Blackberry Mountain Resort

For those searching among "Hotels Near Of Me" for an exceptional and immersive luxury experience, Blackberry Mountain Resort stands as a premier destination in Walland, Tennessee. Located at Mountain Ldg Rd, Walland, TN 37886, USA, this upscale mountain-top retreat spans over 5,200 acres, offering guests a profound connection with nature, exquisite dining, and a comprehensive range of activities designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.

Blackberry Mountain is the sister property to the renowned Blackberry Farm, and while sharing a commitment to impeccable Southern hospitality, it distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on outdoor adventure and a holistic wellness philosophy. It has quickly garnered accolades, including being recognized by top travel publications for its luxurious offerings and unique guest experiences, and is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association.

The environment at Blackberry Mountain Resort is undoubtedly one of its most defining and captivating features. Situated on thousands of acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the resort is a private wilderness, offering sweeping mountain views and a sense of profound tranquility. The expansive natural landscape provides a breathtaking backdrop for every aspect of the guest experience, from morning coffee to evening stargazing.

The resort is designed to integrate seamlessly with its surroundings, preserving the natural beauty while offering luxurious comfort. Guests can explore miles of private trails for hiking and biking, with opportunities to discover hidden waterfalls, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. The sense of peace and quiet is a significant draw for many, allowing for a true escape from urban bustle. While there has been ongoing construction, as noted by some guests, aimed at enhancing the resort's offerings, the fundamental commitment to preserving the spacious feel and natural serenity remains a core value. The extensive acreage ensures that despite any development, the resort retains its vast, open character, allowing for ample space for guests to spread out and find their own quiet corners. Notably, Blackberry Mountain has dedicated 2,800 acres of its land to conservation, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental preservation and offering a private national park setting for guests.

Blackberry Mountain Resort prides itself on delivering exceptional service and a wide array of amenities, many of which are included in the all-inclusive rate. The staff are consistently praised for being "super friendly, helpful and happy," contributing significantly to the overall positive guest experience. From the moment of arrival, guests are met with a level of attentiveness and personalization that sets the resort apart.

Accommodations at Blackberry Mountain are diverse and luxurious, ranging from charming Stone Cottages (named after plants like Thunderhead and Clingmans) and uniquely designed Treehouses (named after butterflies and moths) to multi-bedroom Mountain Homes and Watchman Cabins. Each lodging option is designed to offer comfort, privacy, and stunning mountain views, often featuring outdoor seating areas and fireplaces. For example, Thunderhead Cottages come with indoor and outdoor fireplaces, jetted tubs, and golf carts for easy navigation. Treehouses are described as intimate escapes for couples, with sleek white oak interiors, marble tile, floor-to-ceiling windows, wood-burning stoves, and private outdoor decks. Watchman Cabins, located at the peak of the mountain, offer floor-to-ceiling windows and a modern twist to the wood-burning stove. All accommodations are equipped with modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, iPads, and stocked pantries with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

The culinary program is a cornerstone of the Blackberry Mountain experience. Meals are included in the stay, beginning with dinner on the day of arrival and concluding with breakfast on the day of departure. The resort features award-winning restaurants that showcase field-fresh flavors and locally sourced ingredients. The flagship restaurant, Three Sisters, located in the Lodge, offers an inventive menu with a focus on regional produce, complemented by an impressive selection of internationally curated wines and boutique spirits. Guests laud the "spectacular food" and the availability of options like gluten-free dishes, catering to various dietary needs. Beyond Three Sisters, other dining experiences are available, such as Firetower, which offers a more relaxed vibe, and the concierge team is readily available to assist with planning epicurean adventures, including in-room dining and curated culinary experiences.

Wellness is deeply embedded in the resort's philosophy. The Nest Spa, a subterranean sanctuary, offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, including skincare services as the first Joanna Czech-certified spa in the United States. Guests can indulge in massages, facials, and other body therapies. The wellness facilities also include a fitness center, yoga loft, and movement studio, offering daily group fitness classes like Vinyasa yoga, Stretch and Release, Outdoor Bootcamp, and Mountain H.I.I.T. These morning wellness classes are typically complimentary with the room rate, encouraging guests to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle during their stay. Other unique wellness offerings include Forest Bathing, Soundbathing Meditation, Guided Crystal Meditation, Aerial Forest Yoga, Woodlands Yoga, and creative presence classes like meditative watercolors and mindful clay sculpting. A holistic doctor may also be available for services like nervous system reprogramming and acupuncture.

Blackberry Mountain's features are designed to create a holistic and unforgettable stay, combining thrilling adventures with moments of profound relaxation and gourmet indulgence:

• Extensive Activities: The resort offers an impressive array of activities catering to all interests and fitness levels. These include guided hikes on over 20 miles of trails, mountain biking on scenic routes, rock climbing (with an indoor climbing wall also available), fly fishing in pristine waters, paddle sports (kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing), horseback riding, and even Lexus test drives for off-road exploration. For those seeking indoor pursuits, there's an art studio where guests can engage in pottery, painting, and other creative endeavors, and a full-size basketball court. The Valley, a newly developed area, features a swimming pond with two water slides, a family pool, and an arbor adventure course with zip-lining. Many of these activities, such as morning group hikes and certain wellness classes, are included in the all-inclusive package.
• World-Class Dining: Beyond Three Sisters and Firetower, the resort maintains a strong "farm-to-table" ethos, emphasizing fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. The experience is consistently described as fine dining, with excellent wine pairings and attentive service.
• Dedicated Wellness Programs: The comprehensive wellness offerings, from the Nest Spa to various unique mind-body classes, distinguish Blackberry Mountain as a true wellness retreat. The focus is on holistic well-being, utilizing the natural environment to enhance relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Exclusive and Private Setting: As a Relais & Châteaux property, Blackberry Mountain is known for its privacy and secluded charm. While it is a leisure property and not available for large groups (generally limiting parties to a maximum of 10 guests for meals), it maintains a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for romantic getaways, family vacations, or solo retreats.
• Personalized Concierge Service: A dedicated concierge team is available to help guests plan their stay, offering guidance on activities, dining reservations, and any other needs, ensuring a tailored and seamless experience. They can also assist with planning special occasions and connecting guests with local services.

Blackberry Mountain Resort positions itself as an exclusive, all-inclusive mountain retreat. The typical pricing structure includes accommodations, all meals (dinner on arrival day through breakfast on departure day), pantry snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and complimentary morning wellness classes and guided hikes. It's important to note that a three-night minimum stay is generally required, with some holidays extending to a four or five-night minimum. Reservations often require a two-night deposit.

While guest reviews universally praise the "exceptional views and service," and the "spectacular food," it's also worth noting feedback regarding ongoing construction. One guest mentioned noise on certain days and suggested that a warning along with complimentary gestures for inconvenience might be appropriate. This indicates that while the resort aims for peace and quiet, current development may occasionally impact the serene atmosphere. The resort's growth, while promising enhanced future facilities, also leads to guest concerns about maintaining the "spacious feel" and avoiding overcrowding. However, the overarching sentiment is one of deep satisfaction, with many families returning year after year, emphasizing the resort's ability to create memorable experiences despite minor inconveniences.

Blackberry Mountain is a smoke-free environment, and pets are not permitted on the mountain, aside from service animals. The resort is also careful to manage cross-property access with its sister property, Blackberry Farm, ensuring both retain their exclusive and uncrowded atmosphere. Overall, Blackberry Mountain Resort offers a truly upscale and enriching escape, blending luxury with a strong connection to the natural beauty and adventurous spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains.