In early April 2025, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, one of music’s most beloved power couples, traded the hustle of their high-profile careers for a serene family getaway in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. The couple, along with Stefani’s sons Zuma, 16, and Apollo, 11, retreated to the luxurious Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, creating what Stefani described as “an unforgettable time” filled with family bonding, natural beauty, and cherished memories. The trip, which Stefani documented on Instagram, not only offered a glimpse into their private lives but also spotlighted the Ozarks as an emerging destination for those seeking a blend of luxury and nature. Behind the scenes, this escape revealed the couple’s deep connection to each other, their family, and the simpler joys of life.
The Ozarks getaway came at a busy time for both Stefani and Shelton. Stefani, 55, had recently released her album Bouquet, featuring the duet “Purple Irises” with Shelton, a yacht rock-inspired track that reflects their shared love for ‘70s soft rock. Shelton, 48, was gearing up for the release of his album For Recreational Use Only on May 9, his first studio album in four years, following a shift to BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville after parting ways with Warner Music Nashville in 2024. The couple, who met as coaches on The Voice in 2014 and married in 2021 at Shelton’s Oklahoma ranch, have been navigating their blended family life with Stefani’s three sons—Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo—while balancing demanding careers. This trip, however, was a deliberate pause, a chance to step away from the spotlight and immerse themselves in nature and family.
Big Cedar Lodge, the backdrop for their escape, is a luxury resort owned by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, who designed the property to reflect his passion for land conservation. Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, the lodge offers a range of accommodations—from classic hotel rooms to private log cabins on the lake, cottages with Southern porches, and even glamping tents in the woods. The resort is renowned for its world-class golf courses, like Ozarks National, and activities that cater to families, including fishing, boating, hiking, archery, paddleboarding, and family movie nights on the lawn. For Stefani and Shelton, known for their love of the outdoors, it was the perfect setting to unwind.
Stefani’s Instagram Reel, posted on April 10, captured the essence of their trip. Set to “Purple Irises,” the video showcased breathtaking views of the Ozarks, with rolling hills, stone buildings, and a sprawling golf course bathed in golden sunlight. A hand-painted wooden sign welcomed “B, G, Z, and A” to the Ozarks, a personal touch that set the tone for their stay. The family enjoyed meals at the Osage Restaurant and the Worman House, with custom menus featuring their faces—a detail that delighted Apollo, who was seen pointing at the menu with a grin. They explored the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail, taking a private golf cart tour through the cave, and visited the Chapel of the Ozarks, which overlooks Table Rock Lake, offering a serene moment of reflection amidst the natural beauty.
The video also highlighted the resort’s attention to detail, from frothy cocktails to the vibrant flowers that Stefani mentioned in her caption: “The flowers, the food, the family memories. Thank u for making it all so special.” Big Cedar Lodge responded in the comments, writing, “This is amazing! Thank you for exploring the Ozarks and for sharing the memories!” Fans echoed the sentiment, with one commenter noting, “Our hidden gem isn’t so hidden anymore. From Branson to Lake of the Ozarks… glad you guys have been able to see our beautiful state.” Another wrote, “I think the slower pace of life and nature has made me love Gwen even more. I think she found what she had always been looking for in life with Blake and the country life.”
This trip wasn’t the first time Shelton has been drawn to the Ozarks. In June 2020, during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns, he and Stefani visited Lake of the Ozarks, enjoying waterfront spots like Dog Days Bar & Grill and Shorty Pants Lounge, as reported by Lake Expo. Shelton returned in 2023, hitting up Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill, further cementing his connection to the region. For Stefani, a California native who once described herself as a “makeup girl” far removed from country life, the Ozarks offered a continuation of her journey into the slower, nature-centric lifestyle she’s embraced since marrying Shelton. Their Oklahoma ranch in Tishomingo, where they spend much of their time, has become a sanctuary for gardening, raising animals, and nurturing their family—a lifestyle that the Ozarks trip mirrored on a grander scale.
Behind the scenes, the trip was a testament to the couple’s commitment to family. Shelton, who stepped down from The Voice after 23 seasons in 2023, has often spoken about prioritizing his role as a stepdad to Stefani’s boys. In a 2021 interview with The Ride with Kimo & Heather, he reflected on the challenges and joys of stepparenting, saying, “There’s definitely nothing easy about it… but I can’t imagine my life without these kids now.” His decision to leave The Voice was partly motivated by this role, as he explained in a 2024 interview with Access: “I think the only way for me to really do [being a stepdad] right is to step away from being committed to something like The Voice that demands a lot of your time.” This Ozarks vacation, with Kingston absent but Zuma and Apollo in tow, was a chance for Shelton to live out that priority, creating memories with the boys in a setting that allowed them to disconnect and explore together.
The trip also highlighted the couple’s shared passions beyond music. Their love for nature and gardening, a recurring theme in their relationship, was evident in Stefani’s focus on the flowers at Big Cedar Lodge. On their Oklahoma ranch, they’ve cultivated flower fields and vegetable patches, with Stefani often sharing videos of picking purple irises and daffodils alongside Shelton. In a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, Stefani noted, “We find so much joy in gardening together,” a hobby that contrasts with her city-girl roots but has become a cornerstone of their life together. The Ozarks, with its lush landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities, provided a perfect extension of this passion, allowing them to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world.
For the Ozarks region, the visit was a significant moment of visibility. Travel expert Tori Brister told Fox Business that Stefani and Shelton’s trip could spark an uptick in tourism, noting, “These are two people, very well known, who helped to spotlight the beauty of the Ozarks. Typically guests to this area are those who live within 6-8 hours and can drive to the destination, but I expect more people will start to travel here from across the country.” Big Cedar Lodge, with its reputation as a luxury destination, stands to benefit from this exposure, offering a “quintessential cabin in the mountains” experience with top-notch service, as Brister described. The resort’s owner, Johnny Morris, has a legacy of creating properties that respect local wildlife, with attractions like canyons, streams, and caves that are meticulously maintained.
The trip also offered a glimpse into the couple’s dynamic as partners and parents. Shelton and Stefani, who first collaborated on the duet “Go Ahead and Break My Heart” in 2016, have a relationship built on mutual support and shared creativity. Their recent musical collaborations, like “Purple Irises” and “Hangin’ On” from Shelton’s upcoming album, reflect their ability to blend their distinct styles—Stefani’s pop-rock roots and Shelton’s country swagger—into something harmonious. Offstage, they’ve found a similar balance, with Stefani embracing the country life she once thought she’d never understand. In a 2023 interview with People, she reflected, “I didn’t see any of this coming with Blake… when I met Blake, that’s when I felt [at] home. Oh, this is where I’m supposed to be, with this guy.”
By the end of their Ozarks escape, the family had created memories that Stefani described as “unforgettable.” From exploring caves in golf carts to dining under the stars, the trip was a celebration of togetherness, nature, and the simple joys that define their life away from the spotlight. For fans, it was a heartwarming glimpse into the couple’s world, a reminder of their authenticity and love for each other. For the Ozarks, it was a moment of recognition, a chance to shine as a destination that can captivate even the biggest stars. And for Stefani and Shelton, it was a beautiful chapter in their ongoing story—a story of family, flowers, and memories that will last a lifetime.
