Asheville, North Carolina: A Perfect Girls Getaway Destination

On April 15, 2008 MSNBC reported that girlfriends’ getaways are “a booming trend in travel” and this year more women than ever plan to escape every day life and spend some quality time with their sisters, mothers, daughters and best friends.  According to Marybeth Bond, the author of 50 Best Girlfriends Getaways in North America and 50 Best Girlfriends Getaways Worldwide, “there has been a 230% increase in the number of women-only travel companies in the past seven years.”  Bond has been tracking data on women only travel since 1993 and says even married women are taking trips and leaving their husbands at home.      

Plan Your Girls Only Vacation in the Heart of the Breathtaking North Carolina Mountains.

The MSNBC article also explains that women are making unique and adventurous travel plans together. Some of the most popular travel themes for a girls’ getaway vacation are: Learning Trips, Outdoor Adventure Trips, Metropolitan City Trips and Pampering Spa trips.  MSNBC is not the only news station reporting on women’s travel. Recently, www.TravelIndustryWire.com reported that 40% of American women plan to take a girls-only vacation soon.  This data is supported by a recent travel study conducted by AAA and Aspire. 

The innovative study concluded, “girlfriend getaways are growing in popularity, in part because American women feel the need to escape their personal and professional responsibilities. The report also shows that vacations including just girlfriends and female family members ease stress and have become an important part of the lives of American women.”  The study, which featured an online survey of 1,500 women and telephone interviews with 513, states approximately “24% of women have taken a girlfriend getaway in the past three years and 39% of American women plan on taking one in the next three years.” Whether you are looking for fun and excitement or rest and relaxation, planning a vacation to Asheville, NC with your girls means sharing stories, enjoying one another’s company and remembering why you’ve stayed close over the years.

Concierge Service at The Residences at Biltmore: An Asheville Hotel Everyone Will Love:  Plan Your Ladies Mountain Escape at an Asheville NC Hotel Like No Other!

The Residences at Biltmore is excited to now offer our premier Girls-Only Getaway – the Ladies Mountain Escape!  Starting at only $1970.00 for 4 of your closest family members and/or gal pals, this specially designed spa weekend is unbelievably affordable and luxurious!  Whether you are celebrating a birthday, graduation, or bachelorette party, your Asheville NC vacation is the perfect time to relax and unwind so grab the girls and head for the hills.

Let our professional concierge assist you with all of your travel planning needs. Concierges will schedule spa appointments and arrange for transportation if necessary.  The Ladies Mountain Escape package includes:

• 3 fabulous nights in our Two Bedroom Suite (a 3 night minimum stay is required
• A chilled bottle of Biltmore Estate Champagne in-room at arrival
• Spa at Biltmore Village tote bags with spa amenities gift package for each guest
• 90-minute spa treatments for all the girls at the Spa at Biltmore Village, features a 1 hour Swedish massage, body scrub and wrap
• Champagne and chocolate truffles after the spa treatments

Travel package upgrades are available for an additional fee, tax & gratuity will be included for spa treatments; simply speak to our staff when you make your reservations.  It is suggested that the Ladies Mountain Escape package be booked at least two weeks in advance to allow for group scheduling of spa services. However, please call for short-term availability and we will make every effort to accommodate your reservation.

Choose an Asheville Hotel that Caters to all Kinds of Women and Plan An Unforgettable Asheville Spa Vacation 

Mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters and best friends will love the Ladies Mountain Escape.  Enjoy the incredible experience of visiting the Spa at Biltmore Village. Like our dedicated staff, the Spa at Biltmore Village believes your Asheville spa vacation should be luxurious, comfortable and customized to your individual needs. Prepare yourself for results-oriented treatments and impeccable customer service.  In addition to the treatments included in your Ladies Mountain Escape package customize your spa visit with add-on beauty, health and wellness treatments such as: manicures, pedicures, facials, Reiki, cranial sacral, reflexology, professional waxing and anti-aging remedies. When your treatments are completed recline in the Spa at Biltmore’s Relaxation Room and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit.

The Comforts of Home in Your Asheville NC Hotel

When you are on vacation there is no reason to miss the comforts of home.  In our Two Bedroom Suites you and your girls will find the following:

• Fully Equipped Kitchen
• In-room Washer and Dryer
• Dining Area
• Living Room Area with Stone Fireplace
• Two Full Bathrooms-Master Bath with Whirlpool Tub
• Flat Screen TV with CD/DVD Player in the Living Room and Both Bedrooms
• Wireless Internet
• 24-Hour Concierge Service

After your trip to the spa return to your Two Bedroom Suite to relax, cook dinner, watch a movie and escape your every day responsibilities or take a soak in the whirlpool tub, get dressed to the nines and head out for an exciting night on the town in Asheville! Let our Concierge help you and your loved ones find the perfect restaurant, reliable transportation and tickets for a show. At The Residences at Biltmore we promise you’ll discover the pleasure of luxury in a home like atmosphere paired with personalized service.  Let us help you plan a girls’ weekend you’ll never forget!   

The Perfect Asheville Vacation Rental and an Unforgettable Asheville Hotel Rolled into One

Asheville vacation rentals come in every shape, size and price range. The level of personal service and the number of quality amenities provided also varies based on where you choose to spend your luxury mountain getaway. There are perks to choosing an Asheville vacation home, such as a cabin, historic home or private rental, but you will sacrifice the more traditional advantages of staying at a hotel in Asheville. Whether you are a business travel planner or focused on family vacation planning, you should not have to choose between the comforts of home and the convenience of hotel services. At The Residences at Biltmore we are dedicated to providing everything you need to experience the NC mountain getaway of your dreams!

A Different Kind of Asheville Hotel

The Residences at Biltmore is an Asheville hotel designed to offer many of the same services and benefits of a vacation rental. We believe the convenience and comforts of home are essential to the success of your trip to Western North Carolina. In our One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites you’ll find ample free parking, have your own private entrance and complementary wireless internet throughout the property.  Inside you can enjoy amenities like fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances, separate bedrooms, washer and dryer units, room for up to 8 guests, fireplaces, private balconies and even whirlpool tubs.  All of these features are often found in Asheville vacation rentals but rarely in traditional Asheville hotels.

Defining a New Kind of Luxury at The Residences at Biltmore

In addition to the advantages of an Asheville vacation rental, we offer hotel amenities and benefits you won’t find at typical condo or cabin rentals in and around Asheville, NC.  We are also available on a nightly basis, typically with no minimum night stay requirements (except on peak weekends and holidays).  This way you can enjoy the comforts of home paired with the convenience of hotel services and amenities regardless of your length of stay.  We are proud to offer a new kind of luxury vacation rental unlike the others.

A True Downtown Asheville Location

Many Asheville vacation rentals claim they are just “minutes from Asheville” but this can mean different things to different people. Two and Three Bedroom Suites at The Residences at Biltmore provide the privacy, convenience and multiple bedrooms you’ll find in a local cabin or vacation home rental plus a downtown location.  Save gas by staying at a hotel in Asheville instead of a vacation rental in Saluda, Hot Springs, Black Mountain, Candler, Waynesville, Weaverville and other smaller towns that require highway driving to quickly reach the city.

Concierge Services Provided by Meticulously Trained Professionals

Our Concierges are trained professionals ready to assist you with all of your business travel, vacation planning and North Carolina mountain getaway needs. The knowledge, availability and care our travel and hotel Concierges provide makes planning your Asheville trip effortless and worry-free. Let us help with all aspects of your trip including:

•    Attraction Tickets (Chimney Rock Park, Biltmore Estate, Asheville Art Museum and more)
•    Event Tickets (theater, music and sports events)
•    Spa and Salon Appointments
•    Site Seeing Tours
•    Fly Fishing Trips
•    Horse Back Riding
•    Hiking and Waterfall Trails
•    Hot Air Balloon Rides
•    White Water Rafting
•    Babysitting
•    Grocery Shopping/Meal Delivery
•    Pet-sitting, Grooming and Walking Services
•    Dry Cleaning/Tailoring/Shoe Repair
•    Personal Shopping
•    Package Delivery
•    Gift Arrangements and Delivery
•    Transportation/Auto Rentals/Limo and Car Services
•    Airline Reservations
•    Travel Itineraries
•    Corporate Meetings
•    Equipment and AV Rental
•    Teambuilding Activities
•    Business Center Services

Daily Housekeeping Service

The Residences at Biltmore provides high quality, professional housekeeping services including a nightly turndown in all suites. Relax and enjoy your Asheville vacation and let our staff clean and maintain your living space, all at no additional charge.

Meeting Space to Suit Your Business Travel Needs

In October 2008, we are proud to open our new meeting space.  Designed for small groups of 16 or less, we can accommodate corporate meetings, teambuilding activities, company presentations and staff appreciation events. Let our hotel Concierges organize catering, equipment rental and more.

Simple, Convenient Road and Highway Access

Unlike many Western North Carolina vacation rentals located outside of downtown Asheville,  The Residences at Biltmore is surrounded by easy to find, main roads and state highways, literally just minutes from the most sought out travel destinations.  If you are interested in visiting the Eastern Band of Cherokee Reservation, Hot Springs, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Joyce Kilmer old growth forest, Lake Lure and other attractions throughout Western North Carolina The Residences at Biltmore offers an excellent location. Conveniently situated on Biltmore Avenue, a main street in downtown, and within 2 to 5 miles of Highway 240, Highway 40, Highway 26, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Highway 74, The Residences at Biltmore is a great base from which to explore the mountains and surrounding areas.  So when looking for the perfect mountain vacation rental or ideal Asheville hotel, look no further than The Residences at Biltmore!

Guests of The Residences at Biltmore have a luxury kitchen with all of the finest appointments at their disposal during their stay. In addition to supermarkets such as Harris Teeter nearby, there are also two excellent farmers markets within a short distance of the hotel, which offer wonderful selections of locally grown and handcrafted foods. The Residences at Biltmore Concierge staff is here to make a guest’s gourmet experience as convenient and tastefully done as possible, so do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

Photo: Dwaine Swing is Co-owner of Oak Moon Farm and Creamery with his wife, Cynthia Sharp.

Meet the Local Farmer on an Asheville Vacation
A unique characteristic of the Asheville area is the large number of independent farms in and around town. Even before the Biltmore Estate was completed in the late 19th Century, Asheville was a central place where the local farmer could sell produce or other wares. When Grove Arcade was built in the late 1920s it was constructed as an open-air farmer’s market. Today, the Portico Market, near the Battery Park Avenue entrance to the Grove Arcade, continues the tradition of farmers and local craftspeople selling directly to the public in downtown Asheville.

French Broad Food Co-Op Farmers Market is less than ½ Mile Away
For seventeen years, farmers from across the Western North Carolina area have been setting up tables at the The French Broad Food Co-op Farmers Market, at 90 Biltmore Avenue. This local market is less than ½ mile north of The Residences at Biltmore, on the edge of downtown Asheville. The farmers market is held on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. The farmers and craftspeople who sell here all bring farm grown or handcrafted natural and organic products to the table.

A quick visit to the French Broad Food Co-op Farmers Market will satisfy the tastes of the everyday person and whet the appetite of the epicurean, or anyone who loves to make or taste fresh, gourmet food. Farm to table food is one of the hottest commodities in Asheville, especially with the price of gas driving supermarket prices higher and higher. Buying from a Western North Carolina farmer cuts down on the amount of resources needed to transport food and supports local growers.

Fresh Goat Cheese for Sale at Farmers Market in Downtown Asheville
Some great gems are waiting to be uncovered at the smaller farmers markets in Asheville. Dwain Swing and his wife Cynthia Sharp keep a herd of 90 goats at Oak Moon Farm and Creamery in Bakersville, about an hour away from Asheville. Dwain sells freshly made goat cheese at the French Broad Food Co-op market on Saturday mornings. His goat farm is the focus of a cover story in the November 2008 issue of the Dairy Goat Journal. Dwain says that in addition to plain and herb seasoned goat cheeses, they will be selling aged cheeses very soon.

Honey Soap Made with Natural Ingredients
Another regular craftsperson at the French Broad Farmers Market is Pam Reed. Pam began making soaps in Colorado for her children, who were sensitive to chemical additives. Pam owns Plush Soap Farms and she makes and sells handcrafted honey soap that is chemical free. She procures the honey from a local, West Asheville beekeeper. Soaps are made with the finest natural ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter and pure essential oils.

Buy Some Local Baked Goods on a Visit to Downtown Asheville
If there’s a sweet tooth that needs to be satisfied, or a homemade bread lover in the family, look for the bakery table at the farmers market. A couple named Dimitri and Darci DeWulf, owners of Loaf Child Bakery, bring breads, sweets, cookies, brownies, pies and tarts to sell at the French Broad Food Co-op market on Saturdays. Their baked goods are also for sale at Green Life on Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville. Dimitri says that all organic flour is the base ingredient for their breads and sweets, and that local ingredients are utilized whenever possible.

Speak Directly to the Farmer Who Grew or Raised the Food
It is clear that many of the local vendors in Asheville are close to their products and their customers. This is precisely what local farmers markets are all about. Visiting a farmers market is more than just a trip to the store to pick up a few things for a meal. Visiting a local farmers market is a chance to witness some local color and speak directly to the person who grew the food. Vendors sell fresh fruit and vegetables, free range meats, flowers, and more. On Saturday mornings, a dulcimer player performs at the market to enliven the atmosphere with some mountain style music while neighbors who are regulars at the market greet one another. When visiting a local farmers market, become a part of the Asheville atmosphere, relax, ask a few questions about the food, and say hello to the locals.

The Residences at Biltmore Concierge Will Make Your Gourmet Meal a Snap!
Upon returning to The Residences at Biltmore, remember – it’s the Concierge’s job to help make your stay, and therefore your meal, special. For some it may be an extra hand with the bags while returning to the suite. Or maybe it is the delivery of an item that will complete the gourmet kitchen, such as an extra corkscrew, kitchen utensil, or special type of seasoning. Whatever a guest may need to make that gourmet meal a little easier, The Residences at Biltmore Concierge is ready to assist. Bon Appetit!

Imagine relaxing by the pool on a hillside, nestled in an historic Asheville neighborhood, surrounded by native plants, colorful wildflowers, bushes and shrubs.  Or, picture yourself after a long day of hiking, fishing, or whitewater rafting in the Blue Ridge or Smoky Mountains, luxuriating in an outdoor hot tub at sunset, beside a roaring fire.

Guests of The Residences at Biltmore, the finest condo hotel in Asheville, will soon have all of these luxuries at their fingertips. The outdoor pool area will open once complete in late fall, early winter. The pool will remain closed until April when it will open for guest use.  However, guests of The Residences at Biltmore will still have access to the pool area to use the hot tub and the fire pit throughout the entire year once complete.

Outdoor Swimming in a Salt Water Pool
Salt water pools are now popular for many sound reasons. Though salt water pools require some chemicals to keep them hygienic, they require far less chemicals than the traditional chlorine pool. This makes a salt water pool greener then traditional chlorinated pools, although not totally green.

The Residences at Biltmore management chose to build and operate a salt water pool on the grounds for the well-being of guests. Salt water is easier on the skin then chlorine, does not damage swimsuits, clothing or towels, and has a gentler impact upon the environment, with less chemicals being disbursed

Swimming in a salt water pool means less eye and skin irritation then chlorine for many. Salt water is effective at reducing the occurrence of redness of the eyes, stinging, and discomfort - all common complaints from swimming in chlorinated pools. The residual smell of chlorine on the skin is not overwhelming after a swim, either.

The Residences at Biltmore Outdoor Pool Rules
Like any public area, there are a few rules guests are required to observe for their own safety and for shared enjoyment of the pool area by all guests. Pool visitors must be registered guests of The Residences at Biltmore. The pool is open from April through November between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and there will be no lifeguard on duty at this time so guests swim at their own risk. Glass, smoking, unattended children, and pets are not permitted in the pool area.

Park or Walk?
Asheville is filled with inclines. The Residences at Biltmore outdoor pool area is built on a hill. Steps must be utilized to gain access to the hot tub, pool, or firepit. Guests in good physical condition will use the steps for pool access. Some guests may need to be driven to the top in order to enjoy the outdoor pool area. One handicapped parking area is available for guests on top of the hill. Since there is only one handicapped spot near the pool, guests should be considerate of others and consider driving back down to park, and returning after swimming for pick-up.

If guests are in need of anything while visiting the pool, they need only ask the Concierge staff. The Concierge will be happy to assist with an extra towel, an umbrella, or some sunscreen.

When the weather is pleasant, look for social events for guests at the outdoor pool area. Visiting the outdoor pool is a great way to exercise, take in the exquisite scenery, meet other guests and their families, and luxuriate in the great outdoors.

Explore the city of Asheville,
Renew your spirit and body,
Unwind in the beauty of the mountains…

…All at The Residences at Biltmore!

The First Asheville Hotel Featuring Two & Three Bedroom Suites With Full Kitchens
Starting this fall Asheville’s only condo hotel will now offer Two and Three Bedroom suites at our convenient location between downtown Asheville and Biltmore Village. At The Residences at Biltmore we are committed to providing exceptional Concierge service, luxurious hotel suites and top of the line amenities.  Our professional Concierges are city knowledgeable and happy to provide you with information on local restaurants, music events, Biltmore Estate tickets, hiking trails, art galleries and more. Our Two and Three Bedroom suites afford you, your friends and family the service of a traditional Asheville hotel with the comforts of home.  Flat screen TVs, beautifully decorated living rooms and full kitchens with stainless steel appliances will make your stay with us simple, elegant and comfortable.

Two Bedroom Suites at the #1 Hotel in Asheville
Our Two Bedroom suite sleeps up to 6 people.  A King size bed is located in the Master bedroom and a Queen bed is found in the second bedroom.  A Queen size pull-out couch is available in the living room.  There are two full bathrooms.  The Master bathroom features a tiled, glass enclosed shower and a whirlpool tub.  The second bath has a walk in shower.  The Two Bedroom suites also have our signature stacked stone living room fireplace, washer/dryer, plasma TVs with DVD players, fully equipped kitchen and private balcony or patio.  A side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, full size stove and oven combined with other modern appliances and a dining room table, make it easy to travel with children, prepare delicious home cooked meals, keep snacks and leftovers fresh and feel at home while on vacation.  The residential style accommodation we provide combined with our superior Concierge services make us unlike any other Asheville hotel.

Three Bedroom Suites: Perfect for Your Girls Getaway Weekend or Family Vacation
Our deluxe Three Bedroom suite sleeps 8 and features a King bed in the Master bedroom, a Queen bed in the second bedroom, two Twin beds in the third bedroom and a Queen size, fold-out couch in the living room.  In the Master bathroom you will find a magnificent, two person, spa shower and in the second bathroom a traditional tub/shower combo. The Three Bedroom suites also feature our signature amenities such as plasma TVs and DVD players, fully equipped kitchens, washer/dryers, dining room tables and private balconies or patios.  Like all guests of The Residences at Biltmore, groups or families staying in the Three Bedroom suites also have access to our exclusive Concierge services and amenities throughout the city of Asheville.

Meeting Space for Corporate and Business Travel to Asheville, NC
The Residences at Biltmore is also proud to announce the opening of our professional meeting space this fall.  Corporate and business travelers will now be able to stay comfortably in Studios, One, Two or Three Bedroom suites while having the added convenience of on-site meeting space.  Created for smaller groups of sixteen or less people, this intimate meeting room provides a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere that encourages the camaraderie and creativity necessary for a successful meeting.  The Residences at Biltmore Concierges will assist with planning and coordinating all food and beverage needs, administrative materials, technical/AV assistance and equipment rental required.  For more information on how The Residences at Biltmore can accommodate your corporate travel and meeting needs, contact our Sales Manager, Jenny Herman, at (866) 433-5594.

If you are looking for the perfect romantic mountain getaway, an unforgettable Asheville family vacation or a convenient location to stay and conduct business while in Asheville, and want the greatest, most unique Asheville hotel, join us here at The Residences at Biltmore!  You can relax while we do what we love best, taking care of our guests!