Relais & Chateaux recently celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2024, a remarkable milestone for an organization that began in 1954 as a small wine trail in France with eight properties located en route from Paris to Nice. What started as the “Route du Bonheur” (Road to Happiness) has evolved into a global network of more than 580 hotels and restaurants, each dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences rooted in local culture and heritage.
To honor this legacy, I was invited on a unique road trip to explore several Relais & Chateaux properties in North America. The itinerary included Blackberry Mountain, Cataloochee Ranch, and Old Edwards Inn & Spa—an exciting mix of the newest and most iconic properties in the country. Yet, as with any adventure, this journey didn’t quite go as planned.
Blackberry Mountain
What Not to Miss
- Three-course dinner highlighting regional ingredients at the Firetower
- Getting crafty in the art studio, where you can learn the art of basket weaving, pottery, tile making, and more from true artisans
- Experiencing the vibrational energy of sound bathing while floating in a silk hammock
My journey began at Blackberry Mountain, a 5-200-acre retreat set amid the Great Smoky Mountains. There, I stayed in one of the property’s upscale Treehouses and felt as if I was perched among the treetops. Complete with a king bed, an indoor seating area, a wood-burning stove, and a spacious walk-in closet, it also provided a spacious stand-alone bathtub and separate shower, both of which were open to the room—something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with a companion. Designed with sleek oak interiors and marble tile, the space felt modern and timeless. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered stunning forest views, and a private outdoor deck beckoned beyond the sliding doors. It was the perfect setting to take cover from Hurricane Helene, which unfortunately coincided with my visit.
The next day, as the storm continued to rage, the property lost power for a few hours. During that time, the staff sprang into action to ensure the power outage didn’t dampen our spirits. Instead, we gathered at the Hub, which includes the art studio, fitness spaces, climbing wall, gift shop, and more. I spent the stormy afternoon learning how to weave a basket, enjoying a delicious lunch at Three Sisters, and touring Nest, Blackberry Mountain’s inviting spa. It’s the first Joanna Czech-certified spa in the U.S., offering the 80-minute Joanna Czech Enhanced Facial, which is a customized offering from the renowned celebrity facialist. It encompasses Czech’s skincare philosophy of rebuilding and fortifying the skin through barrier repair.
While Blackberry Mountain offers a host of wellness options, I didn’t have time to take a deep dive into those that most intrigued me. I was impressed, however, by the focus on creative arts as a means to personal growth. From A Watercolor Meditation to Guided Journaling, I wanted to experience them all. The resort also offers Paths of Intention, personal wellness journeys designed to help you address various stages of life, such as New Beginnings, Burnout, and My Journey. The wellness options felt rather limitless, even though my time there was not.
With the devastation from Hurricane Helene making travel to Cataloochee Ranch and the Old Edwards Inn impossible, the trip took an unexpected but welcome turn, with an invitation to spend the night at the resort’s sister property, Blackberry Farm.
Blackberry Farm
What Not to Miss
- A stroll through the on-site gardens
- Dinner at The Barn, a James Beard award-winning restaurant serving multi-course menus relying on Appalachian ingredients and those grown on the farm
- A restorative treatment at The Wellhouse
- Browsing Blackberry Farm’s artisanal gifts
- Exploring the property in your own personal golf cart
The epitome of Southern charm and luxury, Blackberry Farm is located nearby in Walland, TN. I had long dreamed of visiting the revered property and wasn’t disappointed. Of the 68 guest accommodations on property, I found myself in a gorgeous Hill Cottage, each of which has its own unique design. Mine was wine-themed and came with a plush king bed, a spacious bathroom with an oversized soaking tub and separate shower, a cork-walled kitchen, a closet the size of a small studio apartment in New York City, and a large, private screened-in back porch with a stunning fireplace. It was so beautiful, I honestly never wanted to leave.
While just being on property felt like a restorative retreat, I was thrilled to discover a variety of wellness offerings, much like its sister property up the hill. At The Wellhouse, guests can take advantage of an array of signature treatments like the Appalachian Body Purification and the popular Tammy Fender Signature Facial. I decided on a soothing massage.
When it comes to programming, the resort is a sanctuary for those seeking balance, renewal, and connection. This year, Blackberry Farm is introducing its Year of Alchemy program. Each curated event nurtures the mind, body, and spirit in unique and meaningful ways. Some highlights include the Spring Tour de Smokies, an immersive cycling camp that caters to riders of all levels with daily customizable routes throught the breathtaking Smoky Mountains. Participants will enjoy full support along the way, including nutrition stations for refueling, professional SAG and mechanic services, and tips from pro cyclist turned coach Robbie Ventura.
May is dedicated to the profound benefits of forest bathing and nature immersion during Deep Healing Woods Month. It will offer guests an opportunity to ground themselves in the natural world with experiences that nurture psychological and physiological wellbeing. From intentional practices to thoughtfully designed activities, these one-of-a-kind moments are crafted to revitalize health, energy, and inner harmony.
My brief stay at Blackberry Farm—just one unforgettable night—was enough to leave me dreaming of a return visit. The impeccable service, innovative wellness offerings, and unmatched luxury at both Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain speak volumes about why these retreats hold a coveted place in the Relais & Chateaux portfolio. Their commitment to excellence and creating transformative guest experiences set a standard few can match.