Equani Spa Bliss

RESERVATIONS: 706.379.9900

This spring I am excited to return to the 500-plus acre resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northeast Georgia – the famous Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa.

Just south of the North Carolina state line, this mountain retreat holds the celebrated Equani Spa, superior Southern cuisine, a Denis Griffiths-designed championship 18-hole golf course, guided equestrian rides and picnics, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, nine miles of hiking trails and a fitness center – including cozy rooms with spectacular mountain valley views.

My next getaway is going to be centered on the Equani Spa, named for the Cherokee word meaning “set high on the ridge”. I am not a spa expert and rarely make an appointment, so I called and spoke with the spa director as my traveling friends and I plan to book our appointments in advance – which is highly recommended.

“When you come to Equani Spa we are here to take care of you,” said Tony Davis, Spa Director. “We see such a broad range of people, from 18-year-old athletes to 90-year-old ladies. Spas have become non-gender specific. Now everybody has come to realize a spa is more than a fluff and buff situation. There are real health benefits with massages and treatments.”

Equani Spa was conceived in the spirit of the Cherokee. Each of its seven treatment rooms have hand-carved mahogany doors with plaques that describe how each room is named after one of the seven Cherokee clans: Wolf, Deer, Bird, Blue, Longhair, Wild Potato, and Paint.

The treatment deck has a hydro tub (in the background) with mountain views.

The Equani Spa offers massages, manicures and pedicures, facials, sugar scrubs, mud baths, hydro therapy, and a salon. Davis explained that their signature scent upon entering the spa is lemongrass – a citrusy grassy type scent – along with tranquility oils used in treatments that are a blend of essential oils.

Davis added, “We are licensed therapists and aestheticians and no two of us give the same massage. You can come in here and get five massages from five different therapists with all the different modalities we know.”

Equani Spa Ritual Treatments

All the Equani Spa ritual treatments begin with the traditional cleansing of hands and feet inspired by the Cherokee. Water is commonly used for purification and other ceremonies. As we talked about the spa, I could feel myself relaxing – almost sliding out from my desk chair – especially when Tony Davis said he feels like I would be perfect for the E-LO-HI Ritual.

The E-LO-HI is a 2.5-hour treatment that begins with a detoxifying mud wrap accompanied by a scalp and face massage. I would then get to relax and rinse in a private bubble bath infused with moisturizing oils. Completing this ritual is an 80-minute Hot Stone Massage.

The most requested service is the basic Swedish 50-minute massage, followed by 90-minute massages and the ritual treatments. Golfers and equestrian riders love to come in at the end of the day and relax sore muscles. People make salon appointments for haircuts, styling, beard trims and more. Wedding parties book in advance for their hair and makeup.

“We notice in warmer weather, when spring comes along, that we tend to do a lot more of the ritual treatments. We’re doing more LO-HIs. People are feeling rejuvenated,” said Davis.

Have you ever left a massage feeling a little wobbly? There’s a term for that in the industry: massage drunk. Feeling relaxed, refreshed, and cared for can almost be “intoxicating,” and sipping fresh water helps to release toxins away from the massaged muscles and to clear your mind. Davis mentioned there are relaxation rooms inside and out for staying in this moment of bliss and where you can order light, healthy snacks, such as strawberry or raspberry smoothies, cheese and charcuterie boards, and sparkling wines or hot chocolates.

You may also purchase Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa gift cards, which are inclusive of any of the experiences onsite, from dining to golf, and equestrian to spa. Davis said the biggest holidays for gift cards that include spa experiences are Mother’s Day and Christmas.

“The best thing that I can tell you is to come experience Equani Spa,” said Davis. “Let us wow you and put you in a moment of bliss.”

After making my appointment for the E-LO-HI Ritual treatment, I know I am taking care of myself: to stimulate and refresh my mind, body, and soul. I am excited to experience the lodge-style motif with natural timber furnishings, Cherokee hand-crafted decorative elements, fireplaces, and peaceful treatment rooms. And my friends will be there, too. What a great escape!

Hours vary, but are typically: