For 30 years, the Kraft family has welcomed guests to its amazing mountain hideaway in North Georgia. The resort exudes romance--from its cozy cabins set right in the woods, to the couples-only dining room, to the in-room hot tubs and amazingly comfortable king-size beds.

Family owned and operated

From left: Keith, who is married to Denise and manages the resort's assets, Denise, David and Michele. Photo by Barbie Perkins-Cooper.

I had the good fortune to meet three of the Kraft siblings on a recent trip to Dahlonega, Georgia. Denise, David and Michele, all of whom co-own the resort, clearly love what they do and have a passion for providing the best vacation experience possible to their guests. This sort of personal attention keeps visitors returning year after year. Many couples who honeymooned at Forrest Hills come back to spend their first anniversary there, as well.

The siblings each have innate talents complement each other: David does most of the work around the grounds, Denise runs the restaurant and banquet food service, and oversees the decor in recent cabin renovations, and Michele handles the sales and marketing.

Guests mingle with the owners at weekly wine-and-cheese receptions. If you're lucky, David will take the microphone from visiting musicians to tell the story of how the resort came about. Long story short, his dad bought the 140 of remote woodland for $50,000 back in the mid-1970s. David and his siblings moved up from Florida as young adults to build the first cabins themselves. They welcomed their initial guests--all of whom had to bring their own linens--a few months later.

Contemporary accommodations

In the past 30 years, while much has stayed the same--the warm welcome you'll receive, the attention to detail and the bucolic scenery--the resort has also been updated to reflect modern tastes. (Not to mention that luxurious linens are provided to guests now!)

Luxury cabin living room

Some of the cabins have been totally renovated to feature all new contemporary furnishings, upscale bedding and custom-made mattresses, incredibly comfy sofas, sunken hot tubs in a dedicated cedar-lined room, and kitchenette appliances. Covered porches off of each cabin face into the woods for the ultimate in privacy. Toiletries are top-notch, carpeting is plush and fireplaces are found in every cabin.

Cabins that haven't been refurbished yet are more rustic, with wood paneling and older furnishings, but they're still wonderfully comfortable. These cabins feature queen-sized beds and have in-room hot tubs, as well. Other accommodations include "Victorian Fantasy Cottages," available at the one-bedroom cabin rate for mid-week visits.

Five-night honeymoon packages start at $399 a person, and include accommodations, nightly dinners in the romantic, buffet-style, couples-only dining room, champagne with souvenir flutes, picnic lunch one afternoon, and wine-and-cheese reception. There are mid-week specials and plenty of other packages to choose from.

Still more amenities and activities

Chair massages at the weekly wine receptions are not uncommon. If you can get even 5 minutes of massage therapist Brian's attention, don't miss out! I consider myself a connoisseur of massages and I can say with authority that his hands are made for deep-tissue rubs. Better yet, book an hour-long full body massage with him or any of the other talented therapists at the on-site day spa.

Leave your cozy accommodations for some fun in the outdoors: on-site you'll also find a seasonal swimming pool, volleyball and tennis courts and walking trails. Take a romantic horse-and-carriage ride, guided horseback ride or scenic wagon ride, courtesy of the on-site Gold City Corral. Have a limo pick you up to tour local wineries; visit scenic Amicalola Falls; play golf at one of three public courses in the area; or tour historic downtown Dahlonega.

Destination weddings

With an on-site chapel, outdoor gazebo and lovely green lawn, plus plenty of spacious indoor banquet rooms, Forrest Hills makes an incredible wedding location. Not to mention, with the number of different room and cabin configurations--including the on-site Mountain Laurel Inn which consists of 12, two-level suites--all of your guests can stay right on the property, making your wedding a weekend-long affair.

Outdoor wedding at Forrest Hills

The resort's full-time wedding coordinator can help you create your fantasy wedding--if you're eloping or you'd like to entertain a guest list of 200. Wedding packages can include such features at flowers, music, photographer and catering, all at an incredible value.

For more information about Forrest Hills, whether the two of you are looking for a romantic getaway, or you're planning giant destination wedding, visit the link below. And when you do book a dream trip here, be sure to tell the Kraft family that Kara from Colorado sent you!