Last updated November 12, 2024
The flicker of candles and a crackling fire greeted me and my fellow retreat mates as we stepped out of the chilly Tennessee mountain air and into Blackberry Farm’s Bramble Hall for our opening yoga session.
As I settled onto my mat, I let the delicious coziness of the space surround me like a much-needed hug. I’d only been at Blackberry Farm for an hour—but I already felt right at home.
From the attentive Blackberry team to the snack-stocked butler’s pantry by your door, every detail of this luxury property is designed to make guests feel at home.
At the end of 2020, I launched my first wellness business, FRESHJUICE + bubbly. And after a month of whirlwind activity, I was looking for the perfect way to celebrate this career milestone. And to reset and recharge for the year ahead.
I was lucky to be invited to attend Blackberry Farm’s very first wellness event. From doing yoga daily to biking up a mountain, the experience was filled with transformative firsts.
Here are the four reasons you should consider making a similar investment in your wellness in the years to come.
Location, Location, Location
At about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Atlanta (where I’m located), Blackberry Farm is an accessible destination for a long weekend getaway. Plus, the property is a short 25-minute drive from the Knoxville airport, which offers direct flights from several cities.
Down a winding country road, you’ll find this Relais & Châteaux resort tucked away against the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many years ago, the Farm was a private home that expanded into today’s property, thanks to the Beall family. But, even as its acreage has increased over the years, Blackberry hasn’t lost that charm.
Courtesy A. Pavilk
The other thing that I adore about the location is that hiking trails pepper the property. The sprawling Farm is connected by golf cart paths perfect for walking off the amazing meals you’ll consume.
However, when walking isn’t your preference, a complimentary ride in a golf cart or from the Farm’s fleet of Lexus SUVs is only a phone call away.
An Itinerary Built on Balance
A schedule of activities in the morning and downtime in the afternoon (which means you don’t have to feel guilty about that glass of wine at lunch) is my idea of a perfect wellness retreat.
Our time kicked off on a Sunday evening with a socially distanced gentle yoga practice and group dinner. The routine that followed until Wednesday at noon included yoga in the morning as well as meditation and intention setting.
Aside from an afternoon session on Monday and a spa treatment on Tuesday afternoon, I was free to take a post-lunch nap. Many of my retreat mates opted to try one of the many activities offered, including horseback riding and clay shooting.
There was also a special closing dinner on Tuesday evening in the Wine Cellar, home to more than 160,000 bottles of wine.
Room with a View
My corner room in the main house (lovingly named “Hearts a Bustin”) was the definition of “cozy.”
The snuggly teal armchairs were the perfect spot to curl up and read a good book, the king-size bed was cloud-like and decked out in soft linens and plush pillows, and the full-size, lavender-scented toiletries were hard to leave behind when I departed.
Plus, the team had placed a mini-fridge and electric tea kettle in the room at my request.
Then, there was the view. Each morning, I woke up to views of the surrounding Smokies and enjoyed watching the sunset or the evening rainfall.
Oh, and I slept with the windows open every night to feel the mountain breeze and listen to what night sounds like at Blackberry Farm. It was a little slice of heaven.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
If you don’t have an appetite, don’t come to Blackberry. Three meals a day, as well as dinner on your first evening and breakfast and lunch on your departure day, are included in your room. (But FYI, alcohol is not.)
Oh, and each meal includes multiple courses with plenty of healthy and indulgent options to choose from.
For example, at breakfast in the Main House, I enjoyed poached eggs with a hoecake and crispy kale, yogurt with berries and green juice.
Then, for lunch (also in the Main House), I’d order celery root soup and a garlic short rib with veggies and grits. Dinners were served in The Dogwood (basically the same space as breakfast and lunch) or The Barn, the Farm’s upscale dining concept.
And if you have a dietary restriction, all you have to do is say the word. Although I’m not required to eat gluten-free foods, the only time I ever have is at Blackberry.
The culinary team does such an outstanding job of creating delicious and comforting cuisine, you don’t even miss that gluten!
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