Long View Resort & Spa — Hotel in Bryson City

Set high above Bryson City, NC, Long View Resort is exactly what its name promises: uninterrupted, jaw-dropping views that stretch for miles and a lodging experience so well thought-out, it borders on intuitive. My sister and I spent five days here celebrating our 50th birthdays and let me be clear: this place delivers.

My husband and I stayed in one of the longhouses, while my sister, her husband, their two daughters, and their dog stayed in another longhouse nearby. The layout gave us just the right amount of space and privacy, but also the ability to come together. The longhouses are beautifully designed and fully equipped, so we were able to cook a few meals ourselves and host everyone for dinner one night, something that made the whole trip feel even more personal and special.

From the moment you arrive, you can feel the intention in every detail. The mastermind behind the resort, Melissa, clearly poured her heart into this property. The decor has a Scandinavian inspiration and strikes a perfect balance between elevated modern and refined comfort with plush throws, local wood finishes, curated lighting, and cozy outdoor spaces that all flow together seamlessly. But what really stood out was how much she thought ahead for the guests.

Planning to hike, paddle, or explore nearby? You’ll find dry bags, backpack coolers, and towels ready to go. Want to unwind? There are fire pits, s’mores kits, and cookie skillets for those late-night cravings. Need a low-key evening? The main lodge is stocked with puzzles and card games so you can enjoy the view and make some actual memories.

But the real standout is the open-air spa, which elevates the entire experience. The spa includes: -LED light therapy for recovery and skin health -A soothing traditional sauna -A revitalizing cold plunge -Outdoor mineral soaks under the stars -A full range of massages, facials, and body detox treatments

We kicked off the trip with the nighttime soak submerged in warm, mineral-rich water with the stars overhead and the mountains silhouetted around us. On day four, we booked massages and body detox treatments that left us both glowing and grounded. Katrina, the spa concierge, handled everything ahead of time flawless execution, no detail missed.

Each morning began with a fresh, lodge-made breakfast not a buffet, not an afterthought. We’re talking locally sourced, intentionally prepared meals: hot dishes, fresh baked goods, fruits, and strong coffee all served with a smile and a view.

One of the best parts was how family-friendly the resort is without sacrificing peace or quality. In the evenings, my nieces roasted marshmallows by the fire pit while the adults kicked back with a drink and took in the view. The setup made it easy for everyone to enjoy themselves kids, adults, even the family dog. During the day, we took full advantage of the area’s adventures. We hiked scenic mountain trails, went tubing down Deep Creek River, tackled whitewater rafting on the Nantahala, and zipped through the treetops on a nearby zipline course. Long View was the perfect home base close enough to everything, but peaceful enough to actually recover when the day was done.

Final Word: 5/5. Long View Resort isn’t just a mountain stay—it’s a curated experience. Beautifully built, flawlessly run, and deeply restorative. Come to rest, reconnect, and...

I would distill the experience offered here to a single, core concept: soul enrichment.

To suggest that a mere "fantastic stay" or a "5/5 rating" could suffice as an explanation would be an affront to the universe at large.

How do you judge something singular, with no competent reference point or peers by which to measure?

My attempt to do just that here is doomed to fail from the start.

There is really no way to convey the necessary information.

Attempting to laud and enumerate the legion of virtues and benefits, to opine on the value and enrichment available to you... hmm, it would be a novel whose revelations and reflections yield new and continuously evolving layers—a story with no end.

To attempt a succinct summation; the gestalt of the experience, cannot have any real aspirations of success or do justice to the metaphysical reality of being there.

This is truly an EXPERIENCE that must be lived to be understood.

The staff. Open, loving, and exceptional.

Our journey started by booking with Melissa, who was the Host in attendance throughout our stay. She was our guide and coordinator. Services, information, and gracious attention were a craft she plied with the skill and care of a surgeon.

Haley, the resident chef, provided a bespoke experience not normally available in the tax bracket I inhabit, nor the adjacent ones.

My wife and I booked massages at the newly opened facilities there, and it was the best spa experience of my life.

Imagine this: Early morning, you wake to find a healthy spread at the free breakfast prepared by Haley. Morning coffee on the terrace offers mountain views with as much mist swirling around them as steam from the mug. The cool air is refreshing and crisp.

The open air spa is on a private viewing platform facing the valley and mountains. The birds are singing, the cicadas are chirping, and somewhere in the distance is the steady chop of firewood and country life.

My masseuse, Claire, whose more apt title would be Healer, is surely a muse of pleasure given form. The experience left my soul revitalized and my body repaired. I am certain that her ability to intuit the most effective pressure and location to be applied far surpasses mere physical knowledge.

We will be re-booking imminently and consistently. What value does money hold when it can be traded so expediently for a slice of nirvana?

If you find an opportunity to share even a single night with this vibrant and deeply caring community, you will know what I do now: more of myself.

Serene peace, long hikes in the woods, cold mountain waters, fresh, delicious food, physical healing, laughter by the firelight, and an easy friend to talk to. That was my experience; I wonder what...

just returned from the most perfect girls’ weekend with my best friend at Long View Resort and I cannot say enough about this magical place and the incredible women who run it.

From the very beginning, Melissa, the owner, went above and beyond to make our experience amazing. Even before our arrival, she patiently answered all our questions during several calls - we had a lot of questions! And, she even built us the most thoughtful and personalized itinerary for our day of exploring. Melissa even went a step furthering being mindful in ensuring modifications were made due to my medical/physical constraints.

On our first night, Melissa joined us by the fire, sharing stories like an old friend we’d known for years. She is the definition of brave, bold, and beautiful. She is a woman who has transformed personal tragedy into something deeply meaningful for others. Being in her presence, hearing her stories, is all so inspiring.

The accommodations at Long View are absolutely stunning. Every room is beautifully designed, cozy, and full of thoughtful Scandinavian touches. And the views, those are truly breathtaking. Whether it was sunrise coffee on the porch with a good book my best friend enjoyed each morning, get caught in a pop-up rainstorm that rolled through the mountains, every moment of the weekend felt magical.

We also had the chance to tour their brand new spa during our stay. Although we didn’t book treatments this time, the space is serene, elegant, and clearly crafted to be a deeply relaxing experience. I can’t imagine how romantic a soak would be at sunset!

And then there’s Haley, the chef. She is like the cherry on top of the entire experience at Long View! She greeted us with warmth and humor that immediately made us feel at home. Not surprisingly, her food is absolutely magical. She somehow made chicken kabobs taste elevated and elegant! She remembered my minor dietary “quirk” and put such intentional care into every dish…even down to picking with intentional the design on the cookie she placed atop my banana pudding.

Before we even checked out, I booked my next stay — this time with my son. Melissa immediately offered to start working on another amazing itinerary tailored just for him. She even went as far as saying she and Haley have offered to be present when we return. - This is just something they are doing for me, they do this for any return guests that put in a request!

Long View Resort is more than a getaway, or a fun girl’s weekend. It’s a place where you feel warmth, connection,...