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.