Appalachian spas soothing, uplifting

For centuries, the tranquil foothills and mountains of the southeastern United States have provided the perfect setting for world-class spas. From a soothing view of a soaring vista to the simple sounds of wind chimes blowing in the cool mountain breeze, higher-elevation spas in the region can be pleasingly peaceful.

“As many vacationers are planning trips around the spa experience, the mountains of the Southeast make for a tranquil getaway,” says Lynne McNees, president of the International SPA Association. “The beautiful scenery allows spa-goers to relax, reflect and revitalize while reducing stress.”

Whether for a quick weekend away or a weeklong spa vacation designed to take overall well-being to new heights, this overview of options focuses on resorts in the region’s mountains and foothills that offer top spas on-property or nearby.

This is not meant to be a complete listing, but a representation of the variety of options available:

GEORGIA

Anidawehi Plantation Wellness Center, Dahlonega

Located by Forrest Hills Mountain Resort, Anidawehi features a variety of programs such as “Cleansing and Renewal” that use nutrition, life coaching, spa therapy, fitness and restorative yoga. The Signature Spa features aromatherapy facials, hot stone massages and more.

Drive time: One hour from Atlanta

Details: 706-864-3818; www.anidawehi.com

Barnsley Gardens Resort, Adairsville

With 37 guest cottages housing 87 individual suites, there’s a room at the inn for everyone. The mature gardens are a highlight, but so is the five-and-a-half-hour “Gardens” package featuring a facial, rose body treatment, massage, pedicure, manicure and lunch ($535).

Drive time: One hour from Atlanta

Details: 1-877-773-2447; www.barnsleyresort.com

Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris

Though many guests don’t want to leave their lodge room or cozy cottage, the Equani Spa is an ideal place to enjoy Native American-inspired ambience and treatments. The two-hour “Way of the Circle Ritual” combines a unique full-body mud massage and masque with a head massage to complete the circle ($225).

Drive time: Two hours and 25 minutes from Atlanta

Details: 706-379-9900; www.brasstownvalley.com

Chateau Elan Winery and Resort, Braselton

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Chateau Elan Spa is situated in a large lakeside mansion and includes a wide range of spa services, 14 themed guest rooms and gourmet spa food in the Spa’s Fleur de Lis dining room.

Drive time: 40 minutes from Atlanta

Details: 1-800-233-9463; www.chateauelan.com

Kingwood Golf Club and Resort, Clayton

Surrounded by 150,000 acres of national forest, Kingwood’s spa is a great place to head after a long hike or round of golf. The spa features several packages, including the “Ultimate Spa Package” with mud wrap, Vichy shower, massage, pedicure and manicure —- $250 for almost five hours of pampering.

Drive time: Two hours from Atlanta

Details: 1-866-546-4966; www.kingwoodresort.com

Mandala Wellness Retreat and Day Spa, Sautee-Nacoochee

Situated down a covered walk from lovely Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn, Mandala offers a complete wellness getaway. The “Romantic Escape” for two includes a room with a fireplace and whirlpool tub, a 90-minute couples massage, choice of a facial or sole-soother for each, and a gourmet breakfast (regularly $520, but sometimes discounted).

Drive time: One hour from Atlanta

Details: 706-878-0036; www.mandalaretreat.com

RenStone, Lavonia

Just off I-85 near the Georgia-South Carolina line, this small B&B on Lake Hartwell offers a personalized getaway, thanks to owner and host Renie Chandler. RenStone Spa features more than 70 services, including overnight packages that include spa treatments.

Drive time: 90 minutes from Atlanta

Details: 1-866-862-4517; www.renstone.com

NORTH CAROLINA

Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock

Within walking distance of quaint Blowing Rock and surrounded by the mountains, Chetola’s already soothing spa offerings will get even better with a sprawling new facility opening next summer.

Drive time: Five hours from Atlanta

Details: 1-800-243-8652; www.chetola.com

The Greystone Inn, Lake Toxaway

Located on North Carolina’s largest private lake in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Greystone’s Sothys Signature Spa features treatments and packages ranging from a half-hour to a full day.

Drive time: Three hours from Atlanta

Details: 1-800-824-5766; www.greystoneinn.com

Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, Asheville

Quite simply, the spa at Grove Park is one of the region’s best. It was ranked 13th worldwide by Travel & Leisure magazine earlier this year. Situated at 2,100 feet, within the inn’s stately facade, the subterranean spa takes inspiration from the Blue Ridge Mountains in looks (it’s located in a cavern) and treatments (including lots of running water).

Drive time: Three hours and 30 minutes from Atlanta

Details: 1-800-438-5800; www.groveparkinn.com

The Inn at Crestwood, Blowing Rock

Located near High Country ski resorts, Crestwood’s spa offers treatments with mountain views —- the perfect place to be apres-ski.

Drive time: Five hours from Atlanta

Details: 1-877-836-5046; www.crestwoodnc.com

The Lake Lure Inn and Spa, Lake Lure

The historic 1927 inn features the Allure Spa, with a “Sweet Mountain Series” of treatments that include a two-hour “Allure Couples Retreat,” complete with candlelight, sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries and tandem 80-minute massages followed by a warm and aromatic hydrotherapy bath ($280).

Drive time: Three hours and 30 minutes from Atlanta

Details: 1-888-434-4970; www.lakelure.com

Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Highlands

The European-style spa also includes a selection of six spa suites, making for an ideal spa-focused getaway.

Drive time: Two hours and 30 minutes from Atlanta

Details: 1-866-526-8008; www.oldedwardsinn.com

Westglow Resort and Spa, Blowing Rock

Nestled in the mountains, this former 20-acre estate is now home to refined accommodations, dining and spa services and wellness programs.

Drive time: Five hours from Atlanta

Details: 1-800-562-0807; www.westglow.com

TENNESSEE

Blackberry Farm, Walland

Situated on a 4,200-acre estate in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is renowned for its accommodations, dining and the phenomenal Farmhouse Spa.

Drive time: Three hours and 45 minutes from Atlanta

Details: 1-800-648-4252; www.blackberryfarm.com

VIRGINIA

Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen

For those who want to combine winter sports with spa treatments, Wintergreen Resort and the full-service Wintergarden Spa, located at the highest point of the resort, make for an ideal duo.

Drive time: Eight hours and 15 minutes from Atlanta

Details: 434-325-2200; www.wintergreenresort.com

The Homestead, Hot Springs

The Allegheny Mountains have been home to the Homestead since 1766, with soothing springs and spa treatments playing a major role from the start. The new spa menu is ideal after a day of skiing at this historic resort.

Drive time: Eight hours and 30 minutes from Atlanta

Details: 1-866-354-4653; www.thehomestead.com

WEST VIRGINIA

The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs

Visitors have been attracted to this resort’s sulphur springs for 230 years. With a focus on hydrotherapy and mineral-based products, the renowned spa is better than ever.

Drive time: Eight hours from Atlanta

Details: 1-800-624-6070; www.greenbrier.com