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Images: Nordic spa concept scores approval in North Georgia Mountains Josh Green Fri, 08/15/2025 - 16:00

A uniquely Scandinavian wellness concept has come to light that hopes to capitalize on the allure of the North Georgia Mountains and metro Atlanta’s considerable population.

Tentatively branded “Nordika Thermal Experience,” the 21-acre, planned retreat about 70 miles north of Atlanta scored unanimous approval this month from the Dahlonega City Council.

The complex would claim long-vacant acreage where a planned senior community never materialized on Summit Drive, about three miles north of Dahlonega’s historic downtown, set amid rolling Blue Ridge Mountains foothills near wineries and other ATL-getaway attractions.

Renderings depict a multi-building layout around a thermal pool, with Nordic-inspired angular architecture, landscaping, and onsite connectivity that’d look right at home in Dwell magazine.

Courtesy of Baldr Capital

The planned Summit Drive site of Nordika Thermal Experience in relation to downtown Dahlonega, wineries, and other area attractions. Google Maps

The concept’s focus would be hydrotherapy, thermotherapy, and wellness services (think: massages, body treatments, and facials), alongside hot, warm, and cold pools, saunas (steam and dry), yoga, steam rooms, and relaxation spaces.

Plans also include a food-and-beverage component and forested walking trails with a “hidden” beer garden, as project head Kent Baltare, founder of Denver-based Baldr Capital, tells Urbanize Atlanta

Baltare calls the project the result of a lifelong goal, after he grew up visiting Nordic spas in his native Ottawa, Canada.

“Walking out after a full thermal circuit, I realized I had never felt more relaxed,” Baltare wrote via email. “It struck me that someone had deliberately designed that feeling, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to create that same experience for others.”

The concept calls for guests to pay a day rate and linger as long as they wish. Baltare said his firm has purchased the land and received zoning approval to operate the spa and possibly commercial lodging onsite. It could accommodate up to 300 guests at a time, with a “design emphasizing privacy and tranquility,” per Baltare.

The 21-acre site plans for Nordika Thermal Experience along Summit Drive. Courtesy of Baldr Capital

Courtesy of Baldr Capital

Baldr Capital is in the process of raising funding for a construction loan. Baltare estimates the project will cost about $20 million, and he hopes to break ground in the second quarter of 2026.

The construction timeline would be roughly 18 months, with delivery tentatively scheduled for late 2027 or early 2028.

Baltare’s experience includes real estate development and startup operations in California, and he owns short-term rentals dotted around North Georgia and Tennessee. He said the project’s design partners are based in metro Atlanta, Athens, and North Georgia, apart from specialty pool and sauna engineers.

The project “began with a year of market research in partnership with consulting firms,” wrote Baltare. “The data confirmed the region’s suitability, driven by a large population within 90 minutes, Dahlonega’s tourism appeal, and proximity to the University of North Georgia for [spa] staffing.”

What do Dahlonega neighbors think?

“Community response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Baltare, “with strong neighbor support, a favorable planning commission review, and [now] unanimous [Dahlonega] City Council approval.”

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