A girls’ weekend is something everyone needs, and this trip to Lakeview at Fontana with my best friend since grade school, Cristin, was the perfect mountain escape. If you’re looking for a girls’ weekend in North Carolina, a Lake Fontana Mountain Spa stay is a great getaway near the Smoky Mountains.
Located just about 4.5 hours from Raleigh and nestled near Bryson City, this resort overlooks the serene waters of Lake Fontana and sits on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This location makes it an ideal home base for hiking, unwinding, and exploring the best of Western North Carolina. With its peaceful setting and spa-focused amenities, it’s the perfect destination for a girls’ weekend getaway, and you’ll want to keep reading to see exactly why.
Checking In at Lakeview at Fontana
We arrived and checked in right at 3 p.m., and one of the first things I loved about Lakeview at Fontana was the effortless self-check-in process. Everything always feels smooth, flexible, and completely stress-free. It is truthfully exactly what you want for a girls’ weekend when the goal is to slow down, not stand in lines. Check-in begins at 3 p.m., and you simply walk in, pick up your paperwork, and head off to find your stay. No hassle, no rush, just easy arrival and instant relaxation mode.
If you haven’t read my previous reviews on the location, the property itself has a calm, minimal, nature-inspired design with subtle touches that nod to its 1950s resort history. It feels both nostalgic and refreshed at the same time. The amenities are updated just enough for comfort, while still keeping its original charm.
For our stay, since we needed two beds, we stayed in a one-bedroom suite with two queen beds. This was perfect for a friends’ trip and also having your own personal space. We had a great view from our suite of Lake Fontana and the Smoky Mountains that immediately made you pause and take it all in. For couples, you can see my other room and stay review here.
The suite we stayed in included:
- Two queen beds
- Bathroom with shower (and shampoo, conditioner, and body wash). They even provided two shower steamers!
- Mini fridge
- Microwave
- Small couch
- Table with four chairs
- Stove top
- Coffee maker (no in-room coffee provided)
- Basic cooking essentials
More on the Resort
One thing to note is that this resort is intentionally designed for unwinding, disconnecting from technology, and reconnecting with nature and yourself. The rooms do not include TVs, which really encourages a true digital detox. At first it stands out, but it quickly becomes one of the best parts of the stay. Without screens, everything feels slower and more intentional. If you do need WiFi, it’s available in the 24/7 lounge, so you can still stay connected when necessary.
It ended up being such a great reset for my best friend and me. Instead of being on our phones or watching TV, we actually talked, laughed, and fully enjoyed the moment together, which made the getaway feel even more meaningful.
@lexpaigeandtheodore Girls getaway weekend with my bestie. @Cristin Stackles ✨@lakeviewatfontana #brysoncity #northcarolina #girlstrip #traveltips
♬ The Mountain Hike is Tough, But It’s More than Rewarding. – Soul Meeting
Same-Day Spa Experience & Relaxation Massage
Shortly after check-in, Cristin was able to book a same-day relaxation massage. It quickly became one of the highlights of her stay. She returned completely relaxed and glowing. It immediately set the tone for a slow, restorative weekend. One thing I really appreciated was how helpful and accommodating the staff at Lakeview at Fontana were. The ability to secure a same-day massage speaks volumes about their attention to guests. It also shows their commitment to creating a seamless, relaxing experience. Personally, I think the option to easily add spa time into your itinerary is a major bonus when you stay here. Especially on a girls’ weekend trip! It truly elevates the entire stay.
Relaxation with my Best Friend
After her massage, my friend and I relaxed in the hammocks onsite and soaked in the views and fresh mountain air. We actually did some breathing exercises. The Lakeview at Fontana actually offers Relaxtional Rituals throughout the four locations on the property. These are designed to help you slow down and unwind. l Simply settle in at each location with your phone and press play. You just click HERE, and you will be guided by the soothing voice of renowned yoga and meditation instructor Cathy Woods. This is also supported by the Komuso Shift breathing necklace. You can purchase this necklace in the honor market. It is a necklace purposefully designed to gently slow the exhale. We didn’t purchase the necklace, but I definitely recommend it.
Things you can also expect and enjoy at the resort include:
- 2.5-mile hiking trail
- Outdoor pool
- Lounging casitas with a chair hammock
- Deck overlooking Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains
- Self-pay Honor Markets for snacks, bath and body products, and necessities
- Option for spa services and tree-top soak
Our First Night
For our first night, we had dinner at River’s End Restaurant. It’s only 12 minutes away from the resort, and it’s one of the most scenic dining spots near Bryson City. The restaurant sits right above the Nantahala River. If you visit during the day, you might even spot rafters floating down the river. It adds such a fun, lively touch to the scenery.
The views are absolutely stunning. Even in the rain, it was beautiful. The fog rolled in over the river and drifted through the mountains. It created this dreamy, almost magical atmosphere. The food was excellent and fresh. Everything is calm, cozy, and unhurried. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying. It was the perfect way to kick off a weekend in the Smoky Mountains.
Day Two: Breakfast at Lakeview at Fontana + Treetop Soaking Cabana
We started day two slowly with breakfast at the resort. One of the best parts of staying at Lakeview at Fontana is the simple, peaceful morning setup. Breakfast included:
- Fresh French press coffee
- Yogurt and oats
- Croissants
Sitting with a lake view while sipping coffee made it feel like the definition of a Lake Fontana morning getaway. After breakfast, we enjoyed one of the most unique experiences at the resort: the treetop soaking cabanas. These private mountain-view soaking tubs are tucked into nature with sweeping views of Lake Fontana and the Smoky Mountains. We both enjoyed our morning soak, and it was a great way to relax before starting our day.
Adventure in Bryson City
After relaxing at the resort, we headed into Bryson City. We walked around town and explored the little shops. It has such a cute, small-town feel that instantly makes you slow down. We stopped at Honey Bear’s Bakery & More for something sweet. The s’mores lattes were epic and tasted just like a s’more. The Fruity Pebble donuts were sweet, colorful, and honestly so good. I ordered 6, but I probably could have eaten more.
After a bit of shopping, we made our way to Deep Creek. This was easily one of the most fun parts of the whole trip. We rented tubes for just $13 and spent the day hiking and tubing through the creek. We started with a hike to the waterfalls. They are super easy hikes, and you get to see the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
We then packed up our phones and valuables and hiked up with our tubes to hit the water. And yes, within two minutes we were already in the creek laughing uncontrollably. The water was cold, refreshing, and so fun. It was Cristin’s first time tubing, and it turned into one of those unforgettable moments. We were able to ride the whole creek down to where our car was parked, and it was so much fun. Just sunshine, mountain air, rushing water, and nonstop laughter. If you’re looking for fun outdoor activities near Bryson City, tubing at Deep Creek is a must-do.
Hammocks, Lake Views, and Relaxation
Following our tubing adventure, we were completely wiped. We went straight back to Lakeview at Fontana and took a little cat nap. It was much needed! After that, we spent the afternoon just relaxing in the hammock areas overlooking Lake Fontana. The resort has so many outdoor lounge spaces made for slowing down and doing absolutely nothing in the best way. Some suites even have private porch seating or hammocks, which makes it really easy to just sit back and stay awhile.
That evening, we got ready and headed into town for dinner at The Tuck and Table, one of the most popular spots in Bryson City. It was the perfect ending to a girls’ weekend. The food was great; definitely try the trout dip if it’s available. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed, and the whole walkable small-town vibe of Bryson City just makes everything feel extra welcoming and easy. We even found a cute flowerfall painted in town and took some super cute photos after we ate. It was so much fun.
Final Thoughts: Is Lakeview at Fontana Worth It?
Simple answer: 100%. If you’re looking for the perfect girls’ weekend in North Carolina, Lake Fontana checks every box. What makes Lakeview at Fontana so special is the balance. This was my third time visiting, and there is a reason I keep coming back. It feels peaceful, but never boring. Scenic, but not overwhelming. Close to everything, yet still tucked away in its own quiet world.
It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down. You wake up with the lake. Sip coffee with sweeping mountain views. And lose track of time in the best way. Between spa moments, Deep Creek tubing adventures, hammock lounging, and cozy dinners in Bryson City, it was the perfect mix of fun and total reset for a girls’ weekend. Most of all, it was about reconnecting with nature and with my best friend. No distractions. No rush. Just easy laughs, long talks, and that calm, grounded feeling you don’t get often enough. We are already dreaming about the next girls’ trip back.
My best friend and I both left the resort feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and even more connected. It was the perfect break from our everyday routine and absolutely worth the drive from our new home in Raleigh. The resort is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along! You can book your stay HERE!
With Love,
Lex Paige
