Exploring the Best Spas in the Southeast

The lush and picturesque landscapes of the Southeast, from the mountains and across the farmlands to the coast, have provided inspiration for artists, storytellers, travelers, and many others. Drawing from the region’s bountiful and diverse natural resources, many of the spas in the Southeast have crafted luscious signature treatments and nature-based therapies that highlight their unique environments.

Mountain Spas

Mountain Inspired Pampering

The Spa at the Grove Park Inn Resort in Asheville, North Carolina, is surrounded by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. Among the many luxurious treatments offered, the Mountain Honey Wrap includes an exfoliation, wrap, half-hour massage, and a take-home gift. Blending mountain honey, warm goat butter cream, and a mild exfoliant with lavender essential oil and herbal extracts, this 80-minute treatment is designed for the ultimate relaxation experience.

The Spa at Old Edwards Inn, also nestled in the North Carolina mountains, utilizes native herbs and botanicals from their spa garden for their signature Carolina Cocoons. The Sweet Mountain Meadow Cocoon treatment begins with an exfoliating body scrub made of crushed lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and peppermint. The treatment continues with a Metamorphosis Massage and an application of hydrating body cream, followed by a cocooning process that embodies the transformation of a butterfly.

For over 225 years, visitors to The Greenbrier Spa in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, have enjoyed the natural mineral benefits of the famous sulphur springs. One of the signature services, Kate’s Mountain Kur, begins with a native mineral bath followed by a Black Walnut Scrub and a petite massage using The Greenbrier’s signature finishing lotion.

Spas of the Vineyards, Orchards and Farmlands

Vineyard, Orchard and Farmland Inspired Pampering

Château Élan Winery and Resort, located just 45 minutes from Atlanta, is Georgia’s largest producer of premium wines. The resort features a spa mansion with private guest suites, where several spa treatments draw inspiration from the vineyards. One notable treatment is the De-Vine Mud Body Masque, designed to regenerate and revitalize the skin using a combination of crushed grape seeds and French clay that helps detoxify and moisturize naturally.

Among the many treatments at the award-winning Spa at Pinehurst in North Carolina, the Carolina Peach Nourrisher offers a full-body exfoliation with a customized peach and pecan scrub, concluding with an application of soothing peach-scented shea and mango butter.

In Virginia, the Spa at Kingsmill Resort, part of an Anheuser-Busch Company, features a Kingsmill Signature Hops Massage with a special blend of massage oils made from hops and chamomile for a calming effect. Another treatment provides a nourishing body wrap using a warm blend of natural oatmeal and Virginia honey.

At Blackberry Farm, situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Farmhouse Spa emphasizes the natural properties of healing. Their signature Blackberry Mist treatment involves a gentle exfoliation followed by an herbal masque and a blend of blackberry, vanilla, and cinnamon steam to relieve tension and detoxify the skin.

Spas Inspired by Southern Gardens

Garden Inspired Pampering

In the rolling Georgia foothills, the cottages at Barnsley Resort feature unique English-style gardens. The spa offers a signature garden-inspired treatment using organically grown old-fashioned roses. This experience begins with a gentle exfoliating dry brush, followed by the application of organic rose body oil and a soothing steam treatment with essential oils of chamomile and rose.

In Georgia, Spa Prunifolia at Callaway Gardens, named for the vibrant Prunifolia Azalea, provides several garden-inspired treatments, including the luxurious Garden of Earthly Delights. This treatment involves a hydrating body polish with Aloe Vera and shea butter, combined with lemon verbena, followed by a full body massage and scalp treatment infused with herbal lavender to promote relaxation.

The Spa at Charleston Place, a full-service European spa located in Charleston, South Carolina, features a treatment inspired by the fragrant magnolia blossom. The Magnolia Moments treatment comprises a body buff followed by a wrap in a signature magnolia and moor mud formula—designed to nourish and relieve stress.

Spas of the Southeastern Coastal Regions

Seashore Inspired Pampering

The Spa at the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina features private outdoor bathing verandas overlooking maritime forests. Their Baths on the Bluff offer various soothing options, such as the Sea Foam Escape, which combines oceanic essences with fragrant essential oils, or an invigorating treatment infused with citrus, inspired by local Gullah lore.

Farther north, the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island provides the Lowcountry Verbena Body Polish, a gentle exfoliation followed by a hydrating massage that incorporates fresh lemon verbena and sea algae extracts to stimulate and soften the skin.

Continuing to the pristine North Carolina Outer Banks, the Sanderling Spa’s treatments celebrate the region’s natural resources. The signature Sea of Life Facial features a facial massage with finely ground seashells and therapeutic ocean sounds, while another treatment utilizes the native Russian Olive, also known as the Tree of Paradise.

For more information about all the treatments and therapies available at each of these spas, visiting their websites can provide the necessary insights:

• The Spa Palmetto Bluff Resort
• The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Spa
• The Sanderling Resort and Spa