Picture-perfect vistas, top-notch amenities, and opportunities for utmost relaxation make these boutique properties some of our favorite places to escape with family or friends. Browse this list of inns and resorts across the region where sumptuous comfort pairs with welcoming Southern charm.
The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens–St. Augustine, Florida
Situated in the heart of St. Augustine, one of America’s most storied cities, The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens grants patrons (adults only) a glimpse of its own colorful history without skimping on contemporary niceties. Nine lavishly refurbished homes and a spectacular display of foliage, fountains, and garden statues accentuate the single-acre property that’s within walking distance of historic downtown.
Some built as early as 1790, the cottages were once part of the Dow Museum of Historic Houses. The name of the inn pays tribute to the museum’s benefactor, Kenneth Dow, an eccentric art and antiquities collector who purchased the homes in the mid-20th century. From the inviting verandas to the artful furnishings, bespoke finishes give each of the accommodations a singular allure.
Mingle with fellow guests around the lovely heated pool or during happy hour hosted by savvy mixologists. History buffs won’t want to miss a guided tour of the property to learn about the buildings’ notable previous tenants, such as a nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and literary great Mark Twain.
Photography by John O’Hagan
The Greystone Inn–Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Discover Blue Ridge beauty around every bend while staying at the only public hotel on the shores of Lake Toxaway, The Greystone Inn. Autumn’s changing leaves draw visitors in the fall, but there’s plenty to do on the lake year-round. “Lake Toxaway is a magical place,” says Geoff Ellis, who owns and operates The Greystone with his wife, Shannon.
Amenities span fishing, tennis, golf, and special tours of the nearby Southern Highlands Reserve, a high-elevation garden. Take in views of the area deemed the “Land of Waterfalls” by hopping on one of the inn’s mahogany boats. Trails for all levels of expertise await hikers in several surrounding national forests. Halfway between the popular resort towns of Cashiers and Brevard, venturing out for antiquing or local dining also is a breeze.
Part of the appeal of a mountain lake resort is escaping the bustle of everyday life and enjoying the natural ambience. “We have fireplaces, a wonderful restaurant, a great spa, so you can have an intimate experience just within our property,” says Geoff. “You can hike, do water sports, anything that you want to do, or you can sit and relax and do nothing at all. That’s what we love about it.”
Photography by John O’Hagan
Barnsley Resort–Adairsville, Georgia
Halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Tennessee, Barnsley Resort beckons to those seeking a refined retreat off the beaten path. Its story stretches back to the 1800s, when the property’s namesake, Godfrey Barnsley, gifted the original mansion and gardens to his bride. The carefully maintained Manor House Ruins and boxwood parterre garden remain central to Barnsley’s 3,000-plus acres of pristine woodlands in the foothills of northern Georgia.
From horseback riding and biking to archery and golf, plus myriad special events throughout the year, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment, and relish dishes inspired by produce grown on-site at the Woodlands Grill restaurant. The Beer Garden is perfect for a laid-back lunch. Don’t miss the complimentary bourbon tastings on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings that include the resort’s exclusive pecan-infused spirits.
Each well-appointed cottage (ranging from one to seven bedrooms) within Barnsley’s pedestrian-friendly village boasts a fireplace and a private front porch. The 55-room redbrick inn with dormer windows rounds out the resort’s English-style aesthetic. As the sun starts to dip, gather around one of numerous outdoor fire pits framed by Adirondack chairs. Complimentary s’mores stations make the cozy campfire experience even sweeter.
Photography Courtesy of Barnsley Resort
Montage Palmetto Bluff–Bluffton, South Carolina
Time spent at Montage Palmetto Bluff ticks to the rhythm of the May River’s gentle and unhurried tides. Trading everyday distractions for simple pleasures feels effortless: playing bocce with new friends, kayaking through peaceful marshes, and exploring the natural beauty of South Carolina’s Lowcountry on foot, by bike, or from a golf cart.
The River House restaurant features the area’s abundant seafood and encompasses a speakeasy-style lounge and a coffee bar. Set against breathtaking scenery, the beautifully designed inn, cottage-lined villages, and charming waterfront chapel make the Montage wildly popular for weddings and special gatherings. No matter the occasion, the tranquil atmosphere and endless activities combine for a distinctive coastal getaway.
Photography Courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff
Audubon Cottages–New Orleans, Louisiana
The fervor of the French Quarter instantly fades as you enter the lush courtyard of Audubon Cottages. Comprised of seven revamped historic villas, the property’s promise of privacy and exclusivity traces back 200 years to artist in residence John James Audubon and remains a luxe hideaway. The brick-paved courtyard teems with verdant plantings and features a small, heated saltwater pool open only to patrons. It’s suspected to be the oldest swimming pool in New Orleans, dating to the late 19th century.
Eclectic furnishings add to the character of each cottage, all of which showcase Audubon’s renowned Birds of America collection. Pieces from the past keep company with modern-day comforts, such as in-room ice makers. Breakfast and evening cocktails are served daily at the Garden House, but part of the hotel’s allure is its central location to famed French Quarter haunts.
Photography by John O’Hagan
The Fearrington House Inn–Pittsboro, North Carolina
Serenity marks the verdant gardens and meandering pathways at the 32-room Fearrington House, located just outside Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Once a working farm, classic structures dot the landscape reminiscent of the English countryside favored by founding couple R.B. Fitch and his late wife, Jenny. The property includes a village with various boutiques and a residential area that pay homage to the state’s rural heritage as well as the towns of pastoral England the Fitches loved to visit.
An avid gardener and cook, Jenny’s remarkable gardens have been maintained for visitors’ enjoyment, and her kitchen plot provides fresh herbs and vegetables to Fearrington’s eateries. Before browsing shops like McIntyre’s Books and Dovecote Style, try a hot breakfast and house-made pastries from The Belted Goat, which also serves up flavorful lunch fare. For fine dining or afternoon tea, pull up a seat at The Fearrington House Restaurant. Round out your stay with some well-deserved spa pampering.
Photography by Krystal Kast
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