ESCAPE & SOAK UP NATURE: The perfect blend of relaxation and recreation

Story and Photos By Teresa Gibbs | Living 50 Plus

Imagine spending a quiet romantic evening with your loved one in a private, open-air cabana built on the edge of a forest with an amazing view of a mountain lake. Close your eyes and think of breathing in pure, fresh mountain air while soaking in a tub of soothing warm water filled with aromatic salts – all while sipping on champagne. Although it sounds “out of this world,” this magically rejuvenating spot is closer than you might think.

Lakeview at Fontana Soaking Cabana Resort is located seven miles from Bryson City, North Carolina. This secluded, adults-only hotel is tucked among 50 acres of forested mountain grounds, overlooking Fontana Lake.

While planning a recent trip to the Smokies with my husband, I ran across this one-of-a-kind boutique inn located between Nantahala and Bryson City and read reviews boasting of rest and serenity. Some mentioned the close proximity to so many outdoor activities such as whitewater, horseback riding, hiking, and biking. One review described Lakeview as “the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation.” After reading so many positive reviews, I knew I wanted to be there.

Bryson City is a quaint mountain town is just an hour west of Asheville and a neighbor to the Cherokee Indian Reservation – the southern entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP.) The GSMNP is the nation’s most visited national park and can get quite crowded in some areas. Bryson City is a great alternative to the crowds found in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Bryson City is surrounded by beautiful mountains, streams, waterfalls, and lakes and offers a wide range of outdoor activities including world class trout fishing, rafting and kayaking on the Nantahala River, and boating and fishing on Fontana Lake. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad historic train depot sits in the heart of Bryson City and is a favorite attraction for folks young and old.

The trip from North Alabama to Bryson City is a beautiful drive. Being retired, we always take our time on road trips and stop and smell the roses – or in this case, the mountain laurel. It was late afternoon when we arrived. As instructed, we pulled up to Lakeview’s arrival office, found our room number, and drove to the back of the building where we were able to park close to our suite.

We had been upgraded and our suite was much larger than I had expected. The three-bedroom suite had a kitchen, living room, and viewing deck.

Lakeview has a 24-hour self-serve honor market. In addition to the complimentary coffee which is always available, there are fresh muffins and pastries for purchase in the mornings along with a variety of other goodies.

Lakeview is more than a hotel, it’s a place to hang out and enjoy amenities such as the spring-fed pool open during the summer months; the cozy lounge open 24/7 where you can relax or read a book; the hanging hammocks or the lakeview deck; or the 2.5-mile on-site walking trail.

After checking out the grounds, and watching a breathtaking sunset from our rooftop, we settled in for the night. We had early morning plans to head to Cherokee.

We had breakfast on the lakeview deck and enjoyed the beautiful morning. It was quiet and peaceful as we sat and watched birds flying over the lake, the sun lifting above the mountains, and the fog rising from the water. Being in nature can bring a feeling of peace.

One of the main draws for visitors coming to the GSMNP is the chance to see wildlife. Did you know that there are elk in Cherokee? Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to view wildlife.

Centuries ago, vast herds of elk roamed the southern Appalachians. Overhunting led to a decline by the end of the 18th Century and the last of the eastern elk disappeared from North Carolina in the 1790s. Elk were successfully reintroduced to the Cataloochee Valley in GSMNP in 2001. Cherokee is one of the best places to view elk where you’ll often find them grazing in the fields next to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

When we got to Cherokee, we found several elk along the road just past the welcome center. They don’t seem to mind people being around and take their sweet time crossing the highway. But then that gives visitors a chance to get a good long look at these beautiful creatures. They are the largest animals living in the GSMNP and the males, called bulls, can weigh up to 800 pounds and have antlers that span up to five feet across. Be sure to follow safety precautions.

A waterfall hike was next on the agenda. The GSMNP encompasses over 522 acres with 150 official hiking trails that span more than 850 miles – taking hikers along rushing streams with cascading waterfalls and offering breathtaking views. Several of those trails are only a short drive from Lakeview.

At 120′ tall, Mingo Falls, located in Cherokee, is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. These remarkable wonders of nature create a mystic feeling – standing in a lush green forest watching massive amounts of water cascade over wide open cliffs – hearing the roar of the water as it tumbles hundreds of feet – feeling the refreshing cool mist on your skin. While planning your trip, it’s good to research waterfalls to learn the level of difficulty in reaching specific ones. Many mountain streams and falls are visible from the highway, so even those unable to hike can enjoy the beauty.

We had a soak booked the last morning of our stay at Lakeview. The trail up to the cabana was marked and was an easy climb. When we reached our cabana, we found towels, robes, and therapeutic Epsom and Himalayan salts for soaking – and the candles were lit. Though open-air, there was plenty of privacy. Feel free to take the plunge in the buff or wear your bathing suit- it’s totally up to you. I was chilled by the cool mountain air, but between the heater above us and the warmth of the water, I had a feeling of being snuggly wrapped in a warm blanket. The warmth, the smell of nature, and the sound of soft spa music had me in a very relaxed state. But alas, all good things must come to an end and way too soon our hour was up.

As for the resort itself, it is known for its unfussy and unpretentious accommodations.

If you’re looking for peace and tranquility, Lakeview at Fontana Soaking Cabana Resort is the ultimate getaway. Their goal is to provide a relaxing stay that allows guests to escape, unwind, and soak up nature. Look them up and book a room. Rooms don’t have televisions, so be ready to totally unplug and relax – and don’t forget to book a soak.