SPA AT THE CHATEAU ELAN Chateau Elan Braselton , Georgia 2,460 Square Feet Renovation completed : Ongoing

RENOVATIONS ARE TECHNICALLY never finished at the Spa at the Chateau Elan . While the resort itself completed a $ 25 million renovation in 2020 and a major renovation of the spa followed a few years later , Director of Wellness Terra Orndorff said those renovations merely lay the groundwork for everything the spa is becoming and for continual changes and upgrades .

The recent major renovation eliminated Vichy showers and added more massage treatment rooms . They now have 26 treatment rooms , of which four are for couples . They also have 14 spa suites that are overnight guestrooms . They refreshed all their public spaces , upgrading them with natural wood , linen upholstery , tailored furniture and modern lighting so they could achieve a look both classic and contemporary that matched the renovations of the resort .

“ The first impression is fresh , light , airy and new ,” said Abby Brennan , the assistant director who has been with the spa for three years .“ The other public spaces — the calm room and relaxation rooms , where everyone goes — were key factors .”

“ A lot of our guests are local ... We ’ re very lucky in that regard because they ’ ve just built up this loyalty of It ’ s okay , I know better things are coming .”

— TERRA ORNDORFF , DIRECTOR OF WELLNESS , SPA AT THE CHATEAU ELAN

Communication is key in a spa that stays open through constant and ongoing renovations . Brennen said they closed for a few days here and there , but mostly they communicated with guests that there might be a little noise or dust . She said all their guests were understanding .

Orndoff said the renovations set them up for future changes . They ’ ve been able to increase their pricing because of the renovations — the spa now tells a different story . It has let them redo their menu , bringing in more upscale and luxurious treatments , product lines and even wines .

Another element that supports ongoing renovations is a core group of loyal spa goers , many who have been coming to the spa for more than 20 years .

“ A lot of our guests are local ,” Orndoff said .“ They have been coming here for so many years and they are used to and know what needs to be renovated . They ’ re more happy with it . We ’ re very lucky in that regard because they ’ ve just built up this loyalty of It ’ s okay , I know better things are coming .”

APRIL / MAY 2024 n PULSE 49