Winter is the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on self-care. If you're craving relaxation, rejuvenation, and some much-needed downtime, a spa and wellness retreat, all within driving distance from Wilmington, is the ideal solution. Nestled in the beautiful landscapes of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia we've selected 10 options for you. From serene mountain retreats to luxurious resorts, they promise to restore your body, mind, and spirit—each offering a unique treatment to elevate your experience.
1. The Umstead Hotel and Spa – Cary, North Carolina
Located just outside of Cary, The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a sanctuary for relaxation and tranquility. Set on 12 wooded acres, the luxurious resort offers a wide variety of wellness experiences, including signature massages, facials, and body treatments.
Why Visit?
Luxurious spa treatments and beautiful natural surroundings
Driving time from Wilmington, NC: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
Accommodations:
Elegant and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide scenic views of the surrounding wooded landscape or tranquil lake. The rooms are tastefully decorated with contemporary furniture, plush bedding, luxurious amenities, and modern touches.
Unique Treatment: The Umstead Signature Facial. Designed to deeply nourish and hydrate your skin using advanced techniques and high-end products tailored to your skin’s specific needs. The treatment includes a gentle exfoliation, followed by a mask and hydration serum, perfect for combating winter dryness.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Inn at Biltmore Estate offers a blend of luxury, natural beauty, and Southern hospitality. Located on the grounds of America’s largest privately-owned home, this elegant retreat is an ideal destination if you're seeking a peaceful escape and a touch of history. With its stunning architecture, world-class spa, and proximity to the renowned Biltmore House, it's a retreat with a touch of old-world charm.
Why Visit?
Located within the historic Biltmore Estate, offering easy access to the mansion, gardens, and vineyards.
The spa focuses on holistic treatments using local ingredients, perfect for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Known for its impeccable service, elegant accommodations, and extraordinary surroundings.
Enjoy year-round activities like wine tasting at the estate’s winery or exploring the stunning grounds.
Driving time from Wilmington, NC: Approximately 5 hours.
Accommodations:
The Inn at Biltmore Estate offers a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, with rooms featuring luxurious linens, cozy fireplaces, and large windows that provide stunning views of the estate’s lush gardens or the surrounding mountains. Each room is designed to reflect the natural beauty of the estate, ensuring guests feel both relaxed and connected to their environment.
Unique Treatment: The Mountain Retreat Facial. This signature facial utilizes locally sourced ingredients like wildflower honey, organic herbs, and mountain spring water to revitalize the skin. A blend of soothing massage techniques and nourishing products helps to calm and rejuvenate, leaving the skin feeling hydrated and glowing. Ideal for winter skincare, this treatment restores radiance and provides deep hydration to combat the cold.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina
3. The Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville, North Carolina
One of the most iconic wellness retreats in North Carolina is the Omni Grove Park Inn, located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville. This historic hotel is known for its luxurious spa, which offers treatments such as warm stone massages, hydrotherapy baths, and rejuvenating facials.
Why Visit?
A world-class spa that offers a range of treatments tailored to the season.
Relaxing mineral pools and sauna areas to warm up in winter.
The stunning mountain setting provides a peaceful escape.
Driving time from Wilmington, NC: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.
Accommodations:
The Omni Grove Park Inn offers luxurious rooms and suites with magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Expect rich, historic charm with modern comforts such as plush bedding, spa-like bathrooms, and warm wood accents. Many rooms have fireplaces to keep you cozy during the winter months.
Unique Treatment: The Forest Immersion Ritual. This signature treatment draws inspiration from the natural surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains, featuring a blend of warm, aromatic essential oils, herbal infusions, and soothing massage techniques. Guests are enveloped in a calming environment designed to evoke the peace of the forest, offering a deeply grounding and healing experience.
4. Keswick Hall – Charlottesville, Virginia
Nestled just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, Keswick Hall offers a sophisticated winter getaway that combines luxury, wellness, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The resort's full-service spa offers personalized treatments like aromatherapy massages, skin rejuvenation facials, and body wraps that focus on detoxifying and restoring balance to your body.
Why Visit?
Luxury wellness treatments combined with a peaceful countryside setting.
Beautiful mountain views and a serene atmosphere.
A blend of historical charm and modern amenities.
Driving time from Wilmington, NC: Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes.
Accommodations:
Expect charming and elegant rooms with plush furnishings and large windows that offer panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards or mountains. The accommodations are spacious and well-appointed with modern amenities, including luxurious bedding, marble bathrooms, and cozy fireplaces in select rooms.
Unique Treatment: The Keswick Signature Vinegar Detox Wrap. Inspired by the vineyards that surround Keswick Hall, this detoxifying wrap uses a blend of organic grape vinegar, herbs, and essential oils to purify and tighten the skin. The treatment leaves you feeling rejuvenated and energized, with the added benefit of improving circulation and skin tone.
5. Hilton Head Health – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
For a wellness retreat that offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, Hilton Head Health on Hilton Head Island is a standout destination. While this destination offers plenty of spa treatments, its main focus is on helping guests improve their overall well-being through nutrition, fitness, and mindful living.
Why Visit?
A comprehensive wellness program focusing on fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness.
Beautiful outdoor setting ideal for active relaxation.
Tailored health plans and personalized fitness classes.
Driving time from Wilmington, NC: Approximately 4 hours.
Accommodations:
Stay in comfortable, well-appointed rooms at the Sweetgrass Inn. With loads of natural light and calming décor each room is designed to create a peaceful environment.
Unique Treatment: Transformational Reflexology: The Indigo Spa onsite offers this therapeutic treatment that targets specific pressure points on your feet that correspond to organs and areas of the body. Aimed at improving circulation, relieving stress, and encouraging deep relaxation, reflexology helps to balance the body’s energy, making it ideal for resetting your wellness during winter.
6. The Martha Washington Inn & Spa – Abingdon, Virginia
For a cozy, historical winter escape, The Martha Washington Inn & Spa in Abingdon, Virginia, offers a luxurious and tranquil retreat with a rich history dating back to 1832. This charming inn and spa provides a blend of old-world charm and modern luxury, with a full-service spa offering a variety of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate.
Why Visit?
Historical charm combined with modern spa amenities.
Cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxing winter getaway.
Located in scenic Abingdon, with nearby outdoor activities.
Driving time from Wilmington, NC: Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes.
Accommodations:
Expect a blend of historical elegance and modern comfort. The inn offers beautiful rooms with antique furniture, luxurious linens, and charming décor. Many rooms have fireplaces, creating a cozy atmosphere for your winter stay.
Unique Treatment: The Signature Lavender & Rose Body Scrub. A calming and aromatic treatment that gently exfoliates the skin with a blend of lavender and rose oils, this scrub promotes relaxation while leaving your skin soft and nourished. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day spent exploring the surrounding mountains and trails.
The Fearrington House Inn & Spa – Pittsboro, North Carolina
Set amidst the rolling countryside of North Carolina, The Fearrington House Inn & Spa is a charming, boutique luxury hotel that combines Southern hospitality with world-class wellness offerings. The inn’s intimate setting is complemented by a full-service spa offering personalized treatments focused on relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic well-being.
Why Visit?
A peaceful, countryside retreat perfect for those looking to disconnect and unwind.
Nestled in a beautifully maintained garden with acres of farmland and walking trails.
Renowned for its exceptional cuisine, including a fine dining experience at The Fearrington House Restaurant.
Driving time from Wilmington, NC: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
Accommodations:
The Fearrington House Inn offers elegant rooms in a historical setting, with each room featuring traditional, rustic charm mixed with luxurious modern touches. Expect high ceilings, antique furnishings, plush bedding, and some rooms with private patios or garden views for a truly intimate experience.
Unique Treatment: The Lavender & Honey Body Scrub. A signature treatment at the Fearrington House Spa, the Lavender & Honey Body Scrub is designed to exfoliate and hydrate your skin using locally sourced honey and lavender. This treatment nourishes and softens your skin, leaving it glowing and smooth—ideal for a winter pick-me-up. The calming scent of lavender further promotes relaxation and stress relief.
Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, Charleston Place is an elegant luxury hotel that offers a perfect blend of Southern charm, sophisticated style, and world-class wellness treatments. With its refined accommodations and the tranquil atmosphere of its spa, Charleston Place provides an ideal winter retreat for those looking to unwind in one of the South’s most picturesque cities.
Why Visit?
A prime location in downtown Charleston, making it easy to explore the city’s rich history, fine dining, and cultural attractions.
A luxurious spa offering treatments designed to rejuvenate and relax.
Known for exceptional service, beautiful accommodations, and superb amenities.
Driving time from Wilmington, NC: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.
Accommodations:
The accommodations at Charleston Place are a perfect blend of traditional Southern elegance and modern luxury. Rooms feature plush furnishings, luxurious linens, and stylish décor, with some offering stunning views of the historic city or the hotel’s rooftop pool.
Unique Treatment: The Lowcountry Glow Facial. This signature facial incorporates locally inspired ingredients such as Charleston rice bran oil, seaweed, and honey to exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten the skin. The treatment is designed to soothe the skin, leaving it refreshed and glowing, perfect for combating the effects of winter dryness and achieving a fresh complexion.
Nestled along the serene banks of the May River, Montage Palmetto Bluff offers an exquisite escape into the Lowcountry’s natural beauty. This luxury resort combines Southern elegance with rustic charm, featuring scenic views, world-class amenities, and a tranquil spa for guests seeking both relaxation and adventure. Surrounded by centuries-old oak trees, lush landscapes, and historic charm, Montage Palmetto Bluff is the perfect destination for those looking to unwind in a peaceful, nature-filled setting.
Why Visit?
Located within a sprawling 20,000-acre nature preserve, offering guests access to a variety of outdoor activities like kayaking, biking, and fishing.
The spa offers restorative treatments inspired by the region’s rich history and natural resources.
Known for its impeccable service, breathtaking surroundings, and luxury accommodations that reflect the area’s coastal charm.
Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat with ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
Driving time from Wilmington, NC: Approximately 4 hours 45 minutes.
Accommodations:
Montage Palmetto Bluff offers beautifully appointed cottages and guest rooms that seamlessly blend Southern style with modern luxury. Each accommodation provides spacious interiors with large windows that let in plenty of natural light, offering stunning views of the surrounding river, marshes, or expansive grounds. Whether staying in a cozy cottage or a grand suite, guests can enjoy privacy, comfort, and the charm of Lowcountry living.
Unique Treatment: The Lowcountry Rejuvenation. This signature treatment combines locally inspired ingredients such as sea salt, honey, and essential oils to exfoliate, hydrate, and restore the skin. The treatment focuses on releasing tension through soothing massage techniques while nourishing the skin with natural elements from the Lowcountry. Perfect for those looking to relax, recharge, and emerge with a refreshed glow, this treatment is a true reflection of the region's calming, healing properties.
Primland Resort – Meadows of Dan, Virginia
Set amidst the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland Resort offers a serene and luxurious retreat in Virginia’s stunning countryside. Known for its breathtaking views, world-class amenities, and exceptional service, this resort provides a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking relaxation and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re enjoying a spa treatment, hiking through the forest, or stargazing at the observatory, Primland offers a unique and rejuvenating experience.
Why Visit?
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering hiking, mountain biking, and stargazing opportunities.
The spa at Primland offers luxurious treatments focused on relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing.
Known for its exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and eco-friendly practices.
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for fly fishing, horseback riding, and golf.
Driving time from Wilmington, NC: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.
Accommodations:
Primland Resort features a range of accommodations, from elegant lodge rooms to spacious mountain homes and luxurious treehouses. Each room and suite is thoughtfully designed to reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, with large windows offering stunning views, plush furnishings, and modern amenities. Whether you’re staying in the main lodge or one of the resort’s private homes, you’ll enjoy unparalleled comfort and serenity.
Unique Treatment: The Blue Ridge Mountain Healing Ritual. This signature spa treatment incorporates locally sourced herbs, wildflowers, and honey to cleanse, detoxify, and nourish the body. A soothing full-body massage with organic oils followed by a healing herbal wrap helps to relax muscles, release tension, and replenish moisture. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this treatment promotes deep relaxation and rejuvenation, leaving you refreshed and balanced.
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