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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?
To completely reset from the world (and wake up to the birds chirping). The 4,200-acre property is a wonderland at the foothills of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. About a 45-minute drive from the Knoxville airport, through winding mountain roads, sits Blackberry Farm. Guests typically don’t leave the resort, and once you’re there, you’ll see why. There are endless ways to fill your time: hiking, yoga classes on a deck overlooking the trees, treatments in the multi-floor spa, fly-fishing lessons, kayaking in the pond, petting sheep…. It’s summer camp but elevated.
What’s the vibe?
Southern charm and hospitality are infused into every experience at Blackberry Farm in a meaningful but authentic way. The experience is punctuated by charming, rustic details, without being kitsch. Open the door to your room (which is named after a native bird species) using a skeleton key and find the kitchen’s famed pimento cheese and sourdough crackers waiting for you next to an overstuffed chair and working fireplace. The minibar is always stocked with shortbread cookies, preferably eaten under one of the many provided cashmere throws while looking at the stars. Everything is decidedly casual here, especially during the daytime. Dinner does call for country-club attire, but without the stuffiness. The only cars on the property belong to the staff—each room comes with a golf cart, which allows you to freely roam the property and explore the beehive, vegetable garden, Lagotto Romagnolo dog kennel, fishing pond, stables, and more (yes, there really is more).
What’s the history?
Formerly a working farm, Blackberry Farm opened in 1976 as a six-room bed-and-breakfast by the Beall family (owners of the restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday). The Bealls still own and operate the property, which has expanded to 68 rooms (options include casita-style homes and more traditional rooms in a carriage house), two restaurants, and more than 150,000 bottles of wine in the cellar to choose from.
What should you try?
Blackberry Farm’s spa is aptly named The Wellhouse. You’ll want to arrive early for your appointment—on top of the standard spa amenities (sauna, steam room), the two-floor farmhouse also has an adults-only pool, jacuzzi, smoothie shop, and well-lit relaxation room. The spa menu, which includes facials, body treatments, and wellness experiences, is grounded in natural ingredients found in Southern fare and around the farm. Inspired by a cocktail I tried at dinner the evening before, I booked the Lavender and Vanilla Bourbon Body Drench. Instead of body oils, my therapist used body butters made on-site for the treatment (using the farm’s own lavender) for the massage. Afterward, I took the best nap of my life. Facials are done with holistic and natural brands like Tammy Fender and Naturopathica. Other spa-adjacent activities include equine therapy and yoga, or our choice: a foraging hike. Cherie took us on a five-mile hike through the mountains that was just challenging enough to feel productive. Along the way, she pointed out all sorts of natural flowers and plants used in skin-care and medicine (lungwort, sorrel leaves, stinging nettle) and we collected some for ourselves.
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 Farm also has a sister property, Blackberry Mountain, which is located a 20-minute drive away by car. If you’re looking for a slower-paced, more pastoral experience, Blackberry Farm is the choice for you. Those who want a more active stay or are interested in alternative wellness treatments, like Reiki, will like Blackberry Mountain.
Who can go here?
Only hotel guests can visit the spa at Blackberry Farm.
Booking details for The Wellhouse at Blackberry Farm
Address: 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
