Relaxing Retreats Weekend Vacation Getaway
Destination Overview
There are times when you just need to get away and do nothing but relax, maybe read a book, take a long walk, fall asleep in an easy chair by the fire. No tours, no museums, no wondering where to eat each evening. Those are times when you need a change of scenery, when you want to be pampered, when you want to think about nothing but the next marvelous meal.
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Making Your Travel Plans
To make your travel plans you can go to our Weekend Planner for all the contact information. Click here for some Road Trip Ideas
Want to save time? Let us make all your travel plans for you including air, car rental, accommodations, dining and activities. You'll even talk to a "live" person and be able to request specific rooms and tables. Just click here. Reservations.
Want to save time? Let us make all your travel plans for you including air, car rental, accommodations, dining and activities. You'll even talk to a "live" person and be able to request specific rooms and tables. Just click here. Reservations.
Click picture to enlarge
We have meticulously researched, visited and selected four incredible destinations for just such a weekend. Each has its own distinctive character, but all have these common traits; amazing food and wine, super luxurious accommodations and world class service. Each is such a wonderful experience that we guarantee you’ll wish you never had to leave.
A word about room tariffs. Room tariffs will seem higher than the norm when first encountered and they are, however in three of the properties, all meals and recreational equipment are included. At two of the five properties, the tariff includes all meals, an extra lunch and all beverages and wine. Still higher than the average room, but not as bad as at first blush. My mother would cringe at the mere thought of a $1,000 room and it even took me a while to get used to it. But, sometimes the experience is just so incredible you find yourself thinking it was worth every penny.
For those who enjoy the book series, “100 Things To Do (or See) before You Die”, these 4 would most definitely be on the list. You may not be able to afford them often, but they should be experienced….”before you die.”
See my Photo Scrapbook.
Here is an overview of these magnificent properties (in alphabetical order).
BERNARDUS LODGE - Carmel Valley, California
I had fully intended to include the Bernardus Lodge as one of our 36 hour “Quick Escapes” as a result of my Northern California Coast trip for that purpose. But, it quickly became apparent that that would not be enough time at this marvelous Lodge tucked into the Carmel Valley. With vineyards in the foreground and the Santa Lucia Mountains as the backdrop, Bernardus is the quintessential “Relaxing Retreat”, a property so special it raises the bar for all others.
The setting could not be more idyllic, but it is the care that went into the design, both inside and out, the attention to detail, the impeccable service and the marvelous food and wine that make this property a standard for others to emulate.
BLACKBERRY FARM - Walland, Tennesse
Located on a magnificent 4200 acre estate in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is the largest of our Relaxing Retreats properties. Built in the 40’s as a mountain retreat for the Laiser family of Chicago, the current owners, Kreis and Sandy Beall purchased Blackberry Farms in 1976 and converted it into their home and a small country inn. Today, the inn is managed by the Beall’s son Sam.
The scenery here is breathtaking. There may be no more beautiful sight than the one before you as you sit in a rocker on the veranda. In the distance a mist sweeps across the mountain range, below a pond sparkles and beyond are miles of rolling hills and grazing livestock.
Blackberry has the most to do of our relaxing retreats should you want to get a little more active and virtually everything is right on the property. Blackberry Farm.
BLANTYRE, Lenox, Massacusetts
In 1902 Robert Paterson built Blantyre as a model of his mother’s ancestral estate in Blantyre, Scotland. Complete with towers, turrets and gargoyles, the grand property served as the family’s summer and fall retreat where they entertained frequently in a lavish style befitting the times. These magnificent properties were the Berkshire’s version of the Newport Mansions and the Great Adirondack Camps.
After numerous owners, the property fell into disrepair and in 1980 Jack and Jane Fitzpatrick purchased the abandoned estate for their daughter Ann Fitzpatrick Brown. She began the painstaking process of restoring the Tudor mansion to its former glory, but this time as a luxury hotel. Seldom have we encountered an owner so passionate about her life’s work. From the rooms to the service to the wine cellar to the dining room, Ms Brown’s focus is on creating an experience her guests will not soon forget. This is truly a labor of love.
24 rooms are spread over the property in the Main House, the Cottages and the Carriage House. Today, the 117 acre property enjoys a reputation for style and elegance yet manages to be anything but stuffy. This is truly a “Relaxing Retreat” where you can be thoroughly satisfied doing nothing but enjoying the magnificent surroundings.
FEARRINGTON HOUSE, Pittsboro, North Carolina
For over 200 years the Fearrington property, located in the beautiful countryside between Pittsboro and Chapel Hill in North Carolina was a working farm, passing from generation to generation until it was purchased by RB and Jenny Fitch in 1974. Today, the property includes homes, specialty shops and a market along with the Inn and restaurant.
The original Fearrington home is now the restaurant and the magnificent inn has 32 individually decorated rooms and suites set in and around a stunning array of gardens and bucolic pastures with grazing Belted Galloway cows.
If you are driving south from the northeast, this is a “must stop” on the way down, the way back or both. It is just a short drive from Interstate 95. It is also well worthy of a visit apart from the convenience of being on the drive south.
The owners and staff here really understand the concept of superior hospitality…they “get it”. Like our other “Relaxing Retreats” the accommodations are gorgeous, the food terrific and the service superb. Add in a little southern charm, graciousness seldom found elsewhere and you have an experience unique unto itself. This property ranks with the best we have visited.
INN AT DOS BRISAS, Washington, Texas
Every serious traveler, foodie and oenophile has dreamt of owning their own place, but few of us, have the resources or the experience to pull it off. Annapolis, Maryland and Houston businessman Doug Bosch and his wife Jennifer had both the resources and the passion to covert their 300 acre family abode into a world class inn and restaurant in the Texas foothills between Houston and Austin.
Inspired by travels throughout Europe, memorable meals at places like The French Laundry, the Inn at Little Washington, Daniel and Chez Panisse and stays at world class properties like The Point, Bosch set out to create his own version of luxury and based on a recent Mobil 5 Star award for the restaurant, he has succeeded.
No expense was spared in creating a hideaway guaranteed to relax even the most ardent Type A personality. Chefs from throughout Europe and the United States were interviewed, lighting, linens and coffeemakers were imported, a wine cellar master was hired to build the cellar and wine list, a magnificent 1760’s fireplace mantel was shipped from the Loire Valley and organic gardens were planted.
Close your eyes and imagine horses grazing in pastures beyond your room, stars brighter than you’ve ever seen and the sounds of frogs, crickets and locusts lulling you to sleep at night. The city seems so far away…..
INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON - Washington, Virginia
In the late 70’s Reinhardt Lynch and Patrick O’Connell had a successful catering business but dreamed of creating the perfect inn and restaurant. They found an old gas station in the sleepy little village of Washington, Virginia nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley and began the transformation. In no time the Inn began to win accolades from both guests and the media. The Inn was the first of its kind to receive the prestigious Mobil 5 Star and AAA 5 Diamond Awards for both accommodations and dining.
Craig Claiborne of The New York Times called it “the most magnificent inn I’ve ever seen, in this country or Europe, where I had the most fantastic meal of my life”.
Seldom have we encountered the level of service we experienced here. There is virtually nothing that haven't thought of to make your stay enjoyable.
LITTLE PALM ISLAND - Little Torch Key, Florida
THE POINT - Upper Saranac Lake, New York
Our first visit here was nearly a year ago and we are still talking about it. Imagine having a wealthy friend who purchases one of the Great Camps in the Adirondacks, decorates it exquisitely, hires a world class chef, outfits it with every possible recreational amenity and then invites you and some other interesting people for the weekend.
11 rooms, decorated in a luxuriously rustic Adirondack fashion are housed in 4 buildings scattered about the property. Personal touches abound and the rooms are so comfortable, you won’t want to leave them.
Dining is a truly unique experience. Guests dress for dinner (black tie, Wednesdays and Saturdays, jackets and ties other nights) and dine “en famille” or at two large tables together with other guests. While this may generate some apprehension, it is great fun, the conversation lively and the people very interesting….some even famous.
The Point won the BestWeekends 2007 Travel Award for “Best Weekend”. The Point.
TRIPLE CREEK RANCH-Darby, Montana
Set on 600 magnificent acres high in the Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rockies, Triple Creek is our first foray beyond the Eastern part of the U.S. and we’re left wondering why it took so long. Everything you have read about Big Sky country is true but never comes close to the experience of seeing it in person. The bluest sky you’ve ever seen, dazzling arrays of mountain flowers, wildlife you’ve only seen in books and more stars than you ever imagined were in the universe.
Originally developed by a Michigan industrialist as a private retreat, Triple Creek began accepting guests in 1986 as a “Montana Hideaway”, but really came into its own under the guidance of the current owners who purchased the property in 1993 after being frequent guests over the years.
This is an all-inclusive resort and guests are housed in beautifully appointed cabins, many of which are situated along the creek bed. There are 18 one bedroom, 4 two bedroom and 1 three bedroom luxury cabins.
This is a place to enjoy great outdoor activities, marvel at the “purple mountain’s majesty” and de-stress like you’ve never been able to do before.
Just before launching our review, Triple Creek was named the #1 hotel in the U.S and Canada by Travel & Leisure Magazine for 2008.
TWIN FARMS - Barnard, Vermont
Set on 300 acres of rolling hills in the heart of Vermont and the Green Mountains, Twin Farms is one of the most magnificent properties you will find anywhere. The combination of its marvelous mountain setting, “off the charts” food and super luxurious accommodations make this one of our favorite places. It is an oasis for the weary body and soul. A few days here and you’ll be ready to take on the world again.
There are 20 rooms and suites in 4 buildings. Each room has been strategically placed on the property to take advantage of its surroundings and provide amazing views; a meadow of flowers, a section of tall trees, a graceful pond. The rooms are without a doubt the best we have seen in our travels. They are a decorator’s dream come true. Conde Nast Traveler magazine awarded the property an overall rating of 96 (out of 100), a perfect 100 for design and a perfect 100 for rooms.
Dining is a celebration of things Vermont as Chef Ted Ask makes great use of local produce, cheeses and locally raised poultry, beef and game. Fresh, homemade and creative. You’ll find yourself eagerly awaiting each meal. A 26,000 bottle wine cellar makes each meal a wonderful culinary adventure. Twin Farms.
A word about room tariffs. Room tariffs will seem higher than the norm when first encountered and they are, however in three of the properties, all meals and recreational equipment are included. At two of the five properties, the tariff includes all meals, an extra lunch and all beverages and wine. Still higher than the average room, but not as bad as at first blush. My mother would cringe at the mere thought of a $1,000 room and it even took me a while to get used to it. But, sometimes the experience is just so incredible you find yourself thinking it was worth every penny.
For those who enjoy the book series, “100 Things To Do (or See) before You Die”, these 4 would most definitely be on the list. You may not be able to afford them often, but they should be experienced….”before you die.”
See my Photo Scrapbook.
Here is an overview of these magnificent properties (in alphabetical order).
BERNARDUS LODGE - Carmel Valley, California
I had fully intended to include the Bernardus Lodge as one of our 36 hour “Quick Escapes” as a result of my Northern California Coast trip for that purpose. But, it quickly became apparent that that would not be enough time at this marvelous Lodge tucked into the Carmel Valley. With vineyards in the foreground and the Santa Lucia Mountains as the backdrop, Bernardus is the quintessential “Relaxing Retreat”, a property so special it raises the bar for all others.
The setting could not be more idyllic, but it is the care that went into the design, both inside and out, the attention to detail, the impeccable service and the marvelous food and wine that make this property a standard for others to emulate.
BLACKBERRY FARM - Walland, Tennesse
Located on a magnificent 4200 acre estate in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is the largest of our Relaxing Retreats properties. Built in the 40’s as a mountain retreat for the Laiser family of Chicago, the current owners, Kreis and Sandy Beall purchased Blackberry Farms in 1976 and converted it into their home and a small country inn. Today, the inn is managed by the Beall’s son Sam.
The scenery here is breathtaking. There may be no more beautiful sight than the one before you as you sit in a rocker on the veranda. In the distance a mist sweeps across the mountain range, below a pond sparkles and beyond are miles of rolling hills and grazing livestock.
Blackberry has the most to do of our relaxing retreats should you want to get a little more active and virtually everything is right on the property. Blackberry Farm.
BLANTYRE, Lenox, Massacusetts
In 1902 Robert Paterson built Blantyre as a model of his mother’s ancestral estate in Blantyre, Scotland. Complete with towers, turrets and gargoyles, the grand property served as the family’s summer and fall retreat where they entertained frequently in a lavish style befitting the times. These magnificent properties were the Berkshire’s version of the Newport Mansions and the Great Adirondack Camps.
After numerous owners, the property fell into disrepair and in 1980 Jack and Jane Fitzpatrick purchased the abandoned estate for their daughter Ann Fitzpatrick Brown. She began the painstaking process of restoring the Tudor mansion to its former glory, but this time as a luxury hotel. Seldom have we encountered an owner so passionate about her life’s work. From the rooms to the service to the wine cellar to the dining room, Ms Brown’s focus is on creating an experience her guests will not soon forget. This is truly a labor of love.
24 rooms are spread over the property in the Main House, the Cottages and the Carriage House. Today, the 117 acre property enjoys a reputation for style and elegance yet manages to be anything but stuffy. This is truly a “Relaxing Retreat” where you can be thoroughly satisfied doing nothing but enjoying the magnificent surroundings.
FEARRINGTON HOUSE, Pittsboro, North Carolina
For over 200 years the Fearrington property, located in the beautiful countryside between Pittsboro and Chapel Hill in North Carolina was a working farm, passing from generation to generation until it was purchased by RB and Jenny Fitch in 1974. Today, the property includes homes, specialty shops and a market along with the Inn and restaurant.
The original Fearrington home is now the restaurant and the magnificent inn has 32 individually decorated rooms and suites set in and around a stunning array of gardens and bucolic pastures with grazing Belted Galloway cows.
If you are driving south from the northeast, this is a “must stop” on the way down, the way back or both. It is just a short drive from Interstate 95. It is also well worthy of a visit apart from the convenience of being on the drive south.
The owners and staff here really understand the concept of superior hospitality…they “get it”. Like our other “Relaxing Retreats” the accommodations are gorgeous, the food terrific and the service superb. Add in a little southern charm, graciousness seldom found elsewhere and you have an experience unique unto itself. This property ranks with the best we have visited.
INN AT DOS BRISAS, Washington, Texas
Every serious traveler, foodie and oenophile has dreamt of owning their own place, but few of us, have the resources or the experience to pull it off. Annapolis, Maryland and Houston businessman Doug Bosch and his wife Jennifer had both the resources and the passion to covert their 300 acre family abode into a world class inn and restaurant in the Texas foothills between Houston and Austin.
Inspired by travels throughout Europe, memorable meals at places like The French Laundry, the Inn at Little Washington, Daniel and Chez Panisse and stays at world class properties like The Point, Bosch set out to create his own version of luxury and based on a recent Mobil 5 Star award for the restaurant, he has succeeded.
No expense was spared in creating a hideaway guaranteed to relax even the most ardent Type A personality. Chefs from throughout Europe and the United States were interviewed, lighting, linens and coffeemakers were imported, a wine cellar master was hired to build the cellar and wine list, a magnificent 1760’s fireplace mantel was shipped from the Loire Valley and organic gardens were planted.
Close your eyes and imagine horses grazing in pastures beyond your room, stars brighter than you’ve ever seen and the sounds of frogs, crickets and locusts lulling you to sleep at night. The city seems so far away…..
INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON - Washington, Virginia
In the late 70’s Reinhardt Lynch and Patrick O’Connell had a successful catering business but dreamed of creating the perfect inn and restaurant. They found an old gas station in the sleepy little village of Washington, Virginia nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley and began the transformation. In no time the Inn began to win accolades from both guests and the media. The Inn was the first of its kind to receive the prestigious Mobil 5 Star and AAA 5 Diamond Awards for both accommodations and dining.
Craig Claiborne of The New York Times called it “the most magnificent inn I’ve ever seen, in this country or Europe, where I had the most fantastic meal of my life”.
Seldom have we encountered the level of service we experienced here. There is virtually nothing that haven't thought of to make your stay enjoyable.
LITTLE PALM ISLAND - Little Torch Key, Florida
THE POINT - Upper Saranac Lake, New York
Our first visit here was nearly a year ago and we are still talking about it. Imagine having a wealthy friend who purchases one of the Great Camps in the Adirondacks, decorates it exquisitely, hires a world class chef, outfits it with every possible recreational amenity and then invites you and some other interesting people for the weekend.
11 rooms, decorated in a luxuriously rustic Adirondack fashion are housed in 4 buildings scattered about the property. Personal touches abound and the rooms are so comfortable, you won’t want to leave them.
Dining is a truly unique experience. Guests dress for dinner (black tie, Wednesdays and Saturdays, jackets and ties other nights) and dine “en famille” or at two large tables together with other guests. While this may generate some apprehension, it is great fun, the conversation lively and the people very interesting….some even famous.
The Point won the BestWeekends 2007 Travel Award for “Best Weekend”. The Point.
TRIPLE CREEK RANCH-Darby, Montana
Set on 600 magnificent acres high in the Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rockies, Triple Creek is our first foray beyond the Eastern part of the U.S. and we’re left wondering why it took so long. Everything you have read about Big Sky country is true but never comes close to the experience of seeing it in person. The bluest sky you’ve ever seen, dazzling arrays of mountain flowers, wildlife you’ve only seen in books and more stars than you ever imagined were in the universe.
Originally developed by a Michigan industrialist as a private retreat, Triple Creek began accepting guests in 1986 as a “Montana Hideaway”, but really came into its own under the guidance of the current owners who purchased the property in 1993 after being frequent guests over the years.
This is an all-inclusive resort and guests are housed in beautifully appointed cabins, many of which are situated along the creek bed. There are 18 one bedroom, 4 two bedroom and 1 three bedroom luxury cabins.
This is a place to enjoy great outdoor activities, marvel at the “purple mountain’s majesty” and de-stress like you’ve never been able to do before.
Just before launching our review, Triple Creek was named the #1 hotel in the U.S and Canada by Travel & Leisure Magazine for 2008.
TWIN FARMS - Barnard, Vermont
Set on 300 acres of rolling hills in the heart of Vermont and the Green Mountains, Twin Farms is one of the most magnificent properties you will find anywhere. The combination of its marvelous mountain setting, “off the charts” food and super luxurious accommodations make this one of our favorite places. It is an oasis for the weary body and soul. A few days here and you’ll be ready to take on the world again.
There are 20 rooms and suites in 4 buildings. Each room has been strategically placed on the property to take advantage of its surroundings and provide amazing views; a meadow of flowers, a section of tall trees, a graceful pond. The rooms are without a doubt the best we have seen in our travels. They are a decorator’s dream come true. Conde Nast Traveler magazine awarded the property an overall rating of 96 (out of 100), a perfect 100 for design and a perfect 100 for rooms.
Dining is a celebration of things Vermont as Chef Ted Ask makes great use of local produce, cheeses and locally raised poultry, beef and game. Fresh, homemade and creative. You’ll find yourself eagerly awaiting each meal. A 26,000 bottle wine cellar makes each meal a wonderful culinary adventure. Twin Farms.
Getting There
Bernardus Lodge
Bernardus is accessible easily by air into San Francisco airport, less easy but closer into Monterey airport.
Drive times from major cities:
San Francisco: 2 hours 15 minutes
Sacramento: 3 hours 20 minutes
Bakersfield: 3 hours 50 minutes
Los Angeles: 5 hours 19 minutes
Blackberry Farms
The Inn is located 18 miles from Knoxville. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Knoxville airport and either rent a car or take a shuttle from the Inn.
Drive times from other major cities:
Atlanta: 3 hours 45 minutes
Charlotte: 4 hours 35 minutes
Blantyre
Closest airport is Albany, NY, about 1 hour away.
Drive time from major cities:
Boston: 2 hours 15 minutes
New York: 3 hours
Philadelphia: 4 hours
Fearrington House
The area is serviced by the Raleigh/Durham airport, about 40 minutes from the Inn.
Drive times from major cities:
Charlotte: 2 hours 22 minutes
Washington, DC: 4 hours 56 minutes
Atlanta: 6 hours 13 minutes
Charleston: 4 hours 38 minutes
Inn at Dos Brisas
Washington, Texas is located about an hour’s drive from Houston, two hours from Austin and three hours from Dallas.
Inn at Little Washington
Dulles Airport is the closest, about 15 minutes from the Inn.
Drive times from major cities:
Washington, DC: 1 hour 30 minutes
Philadelphia: 3 hours 55 minutes
Pittsburgh: 4 hours 22 minutes
Little Palm Island
Really only two options: You can fly into Key West airport, about a 40-50 mile drive or you can fly into Miami/Ft. Lauderdale and drive down, about a 4 hour drive.
The Point
Specific directions are provided by The Point upon prepayment of your stay, (it’s kind of an adventure) but Upper Saranac Lake is in the Lake Placid area. Saranac Lake Airport is the closest. Next closest major airport is Albany.
Drive times from major cities:
Boston: 5 hours 30 minutes
New York: 5 hours 30 minutes
Syracuse: 3 hours 20 minutes
Albany: 2 hours 58 minutes
Triple Creek
Closest airport is Missoula, about 75 miles away. Shuttle is $125 each way or you can rent a car or SUV at the airport. The property also has its own helipad, should you want to shorten your trip a bit. If you happen to be visiting Glacier National Park, Triple Creek is about 4-5 hours away and 5-6 hours from Yellowstone. Believe me, it is worth the trip.
Drive time from major cities:
Jackson, WY: 6 hours
Twin Farms
Barnard is northeast of Rutland and about 40 minutes from the Killington ski area. The drive from Burlington, the nearest major airport is about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Drive times from major cities:
New York: 5 hours
Boston: 2 hours 45 minutes
Albany: 2 hours 51 minutes
Syracuse: 4 hours 47 minutes
Bernardus is accessible easily by air into San Francisco airport, less easy but closer into Monterey airport.
Drive times from major cities:
San Francisco: 2 hours 15 minutes
Sacramento: 3 hours 20 minutes
Bakersfield: 3 hours 50 minutes
Los Angeles: 5 hours 19 minutes
Blackberry Farms
The Inn is located 18 miles from Knoxville. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Knoxville airport and either rent a car or take a shuttle from the Inn.
Drive times from other major cities:
Atlanta: 3 hours 45 minutes
Charlotte: 4 hours 35 minutes
Blantyre
Closest airport is Albany, NY, about 1 hour away.
Drive time from major cities:
Boston: 2 hours 15 minutes
New York: 3 hours
Philadelphia: 4 hours
Fearrington House
The area is serviced by the Raleigh/Durham airport, about 40 minutes from the Inn.
Drive times from major cities:
Charlotte: 2 hours 22 minutes
Washington, DC: 4 hours 56 minutes
Atlanta: 6 hours 13 minutes
Charleston: 4 hours 38 minutes
Inn at Dos Brisas
Washington, Texas is located about an hour’s drive from Houston, two hours from Austin and three hours from Dallas.
Inn at Little Washington
Dulles Airport is the closest, about 15 minutes from the Inn.
Drive times from major cities:
Washington, DC: 1 hour 30 minutes
Philadelphia: 3 hours 55 minutes
Pittsburgh: 4 hours 22 minutes
Little Palm Island
Really only two options: You can fly into Key West airport, about a 40-50 mile drive or you can fly into Miami/Ft. Lauderdale and drive down, about a 4 hour drive.
The Point
Specific directions are provided by The Point upon prepayment of your stay, (it’s kind of an adventure) but Upper Saranac Lake is in the Lake Placid area. Saranac Lake Airport is the closest. Next closest major airport is Albany.
Drive times from major cities:
Boston: 5 hours 30 minutes
New York: 5 hours 30 minutes
Syracuse: 3 hours 20 minutes
Albany: 2 hours 58 minutes
Triple Creek
Closest airport is Missoula, about 75 miles away. Shuttle is $125 each way or you can rent a car or SUV at the airport. The property also has its own helipad, should you want to shorten your trip a bit. If you happen to be visiting Glacier National Park, Triple Creek is about 4-5 hours away and 5-6 hours from Yellowstone. Believe me, it is worth the trip.
Drive time from major cities:
Jackson, WY: 6 hours
Twin Farms
Barnard is northeast of Rutland and about 40 minutes from the Killington ski area. The drive from Burlington, the nearest major airport is about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Drive times from major cities:
New York: 5 hours
Boston: 2 hours 45 minutes
Albany: 2 hours 51 minutes
Syracuse: 4 hours 47 minutes
Getting Around
With the exception of Blackberry Farms, you will need a car to reach the other properties. Blackberry provides a shuttle from nearby Knoxville airport. Dos Brisas and Triple Creek provide guests with a golf cart to navigate the property.
When To Go
Each season brings different things to do and all our Relaxing Retreats are thoroughly enjoyable throughout the year. Winter, however, with a blanket of fresh snow is a magical time at The Point, Twin Farms, Blantyre and Triple Creek. Activities range from snowshoeing to skiing to sleigh rides to horseback riding. There’s something particularly romantic about a snowy evening, a big fire and a great bottle of wine. Texas can be hot and humid in the summer, but Dos Brisas is perched on a bluff that lends itself to steady breezes (hence the name Dos Brisas which means two breezes). It was hot during our August visit, but not unbearable. Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys is delightful most of the year, but it can get quite hot in July and August. Moderate temperatures throughout the year in Carmel Valley make Bernardus Lodge ideal for a visit at any time. I have been there in January with 70 degree temps.