Do you enjoy the sound of the ocean waves crashing on the beach? Or the sound of silence that fills the air in a desolate forest on a wooded mountaintop? No matter what your idea of the perfect romantic spot is, North Carolina has a got a spot for you. Not only do these romantic hotels offer beautiful scenery and romantic backdrops, but most offer special packages and additional amenities for couples looking to get away for a break from the daily grind.
Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock
Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the charming small town of Blowing Rock is like something out of a storybook. In addition to the infamous rock formation that gave the town its name, there is also a quaint downtown district that is full of shops and restaurants. Within walking distance from the village, sits Chetola Resort – an 87-acre resort with first-class accommodations, fine dining, and plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation.
Inn on Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Also situated in the scenic mountains of North Carolina, the Inn at Biltmore Estate is one of the most romantic places to stay in Asheville. From the fresh mountain air outside to the elegant furnishings and fabrics inside, you’ll feel like royalty yourself when you stay here. In addition to the numerous amenities available like a day spa, heated outdoor pool, fitness center, 24-hour room service, and shops that offer complimentary delivery to your room, you can also choose to enhance your stay by adding on romantic gestures like flowers, chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne or a custom cake made by Biltmore’s pastry chefs.
The Fearrington House Inn, Pittsboro
One of the best places to stay in North Carolina, The Fearrington House Inn is a Relais & Chateaux property located on a historic farm outside of Chapel Hill. If you’re looking for true Southern charm while still having a luxurious stay full of amenities, this is the place for you. Each of the individually-designed guest rooms features antique furnishings, original artwork, luxurious linens, fresh flowers, and views of the surrounding gardens, while the grand suites also offer private courtyards. During your stay, you’ll have access to a complimentary gourmet breakfast at The Fearrington House Restaurant, a daily newspaper and even port wine and housemade chocolates at turndown. There’s also an on-site spa that offers facials, massages, pedicures and manicures.
Marsh Harbour Inn, Bald Head Island
If you really want to get away from it all, why not go all the way and escape to your very own island retreat? Beautiful Bald Head Island, sometimes referred to as the “Nantucket of the South”, is a 12,000-acre island off of the Cape Fear River that you can only access by passenger ferry or private boat. Which means it’s the ultimate private getaway. Resembling something out of a Nicholas Sparks film, you’ll find acres of untouched beaches, marshes, and preserved maritime forests, as well as plenty of shopping, dining, recreation, and spa amenities, all within walking or biking distance from your stay at the Marsh Harbour Inn. The 10,000-square-foot Inn overlooks the Bald Head Island Marina and offers simple, romantic rooms and large, spacious suites, as well as open common area decks and porches for taking in the sun and views of the ocean. Included in your rental is a daily continental breakfast, the use of an electric golf cart for getting around the island and daily housekeeping services, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy!
Graystone Inn, Wilmington
Located in the beautiful downtown district of Wilmington, Graystone Inn is a historic landmark that was originally built in 1905. Although the grandeur of the building is striking, you’ll feel welcomed and comfortable as soon as you step inside. The guest rooms are each decorated with period furniture and Egyptian cotton linens, while certain rooms offer additional features like fireplaces, window seats, and in-suite bathrooms with robes, soaking tubs, and walk-in showers. Modern amenities like Wi-Fi, televisions, and telephones are included, but you’ll want to spend your time relaxing and unwinding at the daily evening reception that features complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres in front of the fireplace in the Inn’s distinguished library. For an extra treat, wine, champagne, the Inn’s custom blend of coffee and luxury robes are all available for purchase as well.
The Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst
Part of Pinehurst Resort, The Carolina Hotel offers the feel of a bygone era with opulence throughout. It’s the most popular of the three hotels at the resort, which also includes The Manor and the Holly Inn. With sweeping verandas, magnificently landscaped gardens, and beautifully appointed historic guest rooms, it makes for an idyllic romantic stay. All rooms include beds with feather-top bedding, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and spacious marble bathrooms. Guests enjoy access to all of the amenities on the 2,000-acre-property, including massage, facials and body wraps at the spa, dining at eight different restaurants, and a wide range of activities from walking tours to fishing, kayaking, and golf at nine different courses.
Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville
Omni Grove Park Inn is the perfect place for couples who want to relax with gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from its perch atop Sunset Mountain. The historic hotel has an eye-catching design and a lavish spa that’s a maze of indoor caverns with steam rooms, saunas and multiple pools, including one with underwater music. A heated outdoor tub offers soaks with mountain views accented by a fireplace. There’s also an 18-hole golf course, a sports complex with six tennis courts, a fitness center, and a wide range of eateries on-site. The rooms and suites come with garden or mountain views, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and minifridges.
Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Highlands
A luxurious and historic spa resort, the Old Edwards Inn and Spa is nestled in the heart of downtown Highlands at the southwestern plateau of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Couples will find plenty of ways to relax together here, including the magnificent spa with whirlpools, a serenity solarium, 14-head Swiss showers, saunas, and steam rooms. There are also outdoor heated mineral pools and hot tubs. Enjoy farm-fresh, local cuisine that includes dining on a rooftop terrace with spectacular views., while the rooms, suites, and cottages all have upscale features like flat-screen satellite TVs, digital music players, high-end linens, robes and slippers, and bathrooms with heated marble floors. Some have large soaking tubs too.
The Sanderling Resort - Duck, Outer Banks
The Sanderling Resort offers a luxurious stay in the Outer Banks, complete with a long sandy beach, ideal for couples who want to soak up the sand and the sun while enjoying access to a wide range of activities. It sits on a 13-acre property nearly encircled by the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic, offering everything from surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding to golfing. After a day of play, relax at the adults-only tranquility pool or take advantage of spa treatments. Acupuncture and yoga are available too. There are multiple dining options, including Kimball’s Kitchen, a lively steak, seafood and raw bar concept with spectacular views of the sound. A variety of rooms are available, some with water views and kitchenettes. Or go all out and book one of the five custom vacation homes.
Westglow Resort and Spa, Blowing Rock
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains on a 42-acre historic property, Westglow Resort and Spa boasts a romantic setting in a restored Greek Revival mansion. All-inclusive packages with spa treatments and B&B packages are available, with accommodation provided in guest rooms, suites and a large home that can sleep up to eight guests. All come with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, robes and slippers, and mountain views. The spa hosts a whirlpool, dry sauna and a heated indoor pool along with a wide range of services, including acupuncture, facials and body treatments. Yoga classes and morning walks are offered through the fitness and wellness center, while the fine dining restaurant serves New American dishes with Southern influences that can be paired with an extensive wine list.
Lakeview at Fontana Soaking Cabana Resort, Bryson City
The Lakeview at Fontana is a secluded adults-only Mediterranean-style resort that was named among the “10 Best Southern Mountain Resorts and Inn” by USA Today. Couples can enjoy a relaxing escape on a forested mountainside with breathtaking views of Fontana Lake. The rooms are elegantly furnished with lots of special touches, including luxe beds with Egyptian cotton linens. Some come with balconies or decks for enjoying the mountain views. Every morning look forward to French press coffee and fresh-baked parties before enjoying a stroll on the nature trails or a swim in the seasonal outdoor pool, followed by a soak in one of the treetop cabanas with large tubs. Complimentary wine and local cheese are served in the afternoon.
Duke Mansion, Charlotte
While it’s just two miles from uptown Charlotte, you’ll feel as if you’re worlds away from the city at Duke Mansion. Built in 1915, it’s surrounded by 4.5 acres of gorgeous grounds with magnificent landscaped gardens and offers a B&B-style stay with lots of Southern charm. All rooms come with fine period furnishings, plush beds with high-end linens and goosedown pillows as well as all the modern comforts like luxurious bathrobes, Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. Some feature whirlpool tubs.
