Hotel Review

Blackberry Mountain

A Wellness Retreat at a Luxury Mountain Resort

MARIA DIEGO

February 23, 2021

Blackberry Mountain, the sister property of the Tennessee resort, Blackberry Farm, is located in the Great Smoky Mountains just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. This luxury American hotel is the perfect fusion of a wellness retreat, outdoor adventure hub, and gastronomic delight. Whether you’re visiting for a special celebration like an anniversary or honeymoon, enjoying a family vacation, or need a solo getaway to disconnect, this All-American boutique resort is a soon-to-be staple in travel. So dust off your hiking boots and pack your bags because now is the time to visit before its popularity spreads like wildfire. 

Perfect For: Active couples | Fitness-oriented travelers | Adventure-seekers | Family vacation with kids young and old | Wellness retreat | Honeymoons

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Blackberry Mountain Location: Blackberry Mountain is located less than 30 minutes from Knoxville, Tennessee and McGhee Tyson Airport.  Between Blackberry Mountain and Blackberry Farm, you’ll have about a 30-minute drive if you’re doing a split stay. You can also fly into Nashville and take a 3-hour drive east.

Vibe: Blackberry Mountain is all about wellness activities, outdoor adventures, and holistic wellness.  While you could certainly visit this luxury Relais & Chateaux hotel just to eat well, visit the spa, and enjoy the mountain views, you’ll make the most out of your stay at Blackberry Mountain by taking advantage of its endless on-site activities.  Even though it is the ultimate in luxury travel, the vibe is casual with friendly service and a down-to-earth attitude with guests dressed the part for mountain hikes, not really dressed to impress.

Accommodations: Blackberry Mountain consists of 23 cottages, 6 cabins, 12 two– to five-bedroom homes, with an additional 14 tree houses being added by September 2021.

Food  &  Beverage: Three Sisters, named for the Great Smoky Mountain’s three peaks and site of Blackberry Mountain, is the luxury resort’s main restaurant and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It is located in the main building of Blackberry Mountain, along with the reception, Nest spa and the main pool that overlook the vast mountain views.  Three Sisters’ most popular menu items are the avocado toast for breakfast, and the mouth-watering burger with the local Blackberry Farm cheese is the most popular lunch item.  The Firetower is located nearly 2,000 feet further up the mountain at Blackberry Mountain’s highest peak that overlooks the horizon and the town of Knoxville.  Menus change daily at both restaurants and are based on Tennessee’s seasonal ingredients.  During warmer months, you can also take a bag lunch or picnic down to The Valley, or pick up a quick drink or snack inside The Outfitter, Blackberry’s Mountain’s retail shop.

Wellness: The focus of Blackberry Mountain is on wellness and in my opinion, it’s program far exceeds other wellness resorts I have visited. If you want to turn inward, the most recommended activity (trust me, I ask everyone!) was the soundbathing in the yoga loft.  You can attend lectures and workshops that include foundations of health, holistic nutrition, create calm, herbal tea blending, and movement workshops.  Creative presence classes like meditative watercolors, mandala stone painting, mindful clay sculpting, mala making, and guided journaling.  They also have a holistic doctor onsite that can reprogram your nervous system and provide acupuncture therapy.  Yoga classes range from Vinyasa, aerial, aromatherapy, Pranayama, hot flow yoga, and ropes wall yoga.  Convinced yet?  I want to go back!

Activities:  There is something for everyone at Blackberry Mountain, from tennis and pickleball to hiking trails, indoor basketball and rock climbing, a yoga loft and a holistic studio called Embodiment Lab. One of your first stops at the property should be to The Outfitter located at The Hub, where you can pick up food and beverages to-go and map out your day with Blackberry Mountain’s concierge team. Blackberry Mountain’s newest addition is The Valley, where you’ll find a swimming pond with two water slides, the option for waterskiing, a family pool, and an arbor adventure course that will test your fear of heights and have you zip lining through the Great Smoky Mountain’s trees. Sadly, my fear of heights overcame me, but I happily snapped photos of my husband going through the course with both of my feet planted firmly on the ground. For the less adventurous, there is an art studio with pottery and painting classes, different workshops for the culinary arts and writing and of course, there is Camp Blackberry for the kids.

What  Sets  It  Apart:  Blackberry Mountain is defined by the people and the level of service and warm hospitality that they offer.  You won’t find anything like it anywhere else, besides Blackberry Farm.

How Much Does Blackberry Mountain Cost? It’s a common question, and a lot of people might be curious about the cost of Blackberry Mountain and Blackberry Farm.  First off, both properties are almost entirely all-inclusive (save for lunch at Blackberry Mountain, and alcoholic drinks and some activities at both properties).  Prices vary greatly depending on the time of year you plan to go, with October, Thanksgiving, and summer months being peak season.  The most economical time to go is a mid-week stay in early December, late January, or the month of February, with nightly rates starting at $695 plus taxes and fees per couple.

Diego  Travel  Loves: The homes at Blackberry Mountain are a great value and an excellent option if you’re traveling with more than two people.  I have toured nearly all the homes and can point you in the right direction based on your interior design style and room configuration needs.  There are two 4-bedroom homes that sit side-by-side with great views, so if you’re traveling with a large group, these are often the preferred pick. Both 2-bedroom homes, Wild Crab Apple and Linden, actually have an additional 2-bunk (4 twins) room, which allows for two families to comfortably fit into these smaller homes.  If you’re looking for a bit more fun, book Outasite for its downstairs game room with a shuffle board and the only house with a hot tub.

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel:

• 5% off published rates
• $50 spa credit
• Upgrade at time of check-in, subject to availability
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

LET’S SET UP A CALL!

Blackberry MountainInsider Tips:

• Goats Hill has the best sunset views and is a little-known spot that is popular for proposals.  As a Diego Travel client, the team at Blackberry Mountain can work with me to set up these private moments that will make your stay all the more special.  
• Most of Blackberry Mountain’s morning wellness and fitness classes are included with your stay, so get up with the sunrise and take advantage!
• Hike Cats Paw Ridge and you’ll be in for a surprise!  Allow for two hours to take this beautiful hike.
• While we didn’t get a chance to do it, sign up for the sound bathing.  It was recommended to us by multiple staff members while we were there, so we’ll take their word for it and sign upnext time.

Ever since my trip to Blackberry Farm last year, I have been dreaming of a visit to Blackberry Mountain.  My clients oftenask me to explain the difference between Blackberry Mountain and Blackberry Farm, so the only way to truly know how to answer this question was to experience it for myself.  Since Blackberry Mountain’s opening in February 2019, it has become increasingly popular with the Blackberry Farm fans, and as it turns out, a popular hot spot for celebrities looking for a private mountain retreat.  I knew we were off to a good start when our driver entertained us for the thirty-minute drive with stories of transporting celebrities accompanied with a deep and contagious laugh that would put anyone in a good mood, even after the longest of travel days.

We arrived to Blackberry Mountain with an appetite, and were the only ones in Three Sisters restaurant, named for the three Great Smoky Mountain peaks and site of the resort.  At Blackberry Mountain, the only thing not included in your stay are the lunches, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and certain activities.  All the morning activities are included in your stay, so take advantage of this and sign up for your activities of choice prior to your arrival to ensure availability.  We signed up for the Stretch and Release: Hips class because I have chronic hip pain thanks to carrying around three babies for the last decade and a lot of sitting at my desk.  Our private class wasn’t intended to be so, but we got lucky and it allowed us to gain a lot of useful information from our knowledgeable instructor and learn about their holistic and complete health and wellness program.

While a typical stay at Blackberry Mountain is meant to disconnect from your device and reconnect with your loved ones and nature, working while traveling is part of the deal for me, so we spent our first afternoon comfortable in our spacious yet cozy Thunderhead Cottage before heading up to the Firetowerrestaurant to catch the sunset and dinner.  The wind was biting, and there had been a somewhat rare snowfall prior to our arrival, so the stairwell was closed off to the tower, but we still enjoyed 360-degree views from the highest point, nearly 2,000 feet above the main area of Blackberry Mountain.  If you like a perfect sunset view and want a more remote and romantic lumberjack-cabin-in-the-woods vibe, then I would recommend the Watchman cabins.  

The following day we explored the nature trails, ate delicious uninterrupted meals, stopped into The Hub where we chatted with staff about different things to do around the Blackberry Mountain property for those looking for high-energy activity and adventure-enthusiasts, but also those seeking a restorative, peaceful, and restful stay geared toward wellness and health.  Blackberry Mountain seems to marry these two orders seamlessly.  In the afternoon, we took some time in the spa, which felt like a year of Covid-angst and worry melted away with each strong stroke of a hand.  By the time we met each other back in the spa’s waiting area overlooking gorgeous mountain views, we felt like we’d finally disconnected and settled in and could have stayed for another week.

Dinner on our final night was back at the Three Sisters, which does a masterful job of switching up the menu on a daily basis and making things fun and exciting each meal.  When the dessert menu came along and three options were gluten-free (unheard of in the GF world!), I just had to order all three.  And why not?  It’s included in the stay…so indulge we did, just confirming that the Relais and Chateaux status of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain is well-deserved.

On our final morning we made the most of every moment and woke up with the sun, going for a short hike before breakfast and then taking the golf cart down to The Valley, the newly developed area of the resort offering a swimming pond in the summer with two slides, pickle ball and tennis ball, a swimming pool, and a brand new arbor course.  While I’ve always been afraid of heights, it had been awhile since I’d challenged this fear and though that this would be a great time to do so. The highest point of the course was only 40 feet, and the minimum age requirement is only 8-years-old to participate, so how hard could it be?  I found out once I got up to the first post, after having gone through a 15-minute training on safely harnessing and using the gear. As it turns out, a phobia only gets worse with age (who knew!?) and my phobia of heights is a real thing.  Our guide, Hall, was nice enough to lie to me and told me I was not the first person who had to back down at the last-minute.  Not only was he an expert naturalist, climber, and adventurer, he was a fantastic psychologist as well, who kindly assisted me down without crushing my confidence.

Once my husband bravely completed the course, albeit winded and admitting how challenging it was, we had a full 15 minutes to spare so Hall pointed us toward a hidden waterfall, where we had just enough time to hike down and bask in its beauty.  As we stood there watching the beauty of the relentless flow of water, I couldn’t help but think about the next time we’d return.  Maybe in the summer months with our kids, when the mountains are green and summer activities change the whole experience.  Regardless of the time of year you go, it’ll be worth it to reach out to me to help you plan your trip, not just for the discounted rate and added amenities you’ll get with your stay, but for the insight we can now provide having experienced both properties.

Hotel Review

Blackberry Farm

Luxury Retreat in The Great Smoky Mountains

MARIA DIEGO

June 09, 2020

Situated on a 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Blackberry Farm is one of America’s most celebrated intimate luxury hotels, offering discerning guests an ideal escape from the stresses of modern-day life.

Perfect For: Epicurean Adventures | Traditional Family Gatherings | Romantic Getaways

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Blackberry Farm Location: Blackberry Farm is easy to get to with direct flights to Knoxville from more than 25 cities and a 25 minute drive from TYS airport.

Vibe:  Blackberry  Farm  has  a  long,  rich  history  full  of  heart  and  soul,  being  one  of  America’s leading  luxury  hotels  and  a  favored  destination  for  our  most  discerning  travelers.   

Accommodations: 80  accommodations  range  from  estate  rooms  to  private  homes,  each uniquely  appointed  and  varying  locations  throughout  the  property.    We  have  had  a  sneak  peek into  most  of  them,  so  will  be  happy  to  guide  you  toward  the  one  that  is  just  right  for  you.

Food  &  Beverage:  The  Main  House  dining  room,  The  Dogwood,  and  The  Barn  (James  Beard Award-winning  wine  and  dining  experience).    A  private  dining  experience  can  be  arranged  in  the wine  cellar  at  the  Barn,  along  with  a  private  guided  tour.

Wellness:  The  Wellhouse  at  Blackberry  Farm  is  a  welcoming,  cozy  two-story  farmhouse  spa that  invites  you  to  get  cozy  and  stay  all  day.    Their  wellness  focus  is  on  re-centering  the  mind, body  and  spirit.

Activities:  9  miles  of  hiking  trails,  cycling,  music  events  with  celebrated  artists,  inspired  wine  and food  events,  photography,  garden  experiences,  horseback  riding,  boating,  water  and  paddle sports,  fly-fishing,  bird-watching,  sporting  clays,  carriage  rides,  and  archery.

What  Sets  It  Apart:    The  people!    The  staff  at  Blackberry  Farm  are  genuinely  interested  in getting  to  know  you  and  ensuring  your  stay  exceeds  your  expectations.    It  truly  is  a  family-run business  and  you  feel  that  in  the  warmth  of  the  staff,  who  take  pride  in  how  long  they  have  been at  the  property.   

Diego  Travel  Loves:  The  Carriage  House  at  Blackberry  Farm  is  a  preferred  accommodation  for its  preferential  view  over  the  famous  pond  and  Smoky  Mountain  backdrop.    You  can’t  miss  doing the  Farmstead  Tour,  which  involves  a  stop  to  see  the  truffle  puppies.    If  you’re  curious,  the  wait list  to  buy  one  is  6  years.   

Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel: 

• 5% off published rates
• $50 spa credit, upgrade  at  time  of  check-in, subject to availability, early check-in, late check-out, subject to availability 

LET’S SET UP A CALL!

Insider Tip: Blackberry  Farm  is  the  ideal  destination  for  large  family  reunions,  girlfriend  getaways,  or  multifamily  gatherings.    When  you  book  with  us,  we  arrange  the  activities  for  all  of  your  guests,  and coordinate  with  the  hotel  for  private  meals  when  you’re  a  group  of  15  or  more.   

I  planned  a  2-night  getaway  girls  trip  to  Blackberry Farm  for  a  group  of  my  closest  mom  friends.   From  the  moment  we  arrived  to  the  Knoxville  airport,  our  driver  was  waiting  to  whisk  us  off  in  a shiny  new  van,  perfect  for  the  15  of  us. Arrival  was  smooth  and  easy  –  and  my  friends  were thrilled  to  receive  their  $100  spa  credit  and  suite  upgrades.

We had  decided  to  go  glam  for  our  private  dinner  in  the  wine  cellar  at  The  Barn,  so  dress  up  we did!    Sequins,  leather  and  lace  met  up  around  the  fireside  lounge  at  The  Barn  for  a  round  of glamorous  pre-dinner  cocktails,  with  a  lot  of  oohing  and  awing  over  the  insane  beauty  of  the property.    This  was  literally  the  first  girls  trip  I  had  ever  done  for  myself,  so  I  was  happy  to  pull out  all  the  stops  for  my  friends,  and  nobody  could  have  done  it  better  than  the  team  at Blackberry  Farm.

After  lots  of  uninterrupted  dinner  conversation  (Yay!    No  kids!),  the  sommelier  gave  us  a  private guided  tour  of  the  extensive  wine  collection  and  envious  display  of  Jamón  Serrano.    Some ladies  lingered  late  into  the  night,  but  I  personally  could  not  wait  to  head  back  to  my  Holly  Glade Cottage  to  take  a  luxurious  bath  in  a  bathtub  fit  for  a  queen  with  an  herbal  soak  made  straight from  the  farm.

The  following  day  was  a  semi-guided  flow  of  a  few  activities  that  the  ladies  could  opt  in  or  opt out.    We  all  seemed  to  gather  for  the  Farmstead  tour,  which  I  highly  recommend  to  thoroughly enjoy  and  see  the  entire  property.    The  beauty  of  using  a  travel  advisor  to  set  up  your  group  trip is  that  you  leave  the  logistics  and  details  in  the  hands  of  a  professional,  so  that  you’re  left  with  a curated  itinerary  where  everyone  can  just  show  up  and  have  fun!

Our  final  dinner  was  in  the  main  dining  room  of  the  Barn,  and  let  me  tell  you,  we  shut  the  place down.    Endless  conversation  among  girlfriends  is  apparently  what  we  all  needed,  and  not  one, but  two  women  who  were  not  a  part  of  our  group  stopped  to  linger  at  our  table  and  join  in  on  the chatter.    It  may  sound  cliché,  but  Blackberry  Farm  is  truly  the  perfect  setting  to  reconnect  and relish  in  conversation.  

In  the  afternoon,  the  friendly  and  bubbly  sales  manager  whisked  me  around  on  a  golf  cart  to show  me  every  possible  category  of  room  and  meeting  space.    Yes,  I  know  them  all.      So  if you’re  unsure  of  where  to  stay  on  Blackberry  Farm,  you  can  reach  out  for  an  unbiased  opinion and  an  analysis  of  what  will  work  best  for  you.    The  meeting  spaces  are  perfectly  suited  for  that corporate  or  incentive  trip  you’ve  been  planning  for  your  business,  or  the  wedding  of  your dreams.    I  truly  couldn’t  think  of  a  more  magical  place  for  a  large  group  to  gather.

When  the  time  drew  near  to  collect  our  bags  and  reluctantly  head  home,  the  unexpected happened  which  made  me  fall  in  love  with  Blackberry  Farm  even  more.    Our  flight  was  delayed!   Not  once,  but  three  times.    And  guess  what?    The  whole  team  bent  over  backwards  to accommodate  us  like  royalty.    God  forbid  we  would  have  to  wait  in  the  airport.    Our  luggage  was loaded  so  that  we  didn’t  have  to  lift  a  pinky,  and  our  driver  patiently  waited  for  us  as  we  lounged in  the  Farmstead,  shopping  the  boutique,  assembling  the  amazing  Stave  puzzles,  and  laughing as the movie, Magic Mike, played on the tv while we waited.  It was truly bittersweet to have come to an end, but it was the perfect refresh button we all needed as mamas and a time to spoil ourselves and reconnect our friendships.  If you haven’t done this for yourself, what are you waiting for?  Call us to see how we can get started by putting together the perfect stay for you and those you love at Blackberry Farm.