The legendary and charming Old Edwards Inn Resort and Spa is consistently voted as a top travel destination for romance, relaxation and world class spa. It is located in a scenic mountain town only a short drive from Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC and Greenville, SC. Old Edwards Inn was named the #9 Most Romantic Hotel in America by Travel and Leisure in 2012, received the Trip Advisor Reader’s Choice Award for #2 Best Hotel for Romance in the US in 2011 and #3 Hotel Spa in North America by Conde Nast Traveler 2011. Needless to say, it is the perfect romantic escape for couples looking to take a luxurious honeymoon or rekindle an old romance.
Old Edwards is a four-star mountain resort located in the heart of the downtown historic Highlands district nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Straight out of a fairly tale, stepping into Old Edwards feels like you have transported yourself into a luxurious European mansion from the 18th century. With dark wood panellings, oversized fireplaces and cozy nooks fitted with comfortable loveseats, the lobby area is inviting to the guests making them relax instantly. The extravagance continues with Champagne upon arrival, inviting cozy rooms with canopy beds and dramatic European decorations complemented by around the clock room service attending to your every need.
The resort offers a variety of accommodations including deluxe rooms, suites and private cottages. Every room is carefully decorated with pleasurable colors and large canopy beds that boast extremely comfortable Italian beddings and linens. The suits offer a spacious living area with a working fireplace and a private balcony where couples can take in views of the quaint Main Street. Even the bathrooms are designed to spoil you. Heated floors lead you to an inviting Jacuzzi tub where plush towels hang on towel warmers next to separate his and her vanities. Guests staying at the spa suites can drape the snug robes and take an elevator straight down to the award winning spa at Old Edwards.
The spa boasts 25,000 square feet of exquisite European style luxury including a nail and hair salon, boutique, café, solarium, Jacuzzi and sauna. As you step into the spa, you instantaneously feel welcomed by the staff who is keen to attend to all your needs. Ask for a couple’s massage or an organic facial for the ultimate pampering experience. There are lovely spots to relax and read at the spa’s meditation room so allow yourself some time to unwind or perhaps even nap in one of their lounge chairs.
After a relaxing day, enjoy a scrumptious dinner at Madison’s Restaurant (2011 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence) located at the Old Edwards Inn. The menu showcases farm-to-table cuisine which means the chefs actually grow many of the ingredients at the Inn’s private farm located twenty minutes away. Acclaimed German Chef Johannes Klapdohr creates Southern and European inspired dishes with unique combinations. Try the duck two ways which is very interesting with black eyed peas hash and parsnip puree, bacon wrapped quail over wild rice or delicately fried scallops over a bed of creamy risotto garnished with cauliflower chips. Every item has multiple dimensions and layers of flavors. Rose petals and friendly servers make the dining experience more ornate. Madison’s also serves breakfast and lunch in its’ comfortable, yet classy setting.
For al fresco dining, there is a wine garden and rooftop terrace that is open during the summer months. If you are looking for something casual, there are several restaurants within walking distance from the Inn. Oak Street Café is a wonderful establishment where you will also find meticulously prepared traditional Southern and European dishes. Here you’ll find some of the best mushroom bisque, shrimp and grits and chicken kiev.
The city of Highlands enjoys a temperate climate, small town charm, upscale restaurants, lively arts community and many outdoor activities. If you decide to leave the comforts of the Inn and explore the area, there are waterfalls, hiking trails, golfing, horseback riding and more. The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are among the oldest mountains on earth. The landscape is full of superlatives: the highest mountain (Mount Mitchell), deepest gorge (Linville Gorge), and highest waterfall (Whitewater Falls) in the eastern United States; the oldest river in North America (the New River); and the two most visited National Park lands in the country (the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park).
For some shopping indulgence, visit Acorns shops at the Old Edwards that sell famous Carolina furniture, home accessories, European antiques and designer apparel. Across the street, Dutchmans is the perfect romantic store full of unique pieces from around the world that play on all of your senses. There are candles, floral, kitchen equipment, hand carved furniture, quilt and golf books that will keep the two of you engaged for hours.
Old Edwards Inn and Spa offers the perfect romantic escape packages that includes deluxe accommodations, Champagne and strawberries, dinner at Madison’s, spa credits and rose petal turndown service. This world class hidden gem in the mountains of North Carolina is the ideal place for those looking for ultra luxury, world class service, high end cuisine and beautiful mountain scenery.
Old Edwards Inn Resort and Spa
445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.8008
www.oldedwardsinn.com