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| Power Style Wellness Connections |
Having a Beautiful Retreat
By Holly Gregor
Interior design writer Holly Gregor tells of her experience staying at the Old Edwards
Inn & Spa
I have arrived! The Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands, NC. is a six and one-half hour
drive from Louisville, first to Ashville and then the last hour-and-a-half through the
Smoky Mountains. I am thrilled to be here. This is my weekend treat to myself for my
hard work, and for being a mother — the hardest job in the world. I am also on my way
to Brevard, N. C. to pick up my eldest son at summer camp and Highlands is the
perfect retreat for me to rest, shop for fine antiques, and dine at fabulous restaurants.
My first impression when I walked into the lobby is that I have entered someone’s
home. It is rich and personable with ochre-colored walls, dark wood wainscoting and
oriental rugs. I am shown to a private suite with an outdoor entry and a private patio
that overlooks downtown Highlands. It is a very up-scale cottage. The suite is
decorated with a green linen sofa and chairs covered in a large-scale print of fruit, very
tasteful. I am happy, happy, happy! I love luxury, elegance, and being pampered,
especially in a mountain setting.
Not much time to relax, however. I am due downstairs in the Hummingbird Lounge to
meet Cynthia and Mario Gomes, a husband and wife team who manage the Inn. They
are right on time. Cynthia is from North Carolina and Mario is from Portugal and they
make a wonderful team with her beautiful Southern manners and his European
elegance. We had a wonderful time getting to know each other before dining at
Madison’s, the Inn’s Carolina High Country cuisine restaurant and Wine Garden.
Dinner was fabulous. I didn’t hold back on anything. It was rich and beyond fattening. I
had seared Foie Gras, Vanilla Braised Cabbage with Blueberry Scented Duck Essence
for an appetizer, the Pan Seared Halibut with Sweet Pea and Morel Mushroom
Succotash with Verjus Butter Sauce for my entrée, and Mario ordered three different
desserts for us to try, not to mention the wines he selected at dinner. We talked about
the owners of the Inn, Art and Angela Williams. I was told they traveled the world,
staying at different Inns, storing up ideas to create an oasis of their own. They have
been sweethearts since the second grade. Art was at one time a high school coach
and then went into the insurance business. Later he and his wife bought the Old
Edwards Inn & Spa and renovated it to their high standards. Cynthia said the focus
wasn’t on the cost ($50 million) to restore and expand the Inn, but rather about
excellent quality.
After dinner, I returned to my room. I was happy as a clam until I made a horrible error
in judgment. I noticed a scale in the bathroom and since I was feeling so good about
myself I thought I would see if my weight matched my feelings. It did not! Within a split
second I was reeling with hopelessness. (I don’t mean to sound crazy as a bed bug, but
I had not weighed myself in over a year so I had no idea how much weight I had
gained.) That was a mistake. My best advice is…never, ever, get on a scale while you
are on vacation. It isn’t worth it.
Deciding to put calorie counting on the agenda for another day, I settled in for a much-
needed, peaceful, night’s sleep on the Inn’s luxurious queen-size bed covered in Frette
linens. The next morning I rolled out of bed and met Cynthia in the restaurant for
breakfast. Again, it was fabulous and I enjoyed every decadent bite. I didn’t feel like
missing out on this dining experience by watching my weight, so I forced myself back in
denial.
Cynthia and I were off to tour the property. Some people may not like this part and
would not include it in their spa experience, but I love it. This is where I get to ask all
the questions about the interior design, art and accessory selections, and the
architecture. I learned the Inn’s interior designer was Jack DeLong from Atlanta. Art
and Angela Williams had used him to do design work in their private home. The Inn felt
beautiful, comfortable, unpretentious, yet surrounded with fine furnishings, just like
Cynthia and Mario, and, I’m told, the Williams’.
The tour took a couple of hours because there is so much to see. Besides the Inn
there is The Farm, where weddings are held; a state of the art fitness center; a
Conference Center; The Lodge; Madison’s Restaurant; and Wine Garden, a casual
restaurant; The Rib Shack; shopping at Acorns and Miss Priss; The Dry Cleaners on-
site service; and The Spa, which is where we ended our tour.
I was scheduled for two treatments, the Rainforest Rejuvenation Ritual which is made
up of an aroma and color light therapy in an ornately tiled steam chamber; and a
classic Swedish massage. Like most spas, it was quiet and peaceful. It was also
serenely elegant without being intimidating, mainly because the people are so friendly.
In fact, all the hotel staff I met were friendly and seemed genuinely happy to be working
there.
After my treatments and three hours of total pampering, I floated back to my room for
the second time. I was so relaxed I didn’t want to think about going out to dinner, so I
went to the Rib Shack, just across from the Fitness Center, and picked up some
barbeque to take back to my room. I ordered a beer with my meal, but because of the
Inn’s policy, I couldn’t take it out of the restaurant. The restaurant called room service
to have one brought up to my room. Unfortunately the beer never made it. So…The
Old Edwards Inn isn’t perfect…and I was just saved a few extra calories by not having
that beer.
When I got up the next morning, I decided to take advantage of one of the Inn’s elegant
amenities. My suite had one of those large free-standing tubs that looks like a giant
porcelain egg. In fact, I felt like a little bitty baby bird that just hatched from its shell
when I sat in it. The signature bubble bath smelled fabulously woodsy and completely
covered me. It was a child-like feeling, being in that big tub covered in bubbles, and it
made me laugh. The thought passed through my mind that I would like to remember
this peaceful moment, so I sat back, relaxed, and etched the memory in my mind.
Sometimes, it is the simple things that truly help one live a beautiful life!
After my bath, feeling motivated and semi-productive, I skipped my fattening breakfast
and decided to get back to reality and go work out. I headed over to the fitness center,
signed up, and jumped on the brand new Technogym equipment. There were a few
machines that were new to me, but someone was there, eager and willing to show me
how to properly use them. It felt great to exert some energy again and break a sweat. I
also enjoyed meeting some of the other guests of the hotel. There was a large wedding
party at their sister property, The Lodge at Old Edwards Inn. The wedding was that
afternoon, outside, at The Farm. I had seen them setting up the tent yesterday when
Cynthia took me on the tour. Everything looked so beautiful…all in white, even the
flowers in the garden.
I could tell they were having a wonderful time, and so was I, but my stay had ended. It
was time for me to go pick up my son at camp. I was well-rested and ready to enter the
world again. I enjoyed my two nights of being pampered, waited on, and well fed…so I
say “thank you” to the Old Edwards Inn & Spa.
By Holly Gregor
Interior design writer Holly Gregor tells of her experience staying at the Old Edwards
Inn & Spa
I have arrived! The Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands, NC. is a six and one-half hour
drive from Louisville, first to Ashville and then the last hour-and-a-half through the
Smoky Mountains. I am thrilled to be here. This is my weekend treat to myself for my
hard work, and for being a mother — the hardest job in the world. I am also on my way
to Brevard, N. C. to pick up my eldest son at summer camp and Highlands is the
perfect retreat for me to rest, shop for fine antiques, and dine at fabulous restaurants.
My first impression when I walked into the lobby is that I have entered someone’s
home. It is rich and personable with ochre-colored walls, dark wood wainscoting and
oriental rugs. I am shown to a private suite with an outdoor entry and a private patio
that overlooks downtown Highlands. It is a very up-scale cottage. The suite is
decorated with a green linen sofa and chairs covered in a large-scale print of fruit, very
tasteful. I am happy, happy, happy! I love luxury, elegance, and being pampered,
especially in a mountain setting.
Not much time to relax, however. I am due downstairs in the Hummingbird Lounge to
meet Cynthia and Mario Gomes, a husband and wife team who manage the Inn. They
are right on time. Cynthia is from North Carolina and Mario is from Portugal and they
make a wonderful team with her beautiful Southern manners and his European
elegance. We had a wonderful time getting to know each other before dining at
Madison’s, the Inn’s Carolina High Country cuisine restaurant and Wine Garden.
Dinner was fabulous. I didn’t hold back on anything. It was rich and beyond fattening. I
had seared Foie Gras, Vanilla Braised Cabbage with Blueberry Scented Duck Essence
for an appetizer, the Pan Seared Halibut with Sweet Pea and Morel Mushroom
Succotash with Verjus Butter Sauce for my entrée, and Mario ordered three different
desserts for us to try, not to mention the wines he selected at dinner. We talked about
the owners of the Inn, Art and Angela Williams. I was told they traveled the world,
staying at different Inns, storing up ideas to create an oasis of their own. They have
been sweethearts since the second grade. Art was at one time a high school coach
and then went into the insurance business. Later he and his wife bought the Old
Edwards Inn & Spa and renovated it to their high standards. Cynthia said the focus
wasn’t on the cost ($50 million) to restore and expand the Inn, but rather about
excellent quality.
After dinner, I returned to my room. I was happy as a clam until I made a horrible error
in judgment. I noticed a scale in the bathroom and since I was feeling so good about
myself I thought I would see if my weight matched my feelings. It did not! Within a split
second I was reeling with hopelessness. (I don’t mean to sound crazy as a bed bug, but
I had not weighed myself in over a year so I had no idea how much weight I had
gained.) That was a mistake. My best advice is…never, ever, get on a scale while you
are on vacation. It isn’t worth it.
Deciding to put calorie counting on the agenda for another day, I settled in for a much-
needed, peaceful, night’s sleep on the Inn’s luxurious queen-size bed covered in Frette
linens. The next morning I rolled out of bed and met Cynthia in the restaurant for
breakfast. Again, it was fabulous and I enjoyed every decadent bite. I didn’t feel like
missing out on this dining experience by watching my weight, so I forced myself back in
denial.
Cynthia and I were off to tour the property. Some people may not like this part and
would not include it in their spa experience, but I love it. This is where I get to ask all
the questions about the interior design, art and accessory selections, and the
architecture. I learned the Inn’s interior designer was Jack DeLong from Atlanta. Art
and Angela Williams had used him to do design work in their private home. The Inn felt
beautiful, comfortable, unpretentious, yet surrounded with fine furnishings, just like
Cynthia and Mario, and, I’m told, the Williams’.
The tour took a couple of hours because there is so much to see. Besides the Inn
there is The Farm, where weddings are held; a state of the art fitness center; a
Conference Center; The Lodge; Madison’s Restaurant; and Wine Garden, a casual
restaurant; The Rib Shack; shopping at Acorns and Miss Priss; The Dry Cleaners on-
site service; and The Spa, which is where we ended our tour.
I was scheduled for two treatments, the Rainforest Rejuvenation Ritual which is made
up of an aroma and color light therapy in an ornately tiled steam chamber; and a
classic Swedish massage. Like most spas, it was quiet and peaceful. It was also
serenely elegant without being intimidating, mainly because the people are so friendly.
In fact, all the hotel staff I met were friendly and seemed genuinely happy to be working
there.
After my treatments and three hours of total pampering, I floated back to my room for
the second time. I was so relaxed I didn’t want to think about going out to dinner, so I
went to the Rib Shack, just across from the Fitness Center, and picked up some
barbeque to take back to my room. I ordered a beer with my meal, but because of the
Inn’s policy, I couldn’t take it out of the restaurant. The restaurant called room service
to have one brought up to my room. Unfortunately the beer never made it. So…The
Old Edwards Inn isn’t perfect…and I was just saved a few extra calories by not having
that beer.
When I got up the next morning, I decided to take advantage of one of the Inn’s elegant
amenities. My suite had one of those large free-standing tubs that looks like a giant
porcelain egg. In fact, I felt like a little bitty baby bird that just hatched from its shell
when I sat in it. The signature bubble bath smelled fabulously woodsy and completely
covered me. It was a child-like feeling, being in that big tub covered in bubbles, and it
made me laugh. The thought passed through my mind that I would like to remember
this peaceful moment, so I sat back, relaxed, and etched the memory in my mind.
Sometimes, it is the simple things that truly help one live a beautiful life!
After my bath, feeling motivated and semi-productive, I skipped my fattening breakfast
and decided to get back to reality and go work out. I headed over to the fitness center,
signed up, and jumped on the brand new Technogym equipment. There were a few
machines that were new to me, but someone was there, eager and willing to show me
how to properly use them. It felt great to exert some energy again and break a sweat. I
also enjoyed meeting some of the other guests of the hotel. There was a large wedding
party at their sister property, The Lodge at Old Edwards Inn. The wedding was that
afternoon, outside, at The Farm. I had seen them setting up the tent yesterday when
Cynthia took me on the tour. Everything looked so beautiful…all in white, even the
flowers in the garden.
I could tell they were having a wonderful time, and so was I, but my stay had ended. It
was time for me to go pick up my son at camp. I was well-rested and ready to enter the
world again. I enjoyed my two nights of being pampered, waited on, and well fed…so I
say “thank you” to the Old Edwards Inn & Spa.