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The Most Luxurious Resorts in North Carolina

The Ballantyne in Charlotte, North Carolina offers you exceptional Southern hospitality
The Ballantyne in Charlotte, North Carolina offers you exceptional Southern hospitality | Courtesy of The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel / Expedia

The Tar Heel State has some of the highest peaks – and the most stunning mountain views – on the East Coast. So, it’s no surprise that you’ll find many luxury resorts here. Yet, the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast also provide the luxe life for beach lovers, while some of the state’s largest cities provide five-star accommodations that pair well with nights out in town. Here’s our pick of the most luxurious resorts in North Carolina that will have you saying wow.

The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Inn

The Biltmore Estate with a manicured front lawn leading to a Châteauesque mansion, behind which is the Blue Ridge Mountains
Courtesy of the Inn on Biltmore Estate / Expedia

The Biltmore Estate reigns as America’s largest home, but the mansion itself does not have overnight lodging for guests. Instead, a separate inn resides on the 8,000-acre (3,237ha) property near the Biltmore winery. Named the South’s best hotel in 2017 by Southern Living, part of the hotel’s appeal certainly ties to exploring the stunning grounds and main house.

The Omni Grove Park Inn

Resort, Inn, Spa Hotel

Stone columns and ceilings with large skylights create a grotto-like effect in this hotel pool area.
Courtesy of The Omni Grove Park Inn / Expedia

The Omni Grove Park Inn is legendary for many reasons, one being the sunset views from its terrace that faces the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s also home to one of the best spas in the world and has several luxury shops and upscale dining options. Plus, it’s hosted many presidents over the years and has inspired many long-term guests, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Fearrington House Inn

Inn, Hotel

For those seeking an upscale farmhouse experience, the Fearrington House Inn can provide that serenity without sacrificing elegance. And a stay here means experiencing charming Fearrington Village and the option of adding day trips to Raleigh (45 minutes), Durham (30 minutes) or Chapel Hill (15 minutes). All of the individually designed suites and cozy guest rooms are adorned with antiques and garden views.

Grandover Resort

Resort, Golf Hotel

Three outdoor dining tables looking out over a perfectly manicured lawn and a golf course at Grandover Resort
Courtesy of Grandover Resort / Expedia

Another lovely option for golf lovers, Grandover Resort is a PGA facility open to the public and features two courses. The luxe lobby has huge chandeliers and a striking staircase to set the tone upon arrival for a grand vacation.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa

Resort

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Courtesy of The Umstead Hotel and Spa / Expedia
The Umstead Hotel and Spa is surrounded by 12 acres (4.9ha) of woods, gardens and lake. The hotel features a bar and lounge with nightly live entertainment, afternoon tea with a live harpist, green transportation service and accommodation for pets. The full-service spa offers body treatments, nail care, facials, massages and organic treatments. On the property are a 3-acre (1.2ha) lake, a quarter-mile (0.4km) of walking trails and a seasonal pool with a bar. Rooms feature lake views and balconies. The Umstead Hotel is located 10 miles (16.1km) from downtown Raleigh.

The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

Resort, Spa Hotel, Golf Hotel

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Courtesy of The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel / Expedia
If Charlotte’s many attributes – James Beard-recognized chefs, top museums and a full menu of nightlife atmospheres – bring you to the Queen City for a fancy weekend, then the Ballantyne will complete your travel plan nicely. Popular for weddings, the resort also has its own golf course and spa and offers exceptional Southern hospitality.

Chetola Resort

Resort, Inn, Lodge

People who choose Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock appreciate its lodging choices. Nestled near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Cherokee National Forest, the resort has scenic views in spades. Fly fishers from throughout the state also come here as it’s the only Orvis-endorsed fly fishing lodge in North Carolina.

Pinehurst Resort

Resort, Golf Hotel

If a luxury golf vacation is what you seek, look no further than Pinehurst Resort. As America’s largest golf resort, golfers flock here to hit the links on its nine courses and enjoy cocktails and lawn sports post-round.

Sanderling Resort

Resort, Spa Hotel

If your vision of a luxury vacation must include a beach, then put Sanderling Resort in your GPS, and head to the Outer Banks’ premier oceanfront resort. Its location across the street from the Atlantic Ocean and on Currituck Sound means water views from almost every room, but, more importantly, its spa is recognized as one of the top 100 in the US.

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

Inn

Considered one of the most luxurious places to stay in North Carolina, the Old Edwards Inn and Spa sits in downtown Highlands, North Carolina, which is surprising since being on-site feels a million miles (kilometers) from reality. The property’s chateau aesthetic, combined with the Blue Ridge Mountains, makes it a popular wedding venue, while its award-winning dining and spa lure non-guests frequently.

For a more localized stay, check out the best hotels and places to stay in Carolina Beach, or the best hotels in Asheville. Alternately, branch out by hopping over the state border and choosing one of the best resorts in South Carolina, bookable with Culture Trip.

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