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4 North Carolina Resorts Make World’s Best List

‘Tis the season for travel. And, Travel+Leisure recently announced their World’s Best Resorts list. Exciting news, 4 North Carolina resorts received nods from voters. So, which ones and why? And,…

World's Best Resorts North Carolina Grove Park inn
Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell/ALLSPORT

'Tis the season for travel. And, Travel+Leisure recently announced their World's Best Resorts list. Exciting news, 4 North Carolina resorts received nods from voters. So, which ones and why? And, how did the publication put the list together?

World's Best Resorts North Carolina

Travel+Leisure asked readers to cast votes sharing opinions on the top hotels and resorts among other categories. And, over 186,000 readers weighed in with a total of more than 700,000 votes. So, although not number 1, the Tar Heel State did appear 4 times.

And, coming in at number 7 on the World's Best Resorts list was none other than Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands, North Carolina. The reader score in the survey was 92.00. It's tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains and racked up tons of great reviews.

Voters remarked among other things they loved about Old Edwards Inn & Spa, that the convenient proximity to dining and shopping added to the stay. They also commented on the "huge" rooms and the charm of the resort.

Next up, The Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Of course, you can't have a list of World's Best Resorts North Carolina without something pertaining to the Biltmore Estate. The Inn came in at number 11 on the list with a score of 88.63.

The Inn on Biltmore Estate's website boasts of "gracious hospitality, elegant four-star dining, and the level of service for which the Vanderbilts were renowned." The spot is recognized by Forbe's as a Four Star hotel for 23 years running.

We move on to number 13 on the list of World's Best Resorts. Cashiers, North Carolina is the location for High Hampton with a score of 88.00. Located in North Carolina's High Country, visitors can enjoy 1400 acres of views, golf, tennis and pickleball. The spot combines modern luxuries with family traditions.

And finally, we arrive at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina sitting at number 14 on the list. It comes in with a score of 87.60. Pinehurst Resort is where "golf's history meets Southern Soul." Guests, including myself, love the amazing spa.

Plus, the Carolina Hotel is known and adored for many reasons, including their fantastic breakfasts and their famous display of gingerbread houses during Christmas.

So, take a look at the full list to find more great options from the World's Best Resorts survey.

Craving the perfect weekend getaway? What I wouldn't give for a relaxing weekend. North Carolina has some of the perfect places to take that quiet vacation as well. In fact, on Travel & Leisure's "Top 15 Resort Hotels in the South" there are 6 North Carolina resort hotels featured. Though I have to admit I was surprised at one, in particular, that wasn't included- The Grove Park Inn in Asheville. The list was based on reader votes in the publications Worlds Best Awards.

While I've heard of some of the other North Carolina resort hotels included, the only one I've visited in actually in Virginia. In addition to NC and VA hotels in Georgia and Tennesee also made the list.

Read Travel & Leisure's full article here or keep reading to see the North Carolina hotels featured in this list.

15. The Fearrington House Inn, Pittsboro, North Carolina

14. The Greystone Inn, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

13. The Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg, Virginia

12. Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

11. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, Georgia

10. Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg, Virginia

9. Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee

8. The Cloister at Sea Island, Sea Island, Georgia

7. Blackberry Mountain, Walland, Tennessee

6. Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection, Meadows of Dan, Virginia

5. Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Highlands, North Carolina

4. Lodge on Little St. Simons Island, Georgia

3. The Swag, Waynesville, North Carolina

2. Half-Mile Farm, Highlands, North Carolina

1. The Inn at Willow Grove, Orange, Virginia

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.