I revised my video blog of my hotel stay of the W, with what I had.

My W Hotel Stay. My first video blog. excited to do more.

My review of the Chateau Elan

I was a little skeptical about this place when I first booked the room. I had never heard of it and with all of the different means of advertising, that concerned me but it also intrigued me. It was so charming. I thought this could be my "diamond in the rough". I was looking for something romantic, quaint, within driving distance and my price range. It was, after all, my 15th Anniversary. I decided to throw caution to the wind and go to the unknown.

Arriving, I could see that I would be away from the hustle and bustle of a big town (40 minutes north of Atlanta) but within a reasonable distance to enjoy other things I would want to partake in. This entire facility is 3,500 acres  with 25 dedicated to vineyards growing an assortment of grape varietals including; Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Muscadine. The property also functions as a 4-star inn, 25,000 sq. ft conference center, golf club with three 18 hole golf courses and 9-hole par 3 course, day and overnight spa facilities, seven restaurants, real                                 rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr   estate, art gallery, a wine market and wine tastings.

  I arrived and immediately was welcomed by valet. They called us by name. We had not gone through a gate so I was very pleased to know they knew who we were. The entire staff was very welcoming. When I walked around the Chateau Elan Inn I felt that their was history there; that it was an aged dwelling only to discover it was founded in 1982. This replica of an 16th-century-style French estate is a little over 30 years old.

My room was a King Suite (1 of 22 there), just a step above a standard room but it was far from standard. The furnishings were elegant and delightful. Our room had a cozy L shaped sofa with a beautiful ottoman/coffee table among other furnishings. The Lavish bathroom had an oversize tub, glass shower, and enough sink space for all my makeup, curlers, and essentials. We had an area off to the side with a small refrigerator (it was ice cold), counter space with coffee maker and ice bucket.  A nice flat screen TV and so much floor space.

For dining, we got to decide between seven restaurants to enjoy a cultural array of dishes and ingredients from regional Southern and All-American to Mediterranean, Classic French, Irish, and healthful Spa Cuisine. The ambiance and settings ranged from casual to intimate fine dining. Cafe' Elan had a delectable Filet Medallion Dish with Roasted Garlic Pommes Puree, Seasonal Vegetables, and a Cabernet Demi. I also enjoyed their bread with dinner and their Fabulous Cheesecake (I had a piece every day - I gained a few founds but it was worth it)

The golf club was nice to visit but I do not play golf so I cannot tell you much except it features two public 18-hole championship golf courses, a public Par-3 9 hole course, and The Legends - a private golf club. It had a little shop inside and a restaurant, Golf Grille, that had the best Cesar Salad, I have ever eaten.

Each morning we had breakfast at Versailles, which is an open air restaurant beneath a soaring 45 foot glass Atrium located at the heart of the Château Élan Inn. It was buffet style but there were chefs for your cook to order eggs and omelettes. There were foreign servers to great ole' southern hospitality servers. I got the best of both worlds.. in one place!

Since their is a winery there, I had to visit. The tour was at 11am or 3pm most days.

Naeema Nelson gave the wine tour and she did such a fabulous job. She was professional but humorous. She made it a lot of fun. We all learned alot.

 Upon entering the Winery you will first discover the Wine Market which features Château Élan wines along with a wide variety of wine and culinary gift items as well as some adorable t-shirts. On occasion, you will be able to see a chef giving a culinary class as you walk through the market.

Last but certainly not least... The Spa..  It stole my heart!

The Spa at Chateau Elan is a quiet, romantic, serene environment that carries the fragrant aroma of eucalyptus and herbal lotion. It has indulgent sensory treatments to refresh and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. I got to experience that for 3 whole days. (Please book in advance, it will get busy. I could not get an appointment the last two days I tried.)

I have been to many spas and they have a lot to offer but this one, I believe, is the best. The facility is gorgeous.. so inviting...  but what really makes it.. is the staff. They enjoy their jobs. They like doing their services.. it is not a job but a lifestyle choice.

They speak to you about the services being rendered and yourself. I have been to other spas like the Grand Floridan Spa and others.. that were very pretty but the staff spoke of such negative things or things about themselves, I did not care to know. I am paying to enjoy myself.. to relax, not hear the staff complain about their life or jobs...   These Chateau Elan Spa Employees know demeanor and hospitality. They are gracious and caring.

My husband purchased several services for my anniversary and birthday gifts. It was money worth spent. I would love to visit this spa again!

the Spa Mansion is surrounded by a forest of beautiful trees and a serene lake. It has it's own kitchen where the chef develops gourmet menus with healthy appetizing fare, beautifully prepared and served in the lovely Fleur-de-Lis dining room and for those wanting to stay,  it  has 14 newly renovated luxurious overnight guest suites. I did get to look inside them and they were beautiful. The bedding area was nice as the others but the bathrooms were GRAND! I do hope to get to stay in one next time.. I will make sure I tell you all about it. :)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/prettyjuls23

please let me know how you liked my review...