Hotel Domestique: A Weekend Getaway in Travelers Rest, South Carolina

by Amelia Old
1 comment

Disclosure: We were a guest of Hotel Domestique and Restaurant 17 however all opinions are my own.

My husband and I just returned from a much needed weekend getaway. Being parents and having full time careers, it’s often difficult to sneak away together. However, I learned that there was this lush property nearby that seemed perfect for a romantic getaway. Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest, South Carolina is a picturesque destination just two hours from my home outside of Charlotte.

Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest, South Carolinas
Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest, South Carolina

While Hotel Domestique is close to all of the fun things to do in Greenville, we opted to stay ‘in’ for the weekend. We arrived on Friday with such a lovely welcome. A quick tour, a glass of champagne, and treated as though we were repeat guests. I loved the fact the hotel only has 13 rooms which means there is an incredible opportunity to get to know those behind the hotel.

Hotel Domestique
Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest, South Carolina
My husband enjoying the view from our room

After getting settled into our dazzling room, we made our way to the bar. This is something I like to do everywhere I stay. I like to speak to employees and other guests and learn as to what has brought them there. Our original plan was to make our way to Greenville for dinner. However, as we chatted with the bartender, Ty, we just decided that we’d have a small bite to eat at the hotel restaurant , Restaurant 17.

My husband and I at Hotel Domestique
cocktails at Hotel Domestique

Let me add that Ty was one of the best mixologist I’ve ever met. Some of the cocktails he made were out of this world. Like this gin based drink that included citrus, peppercorn, basil, among other things.

On Saturday, we decided not to sleep in because we wanted to enjoy the complimentary European Continental Breakfast. I loved my veggie omelet with kale. It was a great way to start the day. After breakfast, I walked around the property snapping photos while my husband enjoyed a nap. We truly just spent the rest of the day taking it easy.

At Hotel Domestique, you have the opportunity to take one of their BMW vehicles for a test drive so we decided to explore Travelers Rest before we had some downtime in our room before dinner.

Taking a BMW test drive at Hotel Domestique

Hotel Domestique is the vision of legendary cyclist, George Hincapie. Not only are guests attracted to the property for a quiet weekend getaway overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains but it has become a place for those seeking adventures such as cycling, golf, fishing, and hiking. Cycling is extremely popular among guests especially when the opportunity is available to actually ride with George. In addition, Hotel Domestique has a salt water pool, yoga classes, on-property massage, a kit laundry, and hallway guest pantries.

Courtyard at Hotel Domestique
Courtyard at Hotel Domestique

I am pretty sure there are not enough words that describe our dinner on our second night at Hotel Domestique. Having had a small taste the night before, we knew we wouldn’t be disappointed. Executive Chef Haydn Shaak and Sous Chef Mike Rednak truly exceeded all expectations. My husband and I have had some of the most exquisite meals around the world so the bar was set pretty high.

Chef Haydn Shaak


Sous Chef Mike Radnak

Our six course meal with locally sourced ingredients included:

Coeur de Manzo (Trail Place Farms Beef, Traditional Preparation)
Hickory Bluff Farms Strawberry Salad (Pecan, Hearts of Palm, Champagne Caviar)
Sonoma Valley Foie Gras (House made Banana Bread, Candied GA Kumquat, Pickled Beet, Duck Fat Oats)
House Made Pasta (Smoked San Marzano, Broken Oak Fennel, Baby Bell Peppers, GA Olive Oil, Grana Padano)
New Zealand Lamb (Red Lentil, Heirloom Cauliflower, Beetroot Coulis)
Strawberry Cake (Creme Anglaise, Strawberry Sofrito)

The downfall was actually having to leave and return to reality. In the blink of an eye, our lovely weekend was over. We are already talking about returning to this majestic destination. It’s perfect for those wanting a short getaway and such an easy drive from Charlotte, Asheville, Atlanta, among others!

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