Skyline Lodge honored by Travel + Leisure

Skyline Lodge in Highlands has been honored in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for 2026 as one of the Best Resorts in the South. Skyline was also included on the prestigious list in 2023. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Travel + Leisure readers rate their favorite travel experiences around the world, evaluating hotels on criteria including rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Final rankings are based on the average of those reader scores. Since reopening in 2021 following a complete revitalization by the award-winning Indigo Road Hospitality Group, Skyline Lodge has become one of the Southeast’s most beloved mountain retreats. Tucked away in the Nantahala National Forest just minutes from downtown Highlands, the boutique property pairs panoramic mountain views with mid-century modern design and a laid-back atmosphere inspired by the lodge’s historic roots. This recognition comes as Skyline Lodge celebrates its fifth anniversary, marking another milestone for the destination as it continues to attract travelers seeking an elevated Blue Ridge Mountain escape. The property is also home to Oak Steakhouse, the only steakhouse in Highlands, making it a favorite destination for both visitors and locals alike.