Travel and Operations Updates
We know that you weigh your travel decisions even more carefully during this time of heightened awareness, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Old Edwards again soon. The mountains are in their full glory right now—as summer brings bountiful blessings of fresh air, warm sunshine, and multiple opportunities for venturing out to commune with nature, helping to cleanse our minds and refresh our bodies.
An exhaustive list of extensive cleaning and safety measures are being implemented in every aspect of our operations, including the use of air-cleansing ionizers across the property. Listed below are additional new practices that pertain to the guest experience, so please read them carefully prior to visiting.
General Safety and Prevention
- Pursuant to Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 147, and to further ensure guest well-being, effective June 26 masks or face coverings are mandatory for anyone 11 years and over while in public spaces. This includes streets and sidewalks in town. While we plan to have masks on hand for purchase, please be sure to bring a mask or other face-covering with you. Town officials do plan to enforce this new policy.
- Employees and arriving guests will be greeted by one of our designated wellness concierges to have their temperature checked with a touchless thermometer. Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees or above will be asked to leave the property. If you are not feeling well, please stay home—particularly if you have a temperature—in order to avoid an uncomfortable situation upon arrival. Also, we encourage the highly vulnerable to stay at home and continue taking all extra precautions recommended for at-risk populations.
- We are promoting distancing in our common areas.
- Our employees are wearing masks and using hand sanitizer when unable to wash their hands often. We strongly urge guests to also respect all guests and employees by practicing six-foot distancing at all times. If you are traveling with small children, please continuously monitor them for safe distancing and non-touch practices.
- We have rearranged furniture groupings in our common areas into "personal pods" to provide comfortable and safe spaces for you to relax and enjoy yourself.
Food and Beverage Service
Following our Governor’s mandate, property restaurants will now be open at 50% capacity. Further details are as follows:
- Due to the same North Carolina Executive Order, masks must be worn by anyone 11 and over when not seated at the table.
- Madison's is open seven days a week for breakfast (walk-in guests and members only) from 7 am - 10 am, lunch from 11:30 am - 2 pm and dinner from 6 - 9 pm. Reservations for lunch and dinner are strongly suggested during this time, preferably at the time of booking.
- Madison’s Restaurant will also be providing a boxed breakfast, lunch and dinner for purchase. Pick up or delivery to your room is available from 7 am to 9 pm, starting Monday, July 6. Breakfast pick up or delivery is available now, from 7 to 10 am.
- The Wine Garden will be open for lunch from 11:30 am - 4 pm, light fare will be served from 4 - 6 pm and dinner from 6 - 9 pm as a walk-in service. To help manage crowding, dinners on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings will be restricted to guests only.
- Inquire about other areas on the property that are available for cocktails and light fare services.
- Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar is open daily for dine-in and takeout from 11 am to 10 pm. Guest delivery is available via Four65.com, where guests can order food/beer/wine and have it delivered around the property or pick it up at 465 Main Street beside The Wine Garden. Delivery should be requested and payment made at the time of order.
- Beer and Bottled Wine are available from Four65 for purchase as well.
- Many restaurants in Highlands are open for curbside pickup, including several breakfast choices. Our concierge will be able to assist you with a current list upon arrival.
Amenities
In accordance with current legal restrictions, use of amenities is modified as follows:
- Pools are open and seating around the decks has been rearranged to accommodate safety guidelines. Guests should sign in and are asked to limit their time to 2 hours or less. Please do not move furniture. Several "personal pods" have been set up in close proximity to the pools for those wishing to lounge nearby.
- Full bar and light fare options are available daily at Hickory Pool, and beverage service is available weekends at the Falls Pool.
- Open and available for use is the golf course at Old Edwards Club where modified rules of engagement are in place.
- We have furnished additional outdoor areas where you can find a serene spot to relax with your party while practicing safe distancing.
- The Spa is open except for the amenities (whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms). For the comfort and safety of all of our guests and employees, masks are required within the Spa.
- The Fitness Center remains closed. Our wellness staff is providing a modified schedule of daily classes around the property where safe distancing is possible, as well as other activities such as guided hikes. In accordance with current NC laws, group classes and activities are limited to 10 guests, and everyone in attendance must practice safe distancing.
- Simple fitness gear can be delivered to guest rooms, sterilized and ready for use. Please contact the front desk to make arrangements.
- The Game Room is also open by appointment, please stop by for a key and quick briefing on the new policies for use.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Highlands and Old Edwards, and we remain open to your questions and feedback. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain an experience that is relaxing, comfortably social and in everyone’s best interest.