Old Edwards Inn and Spa: Highlands, North Carolina
First Impression
For years, I had heard rumors that there was a hidden gem nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains named Old Edwards Inn and Spa. I am not sure what took me so long to visit since it was just a short drive away, but once I arrived, I never wanted to leave. I instantly knew why this property had won one award after another and why so many people had told me that it was a must-visit destination. It was even voted #1 Hotel Spa in North America by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers in 2010.
Location
Highlands, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, feels as though it has been preserved in time. Walk outside the hotel’s front door and you will find yourself amidst first-class shopping, dining, and culture. Since it is surrounded by the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains and a temperate rainforest, you will also encounter some of the most beautiful natural attractions that the Unites States has to offer ranging from pristine lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. This rural community deserves its reputation as being one of America’s prettiest small towns.
The Room
Balancing urbane sophistication with rustic quaintness, the Old Edwards Inn and Spa puts guests’ minds at ease and lifts their spirits with its casual elegance, luxurious amenities, and impressive service. This five-star retreat is an excellent setting for romance, individuals, girlfriend getaways, and family trips. In your stunning room or suite, you will be enveloped by period antiques with European bedding and linens, and many are accompanied by terraces that offer sweeping views of downtown Highlands.
The Bathroom
The spacious en suite bathroom was my favorite part about the suite I stayed in. I was told that if I wanted the marble tiled floor warmer or cooler, all I had to do was notify the front desk and they would change it immediately to my liking. The Molton Brown bath products complemented the lavish towels perfectly.
The Extras
There are many thoughtful touches to be discovered throughout the hotel including: champagne upon arrival, an all-day Butler’s pantry with complimentary drinks and Dove Bars, Keurig coffee machines in the accommodations, and a lovely evening turn-down service that comes with a surprise treat and a note with the weather forecast for the following day. It is specifically because the property goes above and beyond for their beloved guests, that The Farm at Old Edwards, a thirty-three acre pastoral setting on the grounds, has now become a popular destination-wedding venue. In fact, the entire property is a wedding photographer’s dream-come-true backdrop – it is so gorgeous that you can imagine a bride and groom posing everywhere!
Why It Is Andi’s Pick
Old Edwards Inn and Spa is a glimmering jewel in North Carolina’s lure. No matter what the season, their phenomenal, award-winning health spa will pamper you in a style that you could easily get accustomed to. And true to the Highlands reputation as being a foodie’s destination, the chefs at the resort’s restaurant Madison’s demonstrate on a daily basis their incredible skill with products from local farms.
Social Media
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Love Highlands! My brother has a place here and we’ve been to the restaurant and spa when visiting him. Would love to stay here someday!
Isn’t the spa and restaurant amazing? I will be doing a separate post on them!!!
This is only about 5 hours from us in Lexington, KY so I will definitely check it out. The perfect place for girlfriends getaways with my sister and sister-in-law! Thanks for sharing.
You must must must go!!! You and your girlfriends will LOVE it!
This place looks beautiful and like the perfect place for a getaway!
It’s so beautiful and yes it’s the perfect getaway!!!
Love the atmosphere of this inn.
Yes, it was incredible and the staff were amazing!!!
It looks so cozy and beautiful! I love all the extras and that bed
The extras are INCREDIBLE! Free ice cream 24/7??? 🙂
This looks absolutely amazing! Might have to make a detour here next time I’m actually home in North Carolina! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of it!
Like I said, it’s such a hidden gem!!! You MUST go! Where in NC are you?
This kind of old fashioned look isn’t really my style, I have to admit, but the couches look like I would want to sink in with a good book on a rainy day and never leave. And heated bathroom floor + Molton Brown products = heaven.
I guess because I’m from the South I love it haha! And you’re so right about the bathroom!!!
Ohhhh I love North Carolina!! Reminds me of being a kid. We used to go every year to the beach, and I went to summer camp in the Blue Ride Mountains. I need to go back! Except for one wedding in the Outer Banks at least ten years ago, I don’t think I’ve been back since middle school-ish…
Yes you absolutely need to come back here!!!!!!!!
lovely, just lovely.
Perfect word to describe it!
It looks so lovely! I could LIVE in that bathroom. Just send in some champagne and a plate of dove bars every so often and I’d be set!
Right????? We sooo didn’t want to leave that bathroom!
I’ve never been to North Carolina! Looks like I may have to include this place in the to-do list when I visit. It looks and sounds spectacular. — Michelle
Yes, you must!!! And if you’re ever in NC please let me know! 🙂
Pingback: Tom Volpe
Yes, so lovely!!!
Wow, it looks absolutely gorgeous! I’ve never been to North Carolina but would love to go!
You must visit, you’ll fall in love!
Thank you very much for this marvelous post!
You’re welcome! 🙂
Wow! It’s so awesome they provide all those extras! And it looks adorable too. I’ve been wanting to take a trip to NC for some time–I’ll have to remember this place for when I do!
Yes, the extras take it from amazing to magnificent!!! If you head to NC make sure to visit, you won’t be disappointed.
OK! We are going on a multi-month cross-country trip in the fall and I will have to put North Carolina on my list and this Spa of course! I’m going to have to back-read a ton of your posts so I know where to go in the South!
OMG you’re coming to the South! Let me know if you pass through Charlotte!!!
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I absolutely love Highlands – and that whole beautiful area of NC! I haven’t been to Old Edwards before, but am definitely going to add it to my wish list!
Oh how awesome that you’ve been before! You must check out OE next time you’re there, you’ll LOVE it!!!
You had me at free ice cream!
Hahaha me too! 🙂
Now this place is pure luxury, wow!
You can say that again!
Oh my… perfectly perfect 🙂
Hahaha love it!
I love a hotel with character and this one looks like it has it by the bucketload
Oh yes it oozes character!
WOW what a cool place!
Yes, sooo cool! 🙂
Wow you sure stay in some beautiful places!
I love me some beautiful hotels!
I would never leave that bathroom!
Haha trust me it was almost painful to leave!
This place is GORGEOUS Andi!
It sure is, we didn’t want to leave!!!
I love the name of the hotel! So charming!!!
Yes, I totally agree!
Great post!
Thanks!
I would love to do a romantic getaway there one day!
Fingers crossed you can get there soon!
Pingback: Lindsay
Yessssssss!
Really charming place and great photos!
Thank you so much!
A++++++
YES!!!
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