There’s nothing more relaxing than a resort getaway — but the secret to avoiding that dreaded “We spent how much?! ” moment is booking an all-inclusive stay. And while most of us associate all-inclusive resorts with tropical destinations, you don’t have to travel that far to get the full experience.
Across the South, a handful of stunning all-inclusive hotels and resorts offer the same worry-free experience, including meals, activities, and more, all with a distinctly Southern twist.
Snowbird Mountain Lodge | Robbinsville, NC
More Info: snowbirdlodge.com
The Snowbird Mountain Lodge is a Great Smokies retreat offering an all-inclusive mountain resort experience from spring through fall. Here, you can immerse yourself in the mountain air while staying in comfortable accommodations and eating seasonal meals prepared by an expert culinary team.
There are multiple lodging choices, including the Main Lodge, a historic 1941 building designed by respected Asheville architect Ronald Greene, the Wolfe Cottage, or the Chestnut Lodge, which offers a luxurious experience with private decks, two-person hot tubs, and gorgeous panoramic views of the Great Smokies.
This year, Snowbird Mountain Lodge will introduce amenities including in-room wellness packages with weighted blankets, portable infrared saunas, and acupressure mats, a book concierge, and themed weekend series, including Southern Traditions, Wellness of Body and Mind, and Artisan’s Retreat.
*Room rates include meals and amenities — activities may be additional.
The Swag | Waynesville, NC
More Info: theswag.com
Want an intimate all-inclusive stay? The Swag, located high in the mountains on top of a 5,000-foot Great Smokies ridge, is a resort with just 14 rooms and five cabins. The views from nearly a mile into the sky are unparalleled, and each room was individually designed and styled to reflect the rustic elegance of the region. From antiques to woven rugs and handmade quilts, there’s a sense of place here, but with a luxurious touch.
This 250-acre hideaway is the perfect place to relax with a book on your private balcony, hit the spa, or pack your schedule with everything from wine tasting to horseback riding to hiking and lawn games. Throughout the property, there are places where you can sneak away to have a quiet moment in nature.
*Room rates include meals, hors d’oeuvres, and tea with cookies — activities are additional.
Bungalows Key Largo | Key Largo, FL
More Info: bungalowskeylargo.com
While many all-inclusive resorts within the continental United States are tucked away in the mountains (ideal for those looking for a cooler summer getaway!), there is an all-inclusive spot where you can get an island-worthy experience without crossing a major body of water.
The Bungalows Key Largo is an adults-only resort with 135 private bungalows. You can sit by the beach or pool, bike around the property, or take to the water. Whether you want to get your workout in with kayaking or kick back and relax on a sunset cruise, there’s an activity for you. The Zen Garden Spa is the ultimate place to round out a serene vacation.
*Room rates include meals, drinks, cabanas, yoga, non-motorized water sports, entertainment, some spa amenities, and more.
The Horse Shoe Farm | Hendersonville, NC
More Info: thehorseshoefarm.com
The Horse Shoe Farm maintains the rustic appeal of its former life as a working cattle farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but it’s been transformed into a boutique hotel that offers multiple all-inclusive packages for every type of group. From family packages that focus on activities and nights by the fire pit to bachelorette weekends that focus on the spa, yoga, relaxation, and champagne, each experience is tailored to fit.
There are also corporate wellness retreats and full property buy-outs available. All guests are given access to the complete list of amenities, including the pool, cold plunge, mediation tower, fishing pond, and more.
*Depending on your package, room rates may include meals, activities, amenities, and spa treatments.
Blackberry Farm | Walland, TN
More Info: blackberryfarm.com
Blackberry Farm has an excellent reputation that’s known far and wide. It’s one of the premier dining destinations in the country, and they’ve been inviting guests into their 4,200-acre property for over 85 years. This Relais & Châteaux property in the Great Smoky Mountains combines a rural mountain hideaway with a luxurious stay and Michelin-worthy meals (it received two Michelin Keys in 2024!).
From horseback riding to hiking to fly-fishing and relaxing at the spa, you can design a getaway that is as relaxing or active as you’d like. Regardless of what you do during the day, the real star of this stay is dinner. Choose from an elegant four-course dinner at The Barn or a more casual setting at The Dogwood — both are included in your rate.
*Room rate includes meals, amenities, and some activities.
Blackberry Mountain | Walland, TN
More Info: blackberrymountain.com
As you might assume from the name and location, Blackberry Mountain is the sister property to Blackberry Farm. This luxury property in the Great Smoky Mountains includes 23 cottages and 14 treehouses for an immersive mountain experience. The views from Blackberry Mountain are jaw-dropping, and the vibe is modern and wellness-focused.
While you can take part in all the classic Great Smokies experiences, like hiking or fly-fishing, there are also art classes, forest bathing, sound bathing, and spa treatments. This is a place where both your mind and body can find renewal.
*Room rates include breakfast and dinner, pantry snacks and beverages, wellness classes, and guided hikes—activities and lunch are additional.
Miraval Austin | Austin, TX
More Info: miravalresorts.com
Just a few miles from Austin’s lively music and hip food scene, you’ll find a retreat centered on a wellness experience. Miraval Austin is focused on providing a 360-degree mind and body wellness experience in the heart of the Hill Country.
With incredible views of the Texas countryside and Lake Travis, you can curate the stay that suits you. That might include a morning hike in the Balcones Canyonland Preserve, yoga set to Willie Nelson, a farm tour, a cocktail-making class, or an immersive sound ceremony with crystal sound bowls. And, of course, it’ll mean spa treatments to channel true relaxation.
*Room rates include all meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, daily wellness activities, spa amenities, and transportation to and from the airport. A $175 daily credit can be applied towards additional spa treatments and activities.
The Lodge on Little St. Simon’s Island | St. Simon’s Island, GA
More Info: littlestsimonsisland.com
Only 32 guests can stay at The Lodge on Little St. Simon’s Island, an all-inclusive barrier island getaway accessible only by boat. This 11,000-acre property remains largely untouched by civilization, and naturalists lead excursions throughout Georgia’s Golden Isles. This stay is about getting back in touch with nature and the world around you, and the historic cabins channel a rustic beachfront vibe that is both luxurious and nostalgic.
*Room rates include meals, non-alcoholic beverages, recreational gear, and daily excursions.
Quercus | Gay, GA
More Info: worldofquercus.com
Set on 3,800 acres of pristine land, Quercus combines the rugged beauty of a working ranch with the elegance of a luxurious resort stay. Wellness is a main focus here, and there is an emphasis on nutrition and organic, locally grown produce in the upscale restaurant, Uberto, run by Chef Ryan Smith of Atlanta’s Michelin-starred Staplehouse.
From fishing to kayaking to equestrian, you can stay active throughout your stay or kick back and relax in this luxe rural retreat.
*Room rates at Quercus include all meals, in-suite snacks and beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and activities. Wellness services are additional.
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