The Most Luxurious Resorts in North Carolina

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.