[Updated December 22, 2023] From the majestic mountains and scenic coastlines to history and all-out opulence, romantic getaways in NC can take on an incredible array of forms.
From the rustic nature of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the art deco architecture of Asheville to the massive dunes of the Outer Banks, options for wonderful romantic getaways in North Carolina abound.
Many of the best romantic getaways in the NC mountains feature famous names like the Biltmore Estate, Omni Grove Park Inn, The Greystone Inn, and The Swag.
Other popular weekend getaways in North Carolina’s mountains involve the Highlands near Boone and Blowing Rock, and center on a connection to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
But there are also an assortment of romantic hotels in Charlotte NC and Raleigh NC, not to mention the myriad romantic spots in the NC Piedmont.
North Carolina getaways are perfect for couples’ retreats. The seasons in the state of North Carolina are stunning, the landscapes are memorable, and the historic resorts are unique attractions in their own right.
Read on for our guide to the 20 best romantic getaways North Carolina has to offer, including options that span the entire breadth of the state!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Treehouse Rentals in the North Carolina Mountains
Best Romantic Getaways in NC
(Arranged Alphabetically)
- Chetola Resort (Blowing Rock NC)
- The Duke Mansion (Charlotte NC)
- Dunhill Hotel (Charlotte NC)
- Elkin Creek Vineyard (Elkin NC)
- Graylyn Estate (Winston Salem NC)
- The Greystone Inn (Lake Toxaway NC)
- Haywood Park Hotel (Asheville NC)
- Highland Lake Inn & Resort (Flat Rock NC)
- Hot Springs Resort & Spa (Hot Springs NC)
- The Inn on Biltmore Estate (Asheville NC)
- Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (Winston Salem NC)
- Lake Logan (Canton NC)
- Lake Lure Inn & Spa (Lake Lure NC)
- Lakeview at Fontana (Bryson City NC)
- The Mast Farm Inn (Valle Crucis NC)
- Omni Grove Park Inn (Asheville NC)
- The Swag (Waynesville NC)
- The Tranquil House Inn (Manteo/Outer Banks NC)
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa (Cary NC)
- Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate (Asheville NC)
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1. Chetola Resort
185 Chetola Lake Dr., Blowing Rock NC • (800) 243-8652
Chetola Resort has been meticulously designed to meet the needs of guests and create a unique experience. It’s one of the top romantic resorts in North Carolina we’ve visited.
Renovations to all 3 floors of the Lodge in 2019 have interspersed contemporary luxury with rustic elements that accentuate the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Amenities include a full service spa with massages, facial treatments, and more. The resort also has the Highlands Sport & Recreation Center, Chetola Lake, and the adjoining Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.
The NC High Country is renowned for its amazing vistas, beautiful mountain lakes, and charismatic towns.
Grandfather Mountain, the Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Julian Price Memorial Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are just a few of the many nearby attractions.
The gorgeous Chetola Lodge has 42 rooms (including 5 suites) with views of Chetola Lake. The Bob Timberlake Inn is a smaller B&B, with 8 artsy rooms designed to reflect NC life in the early 20th century.
There are also Chetola Premier Condominiums that feel more like a home away from home, but with plenty of extra amenities that make for a great weekend getaway in NC.
Packages designed for romantic couples include “The Stress-Free Spa Getaway,” “Honeymoon Getaway,” and “Special Occasion Enhancements” options.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Blowing Rock Cabin Rentals (1 to 4+ Bedrooms)
2. The Duke Mansion
400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte NC • (704) 714-4400
One of the most romantic getaways in Charlotte NC, the Duke Mansion has 20 guest rooms with fine furnishings with a historic flare.
It’s a fine choice for a romantic North Carolina weekend trip to “the Queen city.”
The Duke Mansion was built in 1915 as the home of James Buchanan Duke (of Duke University and Duke Energy fame. It’s listed on the NRHP, and is a non-profit created to protect the historic home.
The 4.5-acre grounds include beautiful botanical gardens, a guest library, and a fitness studio. There’s also a culinary staff to provide breakfast every morning, and in-room meals arranged in advance.
Located two miles from Charlotte’s uptown business and cultural district, the Duke Mansion also has several great restaurants within walking distance.
A romantic option for time spent here is the “Picnic Package,” which includes lunch for two and a bottle of champagne from a picnic basket.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Winston Salem NC
3. Dunhill Hotel
237 North Tyron Street, Charlotte NC • (800) 354-4141
Offering sophistication with a swirl of Southern hospitality, the Dunhill Hotel in Uptown Charlotte NC is perfect for enjoying upscale relaxation.
There’s an outstanding fine dining option, The Ashbury at the Dunhill Hotel, which serves Southern fare with a flare. Other hotel amenities include evening turndown service, free cookies and coffee, and complimentary shoe shines.
Rooms at the Dunhill have all the modern conveniences a person could want: iPod docking stations, free high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and Keurig coffeemakers.
The hotel is within walking distance of art galleries, museums, nightlife, shopping, and everything you need for a romantic weekend getaway or North Carolina honeymoon.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Plaza Midwood Restaurants in Charlotte NC
4. Elkin Creek Vineyard
318 Elkin Creek Mill Road, Elkin NC • (336) 526-5119
Nothing pops romance into the mix quite like pulling the cork from a delicious bottle of wine. And it’s even better when your lodging is at the winery upon which those grapes were grown!
Who knew that romantic weekend getaways in North Carolina could involve lots of locally sourced wines?
In fact, there are over two dozen Yadkin Valley wineries around the small town of Elkin NC for visitors to explore.
Elkin Creek Vineyard, which is located on the outskirts of town, is the perfect romantic spot to use as a base for doing it.
The vineyard has four rental cabins situated along Elkin Creek, offering a rustic getaway with modern conveniences.
These rental cabins all have full kitchens, queen beds, stone fireplaces, soaking tubs, and private porches. A short walk on site can include a historic mill, waterfall, vineyard, and winery.
Elkin also has a designated Historic Downtown area, and vineyards and wineries speckle the countryside of Surry, Wilkesboro, and Yadkin counties.
READ MORE: The 15 Best NC Wineries to Visit
5. Graylyn Estate
1900 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem NC • (800) 472-9596
The Graylyn Estate is a 55-acre property in Winston-Salem with several historic buildings on site, including The Manor House, the original 1930s residence.
The luxury hotel and conference center has become one of the most exclusive couples’ getaways in NC.
The house was originally built for Bowman Gray, the son of a co-founder of Wachovia Bank & Trust Co. who became Chairman of the Board of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
His Graylyn Estate was donated to Wake Forest University in 1972, and was used for special events until a fire damaged the property in 1980. After that, it was restored to its 1932 condition and used as a conference center.
Today, the historic property has 85 guest rooms. The Manor House has 34 rooms, The Mews (a reimagined Normandy-style farm complex) has 45 rooms, and Bernard Cottage has 9 rooms.
Gourmet dining is available at the Estate’s two restaurants, the casual Grille Room and the more upscale Graylyn Estate Dining.
If you’re interested in weekend getaways for couples, check out their “Romantic Getaway Package” and “European Touch Spa Package.”
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6. The Greystone Inn
220 Greystone Lane, Lake Toxaway NC • (828) 966-4700
The mansion at the Greystone Inn was constructed in 1915, and each guest room has its own character and charm, with extras like stone fireplaces, lake views, and even lakeside terraces.
Located 20 miles southwest of Brevard near the South Carolina border, it’s the most southern of our romantic NC mountain getaways.
The Greystone Inn also has rooms at The Hillmont, which is tucked away on the shore of Lake Toxaway, plus two private 1-room suites in the Lakeside Cottage.
There’s a restaurant at the Greystone Inn with great menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a popular Sunday brunch.
They also have an onsite spa for massages, body treatments, skincare, and more.
Lake Toxaway is replete with outdoor adventures, ranging from hiking and rock climbing to ziplining and snowboarding.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County
7. Haywood Park Hotel
One Battery Park Avenue, Asheville NC • (828) 232-8217
Downtown Asheville is one of the premier places to vacation in Western North Carolina, and the Haywood Park Hotel is a marquee place to stay when visiting.
Amongst the amenities Haywood offers are Isa’s Bistro for upscale dining and Hemmingway’s Cuba Rooftop Restaurant for drinks with a view. There’s also a fully catered event space for weddings and other social gatherings.
The hotel’s rooms and suites can be as luxurious as the 1200-sq-foot Grand King Suite, which has hardwood floors and a huge bathroom with marble finishing. They also have Junior 2 Queen Suites with a highly functional 380 sq feet.
Haywood Park Hotel also offers romantic room enhancements such as flowers, fine wine, chocolate bliss, fruit & cheese, and love & luxury (which includes rose petals and candles).
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8. Highland Lake Inn & Resort
86 Lily Pad Lane, Flat Rock NC • (800) 635-5101
Highland Lake Inn & Resort is located in Flat Rock NC, which makes for a relaxing mountain getaway near popular towns like Hendersonville and Brevard.
The property includes 26 acres with a private lake, so hiking trails and kayaking are among the activities on offer. They also have first-rate contemporary cuisine available at Season’s at Highland Lake.
In terms of accommodations, the Woodward House has comfy guest rooms with a shared living room, fireplace, library, sunroom, and kitchen. Their Historic Lodge has a common area with a rock fireplace, chestnut bar, and a fun game room.
Their suites are all full of charm and space, while the cabin rooms are cozy and relaxing rustic, and Historic Hillside Cottages come fully equipped and have multiple bedrooms.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC
9. Hot Springs Resort & Spa
315 Bridge Street, Hot Springs NC • (828) 622-7676
Located along the picturesque French Broad River, the Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers a real sense of being surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains.
It’s one of the most inexpensive romantic getaways in NC, and offers a little something for everyone.
Through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina can stop at the campground, while budget-conscious families might set up their RVs.
But couples can find rest, relaxation, and romance in their private cabins and suites with full amenities.
The big draw to Hot Springs NC is the healing mineral baths for which the town was named, which melt away stress, revive muscles, and improve circulation.
Guests can rent private outdoor tubs with jets and fresh water constantly flowing from deep in the earth.
There are four units at the resort that have the famed natural Hot Springs water jetted directly into private, heart-shaped soaking tubs.
Nearby is the charming little town of Hot Springs, which was voted Best Small Mountain Town by Blue Ridge Outdoors, and Asheville is only about 40 minutes away.
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10. The Inn on Biltmore Estate
One Lodge Street, Asheville NC • (800) 411-3812
For a ridiculous taste of luxury done to the tilt, it’s hard to beat the Biltmore Estate, the former home of the Vanderbilts and “America’s Largest Home.”
All the other romantic getaways in Asheville NC strive to operate at this level.
Guest accommodations are available at The Inn on Biltmore Estate (for complete old-school luxury), the Village Hotel (which has comfy, modern rooms), or historic cottages.
The estate encompasses over 8,000 acres and includes manicured gardens, lushly designed landscapes, a winery, shopping, and plenty of walking trails.
There are seven Biltmore restaurants, ranging from 4-star dining to light bites and barbecue from a food truck. They also have a wine bar serving up Biltmore’s own varietals.
Of course, there is a luxury spa offering massages and skin treatments in refined settings.
Downtown Asheville is just a short drive away, the Blue Ridge Parkway is nearby, and Pisgah National Forest (which was created on Vanderbilt land) offers up an array of outdoor adventures.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places for Horseback Riding In/Near Asheville NC
11. Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
51 East Fourth Street, Winston-Salem NC • (336) 724-1009
Winston-Salem is one of my favorite places to visit in North Carolina. It’s full of historic sites, and downtown is teeming with art, stunning architecture, and craft breweries.
Established in 1929, The Cardinal Hotel is considered the best hotel in town. Its rec room has foosball, ping-pong, card tables, an 80″ TV, and more.
There’s also a fitness center, The Katharine restaurant, and a beautiful wedding venue.
Rooms at The Cardinal offer “avant-garde grace,” with soft King or Queen beds, Frette linens, and Atelier Bloem bathroom amenities. Some have premium additions (soaker tubs, amazing city views), and there are 3 suites to choose from.
The Kimpton offers a full-service wedding package with everything from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony, after-party, and farewell brunch included. Winston-Salem is also a perfect place for a North Carolina honeymoon!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Winston Salem NC
12. Lake Logan
25 Wormy Chestnut Lane, Canton NC • (828) 646-0095
Located 10 miles south of Waynesville NC, Lake Logan is a 300-acre property adjacent to both the Pisgah National Forest and the Shining Rock Wilderness Area.
Quiet and secluded, with lots of space between the cabins and wildlife all around, this beautiful lake is a peaceful spot for romantic mountain getaways in NC.
The retreat is owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, and hosts a camp for kids every summer. But they welcome all, and the property has no overt religious elements.
The grounds have several historic buildings, including early 1900s rental cabins with lake views, stone fireplaces, and comfy porches for rent.
Meals are served buffet-style in a lodge overlooking the West Fork of the Pigeon River. The property also has a boat house with kayaks and canoes, onsite hiking trails, game courts, and outdoor pavilions.
Lake Logan is also a popular wedding venue, with the capacity to accommodate entire wedding parties.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Restaurants in Waynesville NC for Foodies
13. Lake Lure Inn & Spa
2771 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure NC • (828) 625-2525
Lake Lure and the Lake Lure Inn & Spa are legends for being one of the settings in the 1980s film classic Dirty Dancing, with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey actually staying at the Inn during filming.
For this nostalgic association alone, it is beloved as one of the top NC mountain resorts for couples.
The 69-room hotel is historic, dating back to the 1920s, and it has since added three rental cabins—Overlook Cabin, Johnny’s Cabin, and Baby’s Bungalow— for more private accommodation options.
Food is available at the Veranda Restaurant, and cocktails with a view are available at the Moose & Goose Lounge. The Irongate Spa provides luxury body care and various couples’ treatments.
Lake Lure also has its own beach for swimming when the weather is warm.
It’s located near Chimney Rock State Park, with a fun tourist village just outside the state park’s entrance.
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14. Lakeview at Fontana
171 Lakeview Lodge Drive, Bryson City NC • (828) 202-4162
A great place for getting away from it all (and in touch with nature), Lakeview at Fontana offers lake views of Fontana Lake and vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains.
If you’re seeking a couples getaway, NC-style, it doesn’t get much more dazzling than this.
Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, the resort keeps guests in the moment by leaving rooms free of Wi-Fi and TVs, as well as keeping the place adult-only. There is a Wi-Fi lounge for those who must stay connected.
Accommodation options include Queen and King-sized rooms, 1-bedroom suites, 2-bedroom suites, and 3-bedroom suites.
The most noteworthy feature is the treetop soaking cabanas, which have remarkable views and comfy extras like robes, Turkish towels, and soaking salts. Their Cloud 9 Romance Ritual soak includes chilled champagne as well.
Bryson City is located nearby, with great restaurants and loads of small-town charm. The Deep Creek section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park also has stunning waterfalls to explore.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Bryson City NC
15. The Mast Farm Inn
2543 Broadstone Road, Banner Elk NC • (828) 963-5857
Combining rustic simplicity with style and comfort, the Mast Farm Inn is a great resort near Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner Elk.
The Historic Farmhouse has 7 rooms for let, and there are four cottages for more privacy.
Owners of the Mast Farm Inn boast that the 200-year-old floors creak and the crickets are loud.
But they provide a wonderful experience in a stunning mountain setting, making the farm one of the most romantic places to visit in North Carolina.
Valle Tavern is located inside the inn and serves two-course breakfasts, locally-sourced curated dinners, and weekend wine and cocktails.
The Mast Farm Inn is also a wedding venue, with great sites to stage the event and catering by Valle Tavern available.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Boone NC
16. Omni Grove Park Inn
290 Macon Avenue, Asheville NC • (800) 438-5800
A historic hotel and romantic getaway in Asheville, the Grove Park Inn has been serving guests (including several US Presidents) for over a century now.
This property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s the location of the National Gingerbread House Competition every year during Christmas in Asheville.
The main building was constructed in 1913 on the western slope of Sunset Mountain, and it boasted of having “walls 5 feet thick of granite boulders.”
Now owned by Omni Hotels, the modern resort includes that original historic hotel, as well as an 18-hole golf course, 40,000 square-foot subterranean spa, and several critically acclaimed restaurant options.
In addition to skin treatments and massages, their top-rated spa includes therapeutic waterfalls, mineral-based pools, and an oversized hot tub with stunning mountain views.
The Omni Grove Park Inn also has resort-style pools, a sports complex, and Sunset Trail to keep guests feeling fit and fine.
READ MORE: The 15 Best VRBO Cabins in Asheville NC
17. The Swag
2300 Swag Road, Waynesville NC • (800) 789-7672
Getting into the high-dollar world of upscale romantic getaways, The Swag has 40 years in the game, a breathtaking 250-acre mountaintop setting, and unparalleled rustic luxury.
This is one of the swankiest NC getaways you’ll find, with the lofty price tags you’d expect attached!
The Swag House has 6 rooms to choose from, while the Chestnut Lodge has 5 rooms, and there are 7 cabins and suites beyond that.
Menus at The Swag’s critically acclaimed restaurant change daily, based on the local farms’ harvests and the chef’s creativity with the ingredients.
There are picnic lunches available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and evening meals begin with a social hour at 6 PM, with dinner starting at 7 PM.
Other experiences include local musicians, Swag cooking classes, and exploring with renowned naturalists. There is also spa, yoga classes, lawn games, a library, horseback riding, and more.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC & Haywood County
18. The Tranquil House Inn
405 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo NC • (252) 473-1404
The Tranquil House Inn is a classic seaside hotel that combines the stateliness of the inns of old with the 21st-century amenities that allow us a bit of luxurious comfort.
This is a great choice if you’re looking for romantic getaways to NC beaches.
Located in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the Tranquil House Inn offers clean, bright rooms with fine furniture and plenty of fresh air as you soak in the scenery.
On-site dining is offered at the 1587 Restaurant & Lounge, a casual seaside eatery with lots of fresh seafood and signature cocktails.
The Outer Banks comes with all the romance of the sea, as well as plenty of history, hiking, wild horses, and high street shopping. It’s a great place to disappear for a weekend getaway in North Carolina.
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19. The Ulmstead Hotel and Spa
100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary NC • (866) 877-4141
If you’re interested in romantic hotels in Raleigh NC, The Ulmstead Hotel & Spa in nearby Cary is the only 5-star hotel in the entire state.
The Ulmstead has all the bells and whistles you could possibly desire, making this North Carolina couples’ retreat a cut above the competition.
This hotel is impeccably designed, with remarkable outdoor seating, lovely lakeside hiking trails, fountains throughout, and lounge areas for relaxing.
Dining options include Herons, a 5-star restaurant, and a bar/lounge with an amazing menu of its own.
The Ulmstead Hotel even has its own culinary farm for fresh treats like edible flowers, microgreens, and heirloom tomatoes.
Their spa has the works for wellness, offering massages, body treatments, facials, and tranquil settings with water features and gorgeous natural lighting.
READ MORE: 15 Fun Things to Do in Asheville NC in Winter
20. Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate
One Lodge Street, Asheville NC • (800) 411-3812
The Biltmore’s reputation precedes itself in terms of luxury and elegance. So it comes as no surprise that the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate is full of all that and more.
Amenities at the Village Hotel are the same as all Biltmore accommodations options. All guests get access to the Biltmore grounds, Antler Hill Village & Winery, and The Spa at Biltmore. There’s also a fitness center and a heated pool.
Room options include the Village Room with a king bed (or two double beds), and the Village Studio King with conversational seating and a twin daybed.
The Village Double with Living Room features a bedroom with two double beds, a living room, and two bathrooms.
Some of the more romantic specials at the Biltmore include Candlelight Christmas (from November 8 through early January), Winter Warmer (from New Year’s to the end of March), and the Bed & Breakfast all year-round. –Jonathon Engels, featured photo via Canva
