3 Wellness Getaways to Reset This Year | Listen

It’s time to turn off all devices, set your intention, and breathe. This is the year of mindful, meditative travel, and these three wellness-focused Southern destinations are built for restful self-discovery.

Mindful Meditation

Finding balance at Blackberry Mountain

As I navigated the slow, easy switchbacks leading me up toward the Blackberry Mountain resort, my brain was in one of those close-to-panic states—I was overloaded with a crushing to-do list, not to mention the upcoming holidays. That, coupled with a lack of sleep and a knot in my back, meant I was aching for a rejuvenating retreat.

Blackberry Mountain, younger sibling to venerated luxury property Blackberry Farm, is set in a remote corner of East Tennessee on a ridge called Three Sisters. The farm’s ownership broke ground on the property in 2016 and opened the resort in 2019; both properties are part of the Relais & Châteaux network of exclusive hotels. While parts of the property are still being developed, the resort itself is a small hub of buildings and residential lodging centered on the Lodge, with its Three Sisters restaurant, spa Nest, outdoor pool, and lawn. There’s also a wellness and activity facility called the Hub and a second restaurant, Firetower. The all-inclusive pricing for the cottages, small homes, and treehouses means that all meals and morning wellness activities are included for guests.

I was booked in a treehouse called Angel Wing—these sleekly designed spaces are built for one or two people with king beds, in-room jacuzzi tubs, private porches overlooking the property, and their own golf cart. As soon as I walked in, that ache in my back started to slip away—the windowed nest made it feel like I was perched high above the world while the white oak-lined room, marble tile, and light pouring through the windows reminded me that we were deep within the woods.

My first official act of radical rest was a restorative yoga class, during which I was guided in gentle, well-supported positions for a period of time that felt indulgent. Fully grounded and with far less mental chatter, I carted myself back to that in-room tub before heading to Three Sisters for dinner.

I find dining alone to be a quiet luxury. Sitting in the dimly lit dining room, with an option of three courses before me, I was practically giddy at the prospect of not having to do anything but enjoy every bite. There was a grilled flatbread with a pumpkin puree and whipped feta followed by butter-poached oysters dusted with crispy shallots, and scallops over a pile of zippy, vinegar-laced root vegetables. With little more than the twinkle of lights reflecting through the windows, I absorbed the moment and sent thanks to the resort’s architects for creating a dining room built for privacy. “Would you like a fire made up in your room along with all the fixings for s’mores?” my server asked as I sipped a smoky Take Me to Church nightcap. Yes, obviously, came my reply. While the focus here is wellness and serenity, they’re not opposed to a little overindulgence, too.

The next morning, after a sausage and Gruyère omelet and a green juice, I found my way to Nest, the spa set at the base of the Lodge. The relaxation room looks out over the lawn to the mountaintops beyond, allowing for more nature-inspired gazing, while the treatment rooms, where I received a tailored mountain massage, feel like cocoons wrapped in warm wood tones.

By now, the itch to check emails was creeping back, but I was able to fend it off with a sound-bathing meditation led by an expert who had my inner vibrations locked in. The deep, restful experience had all of my chakras humming and I left without the tiniest bit of interest in that to-do list. Instead, I had another all-about-me dinner at Firetower, a restored 1950s-era lookout tower where chef Joel Werner puts out Italian-inspired dishes like a thinly shaved cauliflower salad, Bolognese, and a bright, zippy snapper roasted al cartoccio (in paper).

Before checking out, I was able to sneak in a few more meditative moments, including a creative practice class, where I tried my hand at intentional watercolor, followed by a somatic sculpt class, a sort of yoga-barre meets silent disco DJ session that had me shaking loose any remaining negative energy. In short: pure muscle-firming joy.

Had it been warmer, I would have tried out the resort’s “journey to the edge,” a hike and outdoor yoga adventure, or the aerial yoga classes. There is also a slew of other activities like mountain biking, water sports, climbing, fly-fishing, and additional art and meditation classes that I’ll have to explore next time. For this visit, the quiet of winter meant I could soak up the energy-giving indoor pursuits and finally give my overactive brain a much-needed rest.

— Erin Byers Murray

Agrarian Getaway

A blissful escape at Southall Farm & Inn

On a warm evening back in 2019, I drove the scenic backroads to Southall Farm & Inn in Franklin, Tennessee. Beneath a pavilion in the rolling hills, my husband and I took seats at a communal table for a family-style seed-to-fork feast called The Rambling. Fires roared, plates were passed (think barbecued ribs with smoked black garlic and benne seeds, and French radishes with vadouvan butter), drinks were poured from a vintage paneled truck, and live music rounded out the magical golden-hour experience. I strolled past the greenhouses, gardens, and orchards, envisioning the future resort that was about to be built on the land.

Fast-forward to this past fall, when I checked into Southall Farm & Inn for some rest and relaxation and was awestruck by the transformation. The resort opened in December 2022 after nearly eight years of development. Entering the majestic wood-beamed lobby, bathed in sunlight with a subtle scent of soft wood smoke, I could feel myself breathing more deeply and letting my senses take the lead. A leather lounger by the fireplace beckoned, but I headed straight to the five miles of forest trails that cut through the 425-acre property instead. You can request a guide, but I was in the spirit of meandering on my own, and in the quietness, I felt like the woods belonged to me.

There are so many activities to choose from at Southall: aerial adventure classes, beeswax candle rolling, archery, and axe throwing, to name a few. For me, it was the seasonal afternoon tea. From the welcome glass of champagne to the petite treats—savory and sweet—to the fragrant tea served in delicate porcelain, it was the perfect post-hike nourishment. From there it was back to the room for a long soak in a deep tub of bubbles and relaxing in my plush robe before dinner.

Dinner is an event all its own at Southall’s signature restaurant, January. Its spectacular wall of windows provides a view of pastoral farmland, and the open kitchen sets a stunning backdrop for a hyperlocal (and hyperflavorful) menu from chefs Andrew Klamar and Nate Leonard. Following a multicourse dinner that included “chowder-style” oysters, a Greener Roots salad with delicately shaved fennel (the greens are produced on-property in a massive hydroponic greenhouse), duck prepared two ways, and a flambéed lemon meringue made with Southall honey, I took my glass of wine outside to enjoy the rest of the evening fireside, beneath the stars.

Feeling deeply refreshed after a blissful night’s sleep in my ultracushy bed, I enjoyed a cappuccino and stone-ground grits at the fauna-inspired Sojourner before heading off to morning yoga. The connected breathing exercises, enhanced by the mesmerizing movement of the trees in the distance reframed my morning state of mind. A sound bath meditation came next and took the relaxation and connectedness to a new level. If you’ve never experienced a sound bath meditation, I highly recommend it. With eyes closed, the healing sounds permeate your entire being, inviting you to relax at your core. I knew my stay was coming to an end, so I went for a dip in the healing thermal bath before checking in for an afternoon at the spa. Much like the land that surrounds it, The Spa at Southall is inspired by the restorative powers of nature, incorporating botanicals and other natural ingredients from the farm—a befitting way to end my luxurious escape.

— Trisha Boyer

Island Idling

Getting calm and collected at The Dunlin

I arrived at The Dunlin after a winding, tree-lined drive from downtown Charleston to Kiawah River, John’s Island. After checking in, the woman at the front desk escorted me down a short path to my suite. When I stepped inside, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful view. The patio overlooked the banks of the Kiawah River, with calm blue waters, swaying spartina grass, and white fluffy seeds floating on the breeze.

I tore my eyes away to explore the suite, which had seafoam and white décor, an electric fireplace in the living room, a deep, freestanding tub in the bedroom, and a rain showerhead in the bathroom. I opted for the shower (which was luxurious), but the tub was next to the window and in front of the television, which is the best seat in the house if you’re a bath person. After getting settled, I visited the Willet Room bar and sipped a glass of white wine before heading to my appointment at Aster, the on-site spa. The menu includes French skincare, botanical treatments, and massages. I chose a 60-minute custom facial with Farmaesthetics products at the suggestion of the friendly staff, who recommended it for a spa beginner like me, and afterward I was sent on my way with a product sample (which I accidentally left behind because I was so relaxed, darn it). My skin was truly glowing, and I think it helped light the path back to my room as the sun came down.

Back in the suite, I skipped makeup and walked to Linnette’s, the resort’s signature restaurant, bringing an Agatha Christie novel I’d been meaning to finish. I sat out on the porch as the restaurant filled up, busy on a Tuesday night, and browsed the menu, which featured Lowcountry cuisine with options from warm crab dip to Cheerwine-glazed beef cheek. I ordered the autumn cavatelli, which was tasty and comforting on the slightly chilly evening, and then, wanting to try one of the sides, asked my waiter for an order of the Carolina Gold rice, which was sweet and filling. I finished my book and got the spiced apple cobbler to go.

When I got back from dinner, I hung the “laying low” painted oyster shell on the door, set the fireplace on a short timer, flipped to a so-bad-it’s-good Hallmark movie, and dug into my cobbler in bed. I slept in the next day and sat out on the porch, which was toasty from the sunlight despite the cool day, before checking out. If I’d had more time, I would have looked into one of the resort experiences like crabbing on the dock or taking the river trolley to Sandy Point Beach. Let’s just say I hope to make it back soon.

—Tate Jacaruso

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