Plans to develop a wellness retreat are in limbo after the Rome-Floyd County (Ga.) Planning Commission recommended returning to the drawing board to flesh out more details and address several concerns of both staff and neighbors, according to the Rome News-Tribune.
“Planning staff received ample information regarding proposed costs and intended programming for the wellness retreat but little to no information regarding the development itself for its feasibility,” said Rome-Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood during a commission meeting Thursday, Aug. 7. “Without more to go on, we don’t feel ready to make any sort of motion of approval.”
Edward Gonzales, representing Vanguard Estate Holdings out of Woodstock, told the Commission he was requesting a special use permit to develop 13 acres on the north end of Morton Bend Road into the Aria Wellness Retreat, named in honor of his daughter.
Gonzales said the 10-pod luxury “glamping” retreat will offer yoga, a spring-fed swimming pool and other wellness services for $500 a night, and his vision is to offer a peaceful and tranquil escape and connect spiritually with nature.
