Lakeside woodland hideaway
Wooded lakeside paths and floor-to-ceiling glass frame a curated fine art collection, creating a secluded sanctuary minutes from Raleigh.
“Once you hand over the car keys and walk in, the traffic—and the world—will begin to fade away in the cool, calm of the lobby...”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Anticipatory service remembers preferences across stays, paired with evening turndown, Italian linens, and deep soaking tubs.
Remarkable
A bi-level spa features eucalyptus steam rooms, dry saunas, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, and botanical bodywork.
Notable
Texas limestone and copper paneling frame floor-to-ceiling windows, anchored by custom Dale Chihuly glass artwork.
What they say
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Nature is a big theme here, as large picture windows bring the outdoors inside and lots of natural materials… were used to construct and design the warm, contemporary resort.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The wooded grounds border William B. Umstead State Park, providing direct access to forest trails while remaining fifteen minutes from Raleigh.
The rooms
Recessed entryways open to calm neutral interiors and granite soaking tubs, with wide balconies overlooking the lake and wooded grounds.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated outdoor pool and stone courtyard hydrotherapy whirlpool sit beneath the tree canopy, beside a full fitness room.
The spa
Ten treatment rooms span two levels, including private couple's suites with circular whirlpool tubs looking onto the woods.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Herons
Tasting menus draw on progressive American cooking, using seasonal produce harvested from the hotel's dedicated three-acre farm.
At the table
The Lounge pours craft cocktails and hosts afternoon tea with a live harpist, opening onto a lakeside terrace.
How it began
SAS Institute co-founders James and Ann Goodnight established the retreat in 2007, filling the woodland sanctuary with museum-grade original art.
Good to know
Stay here
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.