Hospitality leaders Mike and Raquel Ayres have announced the upcoming opening of VAYHAUS Ellijay, a groundbreaking boutique hotel, redefining the art of retreat with intentional design and immersive experiences…
VAYHAUS Ellijay, promises to be a groundbreaking 60-acre boutique hotel designed for those who crave adventure without compromising on comfort. With its opening projected for later this spring, the property blends bold architecture with immersive experiences, redefining the art of retreat.
The guest experience is far from predictable at this new hotel. The property will feature 12 private bungalows, featuring expansive glass walls, celestial bathing, suspended hammocks, a dipping pool/hot tub and more, all with views over the expansive forest and rolling mountains.
Image credit: VAYHAUS Ellijay
“VAYHAUS is a reflection of how I see the world: bold, unique and always pushing the boundaries,” said Mike Ayres, Co-Founder, VAYHAUS. “The idea for VAYHAUS came from a frustration with existing options. Traditional hotels felt uninspired, and while there were adventure focused stays, they often lacked thoughtful design or real comfort. We saw an opportunity to create something different…stays that felt thrilling, yet refined; immersive, yet effortless.”
The visionaries behind VAYHAUS are Mike and Raquel Ayres, a husband-wife duo with extensive design backgrounds. They launched the VAYHAUS brand in 2020 with the opening of a few vacation homes throughout Georgia and Tennessee.
Image credit: VAYHAUS Ellijay
“Each VAYHAUS property is designed to create an emotional reaction and an uncompromising commitment to design, where every detail contributes to an experience that sticks with you long after you leave,” commented Raquel Ayres.
On the property, guests will enjoy various amenities that celebrate the importance of relaxation, including The Disco Forest, an intimate evergreen nook with ambient lighting and a way to play music, creating a simple yet special space for couples to share a dance. The Culvert Lounge is a collection of structural pods nestled by the nearby creek that invite moments of reflection, conversation and quiet inspiration. Guests can unwind in the floating hammocks, on-site saunas and the Triple Waterfall Plunge Pools later this year.
While staying in the heart of the Appalachians, guests are inspired to explore the nearby trails that weave through lush terrain, mountain biking routes that offer thrilling descents and tubing opportunities for playful adventures. For those looking to mix adventure with relaxation, the region also offers fly-fishing in peaceful streams, horseback riding through the scenic landscapes and charming wineries perfect for unwinding with a glass of locally crafted wine–all set against the mountain backdrop.
Who is VAYHAUS?
Founded by Mike and Raquel Ayres, VAYHAUS is a hospitality brand designed for those who crave adventure without compromising on comfort. The properties blend bold architecture with immersive experiences, creating exhilarating and deeply personal destinations. Each VAYHAUS location is designed to be more than just a place to stay–it’s an experience that awakens curiosity, fuels exploration and leaves a lasting impression.
Main image credit: VAYHAUS Ellijay
