This would be a disservice for the best resorts in the South to simply call them exemplary models of Southern hospitality—they’re much more nuanced than that. These destinations combine stunning natural scenery with home-away-from home comforts. There are also unique narratives and impeccable service. The result is? Enjoyable and relaxing experiences, as well as a list of hotels that will impress. Travel + Leisure Readers return year after year.
Editor’s Note: Florida, Texas and South Carolina resorts were excluded from the list, as they each have their own rankings and lists.
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How voting works
Each year, we conduct a survey to determine the World’s Best Awards. Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 readers of T+L completed the survey for 2025. More than 657,000 votes have been cast in total across 8,700 properties.).
The criteria used to rate hotels included: their location, amenities and rating.
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- You can also value
Respondents could rate each characteristic as excellent, above the average, average or below average. These responses are averaged to arrive at the final score.
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection
What Readers Really Loved
The top three places on the list are The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Old Edwards Inn & Spa (No. 3), Old Edwards Inn & Spa (No. Blackberry Mountain, No. 4)—all of which made appearances on the 2024 World’s Best Awards list. High Hampton jumped up from No. High Hampton, which jumped from No. The No. 2 spot this year also falls in this category. Cashiers Valley is described by one reader, as “a nice, quaint, mountain resort town” with many activities for all the family. From golf, canoeing, and croquet to fishing and more.
The Cloister on Sea Island is the top-ranked hotel in this year’s list. Although its waterfront location offers a view that’s very different from those of the Blue Ridge Mountains’, it’s amenities (including the private beach access and an on-site swimming pool) and “outstanding” services earned it a spot at No. The No. 9 position this year. “Everything was spectacular and our visit peaceful,” one reader stated.[It’s] A wonderful destination for couples or families.”
T+L Reader
Our visit was peaceful and everything was spectacular.
— T+L Reader
Discover which property has been voted as the best resort hotel of the South by 2025.
The Winner
Primland Resort is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, Meadows of Dan in Virginia
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection
Primland resort is located on 12,000 acres in the Virginia mountains. Readers have called it “one of Virginia’s most beautiful resorts”. [the] East Coast”, and “best hotel in Virginia.” Meadows of Dan was ranked No. In the 2023 World’s Best Awards it was ranked 11th, but a few renovations and refurbishments as well as new additions have pushed it to the number one spot this year. In particular, the resort built two Mountain Top Tree Houses. Each has a spacious deck at tree level, an outdoor hot tub, and an outdoor rain shower. The resort was praised for its “world-class” service by one reader, while another referred to it as a “beautiful location” with “many activities to keep you occupied.” Golfers can enjoy Primland’s Highland Course all day, while active travellers can explore the hiking trails and ATV routes on site. There’s also a spa, indoor swimming pool and hiking trails for active travelers.
The full list
1. Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts CollectionMeadows of Dan in Virginia
Reader Score: 98.40
2. High Hampton: Cashiers, North Carolina
Reader Score: 95.29
3. The Inn on Biltmore Estate: Asheville, North Carolina
Score of the Reader: 94.00
4. Blackberry Mountain: Walland, Tennessee
Reader Score: 93.71
5. Blackberry Farm: Walland, Tennessee
Reader Score: 92.8
6. Salamander Middleburg: Virginia
Reader Score 92.68
7. Old Edwards Inn & Spa: Highlands, North Carolina
Reader Score: 92.20%
8. The Williamsburg Inn: Virginia
Reader Score: 90.58
9. The Cloister at Sea IslandGeorgia
Reader Score: 90.35
10. The Omni Homestead Resort: Hot Springs, Virginia
Reader Score: 89.85
