Portal was meticulously built for guests who appreciate elevated design while offering a quiet haven for those in need of rejuvenation
– Steve Nygren

Award-winning US wellness community Serenbe has unveiled a brand new spa and wellness Portal Retreat that accommodates between six to 12 guests.

Located an hour outside of Georgia’s state capital of Atlanta, Serenbe has been upgraded with a relaxed and spacious 3,000sq ft retreat designed both for one-off group use and for shared use between a mix of guest parties.

Facilities include six en-suite double bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and dining room, all connected by an expansive courtyard and a hot tub.

With interiors designed by R. Cartwright Design, Portal’s overall finish is inspired by both an indoor-outdoor California atmosphere and Swedish architecture, such as curvilinear rooflines and a white stucco exterior.

Portal has been unveiled to complement Serenbe’s existing eight-treatment-room spa which offers a selection of treatments supplied by Osea, Naturopathica, HydraFacial and Laurel Skin.

Guests can also access the spa’s yoga studio, an infrared sauna and a varied schedule of movement classes.

Spa Business spoke with Serenbe founder Steve Nygren to understand what inspired Portal’s inception.

“So many retreats today are destinations away from the real world and once you leave, it can be difficult to keep up with your new habits and wellness goals," he says.

“The vision for Portal is to create experiences that will help guests reset intentions while being in nature and surrounded by authentic experiences.

“Portal was meticulously built for guests who appreciate elevated design while offering a quiet haven for those in need of rejuvenation – be they individuals, couples, friend groups, yoga and wellness facilitators or corporate teams."

As of January, Portal will launch four four-day Signature Experience Retreats and begin planning private custom retreats with partners such as yoga studios and wellness practitioners.

The retreat will include three daily meals and cold-pressed juices, daily spa services, guided hikes, yoga classes, meditations and evening lectures.

Pricing for the package will range from US$2,800 (€2,472, £2,074) to US$2,995 (€2,644, £2,219) per person per single room occupancy.

All Portal stays must last for two nights minimum for groups where packages will include a meal plan, access to the gym and its Peloton bike studio, daily yoga, spa services and guided hikes.

The basic starting cost for six people for two nights is US$5,000 (€4,414, £3,703) which entitles each guest to a one-to-one natural health consultation, two spa services, meals, daily fresh cold-pressed juice and a guided hike or labyrinth walk.

The price increases by US$225 (€199, £167) per extra person extra beyond the six.

More about Serenbe

Serenbe broke ground on its first house in 2004, and the earth-friendly community is now home to more than 650 people.

The neighbourhood is underpinned by a strong connection to nature, with miles of trails connecting homes and restaurants with arts and businesses, an edible landscape, an on-site labyrinth and acres of preserved forests and meadows – all with homes specifically designed for community living.

Serenbe’s master plan is centred around four hamlets each with a different centre focused on the elements of a well life: arts for inspiration, agriculture for nourishment, health for wellbeing and education for awareness.

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