7 Romantic Things to Do at The Umstead Hotel (Raleigh)

If you’re looking for a luxury escape for couples, The Umstead Hotel & Spa near Raleigh delivers in every way. Whether indulging in a couples’ spa day, enjoying multicourse fine-dining at the incredible Herons Restaurant together, or simply soaking up the art-filled ambiance, The Umstead is a great place to reconnect and unwind with your partner. My husband, Phil, and I were enchanted by this five-star retreat, and I bet you will be, too. Ready for a swoon-worthy getaway? Here are seven romantic things to do at The Umstead Hotel in Cary, North Carolina!

Thank you to The Umstead for hosting our romantic hotel stay.

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1. Relax together by the outdoor pool.

Since I’m smitten with beautiful hotel pools, let’s start with The Umstead Hotel & Spa‘s swimming oasis. Surrounded by native North Carolina trees like oaks, pines, and maples, the outdoor pool provides an intimate setting to relax and soak up the scenery with your partner. The saltwater pool is heated year-round, providing a refreshing escape no matter the weather.

Attentive servers will bring cocktails, mocktails, and delicious food with a smile straight to your cushy lounger. They were happy to serve the Lobster Roll filling on a salad for gluten-sensitive little ol’ me, and I can’t recommend this delicious option enough (dietary restrictions or not)!

Stay hydrated with fruit-infused water at self-service stations. There’s even complimentary sunblock available for forgetful guests. Up the luxury factor with private poolside cabanas.

2. Enjoy a couples spa day at The Umstead Spa.

At The Umstead Spa, couples can unwind together in a sumptuous setting. The Couples’ Suite offers a private soaking tub and side-by-side massages for a romantic spa experience.

Choose from massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services like hair and nail care. The Umstead Spa offers several signature treatments, including Falling Waters, a Vichy shower hydrotherapy spa treatment that includes multiple showerheads positioned above a spa table, paired with an exfoliating body polish and soothing lavender-mint body butter.

Before or after treatments, the spa’s relaxation area offers refreshments like dried and fresh fruits plus herbal teas. Men and women can enjoy saunas and steam rooms separately and then come together in the outdoor co-ed “swirl pool” with its fountain and surrounding greenery. I had a hard time pulling myself away from here, but…the pool called to me!

3. Indulge in five-star dining at Herons Restaurant.

Dining at Herons is certainly one of the most romantic things to do at The Umstead Hotel. This Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond restaurant’s beautiful presentations, delicious flavors, and exceptional service make a memorable experience indeed. My husband and I opted for the four-course prix fixe menu, with expertly paired wines selected and presented by the knowledgeable sommelier.

Throughout the evening, we received unexpected mini tastings, from amuse-bouches to delicate handmade candies, which added an element of surprise. Read more about this amazing farm-to-table Raleigh dining experience and others!

Although not as elaborate an affair as dinner, Herons Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch as well. Start your morning meal with a complimentary juice elixir and then dig into comforting dishes like Avocado Toast with English peas, radish, goat cheese, and pistachios on sourdough. Expect upscale sandwiches, salads, and plates with Asian fusion flair for your midday meal.

Many fruits, vegetables, and herbs served at Herons are grown at The Umstead’s own three-acre One Oak Farm. I was lucky enough to get a tour of these organic grounds. Take a peek at my experience via this Umstead farm video (and follow me on Instagram, won’t you?).

4. Sip and savor flavors in the romantic Bar & Lounge.

Cozy up at The Umstead Bar & Lounge with a round of seasonal cocktails or non-alcoholic infusions. These are more than mere beverages; they’re works of drinkable art. My husband raved about his Vine Cocktail, made with Rittenhouse Rye, fresh watermelon, yuzu-honey, and mint. Meanwhile, sober curious folks will appreciate options like the Papaya Spritz, concocted from papaya, citrus, pink peppercorn, and non-alcoholic sparkling Riesling.

If you’re feeling peckish, order tempting hors d’oeuvres like award-winning fresh oysters on the half-shell from Oysters Carolina, or a charcuterie board with cheeses from Chapel Hill Creamery. Choose from entrées like herb-crusted salmon with glass noodles, five-spice consommée, and vegetables or an Umstead Burger with black truffle aioli and herbed fries.

5. Listen to live music in the Lounge.

Enjoy the Lounge’s sophisticated setting adjacent to the lobby, filled with original works of art, including a glass sculpture by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Live entertainment is played in the fireplace lounge every evening, Thursday through Sunday.

A harpist plays soothing tunes during an elegant Afternoon Tea, Wednesday through Sunday. In addition to a selection of black, green, and herbal teas, couples can enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets while socializing with other guests.

6. Order dining and other deliveries to your room.

Skip going out in favor of eating light gourmet fare from Herons for dinner in your Umstead Hotel room. Or sleep in late and cuddle under the covers while munching on pancakes and farm-fresh eggs. In-room dining is available every day from 6 am to 10 pm.

For a special treat for your sweetheart, ask guest services to deliver a fruit platter, wine, or flowers to your room. The hotel also offers the Umstead Gift Shop with presents like gift baskets, jewelry, and artwork available in person and online.

7. Take a stroll around the wooded property.

Hold hands with your honey as you stroll along walking paths throughout The Umstead’s wooded property, which stretches across 12 acres (nearly five hectares). Take in views of the hotel’s private three-acre lake with its serene fountain in its center, and look for sculptures scattered throughout the landscape. As you wander, you just may see vibrant red cardinals, North Carolina’s state bird.

To view additional sculptures, be sure to visit the nearby Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park. It was founded by the owners of The Umstead Hotel & Spa, namely Ann and Jim Goodnight. This 164-acre (66-hectare) attraction combines two of my favorite things into one whimsical experience: nature and creative art. This awesome park is part of the North Carolina Museum of Art, which is lauded as the best art museum in the state.

Book Your Raleigh Romantic Getaway

Phil and I absolutely fell in love with our getaway to The Umstead Hotel & Spa. From the incredible Herons dining experience, to the impeccable service and gorgeous woodland setting, every detail felt carefully curated for relaxation and connection. Ready for romance? Book your stay at The Umstead Hotel & Spa now!

For date ideas for your romantic getaway, read about these activities for adults in Raleigh from CAM Raleigh Art Gallery to great spots in Downtown Cary and beyond. Don’t miss my picks for the best Raleigh farm-to-table restaurants, either.

More Trip Ideas for Couples

For outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, renowned golf courses, and romantic hotels, read about the best places in Monterey, California for couples.

Discover things for couples to do on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, from watching the sunset over the sea to dining at romantic specialty restaurants and beyond.

Couples seeking romance are sure to find it in Louisiana with this list of romantic things to do in New Orleans.

Connect with your partner during a spa vacation in Arizona with this ranking of the best luxury spa hotels in Scottsdale.

Save These Things to Do at The Umstead Hotel

For future reference and trip inspiration, save this list of romantic things to do at The Umstead Hotel. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Which of these romantic activities at The Umstead sounds dreamiest to you? Do you have any questions about this luxury hotel? Share in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: Visit Raleigh partially hosted my visit to the City of Oaks with my husband. Some of our meals and activities were covered, including our stay and my spa treatment at The Umstead Hotel. I did not receive any monetary compensation related to this blog post. All opinions are mine, as always.

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