Omni Grove Park Inn: A Romantic Winter Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Discover why Omni Grove Park Inn is a top romantic winter retreat in Asheville, NC—historic charm, spa experiences, mountain views, and cozy winter vibes.
Some winter destinations are about adrenaline.
Others are about atmosphere.
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When I was writing Chapter 3 of Wintry Escapades — Romantic Retreats: Cozy Cabins and Intimate Winter Getaways for Couples — I kept coming back to places that feel timeless. Places where winter slows everything down, where you linger over meals, soak in views, and let the cold outside make the inside feel even warmer.
The Omni Grove Park Inn is exactly that kind of place.
Set high above Asheville, North Carolina, in the heart of western North Carolina, this historic resort blends grand architecture, sweeping mountain views, and an unmistakable sense of calm. It’s not just a hotel — it’s a destination designed for lingering, reconnecting, and embracing the quieter side of winter travel.
A Historic Inn Built for Leisure, Not Rush
The Grove Park Inn is one of the most celebrated historic hotels in the country and is listed on the national register. From the moment you arrive, the scale of the place makes an impression — massive stonework, expansive terraces, and two massive rooms just off the main lobby that feel more like grand living rooms than common spaces.
These massive rooms are filled with oversized fireplaces, deep seating, and panoramic windows overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. In winter, guests gather here with coffee, cocktails, or a book, watching the fog roll over the mountains at sunset.
The inn’s location near the Blue Ridge Parkway — often called America’s favorite drive — makes it ideal for a winter escape that balances scenic rides with cozy downtime. Despite feeling tucked away, it’s still close to downtown Asheville, with easy access to local shops, galleries, and some of the best Asheville restaurants.
Guest Rooms Designed for Winter Comfort
The guest rooms at the Omni Grove Park Inn lean into classic elegance rather than trendiness. Think warm color palettes, comfortable bedding, and a comfortable and stylish setting that feels intentionally calm.
Many rooms offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, gardens, or the rolling fairways below. The inn’s hotel capacity allows it to host everything from intimate weekend getaways to large gatherings, yet the layout never feels crowded.
For couples planning a winter retreat, the rooms feel like a quiet place to land after long spa visits, leisurely meals, or scenic drives through the Blue Ridge.
The Subterranean Spa: A Winter Highlight
One of the most iconic features of the resort is the Grove Park Inn Spa — a subterranean spa carved into the hillside beneath the inn.
The spa experience here is designed for unhurried relaxation. Guests move between thermal pools, steam rooms, and relaxation areas while gazing out at mountain views. The indoor pool and outdoor pool feel especially magical in winter, when the air is crisp and the water is warm.
There’s also a spa café, making it easy to turn a treatment day into a full, slow afternoon. For couples, this spa embodies exactly what Chapter 3 of Wintry Escapades celebrates: winter as a season for restoration, not just activity.
Dining That Encourages You to Stay a While
Dining at the Omni Grove Park Inn is intentionally unhurried. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely meal designed around local ingredients or grabbing breakfast before a morning drive, food here feels like part of the experience rather than an afterthought.
Breakfast is a standout, with amazing breakfast options including a full yogurt bar, great gluten free options, and even a seasonal doughnut buffet. The brasserie style format at select dining venues highlights comfort food, local ingredients, and classic American brasserie dishes.
Evenings often feature live music, a full bar, and scenic dining spaces like the Sunset Terrace, where mountain views stretch endlessly into the distance. Guests with confirmed dining reservations can relax knowing their evenings are planned without feeling rigid.
Resort Activities Without the Rush
While the inn is a favorite for couples, it also offers a wide range of resort activities that don’t overwhelm the experience.
There’s a sports complex, golf pro shop, and courses originally designed by Donald Ross, with tree lined fairways and dramatic elevation changes. Even in winter, the grounds invite slow walks through beautiful gardens and scenic overlooks like Sunset Mountain.
The resort also features meeting rooms, meeting space, and two ballrooms, including a stunning grand ballroom that hosts everything from weddings to seasonal events like gingerbread season, when the inn transforms into a festive winter landmark.
Practical Details That Matter
For travelers planning a stay, the details are thoughtful and clear:
- Valet parking, overnight guests self parking, and day parking are all available
- Clear parking availability and smooth check in process
- Pet friendly policies, including only registered resort pets and registered resort guests guidelines
- Easy access from Asheville Regional Airport
- Close proximity to landmarks like the Biltmore Estate, Vanderbilt wings, Church Rock, and nearby mountain drives
These “little things” make the Grove Park Inn especially appealing for winter trips, when convenience matters just as much as ambiance.
Why It Belongs in Chapter 3 of Wintry Escapades
The Omni Grove Park Inn isn’t about chasing snowstorms or packing every hour with activities. It’s about choosing a place where winter feels intentional.
From the quiet guest rooms and sweeping views to the spa, dining, and historic architecture, this resort reflects the heart of romantic winter retreats — places where couples can reconnect, slow down, and enjoy winter as a season of comfort and beauty.
For travelers inspired by Wintry Escapades, the Grove Park Inn represents the kind of destination that turns a simple winter getaway into a lasting memory.
Sometimes the most unforgettable winter adventures don’t happen on the slopes — they happen by the fire, at the spa, or watching the sun set over the mountains, exactly like this.
Happy Travels! 🌍