Resorts & Spas

10 Resort Spas From The Mountains To The Coast

North Carolina has a wide range of world-class resort spas offering a variety of soothing settings, treatments, and value-packed packages that can often include accommodations, activities, amenities, dining, and much more.

Here are 10 top resort spas from the mountains to the coast:

The Spa at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville is a subterranean oasis featuring cavernous rock walls, arches, and tunnels—and 20 water features. The “Fire, Rock, Water and Light” integrates all of the elements of the spa for an exfoliation, waterfall massage, lavender whirlpool bath, volcanic clay body wrap, and essential oil massage.

Located in the charming mountain town of Highlands, The Spa at Old Edwards Inn was voted the #1 “Hotel Spa” in North America by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers in 2010, receiving the first-ever perfect score in the 20-year history of the polls. Highlights include the tasty spa café, the new spa solarium, and six luxurious spa suites with private robe-and-slipper access to the spa.

Situated on the edge of the village of Blowing Rock, The Spa at Chetola Resort embraces a Mission-style motif by Bob Timberlake and local artisans. The two-night “Stress-Free Spa Package” includes accommodations in Chetola Lodge, The Bob Timberlake Inn, or one of Chetola’s varied condominiums, as well as a 60-minute massage, a fitness or yoga class, 10 percent off spa products, and breakfast each day.

The Spa at Fearrington at Fearrington Village near Chapel Hill draws on a Swedish farmhouse design that emphasizes natural simplicity and elegance through muted gray walls, bleached-wood floors, and natural light. With a wide variety of treatments, The spa is the only one in the state using the Elemis skin care line. The Fearrington House Inn is particularly popular with couples and the spa welcomes them with couples treatment rooms and offerings.

With an unbeatable downtown location in bi-level penthouse facilities, The Spa and Wellness Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, was named one of the top ten green hotel spas in the U.S. by Organic Spa magazine (the hotel is LEED Gold certified). The spa’s “Green Your Body” eco-treatment is the ultimate in skin renewal and two specialty treatments use natural honey harvested from beehives on the hotel’s vegetated roof.

The Spa at Ballantyne at Charlotte’s Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge is particularly popular for spa packages. The “Carolina Getaway” includes two nights in an elegant guest room, one $50 spa treatment credit per person per stay, one $50 food and beverage credit per room per stay, daily complete breakfast in the acclaimed Gallery Restaurant, and complimentary valet parking.

Situated just outside Greensboro, The Spa at Grandover has been a hole-in-one with visiting golfers and golf widows and widowers alike. The “Golf and Spa” package at Grandover Resort & Golf www.grandover.com includes a “Golf View” guestroom, a round of golf at either of Grandover’s two layouts, a 50-minute massage, two breakfasts at acclaimed Di Valletta Restaurant, and much more.

The Umstead Spa in Cary makes The Umstead Hotel and Spa even more special, thanks to a unique meditation courtyard, more than a dozen organic treatments, a signature line of products, and lots of special seasonal and holiday offerings. Umstead guests will also say ‘ahh’ when enjoying chef Scott Crawford’s cooking at Herons or chef Steven Devereaux Greene’s unique style at nearby An New World Cuisine.

The Spa at Pinehurst at revered the Pinehurst Resort is a relaxing haven after a round of golf or shopping. The “Golfer’s Hole in One” package features a pine salt scrub, golfer’s massage, and bath escape, while outdoor chair massages are a featured treatment at the 18th green of the fabled No. 2 layout. 

Overlooking Currituck Sound, The Sanderling Spa & Salon includes much more than soothing views inside and out (including a sound side gazebo sanctuary). The “Soul Mate Sanctuary” package includes use of the couple’s suite, a jetted tub soak, 80-minute massages with a view, and a gourmet spa lunch served in the solarium—complete with a sparkling wine toast.

By Lynn and Cele Seldon

added: February 23, 2012

updated: February 27, 2012