10 Hidden Gem Resorts In The South
Courtesy Old Edwards Hospitality Group
When you're in need of some rest and relaxation, there's no better place to find it than an off-the-beaten path Southern resort with all the amenities you could dream of. Whether you're in the mood to relax on the beach with your toes in the sand or enjoy a luxurious farm experience surrounded by rolling hills, there's a hidden gem resort that's calling your name. These spots are nestled in the Virginia hills, situated on the Florida Keys coastline, and beckoning from every place in between. Let these great Southern resorts take care of you for a while with their bounty of amenities, excellent views, and delicious dining options. Check out some of the South's best resort getaways for uncrowded experiences in beautiful locales, and then book your trip and pack your bags. After all, the anticipation is half the fun.
How We Picked This List
These hidden gems were picked by the editors of Southern Living who report, research, and visit resorts across the South
Julep Farms
Dillard, Georgia
In the Blue Ridge hills of North Georgia sits Julep farms, a serene enclave billed as a "modern farm resort" that treats visitors to cozy cottage stays, The Julep Market for shopping, Julep Kitchen for fresh-and-local dishes, and Julep Bar for a variety of adult beverages (including, of course, a Mint Julep).
julep.farm; 500 Hwy 246, Dillard, GA; 606-960-9600
The Moorings Village
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Islamorada, Florida
A quiet and beautiful Florida Keys getaway, The Moorings Village is tucked along the beachfront in Islamorada and filled with waving palm trees and Atlantic views. A stay here includes breezy private cottages with shutters painted in the shades of the sunrise.
themooringsvillage.com; 123 Beach Road, Islamorada, FL; 305-664-4708
Pursell Farms
Pursell Farms
Sylacauga, Alabama
If golf is the name of the game, head to Pursell Farms, an Alabama resort touting accommodations that make you feel right at home. After a round on the award-winning golf course, go horseback riding or book a spa experience.
pursellfarms.com; 386 Talledega Springs Rd. Sylacauga, AL; 256-208-7600
Southall Farm & Inn
Courtesy Southall Farm & Inn
Franklin, Tennessee
Tennessee's newest resort experience is Southall Farm & Inn, which is a working farm set on 325 acres. It features greenhouses and gardens as well as a beautifully appointed inn and excellent dining options, including signature restaurant January and all-day eatery Sojourner.
southalltn.com; 2200 Osage Loop, Franklin, TN; 615-282-2000
Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards
Courtesy of Niceworder Farm and Vineyards
Bristol, Virginia
One of the newest resorts in Virginia, Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards offers a variety of experiences, including accommodations in The Inn or in individual yurts. There's also The Tasting Room for sipping signature vintages and memorable fine dining at Hickory restaurant.
nicewonderfarm.com; 22010 Nicewonder Drive, Bristol, VA; 276-644-4466
Château Élan Winery & Resort
Courtesy of Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Braselton, Georgia
The winery is the standout feature at Château Élan Winery & Resort, a property in Georgia's foothills where you can take in the rows of leafy vines from the windows of the resort and also learn all about the journey from grape to glass with tours and tastings. There's also an excellent golf course, a relaxing spa, and lovely accommodations.
chateauelan.com; 100 Rue Charlemagne Drive, Braselton, GA; 678-425-0900
Bungalows Key Largo
Bungalows Key Largo
Key Largo, Florida
This all-inclusive oasis in Key Largo is for adults only, and a visit here is guaranteed to melt all of your cares away. The amenities, which include unlimited dining and standalone bungalows, help with that, as does the location: According to Bungalows Key Largo, the property "sits within a botanical garden edged by 1000 feet of ocean shoreline, just a few miles from the warm waters of the Gulf Stream."
bungalowskeylargo.com; 99010 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL; 866-801-0195
Half-Mile Farm
Courtesy Old Edwards Hospitality Group
Highlands, North Carolina
You know and love Old Edwards Inn and Spa, but have you tried their sister property, Half-Mile Farm? This luxury country inn for adults 18 and older is surrounded by the forests of Western North Carolina and is situated near Apple Lake, a beautiful place to take in the serenity of nature.
oldedwardshospitality.com; 214 Half Mile Dr, Highlands, NC
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Austin, Texas
Texas's capital city is home to many great places to retreat for the weekend, but one of our favorites is Lake Austin Spa Resort, which is billed as an "all-inclusive, adult-only spa resort hideaway in the beautiful Texas Hill Country on the shores of Lake Austin." Go kayaking, settle into The LakeHouse Spa, or do yoga lakeside.
lakeaustin.com; 1705 S. Quinlan Park Road, Austin, TX; 800-847-5637
The Omni Homestead Resort
Hot Springs, Virginia
If you haven't heard of the Omni Homestead Resort, you should put it on your radar immediately. Nestled in the gorgeous landscape of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, it's stunning in any season. The resort is more than 250 years old, so it contains a host of stories as well as a deep history and a lineup of amenities that will make you want to move right in.
omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia; 7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, VA; 800-838-1766
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