Recently, I was alerted to a new-ish Mainland venue called Friendship Grove, which offers something quite special. While it's not a hotel or traditional venue, I'd strongly recommend adding it to your must-visit list, as it’s a beautifully created and incredibly detailed nature-themed destination,

I spoke with owner Dizzy Kiyori while reviewing the project's development. She worked closely with Megan Prumier to bring the idea to life. 

For me, Megan is easily one of SL's best designers and landscapers, whose portfolio includes impressive destinations like SANCTUM (disclosure, owned by my partner Maya), Kiyori City, and Valmoor.

As Dizzy told me, "When Megan agreed to share her magic with us, I was over the moon and knew she would bring something special to life." That enthusiasm clearly shows in the final result.

What struck me most was how the space feels both intimate and expansive. I found myself getting pleasantly lost several times among the winding paths. The design seamlessly blends different architectural styles - you'll find touches of English Regency architecture alongside fantasy elements that wouldn't look out of place in Middle-earth. It's this variety that keeps you engaged as you explore.

Two features stopped me in my tracks during my visits. The library, with its windows of stained glass and exposure to the elements, creates moments of visual poetry through sophisticated lighting effects. The play of light through the coloured glass onto ancient-looking wooden floors and towering bookshelves is stunning.

The spa facility, developed by Piper Adarien and Mako Voxel-Petlyakov, is easily one of the best I've seen in Second Life.

Earlier this year, I produced a guide on my favourite SL spas, and this one would easily have made the cut. As Dizzy explained, "I think it actually began as an experiment," but the end result "just blew us away! I know it was honestly the first time I experienced what 'screen space reflections' actually did with water!" A standout feature is the personal stories woven into the space through wall mosaics, each one honouring someone special to the creators.

Friendship Grove is part of a larger network of ‘Friendship’ named locations across Second Life. "Finding the fun and sharing the fun - that's what the hedonists are all about at our core," Dizzy explained to me, referring to a group within Second Life that promotes social, fun, and immersive experiences (search for ‘Hedonism Club’ in world). 

Dizzy told me that each location has its own character: Port Friendship offers tropical vibes on the Blake, Friendship Bay captures Pacific Northwest beauty, and Friendship Springs provides a snowy retreat. 

Being on the mainland means Friendship Grove carries a moderate rating, but I did spot discreetly placed adult furniture by Megan Prumier that fits naturally within the environment. The space manages to balance privacy with its public nature as a woodland retreat - something that's not always easy to achieve.

Many talented creators contributed to this project. Beyond Dizzy Kiyori's vision and Megan Prumier's exceptional landscaping and design, the space features input from Piper Adarien, Mako, Eve, and Emma Voxel-Petlyakov, all of whom breathed ideas into the whole creation.

Whether you're interested in the library's unique atmosphere, the spa's luxurious environment, or want to wander through beautifully crafted woodlands, I think you'll find something here that captures your imagination. It's a prime example of how virtual spaces can combine natural beauty with innovative design to create truly engaging environments.

Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nabi/205/207/111