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Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
The 5,200 acres of Blackberry Mountain is amazingly underdeveloped, but that doesn’t mean that any luxury has been spared. Nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains at an elevation of 2,800 feet, you can literally watch the clouds roll in at breakfast or the sunset over cocktails—every view is breathtaking. The drive up is all winding mountains (a few deer crossed our path) until you break into a valley where the resort is situated. All of the accommodations on the property are named after local vegetation. I stayed in Snail Seed, a two-bedroom house that had indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a jacuzzi, and one of the best bathtubs I’ve ever used. Every room also has their own golf cart, which makes traversing the significant property (and getting to the restaurants, like Firetower, which is a 15-minute cart drive even higher up the mountain) a breeze.
What’s the vibe?
Wellness boot camp. Upon checking in, you’ll receive a Blackberry Mountain branded Yeti water bottle with your name on it, just one of the many touches that remind you to stay hydrated. Your finest athleisure is more than appropriate attire, since your activities are likely to include hiking, paddle boarding, and biking—or for the more adventurous, rock climbing or ropes courses. There’s also an on-site art studio that offers pottery, watercolor painting in nature, and more, all inspired by the natural elements. While it’s all very casual, the experience is still refined.
What’s the history?
It all started with sister property Blackberry Farm. Once a working farm, it became a six-room bed-and-breakfast in 1976 and grew from there into the modern day 68-room estate. Blackberry Mountain was opened in 2019 and is part conservation project (over half of the property is left completely undisturbed) and part family-friendly retreat, with a healthy side of wellness culture.
What should you try?
The naturopathic spa is all about healing and recuperation—a perfect counterpart to the super-active offerings—and there are a number of specific offerings tailored to athletic recovery (fascia sculpting and assisted stretching, for example). The fitness offerings at the spa also make great use of the surroundings—think aerial forest yoga or a sound bath enjoyed from the swaddle of a hammock that rocks in the mountain breeze.
A worthy side note: After you’ve swaddled yourself in a cozy spa robe at Nest, your first stop should be the snack bar. I’ve never eaten a dried strawberry (and I don’t know when I’ll have the pleasure of doing it again), but the pansy-size dried fruits were one of the most surprising and delicious things I’ve ever eaten.
What else do you need to know?
The resort is all-inclusive, and the menus change daily (alcohol is available at an extra cost). Blackberry Mountain also has a sister property, Blackberry Farm, which is located a 20-minute drive away by car. Anybody who prefers an active holiday, wants to focus on disconnecting from the world, or has a family that needs myriad entertainments will prefer the Mountain experience.
Who can go here?
Only hotel guests can visit the spa at Blackberry Mountain.
Booking details for Blackberry Mountain
Address: 1507 E Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
