Soak It in: Luxurious Hotel Tubs in North Carolina

1 Lakeview at Fontana

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This Smoky Mountains resort offers jaw-dropping, two-person, open-air soaking cabanas seemingly straight out of a movie. Soaks include custom-blended soak salts and cabana cream, and the experience – and romance – can be elevated with candles and champagne. As for the resort itself, rooms don't have TVs, so be ready to totally unplug and enjoy a complimentary wine hour, yoga classes every morning and the property’s hiking trails.

2 The Ivey’s Hotel

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Among the wave of hotels that opened in Uptown Charlotte in 2017, The Ivey’s distinguishes itself as a luxury boutique hotel in a century-old building. Locals might share tales of how the building was originally a department store. Today, it’s home to 47 stylish rooms – no two are the same – and several feature claw foot tubs in the bathroom. Book one of the Balcony Suites and the tub grants you views of North Tryon Street, where theaters, restaurants and bars create an entertaining strip. But you don’t have to go out to “go out,” as Sophia’s Lounge is an opulent space in the hotel, specializing in cocktails and small plates.

3 Proximity Hotel

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When Proximity opened in 2007, it may have been initially known as the sister to O.Henry Hotel. However, this AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel quickly established itself as a force in the Greensboro family. Environmentally conscious travelers love it because it’s considered the “greenest hotel in America” (it was the first to achieve LEED Platinum status). Reserve a Loft King Spa room for a grand experience. The spacious bed and living area are surpassed by the large bathroom featuring a soaking tub with windows that open to the bedroom.

• Plan an Eco-Friendly Trip to NC

4 Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

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Opened in 2016, the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel transformed the first six floors of the renowned Reynolds Building in downtown Winston-Salem – a building that originated as headquarters of one of the largest tobacco companies in the country and inspired design of the Empire State Building. It seeks to give guests everything they need under one roof – The Katharine brasserie and bar, a “living room” off the main lobby, and the largest fitness center of any Kimpton hotel paired with a recreation room that features a bowling alley and indoor basketball court. Book a King Spa Room or King Suite, where a large soaking tub sits inside a glass-enclosed shower.

5 Hotel Indigo

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When visiting the Asheville area, there are several compelling reasons to stay in a mountain cabin. However, when you stay downtown, not only are you within walking distance of great restaurants and breweries, but your hotel room could come with picturesque views. This only begins to describe the joys of Hotel Indigo. Each of the guest rooms is well-appointed, but the One-Bedroom Suites truly take comfort and amenities to another level. Each has floor-to-ceiling windows and a separate living room and bedroom. The large bathroom has details that make it feel like a spa, including the soaking tub with views of the mountains.

6 Blockade Runner Beach Resort

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When you’re staying on the beach, the goal is usually to spend as much time outdoors as possible. That’s a mission easily accomplished at Blockade Runner, where the Atlantic Ocean lies in front of the resort and a deep-water harbor behind it. So there’s plenty of fun to be had on the sand and surf. The variety of guest rooms will make it very enticing to stay inside as well, especially a Premiere Atlantic Oceanfront Stateroom. These large suites feature a two-room bath with a rainfall shower and soaking tub. And even though views of the ocean are just steps away at the window, a flat screen TV faces the tub in case you want to retreat for some binge-watching.

7 The White Doe Inn

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For a relaxing and particularly romantic escape to the coast, you won’t find many places like The White Doe Inn. Located in Manteo on Roanoke Island, it has everything you’d want in a bed and breakfast – innkeepers who are a married couple with incredible knowledge of the area and a property that’s filled with charming amenities. There are nine rooms, referred to as bedchambers, in the main house and each includes special architectural features, antiques and a gas fireplace. The Virginia Dare Bedchamber is its most elegant, complete with a private balcony. The large bathroom features a two-person whirlpool tub with rain shower.

8 21c Museum Hotel Durham

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Splurge and book the 21c Suite – the largest suite in the 21c Museum Hotel Durham, which also doubles as a museum – and the entire 15th floor is yours and yours alone. In addition to a king-sized bed, a living room and dining room area with a wet bar, plus an en suite bathroom with a standing shower and double sinks, the highlight of the room is the outdoor tub on a private 400-square-foot terrace. Soak in the tub as you soak in the city sounds and stunning views that vibrant downtown Durham has to offer.