Part of our North Carolina guide.
Places and guides from our North Carolina coverage, gathered into one page.
Best Luxury Resorts In North Carolina
North Carolina offers luxury resorts that range from mountain retreats to beachfront properties. Pinehurst Resort, known as the "Home of American Golf," features iconic courses designed by Donald Ross, with one course—No. 2—standing as the crown jewel.
Tee Off At Pinehurst Resort's Iconic Golf Courses
Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina is known as the "Home of American Golf." Its courses were designed by legends like Donald Ross. Course No. 2 stands as the crown jewel of Pinehurst Resort.
Beyond golf, the resort provides luxury accommodations, fine dining, and spa services. Guests can explore the surrounding Sandhills region, which offers hiking and the outdoors in North Carolina, or enjoy the resort's own trails and gardens. For those interested in retirement and history in North Carolina, the nearby town of Southern Pines features historic architecture and a quiet, walkable downtown.
Other luxury resorts in the state include The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, a five-star property near Raleigh, and the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, which sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Umstead offers 150 rooms, a full-service spa, and farm-to-table dining, while Grove Park Inn provides panoramic mountain views and a championship golf course. Both properties are consistently rated among the top resorts in the Southeast.
For beachfront luxury, consider the Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach, which offers direct access to the Atlantic and a private beach. The resort features 150 rooms, two pools, and a tiki bar, with rates starting at $350 per night in peak season. Another option is the Sanderling Resort in Duck, on the Outer Banks, which provides oceanfront suites, a spa, and multiple dining venues.
When planning a trip, note that Pinehurst Resort is located about 70 miles southwest of Raleigh, roughly a 90-minute drive. The Umstead Hotel is 15 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, while Grove Park Inn is about 20 minutes from Asheville Regional Airport. Reservations are recommended at least two months in advance for peak seasons (spring and fall).
For those seeking lakeside relaxation, Lake secrets in North Carolina include properties like the Lodge at Lake Lure, which offers cabins and a private dock. Alternatively, secrets in North Carolina such as the hidden coves of Lake Norman provide quiet spots for kayaking and fishing. Trading secrets in North Carolina—like the antique shops in the town of Burlington—can be found near many resort areas.
If you prefer coastal stays, beaches in North Carolina such as those at Wrightsville Beach and the Outer Banks are within driving distance of major resorts. For a city-based luxury stay, resorts to stay in Raleigh, North Carolina include the aforementioned Umstead Hotel and the Marriott City Center. For a smaller-town beach escape, beaches to visit in Greenville, North Carolina are about two hours east, though Greenville itself is inland and offers riverfront parks and a growing food scene.
All rates and availability are as of the article's original publication (2019–2024). Confirm current pricing and booking details directly with each property before travel.
