Southall is a working farm and inn in Franklin, Tennessee, just south of Nashville, with a spa, meditation gardens and daily mindful movement classes. It's best for couples and friends who want a restful countryside stay with good food, farm life and gentle wellness.
What it's like
Southall is a farm first and a resort second. It sits in the countryside outside Franklin, a historic town a short drive south of Nashville, and the land is actively farmed: gardens, orchards, beehives, greenhouses and pastures where hens and turkeys rotate through the seasons. A seven-acre lake, Lake Mishkin, gathers rain from the ridges and waters the property.
Sustainability shapes a lot of the place. The team uses composting, cover crops, natural pest control and controlled burns to keep the meadows healthy, and the buildings use geothermal heating and cooling. Hundreds of native trees have been planted to replace invasive species.
You can stay in one of 62 rooms and suites in the inn, or in one of 16 separate cottages, including Arbor Cottages and one- and two-bedroom Hillside Cottages. Outside picked Southall in 2025 as one of its trips for living a healthier, longer life.
The wellness side
The Spa at Southall is the center of the wellness offering. Treatments use farm-grown botanicals and natural ingredients and are tailored to each guest. The approach draws partly on the thinking of nutritionist Laura Mishkin.
A highlight is the mineral waters beside the Iris Lounge: warm outdoor pools kept at around 101 degrees and infused with more than 60 salts and minerals. The spa suggests short soaks of about 15 minutes. There's also a medicinal herb garden.
For the mind, there are meditation gardens, and certified facilitators lead daily classes in mindful movement and meditation, including sound bath sessions. Southall also runs seasonal wellness retreats with guest experts, and a 24-hour fitness center is open to hotel guests.
Food and farm life
Food comes largely from the property. January is the signature restaurant, with multi-course meals and wide views. Sojourner serves seasonal dishes and cocktails, there's a pool bar in summer, and in-room dining covers all three meals.
Beyond the spa, you can tour the farm, pick berries, help with planting, learn about beekeeping, try falconry or head out on the aerial adventure course. A weekly activity guide lists what's on.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
Southall works well for couples, groups of friends and anyone who wants a relaxed few days in the country with real food and a good spa. It's a gentle, choose-your-own kind of wellness, and it's an easy add-on to a Nashville trip.
It isn't a structured retreat with a set program, a medical team or a strict diet. If you want a detox, a silent retreat or a fixed daily schedule, a dedicated program elsewhere will suit you better. It's also a popular wedding and meeting venue, so expect other events on site at times.
Getting there
Fly into Nashville International Airport and drive south to Franklin. The resort runs a daily shuttle into downtown Franklin for shopping and dining.
Frequently asked questions
Is Southall a working farm?
Yes. The farm has gardens, orchards, beehives, greenhouses and livestock that supply the restaurants.
What wellness activities are there?
There's the Spa at Southall, warm mineral waters, meditation gardens, daily mindful movement and meditation classes, and seasonal wellness retreats.
Can I stay in a cottage instead of the inn?
Yes. Besides 62 rooms and suites, there are 16 cottages, including one- and two-bedroom options.
How far is it from Nashville?
It's in Franklin, a short drive south of Nashville, and there's a daily shuttle into Franklin's downtown. Find current rooms, retreats and spa details on the official Southall website.
