October 6, 2024

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Exclusive Equani Suite at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa Review • McCool Travel

Exclusive Equani Suite at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa Review • McCool Travel

Nestled in the North Georgia mountains is a true sanctuary, a private space that offers an overnight retreat like no other: the exclusive Equani Spa Suite at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa in Young Harris, Georgia.

Spend a day or more in the Equani Suite at Brasstown Valley Resort and you could literally wear a robe and slippers the entire time. You might opt to never leave the suite; just bring a cooler of food and drinks along and you are all set. Of course, if you prefer to get out and explore the area or dine in a restaurant at the resort or in a nearby town, there is much to discover; just remember to get dressed first.

The Equani Spa Suite welcomes you to relax and recharge in whatever way suits your definition of ideal: sip wine in front of a warming stacked-stone fireplace, binge on movies on a 46-inch flat-screen TV, soak in a Jacuzzi tub large enough to accommodate two adults, read a book on a secluded open-air rooftop deck, sink into deep sleep in a cushy bed, or—most definitely!—linger in the amazing shower.

This guest article for McCool Travel, including photos, is from Hope S. Philbrick.

secluded private rooftop deck at Equani Suite at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa
secluded private rooftop deck at Equani Suite at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa

Even if you do not leave the property, you do not need to remain isolated the entire visit: You can shuffle downstairs in a robe and slippers to an upscale spa for a luxurious treatment.

It is your hideaway, so you call the shots. Perhaps you take a shower, towel off, stand in front of the fireplace to warm your skin while nibbling on some snacks—oops, a crumb falls, now you are “dirty”—better take another shower! Yes, this shower is so impressive that you may find yourself manufacturing reasons to use it more than once a day.

Phenomenal Shower at Equani Spa Suite, Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa

This is no ordinary shower, starting with the one-of-a-kind artisan glass pull handle on its door—it is a glass work of art depicting a Cherokee thunderbird. Inside, the ‘Experience Shower’ is spacious—bigger than some bathrooms—and offers a full-sensory immersion with double-drench shower heads, steam, aromatherapy, LED lights, marine speakers, and 12-head Swiss shower bars. Visually, it looks like the human equivalent of a car wash, but way more fun. Getting clean seems secondary to pulsating muscles into oblivion.

luxurious shower in Equani Spa Suite at Brasstown Valley Resort
luxurious shower in Equani Spa Suite at Brasstown Valley Resort

Whether you seek isolation and privacy as a safe way to travel during the coronavirus pandemic, crave overdue me-time, hope to reignite the spark of romance with a special someone, are celebrating a special occasion, or jazzing up a random Thursday, the private Equani Spa Suite at Brasstown Valley Resort is the place to do it.

The spacious second-floor suite is most popular with couples—and with its bedroom, living room, kitchenette, wet bar, plus impressively large bathroom, there is certainly space for two whether you plan to canoodle the entire time or mix togetherness with some time to pursue separate interests.

But I can attest to its value as a solo retreat: After 2+ years of much more togetherness than usual thanks to the pandemic, I was more than thrilled to wave goodbye to my husband and head to a place I would have all to myself for a couple nights. Going solo has the added advantage that you can arrange the shower features, TV, pillows and more however the heck you want them to be, no compromise!

Located in the same historic brick building as the Equani Spa, a short drive away from the main resort, the 825-square-foot Equani Suite is a great option for total privacy—in fact, you will have the building to yourself when the spa is closed at night. During the day when the spa is open, you will not be disturbed: Spa guests are clearly directed elsewhere upon entering the front door.

Fear not: You will not hear any of the spa-goers ’oohs and aahs’ as they sink into zen states while enjoying spa treatments and rituals rooted in traditions of the Cherokee people. It is convenient and refreshing to wander downstairs and enjoy some spa time.

The menu of options includes massages, facials, nail care, baths, hydrotherapy, mud baths, and multi-service packages. Choose whatever piques your interest, it is not like you can unwind and relax wrong.

The décor gives the suite a homey vibe with its earth tone color scheme, vaulted pine ceiling, large-scale sofa and ottoman, dark wood cabinetry, and Cherokee-inspired art. But the bathroom is the showpiece, with sparkling subway tiles, gleaming white fixtures, and that amazing shower.

Equani Suite room at Brasstown Valley Resort
Equani Suite room at Brasstown Valley Resort

The resort is managed by Coral Hospitality. Every staff member that I met was genuine and friendly, but once snuggled into my room, I was content to savor the privacy. During my stay, it rained. Had it been sunny, I would have liked to wander around outside and find the thermal pool with waterfall spillways that is on the spa grounds

Maybe next time!

Things To Do at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa:

If spending time in the suite somehow loses its appeal there are many ways to have fun at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa. Among the options:

  • Play golf at the 18-hole championship golf course that is beautifully framed by mountains. The course, which weaves through nature and is highly ranked by Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, and Leading Golf Courses of America, offers five sets of tees and a forgiving layout to benefit every golfer. Golf lessons and clinics are available if you hope to improve your game.
  • Eat at The Dining Room or Brassies Grill at the main resort
  • Go horseback riding on five miles of trails. The Stables offer western-style guided trail rides of one or two hours. You can also schedule a private ride or book a group hayride with s’mores.
  • Visit Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain at 4,784 feet—which offers a glimpse of four states!
  • Play tennis
  • Hike 9.2 miles of trails
  • Go swimming in a resort pool
  • Work out in the fitness center
  • Fish in the stocked pond
  • Explore the towns of Young Harris and Hiawassee

Brasstown Valley Resort Specials and More:

Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa Details:

Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa website

6321 Highway 76

Young Harris, Georgia 30582

Resort: 706-379-9900

Equani Spa: 706-379-2336

Explore Georgia

Also see 28 Romantic Hotels in North America: Places to Stay in Canada, Caribbean, and USA

This guest article for McCool Travel, including photos, is from Hope S. Philbrick.

Hope S. Philbrick became a freelance writer and editor because she believes that work and fun should not be mutually exclusive. Her focus is travel, food, wine & spirits (as in booze, not ghosts). She has been published in dozens of publications nationwide. Follow Hope on Instagram @21plusTravel and find more links to her articles at LinkedIn and MuckRack.

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