10 Best Resorts in North Carolina

North Carolina is an excellent destination for resorts due to its diverse landscape and range of attractions. The state has a variety of resorts that cater to different interests and preferences, including luxury resorts, beach resorts, and mountain resorts.

North Carolina’s mountains offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and skiing, making it a great destination for travelers who really enjoy the outdoors. The state’s beaches are also popular with travelers, and many beautiful beach resorts along the coast offer a range of amenities and activities.

In addition to its natural attractions, North Carolina has a rich history and cultural scene, with several museums, art galleries, and historical sites to explore. This makes it an excellent destination for travelers interested in history and culture.

Let’s dig into some of the best resorts in North Carolina. In between the mountains and beaches you are bound to find something perfect for your vacation.


Best Resorts in North Carolina


1. Beau Rivage Golf and Resort (Wilmington)

Beau Rivage Golf and Resort
Beau Rivage Golf and Resort / Best Resorts in North Carolina

The city of Wilmington is a great place to explore and one of the best places in the area to make your base is at the nearby Beau Rivage Golf and Resort. While the championship golf course is a top draw at this property, you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the many on-site amenities. 

A large swimming pool, a pool bar and two tennis courts are just some of those amenities. The spacious suites are equipped with wet bars, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi and balconies. Its location near Wrightsville Beach means you are never too far from one of the best beaches in Wilmington!


2. Sanderling Resort (OBX)

Sanderling Resort
Sanderling Resort / Best Resorts in North Carolina

With several swimming pools, a luxurious spa, a variety of eateries and a fitness center, it’s no wonder so many vacationers choose the Sanderling Resort as their base near the town of Duck

Combine all of those things with beautiful rooms equipped with mini-fridges, flat-screen televisions, bathrobes, and private balconies and you have yourself a chic and convenient getaway surrounded by peace and tranquility. 

You’ll never be short of things to do around the resort! Enjoy sunrise yoga classes upon rising in the morning and end your day around a fire pit under the stars. Did I mention this is an oceanfront property in one of the cutest OBX towns?

Yes, that’s right; you’ll have direct access to a sandy beach where you can enjoy swimming, kiteboarding, surfing and paddleboarding. 


3. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee)

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Photo courtesy of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort / Best Resorts in North Carolina
  • Address: 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee (GPS)

At Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, it’s safe to say that the biggest attraction is the enormous casino that’s situated on site. However, there’s more to this amazing place than slot machines and blackjack tables!  

For starters, there are about a dozen different eateries ranging from casual fast food to gourmet dining. There are also two swimming pools, nine boutique shops, a fitness center and a full-service spa. 

The rooms and suites are beautifully-decorated with Native American artwork and feature free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, flat-screen televisions and stunning mountain views. The suites also have living areas, wet bars and microwaves.  For an extra touch of luxury, treat yourself with a booking in one of the suites that have a whirlpool tub.


4. Chetola Resort (Blowing Rock)

Chetola Resort
Chetola Resort / Best Resorts in North Carolina

Located only a stone’s throw away from the pretty village of Blowing Rock in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Chetola Resort is a serene mountain lodge property with all the amenities you would expect in a full-service resort in Asheville.

The only difference is you won’t find the crowds and noise here! Start each day with a complimentary breakfast before heading to the spa or indoor pool. Keep in shape with access to a fitness center or enjoy a leisurely paddle on the lake. 

Dine at the Timberlake Restaurant, one of the best Blowing Rock restaurants, where Jazz music and bonfires are featured each Friday night. In the evening, grab a nightcap at Headwater’s Pub. At the end of the day, retreat to your cozy guest room equipped with a wet bar, fridge and microwave. 


5. Shell Island Resort (Wrightsville Beach)

Shell Island Resort
Shell Island Resort / Best Resorts in North Carolina

How does falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and waking up to spectacular views sound? Is having easy access to a sandy beach a must for your next vacation or do you prefer to have access to a swimming pool? 

Whatever it is you want in a fun, laid-back beachfront vacation, Shell Island Resort has it! An amazing restaurant with outdoor seating, a beach volleyball court and a Jacuzzi is just the beginning.  

Each morning you’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet and throughout the day, you’ll enjoy surfboard, kayak and bike rentals. Come evening, you’ll retreat to your modern guest room with a balcony, living area, free Wi-Fi and a kitchenette. 


6. The Winds Resort (Ocean Isle Beach)

The Winds Resort / Best Resorts in North Carolina
  • Address: 310 E 1st St, Ocean Isle Beach (GPS)

The Winds Resort is a beautiful beachfront property situated in Ocean Isle. Imagine a place where palm trees sway in the breeze, sand dunes tower over the beach and the sound of waves rolling ashore is a constant. 

This is The Winds Resort and there’s more to it than that lovely scene described above! On-site, you’ll also find three swimming pools, bike rentals, a tiki bar and restaurant, hammocks, a hot tub and a gym. 

The breakfast served each morning is complimentary and the rooms are well-equipped with free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers and kitchen facilities. If you love to golf, you’ll find more than 100 courses within an hour of the resort. 


7. The Carolina at Pinehurst Resort (Pinehurst)

The Carolina at Pinehurst Resort
Photo courtesy of Pinehurst Resort / Best Resorts in North Carolina
  • Address: 80 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst (GPS)

The Carolina at Pinehurst Resort has been around for over 100 years so it has had plenty of time to build up and become one of the state’s top resorts. The luxurious property features three swimming pools, a full-service spa, several tennis courts and a fitness center.  

There are also eight eateries on-site including a café, a lounge, a bar and a fine dining restaurant. But wait; we didn’t even get to the rooms yet! There are various options when it comes to spacious rooms and suites but all feature traditional décor, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions.


8. Blockade Runner Beach Resort (Wrightsville Beach)

Blockade Runner Beach Resort
Photo courtesy of Blockade Runner Beach Resort / Best Resorts in North Carolina
  • Address: 275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach (GPS)

Situated on Wrightsville Beach, not too far from one of the best Wilmington breweries is Blockade Runner Beach Resort. An oceanfront boutique property with endless amenities. Every room has a balcony so you can be certain that you’ll enjoy spectacular views of either the Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway.  

These lovely rooms also feature mini-fridges, bathrobes, Keurig coffee facilities and free Wi-Fi. For an extra splash of luxury, you can book a room with a rainfall shower or soaking tub. When hunger strikes, you have plenty of options including an oceanfront fine dining restaurant serving international cuisine and a cocktail bar. 

Other on-site amenities include a private stretch of beach, an outdoor pool and a gym. You can even join a yoga class or get a surfing lesson! 


9. Sea Trail Resort (Sunset Beach)

Sea Trail Resort
Photo courtesy of Sea Trail Resort / Best Resorts in North Carolina
  • Address: 75 Clubhouse Rd, Sunset Beach (GPS)

With a location right on beautiful Sunset Beach, three renowned golf courses, a huge swimming pool and a fantastic restaurant serving classic American cuisine, the Sea Trail Resort certainly has something for everyone! Spend your days lying on a sandy beach or teeing off.  

Perhaps a yoga or Zumba class is something you’d enjoy. If something a little more adventurous is on your mind, there’s kayaking, horseback riding and deep-sea fishing available nearby. 

No matter how you choose to spend your days, you’ll always have a comfortable room to head back to and it’s equipped with free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette and a patio or balcony.  


10. Grandover Resort & Conference Center (Greensboro)

Grandover Resort & Conference Center
Grandover Resort & Conference Center / Best Resorts in North Carolina

Although you likely won’t need to use the conference center while on your vacation, The Grandover Resort and Conference Center in Greensboro, has so much more to offer!

Think of two 18-hole golf courses, a full-service spa, tennis courts, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a fantastic Italian restaurant and beautiful grounds with waterfalls and nature trails. 

The elegant guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, mini-fridges, tea and coffee facilities and luxurious rainfall showers. While some people might find the remote location a shortcoming, if you’re seeking a place where you can get away from it all and escape the fast-paced world for a while, this is the place for you! 

About Natasha

Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and seven continents. After, many years of international travel they settled down a bit and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina.

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