Top Resorts in the South
The winners in this category include resorts in Virginia’s rolling hills, Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, and South Carolina’s grassy Lowcountry. What these 10 properties have in common is warm and intuitive hospitality, something the South has perfected over generations.
2023 Winners Overview
Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, readers are invited to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—sharing their opinions on top hotels, resorts, cities, and more. Hotels are rated based on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties are classified as either City or Resort based on their locations and amenities.
1. The Inn at Willow Grove
This year’s winner, the Inn at Willow Grove, is an antebellum home set on 40 acres in northern Virginia’s bucolic countryside. Guests can stay in the original manor house or in several cottages that adorn the property. Among other draws, our readers rave about the “fresh beignets delivered hot” every morning, the “heated towel racks and bathroom floors,” and a staff that “makes you feel like royalty.”
2. The Willcox
Last year’s winner, The Willcox, slipped to second place. However, the Aiken, South Carolina, favorite, a Colonial-revival mansion originally built in 1898, still wows readers for its horse-country history—earning a spot on the National Historic Register—and beautifully appointed rooms with crown moldings and fireplaces.
3. Blackberry Farm
Taking the third spot is Blackberry Farm, which seamlessly combines a working farm experience with elegant dining, long before the farm-to-table trend became an industry standard. At this Walland, Tennessee estate, guests can enjoy fly-fishing or tour the fields led by farmstead artisans. The property features two exquisite dining rooms—The Barn and The Dogwood, located in the Main House.
4. The Old Edwards Inn & Spa
This North Carolina gem offers an award-winning spa featuring Blue Ridge Mountain–inspired treatments and was highly praised for its luxurious amenities.
5. Inn & Club at Harbour Town
Located on Hilton Head Island, the Inn & Club at Harbour Town provides rooms with stunning views of the Harbour Town Golf Links. This property is well-renowned for its combination of comfort and elegance.
Remaining Top 10 Resorts
- Montage Palmetto Bluff
- The Fearrington House Inn
- The Cloister at Sea Island
- The Lodge and Cottages at Primland
- The Lodge at Sea Island
These resorts exemplify the pinnacle of Southern hospitality, providing guests with memorable experiences and luxurious amenities. Whether you seek a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure in nature, the Southern resorts listed above cater to all preferences and desires.
