It was July, and we’d reached that magical part of summer break. Not June, when I was excited about the seemingly endless free time to make special memories with my delightful children. But not quite August either, when I’d bribe educators to get the little ingrates out of my house as soon as possible.
What I needed was one day to myself to recharge, and rediscover the Super Mommy who was not in desperate need of a little quiet time and an alcoholic beverage. Which is how I found myself on the road to Equani Spa at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris.
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is a unique public/private partnership. The 134-room resort, golf course, equestrian trails, hiking trails, and more were built on 503 acres of state-owned land – Georgia’s first PPP venture in the hospitality industry. Numerous Cherokee artifacts uncovered during excavation are on display in the lower lobby of the lodge. Georgia DNR worked closely with the Eastern Band of Cherokee to excavate the site in accordance to Native American traditions and values.
“It was with great relief and pleasure for me to visit The Equani Spa and witness for myself the tasteful and elegant representations of the Cherokee culture,” said Joyce Dugan, Former Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. “It is evident that much thought and preparation were put into the design and development of the spa, including seeking the advice and input of many Cherokee people.”
Cherokee for “set high on the ridge” (appropriate), Equani is located in a renovated home incorporating natural timber furnishings, custom millwork, and Cherokee hand-crafted decorative elements, including the most gorgeous sink bowls by Native American potter John Winterhawk.
Upon my arrival, I was checked in and given a tour of the 7,500 square-foot spa, which included treatment rooms (named for the seven Cherokee clans), outdoor lounge deck with hot tub (if only it hadn’t been 95*), and Swiss shower (tour guide Kathleeen described it as “a car wash for people,” and she’s not wrong). The sauna was out of order, but as a native Georgian, I really didn’t need more humidity in my life anyway. After changing into my robe, I was escorted to the Relaxation Room to await my first treatment of the day.
Relaxation Room
At the end of the long hall of treatment rooms lies the relaxation room, which features a cozy fireplace, wooden ceiling and beams, and several lounge chaises with blankets, creating a very hygge atmosphere. I would return to the relaxation room in between each service; there were a varying number of spa visitors each time, which made it somewhat less relaxing for a natural introvert and book worm. Nonetheless, it was a great spot to enjoy my book, glass of prosecco, charcuterie board, and a nap prior to my treatments.
Back in Time Facial
I chose the Back in Time facial, specifically designed for pre- and post-menopausal women and expertly administered with products that encourage cellular regeneration. (Did you dance to N*Sync at your senior prom? Then this facial is for you.) I was told that it incorporated alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin C, but all I can really tell you is that it was the best facial that I’ve ever had – besides being sooo relaxing, I had noticeably smoother and brighter skin after the 50-minute treatment.
When my daughter asked about my spa day that evening, I described the facial as a massage for my face that also included a massage for my scalp, shoulders, and feet (surprise bonus!). It was far and away my favorite part of the day.
Integrative Deep Tissue Massage
When booking, I was asked to describe what type of massage I enjoy. I replied that I’m a quasi-masochist and liked to be right at the threshold of pain. So after another visit to the relaxation room, I was escorted to my 50-minute integrative deep tissue massage.
The description of my massage indicates that it is “highly therapeutic, with deeper and more direct pressure on specific muscle groups.” The massage therapist said that she would assess my tension and adapt to my specific needs – officially called ‘transitioning from a heightened sympathetic state to a parasympathetic state.’ (Lots of big words to say, at the beginning of the massage, you feel tense; when it ends, you feel amaaaaaaazing.)
Simply Sugar Spa Pedicure
Last, but certainly not least, was my luxurious sugar scrub and pedicure. It should be noted that Equani Spa is an all-natural salon; as such, they cannot remove acrylic, gel, or dip products.
By this point, I was on my third foot massage of the day, which I feel should be a daily standard going forward. Between three applications of lotions and oil, plus a sugar scrub, I expect my skin to be perfection for the duration of the summer. Fully moisturized, exfoliated, and now with toes freshly polished, I headed home, relaxed and ready to take on the rest of summer.
For Appointments:
Equani Spa appointments can be booked online, but if you’re planning on more than two treatments, you’ll need to call 706-379-2336 to plan your visit. Like any card-carrying Millennial, I was annoyed that I had to use my phone for its original intent, but I soon found this was for the best. Left to my own devices, I would have saved the deep tissue massage for the end, but Kathleen helpfully pointed out that wet toenails cannot receive a foot massage. And missing a single foot massage would have been an absolute tragedy. Aliwesolvsdodi…
While You’re There
- Explore – Hike to the top of Brasstown Bald and tell everyone you went to the highest peak in Georgia! A short but steep paved trail pays off with gorgeous, panoramic views.
- Sip – Just 13 minutes over the North Carolina line sits Nocturnal Social, a brewery and seasonal menu restaurant by the fine folks who brought you Southbound in Chamblee. Come for the local beer, stay for the pizza.
- Ride – Explore the open fields, hardwood forests and burbling trout streams on a guided trail ride at Brasstown Valley Stables, part of the resort. Go full outdoorsman and try archery and ax throwing too!
