The Umstead Hotel and Spa
The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a luxury hotel with attached spa in Cary, North Carolina, situated on 12 acres of wooded grounds featuring a lake, gardens, and walking trails. Rooms overlook nature and include quality bedding, spa-like bathrooms with soft lighting, and neutral earth-tone furnishings.
The hotel was founded by a software entrepreneur and opened in the 2000s as an upscale retreat next to the SAS corporate campus. It grew into an award-winning destination, earning Five Diamond certification and triple five-star recognition from Forbes Travel Guide in 2021.
The hotel's name honors an early settler of the region, connecting it to local history. The spaces feature regional artwork and locally sourced floral arrangements that reflect the character of North Carolina's landscape.
The hotel is accessible via Interstate 40 but hidden from the road by trees, so careful navigation helps. Visitors can visit for the day to use the spa or stay overnight, with complimentary wifi, a fitness center, yoga classes, and an easy walking trail around the lake.
This is the only hotel in North Carolina with triple five-star status from Forbes covering the hotel, restaurant, and spa combined. The Heron's restaurant blends Asian and Southern cuisines using ingredients from the property's own farm, and guests often return for anniversaries and special occasions.
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