25 Best Resorts in North Carolina

Boasting spectacular landscapes from the crashing Atlantic Ocean and pristine beaches to barrier islands of the Outer Banks and the rugged and spectacular Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina is home to some of the beautiful terrain in the land. In addition to the stunning natural scenery, the state also offers an array of things to see and do, such as Charlotte, the state’s largest city, which is home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and museums like the NASCAR Hall of Fame. North Carolina also features plenty of stylish, sophisticated and luxurious resorts, hotels, and inns, which offer memorable escapes from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Photo: sbgoodwin/Fotolia

The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is a luxury hotel in Durham, North Carolina. It is located within the Duke University campus on 300 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with dense groves of pines and hardwoods. Designed in the style of a typical English inn, the hotel is located less than 3 miles from the Brightleaf Square historic district and about 10 miles from Research Triangle Park.

The spacious, refined rooms are decorated in the style of an English country house, with en suite luxury marble bathrooms and all modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and Keurig coffeemakers. Suites have separate living spaces. The guests enjoy a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, a 3-mile long jogging trail, and a large indoor pool. The hotel has two restaurants and a bar, including a traditional English afternoon tea. Parking is free and there is a free shuttle for the guests.

3001 Cameron Boulevard, Durham, NC 27705, 919-490-0999 Photo: Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

Cascading over several acres in downtown Highlands on the scenic southwest plateau of North Carolina’s the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Old Edwards Inn, and Spa is a historic, European-style resort with several properties within the mountain village of Highlands, including a historic hotel, a contemporary lodge, cozy cottages, and stylish houses. All accommodations boast period antiques, four-poster beds with imported bedding and Italian linens, en-suite bathrooms with heated flooring and rainfall showers, living spaces with fireplaces, and private porches with beautiful views. Upscale facilities at the resort include a world-renowned spa with therapeutic mineral pools, casually elegant restaurants offering local and regionally inspired cuisine, and private golf at the Old Edwards Club. Surrounded by pristine forests, rivers, trails, and waterfalls, the village of Highlands’ charming Main Street is packed with boutique shops, acclaimed restaurants, and live and performing arts.

445 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741, Phone: 866-526-8008 Photo: Old Edwards Inn and Spa

Described as ‘remote, rustic, refined and remarkable,’ the Swag Country Inn is located in Waynesville and renowned for its unrivaled natural beauty. Offering luxurious accommodations, award-winning service, and breathtaking views, the Swag is one of North Carolina’s most idyllic mountain retreats. The Swag Country Inn boasts 14 individually decorated suites with elegant furnishings, thick woven rugs, original artworks, and handmade quilts that echo the beautiful surroundings. Most rooms enjoy wood-burning fireplaces, spacious en-suite bathrooms with soaking tubs and steam showers and private balconies boasting beautiful views. The Swag is an all-inclusive inn that serves seasonally-inspired menus at an award-winning restaurant, from gourmet breakfasts, picnic lunches and multi-course dinners, accompanied by fine wines. For the ultimate in rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation spend the day hiking or zip lining through the forest, followed by a long soak in the outdoor hot tub or redwood sauna. Enjoy a game of badminton, croquet or racquetball or hike the network of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

2300 Swag Road, Waynesville, NC 28785, Phone: 828-926-0430 Photo: The Swag Country Inn

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Soak up North Carolina’s laid-back coastal culture at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort. Located on one of the most beautiful and serene beaches on the North Carolina coast, the Blockade Runner Beach Resort is a contemporary resort hotel surrounded by landscaped gardens and stunning ocean views. The resort offers peaceful accommodation in the form of minimalist rooms with en-suite marble bathrooms, private balconies and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and televisions. The easy-access beach offers an array of fun activities for the whole family, from swimming, snorkeling to volleyball and beachcombing, while adults can enjoy fishing charters, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing and sailing lessons, and boat tours from the hotel. Other hotel perks include a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and gym, a seasonal pool bar and an oceanfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and regional fare.

275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-2251 Photo: yanadjan/Fotolia

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Located on the glorious Biltmore Estate, The Inn on Biltmore Estate promised the grand and gracious hospitality expected with a stay on George and Edith Vanderbilt’s famous property. Surrounded by casual elegance at every turn, with luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and excellent amenities, the Inn will leave you feeling pampered, relaxed and rejuvenated. Exclusive guest rooms and suites have been designed with Biltmore’s legendary hospitality in mind, featuring rich, ornate décor, plush fabrics and thick carpeting, beautiful four-poster beds and scalloped drapes and spacious en-suite bathrooms with soaking bathtubs and walk-in showers. Rooms and suite enjoy stunning views of the surrounding estate and mountains. The inn offers a range of superior amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, spa and hot tub, a state-of-the-art fitness center, twice-daily housekeeping and a full concierge service. Guests can enjoy a range of activities in and around the estate, such as walking, hiking, and biking, to strolling and shopping around the quaint Antler Hill Village, to Land Rover Adventures and sporting clays.

1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803 Photo: Angelique/Fotolia

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Located in the heart of Pinehurst and within five miles of the Pine Needles Golf Club and the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, the Pinehurst Resort is a luxury retreat with three hotels, a selection of condominiums, and championship golf courses that often play host to major tournaments, including the U.S. Open. A golfer’s paradise, the resort’s hotels include the historic century-old Carolina Hotel and the Holly Inn, which both have luxurious guest rooms and suites with minibars, and the less formal Manor Hotel with comfortable living areas and kitchens. Pinehurst Resort is home to eight restaurants, including a Southern grill and a pub-style tavern, as well as several bars, a full-service spa, and wellness center, a fully equipped gym, and a private lake. An airport shuttle and free parking is available to guests of the resort.

80 Carolina Vista Drive, Pinehurst, NC 28374, Phone: 844-330-1669 Photo: Pinehurst Resort

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Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock exudes historical elegance, colonial grace, and old-world charm. The resort offers a selection of elegant accommodations in Chetola's Lodge, the Bob Timberlake Inn at Chetola Resort, or luxury condominiums. Boasting beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes and the Blue Ridge Mountains, rooms, suites, and condos are comfortably furnished with warm and welcoming décor, have private bathrooms with showers and bathtubs, and feature modern amenities for added convenience, including flat screen televisions, and wireless Internet. Timberlake’s Restaurant serves a delectable menu inspired by world-renowned North Carolina artist and designer Bob Timberlake’s culinary favorites and features three dining rooms, an intimate wine room and waterfront dining on the Patio. Enjoy a drink with friends at the charming Headwaters Pub before or after dinner. Head to the Spa at Chetola Resort, whose five treatment rooms pamper guests with a variety of massage therapies, and treatments. Adjacent to the spa is the resort's heated indoor pool, modern fitness room, sauna, and Jacuzzi, for added luxury and for outdoor fun and adventure, the resort offers tennis, fishing, hiking, yoga by the lake, and a range of kid’s activities.

185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 800-243-8652 Photo: Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock

Exuding elegance, charm, and an Old-World ambiance, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville is a luxurious hotel in the Historic Biltmore Village that offers guests an unforgettable experience. Located just outside the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, the Tudor-inspired Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville seamlessly blends the grace and charm of a bygone era with modern-day amenities in a fusion of art, music, décor, and luxury. The Grand Bohemian Hotel offers a selection of beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites with original artworks, elegant décor, and custom-made furnishings, king or queen-size beds in sumptuous linens, and en-suite bathrooms with soaking tubs and/or glass-enclosed rain showers, and deluxe bath amenities. The award-winning Red Stag Grill at the Grand Bohemian Hotel offers an outstanding exceptional dining experience. The Red Stag Grill serves contemporary European comfort food in a rustic hunting lodge ambiance, with all cuisine being freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients and served by professional and friendly staff. Featuring deluxe accommodations, first-class amenities and services, and gracious hospitality, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville is the signature of a Kessler Collection hotel experience.

11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803, Phone: 888-717-8756 or 828-505-2949 Photo: Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville

The Grandover Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort and spa in Greensboro, North Carolina. Set on 1,500 acres of sculpted lawns and woodlands, the hotel features two championship golf courses, full-size clay tennis courts and an exclusive spa and wellness center, along with an indoor/outdoor heated swimming pool, and an outdoor sand volleyball court. The family-friendly getaway features deluxe accommodations in the form of standard guest rooms and luxury suites, which have en-suite marble bathrooms, spacious sitting areas with wet bars and pullout sofas for extra guests and Jacuzzi tubs (suites only). Di Valletta serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and specializes in fresh seafood, prime steaks, and another gourmet cuisine, and Café Expresso provides freshly brewed coffee and snacks throughout the day. The resort also offers 45,000 square feet of flexible event space for a variety of functions from business meetings and conferences to weddings and elegant receptions. The Grandover Resort & Spa is within a short distance from some of Greensboro’s top attractions such as the Greensboro Coliseum, Wet ’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park, and the Greensboro Arboretum.

1000 Club Rd, Greensboro, NC 27407, Phone: 336-294-1800 Photo: Grandover Resort & Spa

Opened in 1985, Leatherwood Mountains is an established residential community and luxurious vacation resort that offers an array of upmarket accommodations and deluxe amenities. Surrounded by thousands of acres of lush Blue Ridge Mountain forests and woodlands, the resort offers stylish guest rooms and suites with plush bedding, en-suite bathrooms with soaking tubs, spacious living areas, and private decks or patios with spectacular mountain views. The resort also offers a wealth of year-round activities such as a full service equine center with horseback riding events and lessons, on-site fishing, hiking, tennis, swimming, and more.

512 Meadow Rd, Ferguson, NC 28624, Phone: 336-973-5044 Photo: Leatherwood Mountains Resort

Spread over a cluster of rectangular and circular buildings, the Outer Banks Beach Club Resort is a laid-back hotel Kill Devil Hills with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Located just a few miles from the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the unpretentious hotel features comfortable one-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, living rooms with sofa beds, en-suite bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, and private decks with ocean views. Modern amenities include flat-screen televisions with cable channels and DVD players, and complimentary wireless Internet, and facilities at the hotel range from indoor and outdoor swimming pools, two children’s swimming pools and a hot tub, shuffleboard and a kids' play area, picnic tables, and tennis courts, and direct access to the beach via wooden boardwalks.

1110 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, Phone: 252-441-6321 Photo: Outer Banks Beach Club Resort

Set on 2,900 acres of pristine landscapes overlooking the beautiful Lake Lure, Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure is an upscale resort with a variety of accommodations ranging from studios and condos to stylish lake homes with lake, golf course or mountain views. All lodgings feature comfortable bedrooms with deluxe bedding, en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers and soaking tubs, and living and dining areas with coffeemakers, microwaves, flat-screen televisions with DVD players, and complimentary wireless Internet. The resort is home to an array of dining options, including a casual pub and pizzeria, a laid-back Italian eatery, and an elegant lakeside restaurant, as well as facilities such as a full-service spa, a fully-equipped fitness center, two 18-hole golf courses, a kids' water park, and several hiking and mountain biking trails.

112 Mountain Blvd, Lake Lure, NC 28746, Phone: 828-694-3000 Photo: Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure

Set on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in North Carolina, the Sanderling Resort is an upscale waterfront resort that offers an idyllic Outer Banks holiday experience. Located just four miles from the town of Duck, the luxurious seaside retreat provides elegant accommodations, exceptional amenities, including three swimming pools, a fully-equipped fitness center, full service spa and steam room, and access to an array of sports equipment to enjoy. The Sanderling Resort offers 120 stylishly appointed guestrooms and suites with contemporary décor, private bathrooms with showers and baths, plush towels and deluxe bath products, and modern amenities. Sanderling Resort offers an array of amenities and facilities for guests to enjoy during their stay, ranging from three charming restaurants and bars, three swimming pools, a fully-equipped fitness center, and a full service spa and steam room. Guests have access to a variety of sporting equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, wakeboards, and tubes, and can take part in an array of water activities from sailing cruises to fishing charters and dolphin tours. Two restaurants and bars offer continental cuisine and drinks, and multi-functional event spaces can cater for up to 200 people with breathtaking ocean views.

1461 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949, Phone: 866-860-3979 Photo: Sanderling Resort

Shell Island Resort is a deluxe oceanfront hotel overlooking Wrightsville Beach with elegant accommodations and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Set along miles of white sandy beaches, the all-suite Shell Island Resort features 169 beautiful guest suites with large living rooms, fully equipped kitchenettes, modern amenities and private balconies. The resort offers guests the use of exclusive facilities such as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a casual oceanfront restaurant and laid-back bar, a fully equipped fitness room, and on-site laundry facilities. There is complimentary wireless Internet around the property and miles of white sandy beaches with beach volleyball and an array of water sports to enjoy. The Shell Island Resort is situated within a short drive from downtown Wilmington and the University of North Carolina.

2700 N. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Phone: 800-689-6765 Photo: Shell Island Resort

The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte is a luxury hotel 14 miles south of Downtown Charlotte that offers elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, high-end amenities and facilities, and uncompromising hospitality and service. In addition to an exclusive, full-service spa and wellness center, a beauty salon, two swimming pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center, the hotel features a high-end American restaurant, tennis courts, a championship golf course and a golf school with professionals at hand to give lessons and tips. Charming accommodations have spacious bedrooms with designer bedding, en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers and whirlpool tubs, airy living rooms and full kitchens, and modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions with cable channels, and complimentary wireless Internet.

10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277, Phone: 704-248-4000 Photo: The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

Located midway between the nation's capital and the historic port of Charleston, the Fearrington House Inn is a charming retreat just a short walk from Camden Park. Set in elegant clapboard houses on 60 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and grounds with stunning rose gardens, this upscale hotel features individually decorated stately rooms with period décor, antique furnishings, and original artworks, along with fireplaces, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, iPod docking stations, and complimentary wireless Internet. A complimentary gourmet breakfast and afternoon tea are served daily, and an elegant restaurant with entrancing garden views serves seasonal gourmet cuisine in an elegant setting. Guests can enjoy pampering massages and body treatments at a luxury spa, as well as access to the wellness center at the nearby Duke Center for Living.

2000 Fearrington Village Center, 230 Market Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-542-2121 Photo: The Fearrington House Inn

Defined by traditional southern grace and superb hospitality, the Gray Stone Inn is Wilmington’s most luxurious inn. Built in 1905 as ‘The Bridger’s Mansion,’ the Greystone Inn is a historic landmark that exudes the elegance and charm of turn-of-the-century grandeur. Beautifully furnished suites and rooms are havens of serenity with elegant décor, spacious en-suite bathrooms and private balconies with breath-taking views. Deluxe amenities promise creature comforts, such as satellite television, wired and wireless broadband Internet access, electronic safes, fully stocked personal mini-bar and a modern tea-coffee maker for that early morning cup. Mingle with other guests and enjoy complimentary wine and hors-d'oeuvres reception, which is served every evening by the fireplace in the gloriously furnished library. Savor a complimentary gourmet breakfast on the dappled shade of the lovely verandah with the backdrop of soft music easing you into the day.

220 Greystone Ln, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747, Phone: 828-966-4700 Photo: The Greystone Inn

Part of the historic Pinehurst golf resort, the Holly Inn is a refined Arts and Crafts-inspired hotel with elegant accommodations that dates back to 1895. Beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites have traditional décor and botanical prints, feather-top beds with designer linens and en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers and soaking tubs, and in-room conveniences such as flat-screen televisions with cable channels, minibars, and complimentary wireless Internet. Upscale facilities at the Inn include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa and wellness center, a fully equipped gym and tennis courts, and a refined restaurant, and traditional pub featuring an antique bar from Scotland.

155 Cherokee Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374, Phone: 844-330-1664 Photo: The Holly Inn

Exuding a seamless blend of style, sophistication and a touch of old-school glamor, The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is an award-winning luxury hotel that offers exquisite accommodations and a first-class collection of amenities, including stunning function and events venues. The elegant hotel features stately rooms with marble en-suite bathrooms and deep soaking tubs, spacious living areas and in-room conveniences such as flat-screen televisions with cable channels, iPod docking stations, 24-hour room service, and complimentary wireless Internet. Culinary options include five restaurants, bars and lounges that offer a variety of globally-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails, and upscale facilities include a high-end spa, an indoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped fitness center with personal trainers, and modern event spaces.

201 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 170-454-7224 Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte

The Sea Ranch Resort is a laid-back oceanfront hotel that offers comfortable accommodations and modern amenities with breathtaking views. Set in Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the luxurious hotel features charming guest rooms with mini fridges, microwaves, and pull-out sofas, and luxury two-bedroom condo-style suites have full kitchens, dining areas, and separate living rooms. Some rooms and all suites have private balconies with breathtaking ocean views. Amenities at the Sea Ranch Resort include an indoor swimming pool, a fully equipped exercise room, free yoga and Pilates classes during the summer, a seasonal oceanfront restaurant serving American cuisine, and nightly live entertainment. The Sea Ranch Resort is a short walk from the beach and a few miles from the North Carolina Aquarium, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

1731 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, Phone: 252-441-7126 Photo: The Sea Ranch Resort

Set on 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds half a mile from William B. Umstead State Park, The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a premium hotel that offers comfortable accommodations and a pet-friendly policy. Overlooking the tranquil waters of a lake, the hotel offers plush rooms with en-suite bathrooms and soaking tubs, spacious living/dining areas, modern amenities such as coffee makers and satellite television, and private balconies with lake views. Facilities at the hotel include a deluxe day spa area, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with cabanas, a poolside cocktail bar and acclaimed restaurants, a fitness center and bikes for loan. Pets are welcome, and there is an enclosed playground for dogs to play called DogWoods.

100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary, NC 27513, Phone: 919-447-4000 Photo: The Umstead Hotel and Spa

Set on Ocean Isle Beach and framed by palm trees and sand dunes, The Winds Resort Beach Club is an exquisite oceanfront resort that offers a luxurious sanctuary for the whole family. A variety of accommodation is provided, ranging from spacious guest rooms that sleep up to three people to four, five and six bedroom cottages on the beach. Boasting beautiful beach views, all guestrooms feature modern amenities, including microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers and free wireless Internet. Three swimming pools and rental bicycles offer the perfect way to spend the day, and a fitness center will keep you fit. A complimentary hot Southern breakfast buffet is served each morning, and The Oceanfront Poolside Restaurant serves delicious food in a casual setting.

310 E 1st St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, Phone: 910-579-6275 Photo: The Winds Resort Beach Club

Housed in a grand Victorian Italianate mansion just two blocks from the Cape Fear waterfront and a short walk from Downtown Wilmington, Verandas is a charming period-style bed and breakfast inn that offers an inviting North Carolina retreat. The well-appointed hotel features individually styled, sophisticated rooms with antique furnishings, romantic four-poster beds with designer linens, plush seating areas, and decorative fireplaces. A gourmet breakfast is served every morning on antique china, and complimentary drinks and snacks are available in the butler's pantry throughout the day. Guest can enjoy cheese and wine receptions each evening and have access to the mansion's elegant lounges, expansive verandas, and private gardens.

202 Nun St, Wilmington, NC 28401, Phone: 910-251-2212 Photo: Verandas

Waves Village Watersports Resort is an upscale seafront resort offering contemporary condominiums with full kitchens and comfortable living spaces, and an array of watersports, wind sports, family-friendly entertainment, and shopping. Boasting the best sound-front vacation rental accommodations in the area, the resort offers three-bedroom, three-bath accommodations that are designed to provide comfort and style while guests enjoy the beauty of the surrounding soundfront and the wealth of outdoor and recreational activities on offer. The resort also features a swimming pool and hot tub, direct access to the beach, a free on-site kiteboarding launch, and complimentary wireless Internet around the property.

24502 NC-12, Rodanthe, NC 27968, Phone: 866-595-1893 Photo: Waves Village Watersports Resort

Set in an exquisite Greek Revival-style mansion and magnificent 42-acre estate dating back to 1917, Westglow Resort and Spa is an exclusive, all-inclusive spa resort that offers a stylish and sophisticated getaway for discerning guests. Nestled in the folds of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, and a few miles outside the charming village of Blowing Rock, Westglow is situated on a hilltop with sweeping panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and beyond. Westglow offers elegant, full-service accommodations in The Mansion at Westglow, along with more secluded lodgings at the nearby Fleur de Lis Lodge at Westglow Village or The Lodge at Westglow Village. The award-winning spa is located at the Life Enrichment Center and features an indoor swimming pool, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, fitness equipment for cardiovascular and weight training, and an aerobics studio. Other upscale amenities at the resort include outdoor relaxation decks, croquet and clay tennis court, a fine-dining restaurant, and an elegant, library-style bar.

224 Westglow Circle, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 828-295-4463 or 800-562-0807 Photo: Westglow Resort & Spa