NC’s New Luxury Resort: Cataloochee Ranch
The revived Cataloochee Ranch brings the Wild West to the Smokies. The NC resort's rich history continues with a change of hands, bringing a new Relais & Châteaux property to the South and dozens of new ways to adventure. Image: Brie Williams
A wave of mountain mist and mystique washes over us as we drive through Maggie Valley in all its retro strip-center glory: crackly roadside motels, a line dancing music barn, front porch antiques, and “PAN FOR GOLD HERE!” temptations. Turning up toward the mountain, the slopes of the Cataloochee Ski Area are barren and melting in late March, but they tell me we’re nearing the eponymous ranch. Founded in 1933 by the Alexander family, Cataloochee Ranch has been a rustic mountain getaway for generations, but its recent and glorious glow-up is a sight to behold.
A Family History Runs Deep Through the Mountains
Back in 1933, Tom Alexander and his wife Judy had the sharp idea to turn a big chunk of mountain land into a sprawling, multi-faceted place to play. The Alexanders were city transplants with elite social circles from Richmond to Atlanta who saw the potential of this rugged tract to be a retreat from the hustle and bustle of all the Southern cities and towns within a few hours’ drive.
Their infectious joie de vivre and knowledge of everything from cattle wranglin’ to veggie picklin’ drew extended circles of friends to the ever-growing ranch on Fie Top Mountain. The ranch became a year-round hotspot when the family enlisted an Austrian ski instructor to start the Cataloochee Ski Area next door in 1961.
The Swag’s Sister and another Relais & Châteaux
This resort’s latest transformation was largely at the hands of David and Annie Colquitt, the young husband and wife running The Swag on the other side of the valley in Waynesville, NC. With their boutique hospitality acumen and the Relais & Châteaux* designation, we knew Cataloochee Ranch’s ethos would comprise exceptional service, fine dining, preservation of local heritage, and environmental efforts. Unlike the seasonal Swag, Cataloochee Ranch will be open year-round.
*Other Relais & Châteaux properties in the South include Blackberry Farm, Blackberry Mountain, Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Planters Inn, Fearrington House, and more.
Over-the-top Attention to Personalized Service
From the second we shut the car door, the staff was intuitively tending to our every need. It felt like we were the only ones there, but I noticed they made every group feel the same.
The “above and beyond” touchpoints were subtle but impactful. Example: Frankie at the front desk asked to snap our photo during check-in. I assumed this was a security measure or so the staff could place faces with reservations, but when we came back to get ready for our final night, we found the photo — next to an array of homemade macarons and a chocolate Easter bunny — printed with the Cataloochee Ranch logo in a leather frame. It’s probably the best photo my husband and I have framed now.
Switchback: Cataloochee’s Culinary Crowned Jewel
Arriving late afternoon on Friday, we noticed many locals dotting the bar area, awaiting their tables for date night or family supper. The mayor was even there. Everyone seemed to know each other, and for those us just passing through, the staff were quick to engage in thorough conversations about the property and its happenings. From our first dinner at Switchback, the menu gave me this “one of everything right now” urge that was only quelled by the knowledge that we’d have multiple meals there throughout the weekend.
In the mornings, in-room Nespresso pods awaited, but a quick walk up to the main lodge offered scrumptious coffee by an always-fed fire. Pastry chef Angie Chan is constantly whipping up some magic, so breakfast was a variety of her baked specialties alongside farm-fresh eggs, crispy bacon, yogurt, and granola. This kicked off a full day of exploring the property’s 12 miles of trails and beyond.
A Hiker’s Dream
The resort’s 685-acre property sits on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, much of which is held in conservation easement. Many trails meander through private property, but neighbors are welcoming and love the addition of a high-end hotel in their own backyard. Some trails lead into the actual national park, which means they’re well-marked and maintained. We opted to hike from the ranch to The Swag, a more direct route than driving. After the 40-minute trek through the forest and meadows of Hemphill Bald, the sister property welcomed us eagerly. Cataloochee guests can book their spa, The Still, or show up for a drink and snack on the rustic back patio.
Choose Your Outdoor Adventure
If The Swag is for the couple with a tee time and a spa reservation, Cataloochee Ranch is for the crew who likes to wake up and see where the wind blows. Upon arrival, you’ll get a printed schedule of the week’s planned activities with times and meeting spots.
You can horseback ride through winding trails, fish in cool mountain streams, and hike to your heart’s content. There’s also archery, axe throwing, and a ropes course. The last was a highlight of the trip. We were the only interested party that morning, which lent ample chatting time with the guides, all young outdoorsy types from as far as Ireland. The custom-made challenge course sits within and atop the trees and has multiple zip lines and daring crossings over the creek below.
Ranch Arts
Fall’s colors, spring’s wildflowers, and winter’s snow turn the ranch into a Bob Ross painting come to life. And speaking of art, there’s a lot of that on the menu here. Whether you have kids or are one at heart, Cataloochee’s expert team members welcome all guests to leatherworking, printmaking, and watercolor classes. A pottery and ceramics studio will open soon, too. New amenities and activities will continue to open throughout Cataloochee’s first few years, like a spa, a golf simulator, a wine cellar with tastings, and more.
Special Events at Cataloochee Ranch
We visited over Easter weekend, so come Sunday, the ranch was a hive of holiday buzz. Switchback orchestrated a buffet-style brunch that spanned the main lodge and many cuisine categories. Multi-generational families embraced and pulled up seats. Kids hunted for eggs that were consistently and magically replenished by the ranch staff, who even had an array of baskets for young patrons. There were eggs for painting on tables outside and even real live bunnies. It was a precious last snapshot of the ranch that left us full in every way as we packed the car and turned in the old-fashioned key.
Despite its new sublimely comfy rooms and limitless amenities, the ranch has maintained its down-home atmosphere. It feels at once like an indulgent escape and your home away from home. Fill your days with mountain flavors and fun, and forget your phone for a while. There’s no service up here anyway. Explore more and book a stay at CataloocheeRanch.com.
Cabins at Cataloochee Ranch run between $595 and $995 a night and are bookable from Thursday to Sunday. You get a third night free on reservations arriving before May 31, 2024.
Check out these farm stays and under-$500 luxury resorts for more magical destination resorts.
*********
Ready to hit the road and explore? Check out our travel archives to start planning your next Southern escape!
Zoe Yarborough
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.