Spa Prunifolia at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia
Julie Register visits the new spa at this popular Georgia destination in July 2007

Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia was conceived and created by Cason J. Callaway and his wife, Virginia Hand Callaway, "for the benefit of mankind with the purpose of providing a wholesome family environment where all may find beauty, relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world."

Callaway Gardens holds special memories for my husband and me. When we were both students at Georgia Tech many years ago, we would escape the heat of Atlanta summers to the cooler mountains and these beautiful gardens. We liked them so much, we wanted to be married at the chapel in the gardens. We ended up getting married elsewhere, but we did stay at the resort to celebrate Jeff's graduation from GT. We played golf on the rolling Mountain View Course - one of three on the property. We enjoyed meals prepared with fresh vegetables grown in the property's garden (the Southern setting for the popular PBS television show, The Victory Garden). My first hummingbird sighting was here.

My husband and I visited Callaway Gardens again last summer. The golf courses still looked beautiful. Miles and miles of nature and biking trails still meandered over the 13,000-acre resort. The beach still attracted water lovers. The chapel was still serenely tucked in the woods on the lakeshore. Over the years, the resort has grown and expanded. A butterfly center was added. There's a conference center. The Lodge is new, and there were banners announcing the coming of a new spa.

Fast forward a year. We returned to Callaway Gardens this summer and, of course, I experienced the new spa.

Entrance to Spa Prunifolia at Callaway Gardens

The new spa's name is Spa Prunifolia. While the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, it is perfectly appropriate. The beauty and uniqueness of the brightly colored Prunifolia Azalea inspired Cason and Virginia Callaway to transform acres of depleted land into the sanctuary of natural beauty that is now Callaway Gardens. The new spa echoes the theme of renewal on a personal level.

*VIP suite with a Purist Bath Soaking Tub and private shower at Spa Prunifolia at Callaway Gardens	*Fitness Center at Spa Prunifolia at Callaway Gardens
*Couples Room at Spa Prunifolia at Callaway Gardens	*Retail Boutique at Spa Prunifolia at Callaway Gardens

Spa Prunifolia at Callaway Gardens opened in March of 2007. It is available exclusively for Lodge guests and has 13 treatment rooms including a Couples Room and a VIP Suite with a Purist Bath Soaking Tub and private shower, locker rooms with saunas, steam rooms, and showers, and women’s private dressing rooms, luxurious men’s and women’s relaxation lounges with juice bar and fireplaces, full-service salon and spa boutique. The Spa Fitness Center offers a weight and cardiovascular training studio, state-of-the-art weight resistance machines, free weights, treadmills, exercycles and elliptical trainers, and cardio equipment with built-in personal TV screens and stereos.

*Women's Sauna at Callaway Gardens

I visited the spa to experience a Callaway Gardens Custom Massage. After changing into a soft robe in the changing room and securing my belongings in a locker, I enjoyed the steam and sauna. When I couldn't stand the heat any longer, I headed to the lounge to wait.

*Treatment Room in Spa Prunifolia at Callaway Gardens

At the appointed time, I was escorted to my treatment room. I climbed in between the very comfortable Comphy Sheets and the Callaway Gardens Custom Massage began. The therapist gave an excellent Swedish massage with a Deep Forest Infusion. This purifying respiratory oil contains Silver Fir, Pine and Red Mandarin to open sinuses and clear the lungs while promoting deep relaxation. And it was Totally Relaxing. Other organic herbal and aromatherapy oils inspired by Callaway Gardens I could have chosen include:

• Arnica Infusion: This warming oil is blended with extracts of Arnica, Basil and Bay Laurel. Perfect for the sports enthusiast.
  
• Lavender Infusion: This calming oil is blended with extracts of Lavandin and Lavender.
  
• Lemon & Cypress Infusion: This reparative and energizing oil contains fresh Lemon and is blended with extracts of Geranium, Juniper and Cypress to enliven the senses. Perfect for travel-weary bodies.
  

Many of the other services offered at Spa Prunifolia at Callaway Gardens are inspired by regional herbs and plants. They include: