Highlands North Carolina Spa Recognized As One Of US’s 10 Best
Dry Falls in the Autumn afternoon showing the Cullasaja river as it flows downstream in western North Carolina
Looking for that perfect relaxing spa day? I know I just had one and am already craving another day, where the biggest stressor is whether to get in a pool or a hot tub between spa treatments. There are so many luxurious spas in North Carolina so when I saw that USA Today had released their 10 best spas I had a feeling I’d find a North Carolina relaxation spot on my list. And I did! Though in all honesty, it wasn’t the one I would have guessed. My first thought was that Asheville’s Grove Park Inn would make the list. Instead, it was another mountain spa. Highlands North Carolina is home to the Old Edwards Inn & Spa which ranked 9th on the USA Today list.
This southern Blue Ridge Mountains Spa self describes as “pure bliss” and “European elegance”. Amenities include saunas, whirlpools, steam rooms, nail and hair services, a spa cafe, a fireside lounge, and more. Treatments offered include facial and body treatments or immersive bath rituals. Relax with a 50, 80, or 110-minute massage featuring therapies from across the globe. Or enhance that look with a nail, hair of makeup treatment. All in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll want to make the most of your time at the Old Edwards Inn by staying overnight and dining in the beloved restaurant. But no visit to this Highlands North Carolina Inn is complete without a relaxing day at the spa.
Other Spas that made the USA 10 Best list were in states such as Illinois, California, and Florida. The best of the best? The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida. I can’t say Orlando is the destination I think of when I think of relaxing. But perhaps I’ll get the chance to try this out sometime.
USA Today’s 10 rankings are voted on in a variety of categories monthly. Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. From there 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Then USA Today readers can vote once per category, per day. And the top 10 become the “10 best”. You can view the full list here.
9 Of The Most Luxurious Spas To Visit In North Carolina
Are the stresses of work and life weighing on you? Perhaps you’re looking for a relaxing way to celebrate a special occasion. Or maybe you’re just in a “treat yourself” phase. (How do I convince myself to end the treat yourself phase that I can’t afford? Asking for a friend). Whatever your reasoning, I bet you can come up with an excuse for a spa day or weekend. And lucky for you North Carolina is home to some fabulous top-tier spas. Whether you are looking for a spa day, staycation, or a weekend getaway there are perfect spas in North Carolina to choose from. That’s the hard part, choosing just one.
So while I can’t make the decision for you, I can’t even make decisions for myself, I can do some of the work for you. So I’ve compiled a list of 9 of the most relaxing and luxurious spas in North Carolina for you to choose from. Because you deserve it. Spas on the list include urban oasis, tranquil mountain getaways, resorts with golf, spas, and more to offer, and more. And you have to make a day of it. Not just your massage or facial, you want a destination you can take advantage of everything. Most of these destinations offer access to pools, whirlpools, saunas, fitness centers, and restaurants/bars.
So get to reading, then dreaming, and then planning your ultimate spa weekend. I may have to do the same (anyone want to foot the bill for that?). The list includes one spa I’ve personally visited, one I do have a trip planned to for a friend’s birthday and one that is a dream of mine to experience. Did I miss one you love? Let me know! If you need me I’ll be mentally relaxing, drinking prosecco, and enjoying a spa hot tub.
Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.