Why The Umstead Hotel and Spa is Raleigh’s Top Escape [Review]

Looking for a luxurious getaway without leaving the Triangle? You don’t have to board a plane or drive to the mountains to find it. Just off the I-40 interstate in Cary, hidden behind a veil of trees, is Raleigh’s most elegant secret: The Umstead Hotel and Spa.

The Umstead has been recognized by AAA as a Five-Diamond property and by Condé Nast Traveler as the third-best hotel in the U.S. And in 2021, Forbes Travel Guide named The Umstead Hotel, its fine-dining restaurant, Herons, and The Umstead Spa, as five-star award winners – the highest-achievable ranking.

It’s the only hotel in North Carolina that has earned a Forbes five-star rating, and The Umstead is one of the only hotels in the world to earn triple five-star status. And it’s right here in our Wake County backyard.

We were thrilled to finally experience the Umstead Hotel’s sophisticated serenity for an overnight stay – a stay that helped me fall more in love with this beautiful area we live in. I truly feel blessed to call it home. Whether you’re a long-time local in need of a reset, looking for a romantic night away, or a newcomer craving a special staycation, this is the five-star luxury experience in Raleigh you deserve.

Luxury that lives just down the road

Unlike flashy urban hotels, The Umstead Hotel and Spa doesn’t scream luxury — it lets you feel it. Think mid-century modern architecture, a peaceful lakeside trail, art-lined hallways, soft music playing in the lobby, and Southern hospitality wrapped in a sophisticated bow. It’s an oasis that balances high-end design with warm, local charm.

The 12-acre property includes a private three-acre lake with a 0.3-mile loop trail, lush gardens, and sweeping terraces overlooking the pool and the woods. You’d never guess that I-40 hums just beyond the trees.

Inside the hotel, you’ll find original artwork throughout the lobby, curated floral arrangements (by local Watered Garden Florist), and sophisticated lounge spaces where guests read, sip wine, or listen to live music in the evenings.

We knew the Umstead was a place we wanted to stay after enjoying afternoon cocktails in the lounge with friends visiting from Scottsdale who were staying here (here’s our sophisticated Raleigh itinerary with them). It just has a vibe that makes you sit up and pay attention.

What we loved about the Umstead Hotel and Spa

Nature, stillness and a bit of sunshine

One of the most surprising and delightful moments of our stay was discovering how The Umstead encourages you to unwind with the seasons. When we arrived, dark skies and steady rainfall nudged us toward the spa — a welcome introduction to its deeply calming atmosphere, complete with saunas, steam room, whirlpools, and softly lit lounges offering herbal teas and light snacks.

But just as we began to settle into one of the indulgent spa treatments, the clouds parted, and the sun broke through. We quickly pivoted our plans and headed for the pool instead — a decision we’ll never regret.

We spent the remainder of the day under a canopy of Carolina pine trees and umbrellas, soaking in the unexpected warmth and quiet and living the Umstead life.

It’s rare that we get to stay still and enjoy a property so we made full use of our time reading books on the very comfortable chaise lounges, taking dips in the perfectly heated pool (no flinching required!), and simply watching the light dance through the trees.

The pool area feels like a luxurious treehouse — elevated, peaceful, and embraced by nature. If your budget allows, renting one of the private cabanas adds an extra touch of exclusivity and comfort. Attentive poolside service brought us crisp salads and signature cocktails without us ever needing to leave our lounge chairs.

We returned the next morning to soak up even more of the sun before the rain gently guided us back to the spa — proof that The Umstead delivers relaxation, rain or shine. It’s the kind of rest you can’t plan for but deeply appreciate when it arrives. And if you want a little extra heat with your swimming pool experience, take a dip in the outside whirlpool. You’ll also find more hot tubs inside the spa. More on that below.

Wellness and wow moments

From the early morning espresso on our balcony to an evening glass of wine under the moonlight, every moment at The Umstead encourages you to slow down. Beyond its atmosphere of rest, The Umstead offers a range of wellness-focused amenities to help you reconnect with your body and mind.

Start your day with a stroll around the hotel’s 0.3-mile walking trail, which loops gently around a serene lake and through a butterfly garden, and along the boardwalk past two fountains. The path is easy, flat, and perfect for a mindful walk, a casual jog, or simply soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds the property.

Lake trail

For those looking to stay active indoors, the hotel’s fitness center is well-equipped with cardio machines, strength training equipment, and space for stretching or yoga. They have complimentary yoga classes on the weekends. There’s also an outdoor meditation courtyard.

And if you’re craving a bit more movement, complimentary bikes are available to explore the nearby Umstead State Park — just minutes from the hotel’s doorstep and filled with scenic trails perfect for riding, hiking, or forest bathing. Whether you’re sweating it out or simply strolling with intention, The Umstead makes wellness accessible, inspiring, and completely at your pace.

Our Umstead Room

While the balcony was on the smaller side, it quickly became our favorite spot to sit, sip, and take it all in. From there, we had breathtaking views that perfectly captured the essence of the resort: the serene swimming pool nestled among the trees, the immaculately landscaped garden (a popular wedding venue), the elegant outdoor terrace where guests dined al fresco, and the tranquil lake with its gentle fountain.

It was like a living postcard, showcasing the seamless blend of nature, design, and relaxation The Umstead is known for.

The hotel offers a range of room types — from standard guest rooms to expansive presidential suites — but if you’re treating yourself to a stay at a five-star property like this, I highly recommend booking a room with a balcony!

There’s something incredibly special about having your own private perch to witness the quiet beauty of the grounds, especially with a glass of wine at sunset or a morning espresso in hand. It’s those little moments that linger long after checkout. Beyond the balcony, the spacious guest rooms are decorated with plush furnishings and natural accents and feel cozy but without feeling pretentious with neutral-toned decor.

Herons: A Five-Star Dining Experience

No visit to The Umstead Hotel is complete without a meal at Herons, one of the only Forbes five-star hotel restaurants in the country — and a culinary gem treasured by Raleigh locals.

While it’s the in-house restaurant, this five-star restaurant stands alone as a fine-dining destination where many come just for the experience, regardless of whether they’re staying overnight.

Herons offers a seasonal, multi-course tasting menu that highlights the freshest local ingredients, including many vegetables, herbs, and farm-fresh meats sourced from The Umstead’s own farm just a few miles away. It’s a thoughtful journey through flavor, texture, and presentation. You won’t just eat — you’ll experience.

Each course at Herons, led by James Beard Semifinalist (2019) and celebrated chef, Steven Greene, is presented with care and storytelling.

• First course:
  • Harker’s island oysters with Charleston gold rice, genmai, champagne sabayon
  • Fennel soup with dungeness crab, yuzu vinaigrette, fennel confit
• Second Course:
  • Sea scallop with gooseberry broth, shimeji, tapioca, chinese bbq
  • Maine lobster with crispy rice, poached turnip, smoked roe, sea beans
• Entree:
  • Lamb with crispy hassle back potato, charred ramps, baby farm kohlrabi
  • Wagyu with carrot, hoja santa, chicory, blue barley, garlic emulsion
• Dessert:
  • Strawberry panna cotta, rhubarb puree, rose water gelee, crème fraiche, sudachi
  • Chocolate valrhona sixty-four percent ganache, pistachio, chartreuse ice cream

One highlight of our meal included spring oysters from Harker’s Island and lamb paired with a surprise slice of lamb belly, which tasted like the most elegant version of bacon we’ve ever had. The sauces are poured table-side, adding a little theatre to each dish, and the service is equally refined—gracious, knowledgeable, and always a step ahead.

Herons also offers consistently excellent service with gracious staff. Our servers were as polished as the presentation — knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the cuisine. The sommelier delighted in sharing his love for Australian wines (a sentiment we proudly share) and paired our meal with a stunning bottle of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon. More than deserving of its place in a five-star dining room.

The wine list reads like a book and countries from every continent seem to be featured. And they have fantastic cocktails for you to start or finish your meal with!

Even breakfast is a standout. Leaving the bright and airy dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and full-view kitchen, we opted to dine on the outdoor terrace overlooking the garden and pool.

We enjoyed a French-style omelet with chorizo and sugar snap peas, and avocado toast layered with English peas, radish, goat cheese, and pistachios. Every bite reinforced that Herons isn’t just a restaurant—it’s part of what makes The Umstead an extraordinary destination.

So whether you’re celebrating a milestone, indulging in a weekend date night, or simply want to experience one of the best meals in the Triangle, Herons offers an outstanding experience. We will definitely be back, and I hope to personally experience their afternoon tea, one of the best in the Triangle.

FUN FACT: Anyone who’s lived in Raleigh for some time knows the name Scott Crawford — he’s become something of a culinary icon around here. Long before opening his own celebrated restaurants in downtown Raleigh, Chef Crawford helped put Herons (and The Umstead) on the map. As Executive Chef from 2009 to 2014, he led the restaurant to earn both the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond awards — massive accolades that brought national attention to our local dining scene. His refined approach to Southern cuisine, with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, helped lay the foundation for the elevated experience Herons is still known for today. Even though he’s gone on to open Crawford & Son and Jolie (both must-visits in their own right), his influence at Herons is still felt in the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence.

The Spa: A reset for the soul

The Umstead Spa offers day passes to non-hotel guests during the week, making it an ideal midweek wellness break for locals. Whether you’re soaking in the outdoor whirlpool, lounging with a magazine, or floating between eucalyptus-scented steam rooms, you’ll quickly forget about those emails flooding your inbox.

Phones are not allowed (except Kindles), which only enhances the experience. We saw friends laughing over tea, moms and daughters catching up between spa treatments, and couples enjoying quality time together. I took advantage of the women’s only section, grateful for a rare moment of uninterrupted stillness. It felt like a blend of timeless ritual and modern luxury.

There is a long list of top-notch spa services to choose from. Massages, facials, and body treatments are available by appointment, and gift cards make for the ultimate local treat.

You can visit the spa without staying at the Umstead, and for Raleigh locals, considering a treatment gives you access to the spa amenities and pool, it may be a preferable spa treatment choice over other luxe spas in Raleigh. Why not make a day of it?

Extra Touches That Make It Special

What truly elevates The Umstead experience are the thoughtful details that quietly enhance your stay. The weekly-changing floral installation in the lobby, designed by Watered Garden Florist, greets you with an immediate sense of elegance and calm and fills the space with botanical fragrances.

The curated artwork throughout the hotel invites moments of reflection and appreciation, and the architecture itself — with its soft sandstone tones and mid-century modern design — creates a natural rhythm of stillness.

And then there are the treats: amuse-bouches to start your meal at Herons; house-made macarons and turn-down chocolates in your room; electronic cords in your room that are untangled and tidied; and surprise dessert finales that feel like a warm hug to end the day.

The service at The Umstead Hotel & Spa is the kind that quietly elevates your entire experience. It’s not overbearing — it’s thoughtful, intuitive, and delivered with a warmth that feels distinctly Raleigh. It’s the kind of service that anticipates your needs before you even realize them yourself.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, dining at Herons, or unwinding in the spa, the team is always present — but never intrusive — ready to enhance your stay in the most seamless way possible. Staff seem genuinely pleased with your presence and the work they do in this special environment.

Why Locals Love It

The Umstead isn’t just for out-of-town guests — it’s a favorite among locals who want a weekend escape without the hassle.

Spring is optimum season to stay there, with blooming gardens and perfect weather for a quiet walk around the lake. Fall, with its crisp air and golden leaves, is another magical time to visit. Locals return here again and again for anniversary getaways, birthdays, Mother’s Day spa treatments, or simply a “because you deserve it” night away.

It’s also popular with Raleighites looking for a special place to celebrate out-of-town guests. Even if you’re not staying overnight, drop in for a meal at Herons or enjoy cocktails in the lounge with live entertainment.

The Verdict: Would we recommend the Umstead Hotel and Spa?

Sometimes the best escapes are the ones closest to home, and being 15-minutes’ drive from downtown Raleigh, the Research Triangle Park, and the Lenovo Center, you can’t get any closer without feeling the buzz of the city.

The Umstead isn’t just Raleigh’s most luxurious stay — it’s a reminder to step outside your routine and indulge in a little serenity. And with its unmatched service, gorgeous 3-acres of lakefront landscape, world-class cuisine, and deep focus on rest and restoration, it may just become your go-to place to recharge.

The only thing we did not love, which our dear readers will not be surprised about, were their lattes and cappuccinos. They were overpriced and not very good – but y’all know we’re Australian coffee snobs! Their black coffee and Nespresso in the rooms were okay!

Whether it’s a romantic weekend, a girls’ spa day, a wellness-focused reset, or simply a solo escape to reconnect with yourself, The Umstead is the kind of place that fills your cup in more ways than one.

As locals, it’s a comfort knowing that when life feels overwhelming, our perfect sanctuary is just a short drive away. Treat yourself. The magic is waiting. See prices and availability for your stay here.

Disclaimer: Our stay and dinner were hosted by The Umstead Hotel. No monetary compensation related to this blog post was received and all opinions are my own!