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Check in to The Umstead by late
afternoon and plan to spend the first
day exploring the hotel and grounds and
marvel at the views. The entire retreat was
designed to harmonize nature and art.
If the weather invites you, plan a leisurely
stroll on the pretty nature trail that
encircles a three-acre lake. Indoors, don’t
miss the extensive art collection exhibited
throughout the common spaces and
the hotel’s in-house gallery. The hotel
owns roughly 95 pieces of art showcased
throughout the property. You can’t miss
the beautiful glass sculpture in the lobby,
a Dale Chihuly original, custom-made for
The Umstead.
Next stop, the spa.
Oozing relaxation and offering many
delights, the Umstead spa offers the
Couple’s Retreat, which includes a bath
for two in the hydrotherapy tub, followed
by a double 50-minute Swedish massage.
If it’s a singular experience you seek, try
the hot stone massage, where warm stones
and Swedish technique merge to bring
about the ultimate state of calm.
Friday night, we suggest you stay put
and lavish yourself in the lap of luxury.
Dine in at the hotel—you’ll be happy
you did. Herons, the Umstead’s restaurant,
just received its first Five Diamond
award from AA. Chef de cuisine,
Steven Greene, presents artful dishes that
are almost too beautiful to eat, but far
too delicious not to devour. The menu
changes with the seasons and is crafted
around fruits, vegetables and herbs grown
from a dedicated farm nearby. Breakfast,
lunch and dinner venues are offered in the
cozy, intimate dining room or al fresco on
the terrace.
Delight your senses at The Umstead Hotel
and Spa, named the Conde Nast Traveler’s
Top 200 Best Hotels in the United States
list in the 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Photos courtesy of The Umstead.
Day 1 | Friday