From leaf-peeping to its legendary spa, the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa is an unforgettable North Carolina mountain retreat.
Set atop Asheville’s Sunset Mountain, against the scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa has been a landmark destination for well over a century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the massive stone building with its signature red roof opened in 1913 and has welcomed a roster of distinguished guests, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Harry Houdini, Henry Ford, Tiger Woods, and 10 U.S. presidents (from Woodrow Wilson to Barack Obama).
October is one of the best seasons to experience the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa, with autumn’s vibrant colors at their peak. Surrounded by woodlands, the resort offers spectacular views of the changing leaves throughout: from the rooms and suites to the many restaurants, with their large windows and patios. The sprawling Sunset Terrace is the place to be for panoramic vistas, especially at the golden hour, when guests settle in rocking chairs to enjoy the crisp fall air while the sun sinks behind the Blue Ridge Mountains.
And just a short drive from hotel is the famed Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile stretch featuring dramatic mountain views paired with glorious fall foliage, whether driving or hiking its many trails. Downtown Asheville, with all its restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions, is 10 minutes away by car.
But there’s plenty to keep guests entertained right on the property. Tee off on the tree-lined championship course, where golf legends Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones, and Jack Nicklaus have played in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tennis is available year-round on six courts, three indoor and three outdoor, as is indoor pickleball. The sports complex offers a large fitness center and an indoor family-friendly pool.
The crown jewel of the resort is the spa, a 43,000-square-foot subterranean space built into the side of the mountain. Surrounded by cavernous rock walls and arches and lit by skylights and dazzling fiber-optic “stars” are its therapeutic mineral pools, featuring massaging waterfalls and soothing underwater music, plus eucalyptus-infused steam rooms and dry saunas. Separate men’s and women’s areas offer contrasting hot tubs and cold plunges. The seasonal outdoor pool and terrace has a cozy fireplace and mountain views, an ideal spot to relax with a smoothie—or something stronger.
Spa treatments include facials, massages, body wraps, and body masks and incorporate a variety of aromatherapy, essential oils, and detoxifying or healing elements such as volcanic clay, CBD, and arnica. Add a multisensory wellness pod experience to any treatment, which helps to relieve stress and anxiety using light and vibration.
After a day at the spa, guests can choose from four signature restaurants, from fine dining to more casual, and all with beautiful mountain views. Try EDISON for local craft beers and small-batch bourbons, which complement the regionally inspired menu, or Blue Ridge for buffet-style family dining. For fresh seafood and steak, there’s the Sunset Terrace, while Vue 1913 is a stylish brasserie with a deep list of French wines. Gather for a nightcap in the rustic, antique-filled Great Hall, where two enormous stone fireplaces crackle with cozy, wood-burning fires. And for evening entertainment, check out the lively Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar.
The hotel’s 513 pet-friendly rooms and suites are spread across the original Main Inn and two more modern wings. Some rooms overlook the spa gardens or the courtyard, but it’s worth splurging on a Mountain View room to wake up to expansive Blue Ridge views.
With its rich history, iconic spa, and stunning mountain vistas, The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa offers a timeless retreat—no matter the season.