The Best Spa Retreats in North Carolina, USA

Dating back to 1846, the Chetola Resort is a staple of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a firm favorite of visitors to the region. After being passed down through numerous owners and many different iterations, this North Carolina wellness retreat was finally opened to the public as a boarding house in 1982. The in-house spa, furnished with work by local artists, has a full range of treatments, with specialists offering massages, manicures, facials and a fully functioning hair salon.

A short walk from central Raleigh, Umstead Hotel & Spa in North Carolina offers the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of the nearby state capital. Every room is carefully crafted, with curated works of art adjourning the walls, pleasant views of the neighboring lake or gardens and a deep-soaking bath, perfect for sinking into after a busy day. Considered one of the best spas in the Raleigh region, Umstead promises its customers a selection of transformative therapies, including full-body massages, facials and body treatments, all taking place in a calming woodland setting.

Built on the estate of the monied Vanderbilts, the Inn on Biltmore has always reflected the luxury and opulence that the Gilded Age family are known for. With amazing views over the Blue Ridge Mountains, every room features a collection of creature comforts for guests to enjoy, such as a 24-hour concierge, a heated outdoor pool and excellent dining service to boot. This spa hotel in North Carolina offers a full range of massages including deep tissue, Swedish, neuromuscular and more. Add on the Detoxifying Dry Brush Exfoliation for an even more restorative experience.

Located in the heart of Charlotte, the Ritz-Carlton has a well-earned reputation for exemplary service, contemporary design and an eco-friendly approach to its many fantastic facilities. This hotel gives each of its guests a truly memorable stay in rooms styled by American fashion designer Alexander Julian. Then there’s a dining experience that uses the best of local ingredients and one of the best spas in Charlotte that uses natural ingredients in treatments such as the Eco-Green body balm and the signature honey-and-chocolate detox, with honey grown in the hotel’s rooftop beehives.

Set amid the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the five-star Omni Grove Park has been welcoming guests for over a hundred years. The mountaintop spa hotel in North Carolina is surrounded by pristine woodland and is a welcome sanctuary for guests looking for some dedicated me time. Indeed, the whole place has a lot going for it, with contemporary designed rooms, fantastic restaurants and an in-house spa that’s been voted one of the best in the country. This subterranean shelter is an electronics-free zone, with a full range of treatments and a genuine focus on peace and tranquility.

This refurbished hotel, located in Charlotte’s Ballantyne community, is the very model of Southern hospitality. One of the top luxury spas in North Carolina, the Ballantyne is known for its opulence, with Frette linens, marble bathrooms and Molton Brown toiletries included as standard in rooms. Ballantyne’s spa puts the onus on natural and age-old remedies for 21st-century problems, with a selection of intriguing treatments, such as the Carolina Collection, which uses herbs from the lavender fields of the Carolinas.

Just a short trip out of downtown Asheville, At Cumberland Falls is a charming bed and breakfast offering guests an ideal space for some thorough rest and relaxation. A relative newcomer to the North Carolina spa scene, At Cumberland Falls is run by owners David and Angela and has become one of the top guesthouses in the state. Spa-wise, it’s a modest offering with a focus on massage treatments and relaxing foot baths.

With sweeping views over the ocean and access to pristine beaches, Sanderling is a great option for guests looking to relax. The resort has a choice of contemporary hotel rooms or private beach houses to rent and has several excellent dining options (in the life-saving station or on a sandbar). Drawing inspiration from the nearby coast, Sanderling’s spa uses seasonal, naturally sourced ingredients in treatments, dedicated to your body’s rejuvenation.

Known for its association with the US Open pro golf tournament held every year on its nine full-size courses, Pinehurst has much more to offer than its spectacular sporting heritage. With three separate hotels to choose from, including the Manor, Carolina Hotel and Holly Inn, you’ll be sure to find one to suit your stay. The in-house spa has a huge choice of treatments, including ultra-modern cryotherapy, designed to relieve everyday aches and pains in minutes.

Amid the spectacular natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Old Edwards Inn weaves together traditional European elegance with a rustic American feel. It’s the perfect retreat from the busy nature of everyday life with classic rooms and cabins to rent. Dedicated spa suites feature a private jacuzzi, heated marble bathroom floors and an elevator taking you straight to the spa for a day of pampering.