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Tucked away within the woodlands of Cary, North Carolina, simply minutes from our house close to Raleigh, is a five-star escape that feels a world away from the noise of on a regular basis life.
The Umstead Lodge and Spa isn’t loud about its luxurious. It doesn’t boast sweeping views of the ocean or glittering city towers, or provide state-of-the-art every thing.
As an alternative, it’s a modest luxurious, that quietly lures you in with a serenity that pulls you out of the fashionable world, and right into a serene woodland setting that beckons you to change off and loosen up.
We had been thrilled of the possibility to lastly escape from our chaotic life to retreat into the Umstead’s refined serenity for an in a single day keep, leaving the children to fend for themselves. (Welcome to our new section of journey sans teenage youngsters, who not need to be round us anyway!)
About Umstead Lodge and Spa
The Umstead Lodge and Spa is positioned in Cary, only a brief 15-minute drive away from downtown Raleigh, 10-minutes from the Analysis Triangle Park in Durham and RDU Worldwide Airport.
Regardless of being near all of the hustle and bustle and main points of interest in Raleigh, it’s extremely peaceable, with 12 acres of lakefront panorama and breathtaking views of the Umstead State Park forest.
It has 150 luxurious suites and visitor rooms, and has been acknowledged by AAA as a 5-Diamond property and by Condé Nast Traveler because the third-best resort within the U.S.
It was even picked up by Forbes Journey Information, who gave the resort, it’s restaurant, and spa a 5-Star award, the highest-achievable rating from Forbes.
Actually, it’s the one resort in North Carolina to have earned a Forbes 5 star ranking, and one of many solely motels on the planet to earn triple 5 star standing.
A spot the place luxurious whispers, not shouts
We’ve stayed in lots of luxurious motels across the globe, however The Umstead gives one thing we hardly ever discover: a slow-blooming wow.
There’s no flashy entrance or opulent chandelier second. As an alternative the Umstead Lodge & Spa instantly lets you realize what they stand for: the great thing about artwork and supporting native.
Within the foyer lounge stands an inventive floral set up that modifications weekly, thoughtfully designed by the native Watered Backyard Florist.
We had been greeted by a surprising association that felt like a residing sculpture — tender hues, elegant curves, and an inviting pure botanical fragrances that instinctively drew me in to breathe all of it in.
It was the proper first impression: a quiet celebration of magnificence, nature, and native artistry.
These small, considerate touches continued all through our keep —getting walked to the elevator upon test in, a morning amuse-bouche juice shot, an intricate tart to start out your dinner, candies in your pillow at turndown — creating an environment of quiet and stylish indulgence.
The Umstead is a spot the place the main points matter. Its mid-century trendy structure, with clear strains and tender pure accents, creates a visible concord that invitations you to decelerate and savor your environment.
It’s uncommon for me to fall in love with the structure of a resort, however The Umstead fully captivated me.
There’s a timeless magnificence to its design that feels each grounded and elevated — elegant with out being flashy, and undeniably refined.
It provides one other layer to the resort’s general attract and leaves you quietly planning your return earlier than you’ve even left.
What we beloved about our keep at Umstead Lodge and Spa
Once we arrived for our long-dreamed-of keep at Umstead Lodge and Spa, the skies had been ominous and rain was falling in sheets.
However as any seasoned traveler is aware of, magic usually occurs once you embrace what nature delivers.
We took the climate as an indication to lean into the stimulating spa — the place scorching tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and soft-lit lounges labored their magic.
However as we began the test in course of, the clouds started to half, and we shouted, “maintain that sauna for tomorrow!” We should seize the day lazing across the pool.
1. The Umstead Pool
Soaking within the sudden sunshine by the pool, surrounded by timber and stillness, felt like a present from the universe.
It’s onerous to completely seize what made me fall head over heels for The Umstead’s pool, however I’ll attempt.
There’s a quiet magic to it—a way of stillness and restoration that comes from being surrounded by towering timber, as if nature is gently holding area on your rest.
Sitting there felt like being perched in an expensive treehouse, suspended between the sky and the forest flooring.
And in case your funds permits, a non-public cabana might simply flip that peaceable pause right into a next-level indulgence.
It’s uncommon for us to spend hours lounging poolside, however that’s precisely what we did.
The water was completely heated, and the setting was so serene, we merely couldn’t peel ourselves away. And if you’d like even hotter waters, there’s small scorching tub within the pool space so that you can take pleasure in!
Attentive servers introduced crisp salads, complimentary refreshing watermelon slices, and handcrafted cocktails proper to our lounge chairs, elevating the expertise with out interrupting the calm.
We returned to our favourite poolside spot the following morning, absorbing each final sunbeam till early afternoon storms rolled in—proper on cue for our subsequent chapter of relaxation: the spa. Excellent timing, as soon as once more.
2. The Umstead Spa: A True 5-Star Expertise
The Umstead Spa has a protracted listing of top-notch spa companies and indulgent spa therapies, offering choices for all seasons and climate!
Strictly phone-free (and refreshingly so), it’s a modern-day model of historic Roman baths.
Lounge chairs, infused water, cucumber snacks, and silence—candy silence—are all a part of the expertise.
You’ll be able to select to socialize within the co-ed areas or retreat to the women-only sanctuary, the place I had my uncommon, valuable “me time.”
Subsequent time, we’re reserving massages. This time, it was sufficient to easily be, popping out and in of whirlpools, steam rooms and saunas. You too can get facials and manicures, and so they have complimentary yoga lessons on weekends.
Sadly, due to the rain, I couldn’t spend time within the peaceable meditation courtyard. #nexttime
So in case you do plan on a 5 star Umstead spa expertise permit sufficient time to benefit from the spa facilities earlier than and after.
3. Our Umstead Room
The Umstead Lodge and Spa has 150 spacious visitor rooms, however once you select your room kind, remember to get one with a balcony.
The balcony was small, nevertheless it shortly grew to become our favourite spot in our room. It gave us a panoramic view that completely captured the essence of the resort: the serene swimming pool nestled among the many timber, the immaculately landscaped backyard, the elegant out of doors terrace the place visitors dined al fresco, and the tranquil lake with its mild fountain.
The resort gives a spread of lodging in all sizes and shapes, however in case you’re treating your self to a keep at a five-star property like this, don’t skimp out and never guide a room with a balcony.
There’s one thing extremely particular about having your individual non-public perch to witness the quiet fantastic thing about the grounds, particularly with a glass of wine at sundown or a morning espresso in hand.
4. Eating at Herons: Artwork, Delicacies, and Quiet Sophistication
Dinner at Herons is like attending a nice artwork efficiency — it’s elegant, immersive, and unforgettable.
Each dish is a celebration of the season, with a menu crafted by James Beard semifinalist (2019) James Greene, utilizing domestically sourced components and introduced with considerate storytelling.
Even the lamb, wealthy and tender, was sourced from a North Carolina farm — not midway the world over.
A notice so as to add and love, lots of the greens and herbs are sourced from the motels very personal farm, positioned only a mile away! This is the reason the Heron has such beautiful meals, you received’t discover brisker!
I’ve by no means skilled something fairly prefer it, and now I totally perceive why so many locals select Herons to rejoice their most particular events.
From the second you’re seated, the magic begins — not simply with the programs you order, however with the extra touches: delicate amuse-bouches, palate-cleansing interludes, and petit fours and house-made macarons to shut out the expertise.
It’s beneficiant and sleek, and each chunk is memorable.
Our four-course tasting was a procession of spring-inspired wonders: oysters from Harkers Island, a wealthy fennel soup with Dungeness crab, buttery sea scallops, Maine lobster, completely cooked lamb with a shock slice of lamb stomach (like elevated bacon), and wagyu beef that melted on the tongue.
Dessert was an art work of its personal—a decadent chocolate ganache and a superbly deconstructed panna cotta showcasing contemporary strawberry.
Even the sauces had been a efficiency: poured table-side with flourish and defined in full, so you may savor every factor with understanding and appreciation.
Our servers supplied excessive ranges fo service — they had been educated, attentive, and genuinely passionate in regards to the world-class delicacies.
The sommelier delighted in sharing his love for Australian wines (a sentiment we proudly share) and paired our meal with a surprising bottle of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon. You’re sure to discover a bottle of your favourite because the wine listing reads like a guide, that includes wines from each nook of the globe.
The magnificence extends past the meals. The eating room has a full-view kitchen, plush furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling home windows.
However don’t let the indulgence finish with dinner. Within the morning, return to Herons’ terrace for a leisurely breakfast bathed in sunshine and backyard views.
My French-style omelet with chorizo, sugar snap peas, and native cheese was a savory delight.
Craig’s avocado toast—topped with English peas, radish, goat cheese, and pistachios—was a masterpiece of texture and freshness.
And as soon as once more, the service was spot on: attentive, heat, and quietly distinctive, the type of native hospitality that makes you are feeling fully comfy.
5. The Foyer Lounge
The Umstead additionally has a bar and lounge for lunch, snacks, espresso, cocktails and afternoon tea. It usually has dwell leisure within the evenings.
The one factor we didn’t like in regards to the Umstead (and we did attempt to discover issues for you), had been their lattes and cappuccinos we ordered within the lounge.
They had been overpriced and never excellent. Long run readers is not going to be stunned as you realize we’re Australian espresso snobs. Their black espresso and Nespresso within the rooms, nevertheless, had been good!
6. Permits for reconnecting with nature—and one another
Over our two day keep, we totally embraced what The Umstead does finest: slowing you down so you’ll be able to reconnect. Not simply together with your associate, however with your self.
We sipped a glass of Margaret River’s Vasse Felix Cabernet on our balcony because the moon rose above the treetops.
Within the morning, it was an Nespresso and birdsong. We watched squirrels dance throughout branches and the fountain shimmer within the non-public lake under.
It’s a sanctuary of stillness—and it’s all by design.
The Umstead Lodge and Spa gently guides you alongside a tranquil path woven with artwork, nature, and wellness.
Nestled beneath towering Carolina pines, the property overlooks a serene three-acre lake adorned with fountains that mirror the mild rhythm of the encircling panorama.
And for many who want to prolong their reference to nature, the resort sits proper subsequent to the famend Umstead State Park—one among North Carolina’s high out of doors escapes, providing miles of wooded trails for mountaineering, biking, and quiet reflection.
It’s a seamless transition from curated luxurious to untouched wilderness, must you really feel known as to discover past the resort’s peaceable boundaries.
The trail meandered by way of an enthralling butterfly backyard—although the butterflies should have been on trip that day.
We handed on a extra vigorous out of doors journey and as an alternative opted for a peaceable wander alongside the resort’s quarter-mile lake path. And actually? It was much more pleasant than I anticipated.
Nonetheless, we had been handled to gnarly, storybook-like timber, vibrant spring blooms in each course, and a small picket boardwalk that led us to a hidden fountain not seen from the principle resort grounds. We had been delighted to see our Australian native pink bottlebrush brightening up the forest!
Umstead’s nature path felt like a bit of secret oasis tucked away only for us.
A mild stroll suited our in a single day wellness break completely—however not everybody was taking it gradual.
I watched one visitor run lap after lap across the path early within the morning, clearly energized by the contemporary air and scenic environment.
If jogging or strolling isn’t fairly your model, don’t fear. The resort additionally has a well-equipped health middle with every thing that you must transfer, stretch, and sweat.
Or, reap the benefits of the complimentary bike leases and discover the expansive trails of close by Umstead State Park.
Whether or not you’re craving a heart-pumping exercise or a leisurely cruise by way of the woods, The Umstead gives wellness in your phrases.
Ultimate Ideas
We’ve stayed in world-class resorts throughout six continents—however The Umstead Lodge and Spa reminded us that true luxurious journey isn’t about extravagance. It’s about intentionality. Stillness. A deep breath. A glass of wine below the celebrities.
And most of all, it’s about how a spot makes you are feeling.
Throughout our keep, I felt a deep reconnection to nature, to presence, and to gratitude—one thing I didn’t notice I had been lacking.
In a world that strikes too quick, The Umstead gave me permission to decelerate and simply be.
I do know that when life inevitably turns into hectic once more, and I really feel myself unraveling on the edges, I don’t must guide a long-haul flight or plan an advanced escape.
I simply must drive ten minutes down the street to this haven of peace, the place my soul can exhale and discover its means again to middle.
Our keep and dinner was hosted The Umstead Lodge, nevertheless we acquired no financial compensation associated to this weblog publish and all opinions are my very own!