We’ve visited more than 50 towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains over the last 4 years, staying in some truly exceptional cabin rentals, hotels, and resorts.
But Lakeview at Fontana Soaking Cabana Resort, which is located about 7 miles southwest of Bryson City and overlooks Lake Fontana, was like no other place we’ve stayed.
This Smoky Mountain resort/spa was co-founded by Tetia McMichael, who applied her background in design to help reinvent and rejuvenate a long-neglected 1950s motel.
Nestled in 35 acres of forested mountainside, the adults-only property offers a tranquil sense of serenity, allowing guests to relax in the beauty of nature without modern distractions such as telephones and televisions.
They’re best-known for their Treetop Soaking Cabanas, a uniquely romantic spa experience that offers breathtaking views of Lake Fontana and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Read on for our in-depth Lakeview at Fontana review, including an overview of their accommodations, amenities, the soaking cabana experience, and fun things to do nearby.
READ MORE: 10 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts
Lakeview at Fontana Info
ADDRESS: 171 Lakeview Lodge Dr, Bryson City NC, 28713
PHONE: 800-742-6492
ACCOMODATION OPTIONS: Lakeview at Fontana accommodations include King and Queen Rooms, 1-Bedroom Suites, and 2-Bedroom Suites, some of which are pet-friendly (with additional pet fees).
DIRECTIONS FROM BRYSON CITY
From Downtown Bryson City, take Everett St toward Depot St, then turn right onto Hwy 19 W/Main St. Go, 0.2 miles, then make a left onto US-19 CONN/Spring St/Veterans Blvd.
Follow that for 0.6 miles, then get in the right lane and merge onto US-74 W (via the ramp to Murphy).
Go 5.7 miles, then turn left onto Lakeview Lodge Dr. The resort is at the top of the hill.
DIRECTIONS FROM FRANKLIN
From Downtown Franklin, head north on Iotla St toward E Church St, then continue onto Riverview St. Turn left onto NC-28, and follow that for 20.1 miles.
Take a left onto US-74 W/U.S. Hwy 19 S and go 0.6 miles, then make a left onto Lakeview Lodge Dr. Lakeview at Fontana Resort will be at the top of the hill.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Great Smoky Mountains Resorts in NC & TN
Lakeview at Fontana Rooms & Suites
One of the things we loved about Lakeview at Fontana is that they take a unique “unhosted” approach to hospitality, offering self check-in and check-out for overnight guests.
There are staff members onsite and available to help in case you have any issues, but most of their communication is handled via text messaging.
In terms of accommodations, the mountain resort offer, King and Queen rooms, 1-Bedroom Suites, and 2-Bedroom Suites, all of which have microwaves, mini-fridges, and luxurious bath amenities.
Nightly rates range from $199 to $259 and up, with weekly rates for their suites that run from $1120-$1260.
We stayed in one of their 1-Bedroom Suites, which also had a spacious kitchenette with dining area, a large living room, and a separate bedroom.
The renovated ’50s-style motor lodge has been updated with a modern, minimalist-style decor that creates a very Zen-like feeling, with no phones or TVs in the rooms to distract you from the beauty of the surrounding nature.
We also loved that our room was right above their lounge, so we were able to get Wifi without going downstairs.
Note that because the property was built in the 1950s, there are no elevators or ramps, and there are steps at the entrance of most units.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Romantic Getaways in NC (Hotels, Inns & Resorts)
Lakeview at Fontana Spa & Soaking Cabanas
There are no tubs in any of the rooms at Lakeview at Fontana, but anyone can reserve a 90-minute slot at their treetop soaking cabanas (which are also 100% contact-free for ultimate privacy).
Their cabanas are located on a heavily forested hillside that offers jaw-dropping views of Lake Fontana and the Great Smoky Mountains, so it does requires a 5-10 minute walk uphill to get there.
The surrounding forest and intimate setting make this an inherently romantic experience for couples, with electric candles, great-smelling bath products, plush robes, and a heater for use during cooler months.
Note that the rental period is 90 minutes, so the average soak time is around 60-75 minutes. You’re required to arrive and leave at the scheduled time so that they can prep the soaking cabana for the next guest in a timely fashion.
Lakeview at Fontana also has a small spa in which they offer 60- and 90-minute Relaxation Massages or Prenatal Massages from Tuesday to Sunday.
But they can only schedule one massage at a time (no couples treatments), so you must book and pay in advance in order to reserve your spot!
READ MORE: The 10 Best North Carolina Mountain Resorts to Visit
Other Amenities at Lakeview at Fontana
As with the rooms and soaking cabanas, the “Honor Markets” at Lakeview at Fontana are unhosted.
There is one for bath & body products in Building 3 and one for food & drinks next to the Wifi Lounge in Building 4.
Both work on the honor system, allowing guests to pay via PayPal, Venmo, or by adding it to your room invoice.
The Honor Market in Building 4 is where they serve fresh-baked pastries and coffee in the mornings. You can also buy everything from snacks and sodas to frozen pizzas and other basic meals.
Their lounge has a great vibe, with lots of sofas and cushions, and chill music perfect for reading or having a relaxing conversation by the fireplace.
Outside you’ll find a gorgeous swimming pool offering spectacular views of one of our favorite North Carolina lakes in the distance, as well as several shaded pairs of hammock swings on the lush green hillside.
In our experience the resort seems designed for romantic getaways. It’s far enough away from Bryson City to feel remote, yet close enough to easily access the town’s many restaurants and attractions.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Bryson City NC
Fun Things to Do Nearby
Explore Downtown Bryson City
Bryson City is one of our favorite Blue Ridge Mountain towns, with a charming downtown area, cute shops, great restaurants, and the Tuckasegee River running right through it.
There are several cool museums (on fly fishing, trains, and area history), the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium, and historic buildings you can see on a short, easy walk.
Don’t miss the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot (built in 1885), Bryson City Presbyterian Church (1890), and the Swain County Visitor Center (which was built as a courthouse in 1908).
READ MORE: The 10 Best Small Towns Near Asheville NC
Go Whitewater Rafting
Want to try your hand at white water rafting? The Nantahala Outdoor Center is a great place to start, offering gentle Class I-II rapids on the Nantahala River.
Along the way through the Nantahala National Forest, you’ll be treated to stunning views of majestic peaks, gorgeous wildflowers, and million dollar mountain cabins.
The NOC also has a fun adventure area just for kids, a world-class kayaking course, excellent riverside restaurants, and a gear shop.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in North Carolina
Hike to 3 Deep Creek Waterfalls
Bryson City’s section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to one of our favorite hiking trails, leading to 3 spectacular Deep Creek waterfalls.
This relatively easy loop trail is just over 2 miles and features Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. We hiked it in spring and saw loads of wildflowers, butterflies and North Carolina birds along the way.
In addition to hiking, fishing, river tubing, and camping are big draws here. If you go to Deep Creek on a weekend, or anytime peak Fall colors are popping, get there early to beat the crowds.
READ MORE: The 55 Best North Carolina Waterfalls to Visit
Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Riding the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is arguably the #1 thing to do when you visit Bryson City. It’s a great way to see the most picturesque parts of the Great Smokies, including Lake Fontana and the Nantahala River.
The train runs a 53-mile section of the Murphy Branch between Dillsboro and Andrews NC, with packed lunches available along the way. There’s also a food car with coffee, snacks, beer, and more.
This was by far our favorite experience during our multiple visits to Bryson City, especially when we got a chance to ride their Polar Express Train at Christmas! –Lakeview at Fontana Review by Bret Love; all photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett unless otherwise noted
