Escape to Serenbe for a Wellness Weekend (3/4)

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Relax, unwind and commune with nature among nearly 1,000 acres of pristine forestland, rolling wildflower meadows, waterfalls and miles of walking trails. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque countryside in the town of Palmetto, Georgia, is Serenbe, a unique community full of fresh air, fresh food and a fanatical focus on wellness. Conveniently located just minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and 30± minutes from downtown Atlanta, Serenbe has all the makings of a perfect weekend getaway for those looking for the peace and serenity that only a stay immersed in mother nature’s finest can deliver.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a weekend with friends, the heart of the Serenbe experience begins with The Inn at Serenbe. A historic 36-acre family farm turned luxury resort —The Inn has 27 rooms, all thoughtfully designed with elegant country decor. The Main House is a luxurious take on the bed and breakfast experience, offering accommodations with outdoor views, access to cozy lounges and The Farmhouse, one of Atlanta’s original farm-to-table restaurants. For more space and privacy, the Cottages on The Inn’s grounds deliver views of the horse paddocks, The Animal Village and the tranquil Inn Lake. Or, if you want to experience what it is like to live at Serenbe, you can even stay in a property out in the community while enjoying all that The Inn has to offer.

After a restful night’s sleep and a delicious country breakfast, it is time to take advantage of the property’s wonderful amenities. Guests enjoy cooling off at the pool during warmer months or a leisurely soak in the hot tub. If you are up for a row, grab some paddles and check out The Inn Lake’s tranquil waters and beautiful scenery and on your way back, be sure to stop and walk the nearby stone labyrinth. If you are feeling a bit competitive, The Inn also has popular lawn games, including bocce, horseshoes and lawn chess, to name a few. And if you want to get in a quick workout before setting out to explore the community, guests enjoy access to the 24-hour gym located in the Mado neighborhood.

In addition to the activities available at The Inn, Serenbe has 16 miles of nature trails that are private for residents and guests. There are creeks and streams, a waterfall as well as old mill ruins and a grandfather tree to explore. While you are out and about, be sure to check out the quaint shops with everything from books, jewelry, clothes, gifts and more, all inspired by art and nature. If you want to take your stay up a notch and make it even more memorable, let The Inn’s concierge help you book some experiences that are unique to Serenbe. Or, if you like to do your own planning, here are some sure bets to choose from.

• Trail Riding – Experience the rolling hills and winding paths of Serenbe on horseback. Whether you are an accomplished equestrian or have little experience with horses, Serenbe Trail Riding has an adventure to offer. Ride along crystal clear streams and open fields. You can even book a lunch ride where you stop along the water’s edge and have a picnic prepared by the local cafe.

• Goat Yoga – Located behind The Inn at the Animal Village is an opportunity to spend your morning outside immersed in nature doing yoga with sweet Nigerian Dwarf Goats. Goat yoga is yoga practiced amongst sweet Nigerian Dwarf goats. Every class is a new experience, as the goats tend to be the stars of the show. Goats are considered to be one of the best emotional support animals, and we promise you will leave this class feeling a little more light-hearted, calm and joyful. Post-yoga Mimosa included!

• Spa Treatment – For a peaceful retreat, book time at The Spa, offering a variety of services from facials, body treatments, massage therapy, reflexology and more. Holding true to the values of the Serenbe community, The Spa only uses holistic healthcare lines that are made of clean, organic ingredients to safely and effectively care for even the most sensitive skin. All products are free of petroleum-based ingredients, harsh surfactants and paraben preservatives. You can relax and enjoy your treatments, knowing that the products being used are pure.

• Farm Tour – Want some tips to improve your green thumb? Learn the importance of organic farming and eating locally through a tour of Serenbe Farms. During the tour you will learn how Serenbe Farms use sustainable practices to grow and harvest more than 300 varieties of heirloom and hybrid vegetables, herbs and flowers. They harvest more than 60,000 pounds of produce a year to feed the Serenbe Community!

• Wine Tasting – Every Saturday at 4:00 p.m. The General Store at Serenbe hosts wine tastings featuring international wines. Join them to sample wines from around the globe. Each tasting comes with tasting notes and small bites. What a way to start your Saturday evening!

• No matter how you decide to enjoy your time at Serenbe, be sure to carve out enough of it to savor the community’s delectable dining options. The four farm-to-table restaurants pride themselves in offering the freshest foods from neighborhood Serenbe farms and surrounding local purveyors. With inspired menus that change regularly to highlight seasonal ingredients, there is always something new on the menu to try. Whether you are looking for a quick snack, a casual lunch or an elegant dining experience, prepare to be delighted.

• The Farmhouse – Perhaps the most well-known restaurant is The Farmhouse at The Inn. One of Atlanta’s original farm-to-table restaurants, chef Nicolas Bour serves up mouthwatering dishes in an intimate and casual atmosphere with fine dining standards that deliver an elevated dining experience. Open for breakfast (The Inn guests only), lunch and dinner, the delicious menu and gorgeous surroundings will keep you coming back, meal after meal.

• The Hill – If you want to shake things up a bit and branch out beyond The Inn, another terrific option for dinner or brunch is The Hill. Located in the center of Selborne, Serenbe’s first hamlet, The Hill offers dinner and weekend brunch with a carefully selected wine, beer and cocktail menu. Much like The Farmhouse, it offers fresh farm cuisine in a warm, gracious atmosphere. Focusing on sustainable and locally sourced growers, The Hill’s menu includes organic vegetables from Serenbe Farms and shifts to reflect the seasons.

• The Blue Eyed Daisy – For breakfast or lunch, give The Blue Eyed Daisy a try. Known as the unofficial meeting place for Serenbe residents and guests alike, The Blue Eyed Daisy was established in 2005 and is located in the heart of the community. Founded on a belief that good food shared with friends and strangers can be a driving force behind fostering community and communication, the Blue Eyed Daisy and its staff members have perfected its recipe for success, which includes farm-to-table cuisine, among other exquisite confections. One piece of advice, come hungry!

• Halsa – Another great option for breakfast, lunch or an early, casual dinner, Halsa offers a warm and playful environment that highlights well-being and good community. Serving healthy Swedish-inspired dining for breakfast and lunch with dinner hours on Wednesday and Thursday, Halsa is a polished casual restaurant featuring a vegetable-forward menu by Chef Nicolas Bour featuring fresh local ingredients. On the menu, you will find build-your-own bowls, freshly squeezed seasonal juices and house-made baked bread daily. Along with artisanal sandwiches and soups, dine on Swedish-inspired specials such as shrimp “skagen” with butter lettuce, organic sour cream, pickled red onions, potato cake and smoked trout roe. Yum!

Learn more about all the wonderful amenities and activities at Serenbe, and schedule your weekend getaway today.

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