When I first arrived at QuercusI knew what to expect from, a resort located in the small town of Gay (129 people). I was ready for it to be compared to other high-end Southern properties—The Swags and the Old Edwards Inns of the world. I thought it would be well-executed and thoughtful, somewhere I could recommend to even the most discerning travelers.
Quercus’ standalone cabins are reminiscent of those at North Carolina’s Cataloochee Ranch, and the emphasis on farm-fresh ingredients is similar to that of Tennessee’s Blackberry Farm. The standalone cabins remind me of Cataloochee Ranch in North Carolina, while the emphasis on farm-fresh food is similar to Blackberry Farm, a Tennessee resort. The linens are of five-star quality, and there are many surprises (like the Hatch sound machine next to the bed) as well as cozy reading areas. Sea Island. One could argue that the wellness offerings are in line with Miraval’s brand.
Lydia Mansel/Travel + Leisure
Quercus, however, is unique in its identity and presentation. It’s an innovative concept, helmed Chiara Visconti Di Modrone and Angelos Pervanas. They are passionate about their roles of stewards and creating a retreat that combines “traditional ranch culture, Southern hospitality, and a European flare.” Along with chefs Ryan Smith and Kara Hidinger of StaplehouseThey built an all-inclusive hotel in Atlanta that gave me a better understanding of my health. I also appreciated a good sleep more and realized that there is a difference between relaxing and restoring (even though I experienced both on my two-night visit).
Located about an hour south of Hartsfield-Jackson, the 3,800-acre property—filled with pecan groves, pastures, forests, and lakes—is rooted in Visconti di Modrone’s family history. Her parents, an Italian duke & duchess, purchased the land in late 1970s. It has been used as a ranch, cattle and horse farm, a hunting reserve and working farm for the past few decades. The idea for an overnight retreat didn’t begin to take shape until after the pandemic when Visconti Di Modrone, Pervanas, and Hidinger and Smith began discussing regenerative agriculture.
Mammoth Studio/Quercus
In the fall of 2024 “the World of Quercus” will open, consisting of four guest cabins and a biodynamic veggie garden. There is also a restored farm, as well as endless opportunities to enjoy nature. This type of destination can be transformed into the retreat you want. Visconti Di Modrone and Pervanas want their guests to feel “nurtured” and re-energized both physically and mentally. They’ve created multiple ways for them to accomplish this goal.
If you want to book a personal holistic wellness consult with Visconti (who founded the company), then this is for you. Intuitas Integrative WellnessIf you choose to indulge in a massage in-suite, test your hand/eye coordination on a sporting clay course nearby, or eat a leisurely meal prepared by Smith himself in your porch swing, it is impossible to leave the property with the same mindset as when arriving.
Quercus Review: Read my complete review.
Quercus
- The four suites are residential-style cabins that have been impeccably decorated for a peaceful getaway.
- The property is large enough to be explored on foot, or in an all-terrain cart. A ride through the pecan tree grove during golden hour is highly recommended.
- Quercus is a restaurant that puts food at the forefront. The dining program, helmed by Chef Ryan Smith, uses produce from the garden.
The Rooms
It’s not surprising that all four guest cabins – ranging from a one bedroom to a two bedroom – share a natural naming system. Cypress, Ember and Naya are all designed by Tammy ConnorThere’s an overall theme of elegance and comfort that is shared by all the furnishings and artwork owned by the Visconti Di Modrone family. (Some pieces date as far back as the Crusades).
The cabins have plenty of space. Each one is tucked into its own little private nook on the property, which guests access via an all-terrain golf cart; you’re basically staying in your own home-away-from-home, as clichéd as the phrase may be. A wraparound porch is available, as well as an indoor and outdoor wood-burning stove, with all of the materials and tools needed to light them. Other features include a powder-room, a living-room with an outdoor fireplace with the required lighting equipment, a bedroom with blackout drapes, and an ensuite with a soaking bathtub and a walk in shower.
The space is designed to anticipate the needs of guests, including the organic mattresses, the cabinets stocked with herbal teas and homemade snacks, as well as the shelves containing homemade snacks. There are detailed instructions for the coffee maker, plenty of bath towels, and a small pouch with sunscreen and lip balm that you can take home at the end. You won’t miss the TV. WiFi is available for those who need to stay connected with the rest of the world.
Food and Drink
Visconti and Pervanas described their vision of Quercus as a “highly-skilled culinary experience that nurtures your body.” Chef Smith has brought to life this idea, implementing an innovative program of food and beverages that utilizes local ingredients as well as the fruits from the garden in order to fuel the guests throughout their entire stay.
Smith’s team prepares a wide variety of meals that are included in your nightly rate. You can have breakfast delivered to your room, or you can choose a picnic for an on-the-go lunch. Don’t expect standard eggs-and-bacon or sandwich-and-an-apple combinations, though. Smith’s food is inspired by what grows in the garden. The limited number of guests at the property allows Smith to create a gourmet spread that is tailored to your dietary needs.
The Main Cottage is a renovated farmhouse with a library and porch. It’s located next to Uberto – a farm-to table restaurant that seats 30 people, named after Visconti’s father.
Smith has created the multi-course tastings menus that Uberto offers exclusively on Saturdays and Fridays. Smith has created a meal that is both dynamic and delicious. Uberto includes one dinner per guest. Other dinners are not as lavish but equally delicious. The chef-guided signature hotpot experience is one of the best ways to discover the innovative, ingredients-forward cuisine that Quercus insists on serving. Smith and Hidinger greeted me in my suite the night I arrived, with a platter of rice, greens, kimchi and broth.
Activities and Experiences
Quercus offers a similar level of service in all areas. You’ll be asked to provide your preferences in advance of your arrival. There are a variety of activities available, including guided fishing and kayaking on Flint River, an education tour of on-site farm, rucking around with a weighted pack, clay shooting, or liberty training with horses. I chose to do the two latter activities and spent one morning navigating the courses at the nearby Big Red Oak Plantation Learn the basics of bonding horses.
Visconti’s consultation was the activity that made me feel most alive. After her brother died of cancer, and then her parents shortly after that, she became immersed in the worlds of nutrition and prevention. She developed a new product as a result of her journey. The Visconti MethodThe program is designed to empower women with cancer fears.
We discussed my health goals and concerns, as well as the importance of sleep and food for wellness, especially in women. I am a travel journalist who is on the road several times a week. It’s hard to eat according to season and to prioritize sleep. However, with her actionable and approachable advice I felt empowered and eager to review my customized health plan.
The Spa
Visconti and Pervanas have a vision of “creating a health program that is aligned with the needs of our customers”. [their] ways of living off the land,” with plans to begin construction on a separate spa—featuring a sauna, cold plunge, and massage rooms—this coming fall. Guests can book a private yoga or massage session in their suite for now.
Accessibility and sustainability
The Main Cottage, Uberto and the ADA-compliant Suite are all wheelchair accessible. However, the completion date of the suite has been pushed back.
Quercus places a high priority on sustainability and ecoconsciousness. Visconti di Moderone and Pervanas both shared that the property uses solar power. Travel + LeisureSustainability also includes “all aspects of farming our food and raising livestock, such as compost production, minimising plastic and food preparations (where for example every part of the plant used)”.
Offers Family Friendly
Quercus only accepts guests aged 16 and older. The team can design an itinerary for younger guests that will keep them entertained.
Location
Gay is a small town located about 53 miles south-east of downtown. It’s 3 miles from the Flint River. Atlanta. Its main attraction outside of Quercus is Towerhouse Farm BreweryThe resort is just a few minutes away from a biergarten and taproom.
What to do to get the most value
The rate includes all meals, snacks, drinks (both alcoholic & non-alcoholic), certain activities, and gratuities. Check-in only takes place Thursday through Sunday. The minimum stay is one night, and the maximum stay is four nights. Quercus will be closed from June 1st until September 1st.
Rates for nightly stays at Quercus Each person can earn $1,350.
Each T+L Hotel Review is written by a reporter or editor who has visited the hotel. The hotel chosen must also align with our standards. core values.
