]

We offer single sessions for one person. Double sessions for two people. Small group sessions for 3-7 people.

Our small group package is capped at 7 people providing the opportunity to accompany families and groups large or small.

Guests of all ages are welcome to join us, and we kindly ask that you respect the peaceful atmosphere.

To aid in the experience of serene beauty, we try to maintain a quiet environment to help you fully connect with the bees and nature. 

You should arrive no more than 10-15 minutes early for your first experience of the Honeycomb Cottage! That allows us time to answer questions and tell you what to expect. 

Please arrive on time for your appointment. Our scheduled times are exact, so if you're running late, it may impact your experience.

If there's a booking immediately after yours, we'll still need to end your session on time.

If there's no one scheduled after you, we'll do our best to ensure you get the full Honeycomb Cottage experience. We want to make sure you have a wonderful time with our bees!

We love to talk with our guests after their session for a few minutes as well to hear about your experience and answer any questions you may have.

You can book a 45 or 90 minute appointment with the bees.

At your first session we will greet you and walk you into the Honeycomb Cottage and at the end of the session, we will come gently knock on the door when your time is concluded.

No food or beverages.

Bees have a super powerful sense of smell - 170 odor receptors that are 100 times stronger than ours!

So, we avoid strong scents or fragrances that might annoy them or attract them to the entrance of the Honeycomb Cottage.

To ensure a wonderful experience for all, we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing or wearing perfumes, colognes, deodorants, essential oils, hand creams, hair products, food or beverages and anything else with a strong odor into the Honeycomb Cottage.

The pine on the inside of the cottage is a very absorbent wood, so it will absorb any fragrances from your skin or clothing. This may create issues for guests with high sensitivities to fragrances, breathing conditions or allergies to fragrances.

Let's keep the air fresh and the bees buzzing with joy!

We do not run power to the Honeycomb Cottage as it disturbs the bees. This means no air conditioning or WiFi is available.

On a warm, sunny day, the temperature in the Honeycomb Cottage will be at least 10 degrees warmer than the outdoor temperature. So, if it is 4:00 pm on a sunny 79 degree day, it will likely be at least 89 degrees inside the Honeycomb Cottage.

Please try to book at a time when you will be most comfortable. If you are seeking a sauna-like experience, a warm sunny afternoon will be the perfect time to book your session!

If you do not tolerate heat well and would not enjoy higher temperatures, we advise that you book in the morning or on a cloudy, cooler afternoon to have the best experience.