Looking for a romantic escape in North Carolina? You’ve got some great options, whether you’re seeking a mountain getaway or time at the beach, these resorts are ideal for a couples’ vacation.
Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock, Blowing Rock
Chetola Resort sits in Blowing Rock – the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains on 87 acres of scenic woodland, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. Accommodation is divided between the Chetola Lodge, Bob Timberlake Inn, and privately owned condos that come complete with full kitchens, all comfortably furnished with warm decor and modern amenities like Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Some have lake views, fireplaces, balconies, and whirlpool tubs. There are plenty of amenities too, including a fitness center, a large indoor pool and tennis courts. Timberlake’s Restaurant serves a diverse menu inspired by the culinary favorites of world-renowned artist and designer Bob Timberlake and includes three dining rooms, with waterfront dining on the Patio. Next to the spa is a heated indoor pool, fitness room, sauna and Jacuzzi. Fishing, yoga by the lake, hiking and tennis are all offered as well.
Key Amenities:
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Lodges, inns and privately owned condos with kitchens
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On-site spa with indoor pool, sauna and Jacuzzi
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Romanced-themed packages with massages and treats
185 Chetola Lake Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA— +1 828-295-5500
The Sanderling Resort, Kitty Hawk
The Sanderling Resort in North Carolina’s Outer Banks is an ideal destination for couples who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the beach along with a variety of activities and a spa, set on 13 acres that are almost totally encircled by the Atlantic and the Currituck Sound. Enjoy a round of golf, paddle through the water on a kayak or paddle board, or hit the waves on a surfboard. The Spa offers a variety of treatments, massage, yoga, acupuncture and an adults-only tranquility pool. Choose a room in the North Inn, the South Building and Beach House, or stay in one of five custom vacation homes that allow you to access all resort amenities on site. The resort also hosts Kimball’s Kitchen, a lively steak, seafood and raw bar concept with dramatic views of the sound, while its Lifesaving Station and No. 5 Bar, housed in a national historic building, offers inside and outside dining, focusing on locally sourced coastal Carolina cuisine.
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Luxury suites or vacation homes with ocean-to-sound views
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On-site spa and adults-only tranquility pool
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Private beach access and water activities
Highland Lake Inn & Resort, Flat Rock
This historic resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina sits on 26 wooded acres and includes its own private lake. A former boy’s military camp and Catholic girls’ camp, it offers a variety of accommodation options, from a historic lodge and the Woodward House to suites, cabins, and cottages. The secluded Primrose Cottage is ideal for couples, where you can cozy up together in the whirlpool bath or next to the two-sided fireplace. There is lots to do onsite as well, including fishing, boating and other recreational activities out on the 40-acre lake, with kayaks, paddleboats and canoes all available for complimentary use. Trail bikes are complimentary too, and you’ll also find nature trails for hiking and biking, volleyball, tennis, horseshoes and badminton. You can even enjoy an in-room massage before heading to dinner at the Inn’s award-winning Season’s Restaurant.
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Historic lodge, suites, cabins and cottages with fireplaces
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Private lake with complimentary water activities
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In-room spa treatments available
The Carolina at Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst
This majestic century-old hotel offers the feel of a bygone era of opulence. Part of Pinehurst Resort, which also includes The Holly Inn and The Manor, The Carolina is the most popular of the three, with its sweeping verandas, copper cupola, and gorgeous landscaped gardens creating an elegant, old-world charm. All rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms and beds with feather-top bedding, as well as modern amenities like Wi-Fi and LCD TVs. Guests have access to all of the sprawling resort’s amenities, which include The Spa at Pinehurst and eight eateries, along with outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, walking tours and tennis. Dine on award-winning traditional Southern cuisine paired with world-class wines in the Carolina Dining Room.
Key Amenities:
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Verandas, copper cupola and landscaped gardens
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On-site spa, golf course and pools
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Award-winning restaurants
80 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374, USA— +1 844-330-1673
Westglow Resort and Spa, Blowing Rock
This historic upscale property sits across 42 acres and is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Set in a restored Greek Revival Mansion, you’ll have your choice of a variety of accommodations, including lodges, guest rooms and suites. The spa also offers a long list of services, including body treatments, facials, salon services and acupuncture treatment as well as a heated indoor pool, dry sauna and whirlpool. The fitness and wellness center offers yoga classes and morning walks. Bed-and-breakfast and all-inclusive packages with spa treatments are both available.
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Mansion with lodges, guest rooms and suites
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On-site spa, salon and dry sauna
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FItness and wellness center with yoga classes
224 Westglow Cir, Blowing Rock, NC 24605, USA— +1 828-295-4463
The Swag, Waynesville
The Swag is an all-inclusive resort that offers luxurious accommodations with award-winning service and spectacular views as one of the state’s most idyllic mountain retreats. Suites ensure plenty of privacy, each one distinctly furnished featuring handmade quilts, original artwork and thick woven rugs, all reflecting the impressive surroundings. Most also include wood-burning fireplaces and private balconies with gorgeous views. Its onsite restaurant serves up seasonally-inspired meals that include gourmet breakfasts, picnic lunches and multi-course dinners, all paired with fine wines. There are plenty of outdoor adventures that await too, including hiking and zip lining in the forest, racquetball, croquet and badminton. After a day of play, you can look forward to relaxing in the outdoor hot tub too.
Key Amenities:
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Suites with private balconies and wood-burning fireplaces
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Rates include all meals with wine pairings
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On-site spa and outdoor adventures
Lakeview at Fontana, Bryson City
The Mediterranean-style Lakeview at Fontana offers a relaxing, unrivaled escape with a touch of romance located on a forested mountainside with awe-inspiring views of Fontana Lake. It was named one of the “10 Best Southern Mountain Resorts and Inns” by USA Today, and Southern Living called it “one of the great lodging secrets in North Carolina.” An ideal spot for relaxation, with lake views, charming courtyards, a yoga studio and a spa, the laid-back environment makes it easy to forget about your cares so you can reconnect and enjoy plenty of intimacy. The beautifully furnished rooms include lots of special individual touches, while freshly baked pastries and French press coffee can be enjoyed every morning before checking out the nature trails and mountain pools. In the afternoon, taste local farmstead cheese and wine, and at some point, be sure to check out the treetop soaking cabana.
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Fresh-baked pastries and coffee included daily
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Treetop soaking cabanas and outdoor pool
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On-site spa and yoga studio
171 Lakeview Lodge Dr, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA— +1 800-742-6492
Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville
If you’re looking for romance, historic ambiance, spectacular mountain views, gourmet fare and luxurious spa treatments, look no further than the Omni Grove Park Inn. One of the most romantic resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains and consistently ranked as one of the best resorts in the entire nation, Grove Park was built in 1913 with granite stones mined from Sunset Mountain, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and downtown Asheville, as well as an exclusive club floor that’s reserved for adults only. Stepping into the lobby, known as the Great Hall, and you’ll know you’re in a unique place. Its two massive 14-foot stone fireplaces are famous for the elevators cleverly hidden in the chimneys, which continue to transport guests to their rooms. Guests can also enjoy poolside martinis and live entertainment.
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Exclusive adults-only club floor and relaxation pools
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Mineral pools and subterranean spa
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On-site golf course and sports complex
Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary
The Umstead Hotel is surrounded by 12 acres of gardens and forest that provide an especially tranquil feel to complement the more than 10 different types of massage and numerous treatments that utilize botanical ingredients at its lavish spa, while the onsite restaurant, Herons, features dishes using organic meats and locally grown produce. To add to the romance, special packages like The Harmony include an overnight stay in a spacious guest room or suite with welcoming hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine, along with a Swedish or Aromatherapy Couples Massage.
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Spa utilizing botanical ingredients
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Trails through gardens and forest, outdoor pool and fitness center
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Romance packages that include extras like massages
Inn on Biltmore Estate, Asheville
The Inn on Biltmore Estate isn’t a replica of the famous Biltmore House but was designed to recall the elegance and hospitality of the Vanderbilt’s home. Perched atop a hill on the grounds of the breathtaking 8,000-acre estate, it overlooks Biltmore Winery and Antler Hill Village while providing sweeping vistas of the Biltmore House and the surrounding mountains. A wealth of outdoor activities are offered too, including carriage rides, kayaking and float trips, nature walks, hikes and off-road Land Rover adventures. The inn also has its own spa, an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, library, lobby bar and fine dining restaurant.
Key Amenities:
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Located on Biltmore Estate grounds overlooking winery
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Carriage rides, kayaking, nature walks and other outdoor adventures
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On-site spa, pool, hot tub and fitness center
