After returning from the most wonderful respite at The Hedges in East Hampton this week, I found myself reflecting on what made the experience so memorable. It wasn’t simply the beautifully designed spaces, impeccable service or idyllic setting, it was the feeling created. Every detail was intentional, every interaction genuine and every area invited guests to slow down and settle in which we gladly did. I experience that same unmistakable warmth whenever I visit its sister property, The Colony in Palm Beach, both shaped by the vision and leadership of owner Sarah Wetenhall.

As I considered other destinations that have left me with that same feeling, Blackberry Farm and High Hampton immediately came to mind. Each property offers a thoughtfully curated collection of activities, culinary experiences and seasonal events that encourage guests to fully immerse themselves in the destination. Mary Celeste Beall, proprietor of Blackberry Farm, also operates High Hampton, bringing the same thoughtful philosophy to both properties.

These women have created destinations that reflect their values, where every detail has purpose and every experience fosters a genuine sense of connection. That’s what transforms a remarkable stay into a lasting memory and why Sarah Wetenhall and Mary Celeste Beall are setting a new standard for resort hospitality.

The Hedges in East Hampton

The Hedges – a historic Hamptons escape where charm, comfort, and connection come naturally. Intimate rooms filled with character, comfort, and timeless coastal charm.

Why I went:

24th Anniversary trip with the hubby

What not to miss on property:

There’s no shortage of reasons to linger at The Hedges. Swifty’s is the social heartbeat of the property, with the same buzzy, see-and-be-seen energy that has made its sister location of Swifty’s at The Colony in Palm Beach an institution. It was fun to discover many of my favorite menu items had made the trip north such as the chicken paillard and the crab cakes were just as delicious as I remembered. If your stay overlaps with Trivia Night, don’t miss it. Trivia night is just as rowdy at both locations too. Vance is a secret candy aficionado and snuck several visits in to Ahab’s Provisions Pantry for sweet treats. #IYKYK

What not to miss nearby:

Our beach butler loaded us up into the beach buggy and set us up on Main Beach for a relaxing day – bliss! Don’t miss an East Hampton classic of a lobster roll and clam chowder for lunch at Bostwick’s. Shopping stops in the village for me were Aerin, Ralph Lauren, Coniglio and Bookhampton. We had the most restorative and relaxing trip which was what we needed but there are plenty of adventures up and down the Hamptons with The Hedges serving as the perfect home base.

The Colony in Palm Beach

Discover The Colony, one of the most iconic luxury beach hotels in Palm Beach, blending vibrant design, personalized service, and timeless seaside style.

Why I went:

The Southern C Retreat 2025 and we are going again in 2026 (tickets here) and also went to shop antiques on a Girls Getaway

What not to miss on property:

Conversations with authors, artists, designers and big thinkers occur every Wednesday just as they do at the sister property in East Hampton. These gatherings invite guests to go beyond small talk and engage with some of today’s most thoughtful and creative minds. Sarah Wetenhall often leads the talks – check out her Untitled Talkshow. There are curated shopping pop-ups with incredible brands. You can see why Sarah is the perfect collaborator for The Southern C as both celebrate creativity and entrepreneurship and bringing remarkable people together! #ConnectCollaborateCreate

What not to miss nearby:

The list is endless as Palm Beach is a special place. Check out a post on The Southern C from a recent Girls Getaway.

Blackberry Farm in Tennessee

Blackberry Farm seamlessly infuses wellness, culinary, outdoor adventure and hospitality into every experience, creating moments as epic and invigorating as the views that surround their guests.

Why I went:

Couples trip

What not to miss on property:

One of the greatest joys of Blackberry Farm is simply exploring the property. We loved the Farmstead Tour, wandering through the heirloom gardens, visiting the Dairy Barn and Larder, sampling artisan cheeses and, of course, meeting their famous Lagotto Romagnolo dogs (truffle hunters) and the property’s famously friendly turkey. We enjoyed spectacular food and wine pairings before heading through an underground wine cellar to Bramble Hall for evenings of incredible live music. The spa is outstanding! Mary Celeste and her team create the most magical events and I love seeing many past presenters from The Southern C Summit involved such as the Sisterhood Summit with Jenna and Barbara with Holly Williams and the Design Summit with Elizabeth Blitzer.

What not to miss nearby:

There is no reason to leave the property! Savor every moment.

High Hampton in Cashiers, North Carolina

High Hampton is a classic mountain resort with wide views, good company and plenty to do. Go up for good times, great company and a change of pace.

Why I went:

Girls Getaway

What not to miss on property:

Spend an afternoon enjoying court and lawn sports like pickleball and croquet, then slow things down with a wine tasting or cocktail class before dinner. If you can catch dahlia season, they are known for showing off in the most beautiful gardens during Dahlia Days. The events on property are right up our alley with Taste of the South and events with TSC alums like the queen of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits Carrie Morey and The Artist Collective Allison Williamson. It’s another example of how Mary Celeste Beall and her team create experiences that go far beyond a traditional resort stay, giving guests opportunities to learn, connect and leave inspired.

What not to miss nearby:

The Cashiers–Highlands–Lake Toxaway area is one of our favorite escapes and we find ourselves returning several times each year. There is nothing quite like leaving the heat and humidity of the South behind, winding your way up the mountain, watching the temperature drop and knowing you’re headed to one of the most charming destinations in the country. Make High Hampton your home base and here is my short list: in Cashiers, visit Cornucopia Restaurant for fried greenbeans and killer sandwiches on the porch, Fiddlehead Designs for great gifts, Cashier’s Farmers Market to pick up provisions and love on the Golden Retrievers; Vivace to shop fashion and The Ugly Dog Public House to dine on bar food with locations in both Cashiers and Highlands; and in Highlands, just stroll downtown and so many good spots such as Stick Candles for shopping and dining Ristorante Paoletti’s is the OG Italian must-visit, cocktails and music at The Highlander Mountain House and Old Edwards’ Wine Garden for noshing on trout dip and pimento cheese or pizzas, charcuterie and the blackberry margarita at Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar.

Sarah Wetenhall and Mary Celeste Beall remind us that the greatest luxury is in slowing down, being fully present and feeling genuinely connected to a place. Their properties create the kind of experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home and if you are like me then before you’ve even checked out, you’re already planning your next visit.