Hoffman's Resort

1920-1940's
The land now called Jewel in the Forest was once Hoffman’s Resort, a gathering place run by Carabel and Lou Hoffman from the 1920s through the 1940s. Guests returned year after year to enjoy the redwoods, rustic cabins, and a sense of community that grew around shared meals and poetry readings.

That spirit of welcome and creativity continues today. The property has been renewed as a place of retreat, reflection, and inspiration, honoring the legacy of those early gatherings while offering guests their own connection to nature and art.
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Old photographs and guest book entries capture the history of Hoffman’s Camp, preserving stories of those who came before. Now, each stay adds a new chapter, rooted in the same simple values: nature, creativity, and a sense of belonging.

Sofanya & the Jewel in the Forest

1955-Present
Sofanya White’s journey to the redwood forests of Big Sur is a story guided by intuition, courage, and a deep trust in the unfolding creative path. After years of personal transformation and rebuilding her identity as an artist, she began to envision a life rooted in nature—a forest home where creativity, healing, and belonging could coexist. Without a clear plan but with unwavering faith, she followed that inner knowing, supported by a series of remarkable synchronicities that affirmed each step forward.
In 1995, Sofanya discovered and moved into a geodesic dome hidden among towering redwoods, instantly recognizing it as home. The land became both sanctuary and muse, shaping her artistic voice and spiritual philosophy while deepening her commitment to living in harmony with nature. Over time, this sacred space evolved into Jewel in the Forest, continuing a long tradition of welcoming visitors, artists, and seekers. Today, it stands as a place for weddings, creative gatherings, and meaningful connection—an embodiment of Sofanya’s belief that when we trust the process and follow what lights us up, life reveals its quiet magic.

To explore Sofanya’s full journey and the synchronicities that led her home, click the button below.