The Swag

Our visit to The Swag was truly incredible. From the moment we arrived, it was clear how deeply this team cares about creating a meaningful guest experience and embodying the true spirit of hospitality. From the warm welcome at arrival and attentive service at our table, to the expert-in-residence sharing before dinner and a wonderful breakfast before departure, every detail was thoughtful and exemplary. We left feeling genuinely cared for and are already looking forward to planning our next visit back!

Fantastic place! Service and food spectacular. Room was perfect. We stayed in Hemlock. Had a fire each night. Hiking was so much fun and they have many trails! We will be back!

The Swag exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived at the Welcome Cabin until the day we left, we felt genuinely cared for and completely comfortable. This resort is ideal for couples and travelers looking to unplug and reconnect with nature. The grounds are breathtaking. Located at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Swag offers easy access to endless hiking opportunities, whether on the property's own beautiful trails or throughout the national park. Guest rooms are spread across the main house and several cottages, each with its own charm and plenty of space to relax. We stayed in Davy's Room. While the bathroom was on the smaller side, we were very comfortable. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, the steam shower was wonderful, and the air conditioning worked perfectly despite the July heat. The soaps, shampoo, lotion, and lip balm were all fantastic touches. Thoughtful details are everywhere at The Swag. I especially appreciated the handmade ring dish and the homemade chocolates left in our room each evening. Every room includes a stocked fridge with drinks and snacks, though with the amount of incredible food available throughout the day, we hardly needed it. The food leaves nothing to be desired. Breakfast is made to order and includes coffee drinks from their talented barista, Benji, along with tea and juice. Lunch is selected the day before and packed for your day's adventures. I'm still thinking about both the Thai chicken salad and the turkey croissant sandwich we enjoyed upon arrival. Dinner is a four-course experience that perfectly reflects The Swag's approach, refined and intentional without ever feeling stuffy. The creative use of vegetables from the garden was especially impressive, and every dish felt thoughtfully prepared. My favorite entrée was the swordfish offered one evening. Meals can be as social or as private as you'd like, making it easy to either connect with fellow guests or enjoy a quieter experience. The hospitality was exceptional. Every staff member we encountered was warm, friendly, and eager to help. They remembered our names and consistently went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Sarah and Mark were particularly memorable, and we were grateful for their kindness throughout our stay. One feature that truly sets The Swag apart is its Expert-in-Residence program. During our stay, retired park ranger Lynda served in that role. While we chose to hike independently, she helped us plan outstanding itineraries and shared fascinating stories and insights about the park. We especially enjoyed dining with her one evening. If Lynda is any indication, this program adds tremendous value to the guest experience. The Swag is worth every penny. We've stayed at many luxury properties, but few combine natural beauty, exceptional food, personalized service, and genuine warmth the way The Swag does. It never felt pretentious, only thoughtful. If you're looking for a place to unplug, explore the Smokies, and be truly cared for, it's hard to imagine a better destination. We were already discussing our return visit before we checked out.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Beautiful 60th Birthday Getaway at The Swag! Even though our own beautiful home is only about 20 minutes away in Waynesville, my husband surprised me with two nights at The Swag to celebrate my 60th birthday — and what a wonderful getaway it was! What made the decision a complete slam dunk was seeing that Kate Furman would be there offering sketching and drawing classes. She is an absolute asset to your Expert in Residence program! I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from her and be creative in such a beautiful setting. Even though Mother Nature brought us plenty of rain, we made the very best of it! We had a fire going in our room morning, noon and night, which made everything feel incredibly cozy. We hiked between the raindrops, relaxed, enjoyed scrumptious dinners, and simply soaked in the peacefulness of being there. Everything was over the top — the setting, the food, the hospitality and the opportunity to truly slow down and enjoy one another. We really, really loved our stay! And a special thank you to Will for taking such good care of the little snag with my birthday gifts arriving a day late. It was very much appreciated. Thank you, The Swag, for helping make my 60th birthday so memorable. ❤️⛰️🔥🥂 We will most certainly be back!

It doesn’t get any better than this place .. we’re blessed to only be a quick 2 hour drive from the Swag and this was the 9th time we’ve made the journey there and we’re already contemplating # 10 .. if you haven’t been here , do yourself a favor .. just go .. you certainly won’t regret it ..