In Condé Nast Traveler’s 21st Annual Readers Choice Survey, The Spa at Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC has been named the #3 Hotel Spa in the United States. Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Spa Poll results were derived from the 2010 Readers’ Choice Survey, which resulted in 25,916 responses. Spas were rated on their spa facilities, staff and treatments.

The article reports that the number of spas that made their way into the poll for ranking jumped to 250 spas in 2011.

A few trends named in the article that point to the growth in spa industries are:

• The males are no longer new to the spa game. Americans spent $4.8 billion on men’s grooming products in 2009 alone.
• Many spas are doing their part for conservation by using sustainable local ingredients.
• Spas are introducing slumber therapies to help with the sleep deprivation that impairs cognitive performance.
• Spas are incorporating marine life into spa treatments.

Old Edwards President, Richard Delany, says, “When our resort is recognized in readers’ polls— particularly the caliber of Condé Nast, which caters to discriminating travelers— it is the best type of accolades we can receive. To realize that we are succeeding at delivering experiences that people remember as the best that they have had anywhere is truly remarkable, particularly given the number and quality of spas out there today. It shows that our guests really do notice those little touches that we strive so hard to deliver—as well as the larger ones like the quality of our facilities. I am very proud of our spa and resort staff for achieving this recognition.”

The Spa at Old Edwards has recently undergone even further renovations, following a $50 million plus renovation to the property that was completed in 2007, to add additional treatment rooms, couples treatment rooms and a solarium so guests can experience the outdoor feeling while being pampered.

About Old Edwards Inn and Spa (www.oldedwardsinn.com)

• Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 Hotel Spa in North America for 2010 with the First Ever Perfect Score in the 20-Year History of the Reader’s Survey
• Condé Nast Traveler’s #3 Hotel Spa in the United States for 2011
• 2010 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award (top ten in the US)
• 2011 TripAdvisor Reader's Choice Award for #4 Best Relaxation Spa Hotel in the U.S.
• 2011 TripAdvisor Reader's Choice Award for #2 Best Hotel for Romance in the U.S.
• Condé Nast Johansen’s Most Excellent Inn in the US and Canada 2008
• Forbes Four-Star Rated for both the Resort and The Spa
• AAA Four-Diamond Rated
• Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden has won the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” every year since 2005 and the “Best Of” award since 2008.

Old Edwards Inn and Spa cascades along several blocks in downtown Highlands—a cultural mountain village that offers award-winning dining, wine events, art galleries and some of the nation’s top golf resorts. The European style resort welcomes visitors to North Carolina’s high country with its unique blend of relaxed luxury recognized worldwide. A spectacular outdoor heated mineral pool, world class spa, award-winning dining, and golf at the private Old Edwards Club are signature experiences at this full-service mountain resort. Guests are surrounded by the warmth and character of Old-Europe architecture and authentic period antiques. Many rooms, cottages and suites offer private patios or terraces—some with captivating rooftop views of Main Street and downtown Highlands. All of the luxury accommodations include champagne arrival, twice-daily housekeeping, two 24-hour business centers and two 24-hour Butler’s pantries with Dove Bars, fresh fruit and soft beverages. European bedding, fine Italian linens, plush robes & slippers, rainfall showers, heated-tile bathroom floors, in-room safes and Wi-Fi enhance the in-room experience. Old Edwards Inn and Spa also boasts a state-of-the art fitness center with wellness classes that include guided hikes into the scenic surrounding mountains known as “waterfall country.”

Guests enjoy onsite shopping at the Spa Boutique, Acorns Boutique or Acorns on Church featuring fine antiques and home accessories. Dining venues include Madison ’s Restaurant and Wine Garden serving innovative New South Cuisine, the Spa Café and the Poolside Bar and Bistro. Special events and weddings take place at The Farm—a lushly landscaped Old Edwards property located one mile from downtown Highlands featuring The Barn, the Farmhouse with luxury lodging, Bridal Pavilion, Bridal Bridge over a scenic pond and outdoor events pavilion. The Edwards Hall Conference Center provides a catered corporate retreat venue.

Also introduced in 2009 was Satulah, Old Edwards Private Residences, which includes 14 luxury mountain homes just two blocks off Main Street, Highlands. The Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond resort is located at 445 Main Street in Highlands, NC.