Nestled along the slopes of Sunset Mountain in Asheville, North Carolina, The Omni Grove Park Inn stands as one of the most celebrated resort destinations in North America. For over a century, this grand mountain retreat has captivated travelers, literary figures, U.S. presidents, and wellness seekers alike. Combining rustic architectural genius with modern luxury, the resort offers an experience deeply rooted in Appalachian history and southern hospitality.
A Century Strong
The origin story of The Omni Grove Park Inn is as unique as its stone facade. The resort was conceived by Edwin Wiley Grove, a self-made millionaire who built his fortune selling pharmaceutical tonic. Seeking relief from chronic health issues in the clean air of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grove envisioned a hotel that would seamlessly blend with its surrounding landscape.
Construction began in 1912 under the direction of Fred L. Seely, Grove’s son-in-law, who designed the structure without formal architectural training. Driven by incredible ambition, hundreds of laborers worked around the clock, utilizing mules, wagons, and steam-powered cables to transport massive granite boulders from Sunset Mountain. Remarkably, the entire structure was completed in just 11 months and 27 days, officially opening its doors on July 12, 1913.
From its opening day, the hotel set a standard for grand hospitality. Over its 110-year history, it has hosted notable figures including F. Scott Fitzgerald, who spent two summers at the resort writing while recovering from health struggles, as well as ten U.S. presidents, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Built From Boulders
Architecturally, The Omni Grove Park Inn remains one of the finest surviving examples of the Arts and Crafts movement in North America. Unlike the opulent, heavily gilded European-style hotels popular during the Gilded Age, Grove and Seely prioritized organic design, durability, and raw natural materials.
The defining feature of the main lodge is its massive granite exterior. Thousands of unworked river and mountain rocks were fitted together to create a fortress-like structure capped with a sweeping, undulating red tile roof designed to mimic the curves of the surrounding mountains.
Upon entering the resort, guests step into the Great Hall, a 120-foot-wide lobby featuring open timber ceilings and two massive stone fireplaces. Each fireplace spans 14 feet across and is capable of burning 6-foot logs. To maintain the serene atmosphere envisioned by its creators, original Roycroft furnishings, hand-hammered copper light fixtures, and solid oak woodwork were installed—many of which remain preserved inside the property today.
Blue Ridge Views
Beyond its structural magnificence, the resort’s geographical location offers some of the most striking panoramic vistas in western North Carolina. Situated at an elevation of nearly 2,500 feet, the hotel looks west toward downtown Asheville and the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The placement of the resort allows guests to witness extraordinary mountain sunsets, a feature that inspired the name of the surrounding ridge. Whether viewing the autumn leaf changes in October, the mist rising off the peaks in spring, or winter snowfall across the valleys, the location provides an ever-changing backdrop that changes with the seasons.
Subterranean Spa Luxury
While history anchors the property, world-class modern amenities draw contemporary travelers from around the globe. The crowning jewel of the resort’s modern expansion is its subterranean spa, an architectural and wellness marvel measuring 43,000 square feet.
Designed to harmonize with the resort’s natural surroundings, the spa is built directly into the hillside beneath the mountain. Key highlights of the wellness facility include:
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Natural Elements: Cavernous rock walls, cascading waterfalls, and natural stone archways create an immersive subterranean environment.
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Hydrotherapy Pools: Mineral pools equipped with underwater music systems, contrast hot and cold plunge pools, and therapeutic whirlpools.
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Inhalation Rooms: Eucalyptus-infused steam rooms and saunas designed for deep relaxation and respiratory health.
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Outdoor Fireside Lounge: An outdoor pool area where guests can relax beside stone fireplaces while enjoying mountain vistas.
Championship Golf Course
Golfers visiting the resort step onto a piece of American sports history. The Omni Grove Park Inn golf course was originally laid out in 1926 by legendary golf course architect Donald Ross.
Consistently ranked among North Carolina’s top resort courses, this 18-hole, par-70 championship course winds through tree-lined fairways along the base of the mountain. Ross utilized the natural contouring of the terrain to create strategic challenges that test both accuracy and club selection. The course has hosted classic PGA Tour events and legends of the game, including Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Sam Snead, maintaining its reputation as a premiere mountain golf layout.
Sunset Terrace Dining
Culinary excellence is central to the overall experience at the resort. Among its multiple dining venues, the Sunset Terrace is widely celebrated for pairing fine dining with extraordinary mountain scenery.
Specializing in hand-cut prime steaks and fresh regional seafood, the open-air restaurant offers outdoor seating positioned directly along the terrace edge. As evening approaches, diners gather to watch the sun drop behind the distant mountain ranges—a ritual that has taken place on the terrace for generations.
Inside the main lodge, guests can also experience Vue 1913, a brasserie-style restaurant offering French-inspired cuisine alongside an extensive, award-winning wine list. For casual gatherings, the Great Hall Bar serves craft cocktails beside the giant glowing hearths of the lobby fireplaces.
Timeless Luxury Escape
What truly sets The Omni Grove Park Inn apart from other luxury resorts is its ability to honor its heritage while delivering modern comfort. Every corridor, stone hearth, and panoramic terrace tells a story of craftsmanship and vision.
Whether relaxing in the mineral pools of the underground spa, playing a round on a historic golf course, or sitting beside a fireplace where literary giants once gathered, guests experience a distinct balance of adventure, comfort, and restoration. More than a century after its grand opening, Edwin Grove’s vision on Sunset Mountain continues to shine as Asheville’s ultimate resort destination.
