Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Baumer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Wilding started from a feeling we couldn’t shake. People were traveling to rest & reset, but arriving overstimulated, overscheduled, and leaving still exhausted. We felt it in our own lives too—that rest had become something to optimize rather than something you actually felt.
So Wilding was born from a simple question: What if a place could truly give you your mind back? We do this by pairing stillness, immersion, and thoughtful design with beautiful nature. Places that feel grounded, calm, and at the same time un-touched — where nothing is competing for your attention.
From the beginning, we weren’t interested in building big hotels or chasing trends. We wanted small, intentional & accessible properties rooted in beautiful landscapes with awe inspiring views, designed to slow you down and help you reconnect—with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself.
Wilding Tawakoni captures that spirit perfectly. It’s just an hour from Dallas, but it feels like stepping out of the noise entirely. You arrive, exhale, and remember what quiet actually feels like.
For us, hospitality isn’t about excess—it’s about creating places that feel personal, peaceful, and genuinely restorative.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a straight line—largely because we’re building something that doesn’t fit neatly into an existing box. One of the biggest challenges was helping people understand what Wilding actually is. It’s not an RV park, not safari tents or glamping, and not a traditional hotel or resort either. That meant zoning conversations, construction decisions, and early guest communication all required more explanation and intention.
Quiet luxury is deceptively hard. Privacy, sound, sightlines, and guest flow all have to work together flawlessly. Building that level of experience in a rural setting also comes with very real logistics—roads, utilities, materials, staffing—where there are no shortcuts.
Another challenge has been pacing ourselves. We have big dreams, and learning to take things one step at a time—without compromising the experience—has required discipline. The challenges forced us to be clearer about our priorities and more focused in execution. In many ways, the friction sharpened the product rather than slowing it down.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My professional life is deeply tied to Wilding. My background spans social impact, mental health, and luxury experience design, all leading me to one core observation and question: how untamed natural environments have the power to transform us—and how can hospitality support that rather than compete with it?
Wilding is built on the belief that natural environments already do the heavy lifting. Our role is to remove friction, not add spectacle. My work is about bringing together the right architects, designers, operators, and builders and stewarding that vision from idea to reality.
What I’m most proud of is the team and culture we’ve built around that shared understanding. We’ve resisted the pressure to scale too quickly or chase trends, choosing instead to grow thoughtfully and collaboratively. That discipline allows each Wilding location to feel grounded, cohesive, and genuinely cared for.
What sets Wilding apart is clarity. We know who we are and who we’re not. We’re not trying to impress through excess—we’re creating experiences that feel calm, human, and deeply connected to place & enviroment. When it’s done right, guests don’t just remember how it looked; they remember how they felt long after they left.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Get clear early—and protect that clarity. When you’re starting out, everyone has an opinion, and much of it is well-intentioned. Without a strong point of view, it’s easy to build something diluted before you realize it. When you have clarity in what you’re building, it becomes easier to choose partners, hire well, and make decisions with confidence.
At the same time, you have to start somewhere. Don’t wait for perfection. Most clarity comes from doing, not planning. Dive in, try things, and be willing to learn as you go—you can refine along the way, but you can’t refine something that never starts.
One thing I wish I had understood sooner is that not every opportunity is the right one. Momentum can be exciting, but growth that pulls you away from your values usually costs more than it gives. Learning to say no creates space for the right yeses.
And finally, be patient. The strongest, most enduring things are built slowly and with intention. A clear vision isn’t limiting—it’s what allows you to grow in the right direction.
Pricing:
- Pricing at Wilding Tawakoni varies by season, demand, and suite type, with typical nightly rates ranging from approximately $250–$450. Positioned as a luxury lake escape just over an hour from Dallas, rates reflect an intentionally small footprint, private accommodations, and a highly considered guest experience rather than high-volume hospitality. Each stay includes thoughtfully designed suites, peaceful outdoor settings, and an atmosphere built for rest and reconnection. Guests may also personalize their visit through curated add-ons such as prepared meal experiences, celebration packages, and custom touches that make a stay feel especially meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wildinghotels.com/listings/dallas-texas/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildinghotels?igsh=MWJ5Mm1mb2Nxc3UxaQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C43yg4sXA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildinghotels?si=iJo64fFWuxA3Z-tt
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildinghotels?_r=1&_t=ZN-93OXUf5EZJm
Image Credits
Wilding Hotels
