Château Élan
Julie Register visited this resort spa in Braselton, Georgia in July 1998

We flew down to Atlanta a full week before the 4th of July. In that week, we visited relatives in Alabama. My husband played golf at Auburn Links which he found outstanding - challenging, well-kept, and reasonably priced. He says it's the best course he's played on - ever. We visited two colleges with my daughter who is interested in studying music - Columbus State University (which seems to have a very nice, very well funded music program) and Auburn University (which seems to be dismantling its music program). We visited friends from our days at Georgia Tech. We visited WhiteWater. My husband ran in the Peachtree Road Race, and my daughter and I volunteered to be members of the road crew. We saw the fireworks in the parking lot of Lenox Square. We went to a Braves game. I mention all of this just to let you know that this was a busy, hectic, but fun vacation. And how much we appreciated the change of pace during our stay at Chateau Elan.

As you drive onto the extensive Chateau Elan property, you first see two palatial buildings flanked on the west by a vineyard and the Equestrian Center - the Winery and The Inn.

The Winery at Château Élan

The Inn at Château Élan

Only a short walk away from this main center of activity is The Spa at Château Élan. The location is convenient, yet it sits in wooded seclusion. The front of the building is deceptive. It does not reveal the extensive facility that lies beyond the front door. The left wing houses the 14 spa suites and the right wing, the actual spa.

Spa Entrance

Secluded patio on suite wing and rear of suite wing facing pond

The Setting
As soon as you walk through the front door, the peaceful atmosphere seems to wrap around you and invite you stay, unwind and enjoy the serenity. A very pleasant person who directs you to either the spa desk, the restaurant, or the suites greeted us as we entered the spacious common area. Walking straight ahead leads to the spa restaurant Fleur-de-lis which overlooks a large private lawn, woods, pond, and Gazebo

The Spa from the pond*

Let me first tell you about the guest suites. This is my idea of a perfect setting for a spa. The rooms are specifically for spa guests. You would never have to leave the building. As I was told, you can put on a robe (provided by the spa) and stay in it for your entire stay. It makes you feel as if this were your home - chateau - and all the wonderful treatments, equipment, and food were there just for you. The rooms are each done in a theme with names such as the Vintage Room, Oriental Room, Greek Room, Western Room, Gatsby Room, Birthday Room, Victorian Wicker, Country French, and Hi-Tech Room. Pictures just don't do justice (especially the ones I took), but I had a chance to see some of the rooms and take a few shots:

The Georgia Room

The Lodge Loft and The Art Deco Room

The Fox Hunt Room

The Treatments
The multi-floor Spa is a world unto itself. The main level has a large inviting hot tub, a well-supplied locker room with whirlpool tub, steam shower, stacks of fluffy white towels, miles of mirrors and counter space stocked with every beauty supply you could possibly need, and walls of spacious lockers, a workout room with aerobic studio and all the latest machines, and inviting waiting and recovery rooms.

Hot tub, women's locker room, and work-out room

The lower level has a resistance pool, and the upper level has peaceful treatment rooms overlooking a sea of green treetops. You can't help but feel a sense of well-being - that someone has thoughtfully prepared all of this just for you - that all your needs have been anticipated and well prepared for.

I tried two treatments at the Spa: The Hot Stone Massage and The Power Peel.
The Hot Stone Massage was undoubtedly my favorite. The therapist used Swedish massage techniques with smooth, heated stones. The deep-penetrating heat just melted muscle tension away. I felt somewhat like I was being ironed, but it left me feeling peaceful and relaxed.

Exfoliation is one of those skin maintenance treatments that should be done from time to time. I have tried fruit peels and acid peels and now The Power Peel. The Power Peel is a micro-dermabrasion treatment that essentially is like a mini sandblaster. To be honest, I don't like the way my skin feels after any exfoliation treatment. It tends to burn and itch for a few days afterwards. And I am not sure I like the suction of the Power Peel. Not that it's very strong, but I don't even like the drag a tube of lipstick puts on my lips. However, my skin did look nice and did feel softer after the treatment. They say after several treatments, acne scars will be less obvious and age spots, fine lines will be erased, and its safe to use on all skin types and colors.

My daughter and husband both had Swedish massages and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Afterwards, we relaxed in what may be my favorite room - the recovery room - well stocked with water and juice, soft music, and the most comfortable lounge chairs I've ever had the pleasure of reclining on.

Recovery room at the Spa

Other therapeutic techniques offered include harmonic massage, thalassotherapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, hydrotherapy, Vichy showers, herbal body wraps, body exfoliations, facials, and hand and foot paraffins.

The Food
Château Élan has seven restaurants. The spa restaurant, Fleur-de-lis, prepared healthy and delicious Spa cuisine. Each item is analyzed for fat, cholesterol, sodium and calorie content. I particularly enjoyed the Shrimp and Rice Roll Salad. I love Japanese food (there's more to it than raw fish!) and the kitchen did a fine job of preparing this. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in at the Spa. Dinner is served Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings only.

Shrimp and Rice Roll Salad at Fleur-de-lis

Not all our meals were health-conscious. We splurged at Le Clos - fine dining in a formal atmosphere in the Winery. We had a seven-course classical French meal with an appropriate Château Élan wine with each course ($79 per person). The soup, Creme de Chanterelle avec des Quenelles de Pain au Lardons (Cream of Chanterelle with Bacon Bread Quenelles) had a rich, exquisite flavor, perfect consistency, and was the highlight of the meal. Other courses included an Appetizer of Brochette de Coquilles St. Jacqes et Crevettes ...(Chardonnay), Intermezzo of sorbet, Entre of Duo of Boeuf Wellington et Cotelette de Veau avec Pommes Mousseline...(Merlot), Salad of Moules Vertes a L'aioli de Fines Herbes, endive frise (Green Lip Mussels with Herb Aiolo and Curly Endive) - also outstanding (Johannesberg Riesling), Dessert of Soulffle au Gingembre avec Son Sabayon (Ginger Bread Souffle with Eggnog Cream Sabayon) - again outstanding (Port). Of the wines, we especially enjoyed the Chardonnay and the Port.

Le Clos - photo courtesy of Château Élan

The Rest
We toured the Winery, got to taste a number of the wines made at Château Élan, and of course, bought a few bottles at the Wine Market.

The winery

The Wine Market