10 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts for 2024

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Blue Ridge Mountain resorts come in all shapes and sizes. 

Some upscale luxury resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains focus on foodie-friendly restaurants, outstanding golf courses, and top-notch spas. 

My favorite mountain resorts go all-in on the rustic feel, offering breathtaking scenic vistas, hiking trails and/or waterfalls.

Of course, there are also Blue Ridge Mountain ski resorts for Winter fun, all-inclusive resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains for rest and relaxation, and historic resorts in Blue Ridge cities like Asheville NC

Read on for our guide to the best Blue Ridge Mountains resorts in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, including an overview of the amenities and major attractions at each one. 

READ MORE: Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains? A State-by-State Guide

Planning to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains? Here are some additional resorts to consider:

  1. Forest Hills Mountain Resort (Dahlonega GA lodge & cabins w/ good restaurant & horses)

  2. The Inn on Biltmore Estate (Luxurious romantic inn w/heated pool, spa & free shuttle)

  3. Omni Grove Park Inn  (Historic Asheville inn w/pool, spa, golf & stunning mountain views)

  4. Massanutten Resort (VA resort w/skiing, snowtubing, waterpark, golf, spa & great restaurants)

  5. Peaks of Otter Lodge (Cozy lakeside Blue Ridge Parkway lodge in VA w/restaurant & bar)

Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts Guide

  1. Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa (Hiawassee GA)
  2. Barnsley Resort  (Adairsville GA)
  3. Valhalla Resort Hotel  (Helen GA)
  4. Chetola Resort  (Blowing Rock NC)
  5. Hot Springs Resort & Spa  (Hot Springs NC)
  6. Lakeview at Fontana Inn & Treetop Soaking Cabanas  (Bryson City NC)
  7. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa  (Pigeon Forge TN)
  8. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg  (Gatlinburg TN)
  9. Omni Homestead Resort  (Hot Springs VA)
  10. Wintergreen Resort  (Nellysford VA)

READ MORE: The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA

 

Resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains of GA

resorts North Georgia - Brasstown Valley Resort
Brasstown Valley Resort, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

1. Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

6321 Highway 76, Young Harris GA • (706) 379-9900

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Located in Young Harris GA (which is just a 2-hour drive from Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Asheville), Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is one of the most critically acclaimed mountain resorts in Georgia.

This resort has 102 guest rooms, including Suites, King Rooms, and 2-Queens Rooms. There are also private rooms in shared 4-bedroom cottages.

Their Equani Spa has unique Native American-inspired treatments, the golf course is rated among the best in Georgia, and there are horseback riding stables as well as axe-throwing and archery.

Other resort amenities include a health club, indoor and outdoor pools, and one of the area’s best restaurants.

For other attractions and activities, the Georgia mountain town of Hiawassee and Lake Chatuge are just minutes away!

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA

Barnsley Resort in North Georgia
Barnsley Resort in North Georgia

2. Barnsley Resort

597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville GA • (877) 773-2447

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Located about halfway between Atlanta and Lookout Mountain, Adairsville GA is home to Barnsley Resort, which offers 3,000 acres of luxury accommodations, history, adventure, and sporting.

In addition to their golf course and full-service spa, Barnsley Resort (formerly known as Barnsley Gardens) offers a shooting range, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and tennis. There are also historic ruins, gardens, and a museum on site.

Their romantic cottage rooms all come with a private fireplace and a clawfoot tub. There are also 55 rooms and suites at the Inn, which is designed like a country estate.

Lastly, there are Estate Cottages with 2 to 7 bedrooms, with some pet-friendly options.

Restaurants at Barnsley Resort include fine dining at the Woodlands Grill, elegant casual dining at the Rice House, and relaxed food and fun at the Beer Garden.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Romantic Getaways in the North Georgia Mountains

Pet Freidnly Hotels in Helen GA, Valhalla Resort
Valhalla Resort in Helen GA

3. Valhalla Resort Hotel

688 Bahn Innsbruck, Helen GA • (706) 878-2200

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The Valhalla Resort Hotel is located in the colorful mountain town of Helen GA, which (much like Little Switzerland NC) heavily borrows Alpine influences from Bavarian Germany. 

Numerous suites and bungalows are available at the resort, including ADA-accessible options, a huge 940-square-f00t Presidential Suite, and a romantic Penthouse King Suite.

For families and larger groups, there’s also a Private Villa (up to 8 guests) and a Townhouse (up to 6 guests.

Valhalla’s Solasta Spa offers maximum relaxation, with massages and other treatments available. They also have the Valhalla Golf Club, tennis, bocce ball, and guided tours to spot birds and wildlife.

Valhalla has some of the best restaurants in Helen GA, including upscale dining at Caledonia, dinner with a view at Sky Bar, casual fare at Staghorn Grill, and wine-pairing experiences at The Abbey Wine Room. 

READ MORE: The 25 Best Things to Do in Helen GA

 

Resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC

Chetola Resort, Lodge & Spa in Blowing Rock NC
Chetola Resort, Lodge & Spa in Blowing Rock NC, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

4. Chetola Resort

185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock NC • (800) 243-8652

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Chetola Resort is a 78-acre resort in Blowing Rock NC, right in the heart of the High Country. It’s surrounded by some of our favorite biking and hiking trails, as well as several of the best North Carolina ski resorts.

In terms of accommodation options, this mountain resort has the Chetola Lodge, Bob Timberlake Inn, and Chetola Premium Condos available. Each of the rooms has unique décor and designs, but they all come loaded with amenities.

The Spa at Chetola Resort offers massages, facials, nails, and hair services. Chetola is also an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge, and archery and clay shooting are part of the package.

The property also includes hiking trails (one of which leads to Moses H Cone Memorial Park), a small lake, and canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals.

Timberlake’s Restaurant has breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. It’s easily among the best restaurants in Blowing Rock, so reservations are recommended. Headwaters Pub has a full bar and live music.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC

Hot Springs Hot Tub at the Hot Springs Resort Spa in Hot Springs NC
Hot Tub at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

5. Hot Springs Resort & Spa 

315 Bridge Street, Hot Springs NC • (828) 622-7676

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Hot Springs has been a Western North Carolina tourism hotspot for centuries because of its naturally heated mineral waters.

The mineral baths at The Hot Springs Resort & Spa ups the ante with spa services and private jetted hot tubs, offering mineral baths on open-air platforms with gorgeous views of the mountains and French Broad River.

This resort also makes a great base for whitewater rafting, zipline tours, and day hiking on the Appalachian Trail (which passes right through Downtown Hot Springs NC). 

It’s an affordable alternative to luxury resorts, with primitive campgrounds, full hook-up RV sites, and rustic cabins.

For those seeking more creature comforts, there are a few suites with satellite TV, mini-fridges, and so on.  There are also two fully-loaded houses available for rent, sleeping 6 or 8 people.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things To Do in Hot Springs NC

Having a Cabana Soak at Lakeview at Fontana in Bryson City NC
Having a Cabana Soak at Lakeview at Fontana, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

6. Lakeview at Fontana Inn & Treetop Soaking Cabanas 

171 Lakeview Lodge Drive, Bryson City NC • (800) 742-6492

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Located just outside of Bryson City NC, Lakeview at Fontana Inn & Treetop Soaking Cabanas is all about getting away from the hustle and bustle.

Amenities at this Western NC resort include incredible views of Fontana Lake from the Lakeview Observation Deck, a spring-fed swimming pool, a small spa, and complimentary coffee and pastries every morning.

This NC mountain resort’s tagline is “unplug, unwind, unhosted.” This “rustic chic” approach keeps the resort affordable without sacrificing the cozy creature comforts that make guests want to linger.

King and Queen rooms are available, as are 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites. Their rooms don’t have Wi-Fi or TVs, but there is a Wi-Fi lounge, strong cell service, and a small food market on-site.

Of course the big attraction here is their treetop soaking cabanas, which offer a unique spa-style experience unlike anything else in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

READ MORE: 20 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County

 

Resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains of TN

Romantic getaways in the TN mountains - Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa

7. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa

2525 DreamMore Way, Pigeon Forge NC • (800) DOLLYWOOD

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Dollywood isn’t just a theme park. There’s also the award-winning Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa, which offers a unique mix of family fun and luxurious relaxation for adults.

Rooms at the resort have 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, a coffee maker, and safety deposit box. Options range from King rooms with a bunk bed to Junior Family Suites that sleep 6.

Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, children’s activities, an outdoor playground, an indoor game room, and an onsite spa and salon.

DreamMore resort restaurants include buffet-style southern food at Song & Hearth, quick bites at the DM pantry, in-room and poolside meals, and The Lounge for drinks and snacks.

The East Tennessee resort is just minutes away from the theme park, and shuttle service is complimentary for guests.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Romantic Getaways in Tennessee

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg TN
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg TN

8. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

539 Parkway, Gatlinburg TN • (865) 430-4200

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Gatlinburg is like a full-on swan dive into themed tourism. So it makes sense that the Margaritaville Resort merges a mountain resort setting with a tropical atmosphere. 

All rooms at Margaritaville come with 50-inch LCD TVs, full bathrooms with rain showers, wet bars, kitchenettes, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some also have private balconies. 

The Downtown Gatlinburg resort’s amenities include the St. Somewhere Spa for massages and beauty treatments, and a huge outdoor pool area with a waterslide, splash pad, and an oversized hot tub.

There’s also a 24-hour fitness center and an indoor swimming pool that’s great during Winter in Gatlinburg.

In terms of restaurants, the resort covers all the bases, with Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions, the License to Chill Bar, the Daiquiri Shack & Grill, and the Landshark Bar & Grill.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN

 

Resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains of VA

mountain vacations in Virginia - The Omni Homestead Resort
The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs VA

9. Omni Homestead Resort

7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs VA • (800) 838-1766

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Located near the West Virginia border, the Omni Homestead Resort is the oldest of the Blue Ridge Mountains resorts in Virginia. This Hot Springs VA resort has been operating for over 250 years, and has been visited by 23 US presidents!

Accommodation options include 483 luxury guest rooms and 5 different grades of suites. All rooms have flat-screen plasma TVs, down pillows, feather beds, and luxury linens.

Select rooms have a fireplace, while select suites have a private porch, dining table, and/or extra bathroom.

The resort features a 2-acre waterpark, golf courses, and a state-of-the-art spa with an Aqua-Thermal Suite and adults-only Serenity Garden. Other amenities include 4 clay tennis courts, a zipline tour, and a spring-fed indoor pool.

In the Winter, Omni Homestead Resort has slopes for snow skiing and snow tubing, as well as a rink for ice skating.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Virginia Mountain Resorts to Visit

Sunrise at Wintergreen Resort in VA
Sunrise at Wintergreen Resort by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

10. Wintergreen Resort

Route 664, Wintergreen VA • (434) 325-2200

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Another one of the best ski resorts in Virginia, Wintergreen Resort is located between Charlottesville and Lexington, providing easy access from Richmond and Washington DC.

Accommodations at Wintergreen Resort offer numerous floor plans. Each room is individually decorated for a unique experience, but most have a kitchenette and balconies with great views.

There are also condos ranging from 1 to 5 bedrooms, and homes with a range of 3 to 6 bedrooms, as well as 2 exclusive lodges with either 9 or 10 bedrooms.

During Winter in Virginia, the resort has ski slopes, a Terrain Park for snowboarding, and runs for snow tubing. Other amenities include a golf course, racquet sports, hiking trails, waterfalls, a lake, and the Wintergreen Spa.

Wintergreen restaurants include Devils Grill, The Copper Mine, The Edge, Upper Crust Pizza, The Market, Terrace Café, and Iron & Ale.  –by Jonathon Engels

 

Leave No Trace logo

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the Leave No Trace principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

After visiting North Carolina for the first time, Senior Writer Jonathon Engels and wife Emma spent 2 years exploring Western NC in search of a homestead property. They first lived in Brevard, where Jonathon taught writing at Blue Ridge Community College and extensively explored the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. For the last several years they have lived just off the BRP near Elkin, Southwest Virginia, and the NC High Country. The couple also volunteers with the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, the Elkin Valley Trail Association, and Reeves Downtown School of Music.