Social Life Critics’ Pick Winners: Best in the Nest 2024
The annual Social Life Nest Awards have become the premier recognition for Charlotte’s most innovative, cozy, and well-designed hospitality retreats. This year’s Best in the Nest winners showcase the region’s vibrant community of innkeepers, hoteliers, and vintners who are redefining luxury getaways through thoughtful amenities, gourmet cuisine, and immersive wine experiences.
Nest Awards
Best Overall Nest
The coveted title of Best Overall Nest goes to the Wine Garden Inn, a scenic retreat nestled among the gently rolling hills and lush vineyards of Yadkin Valley. Owners Samantha and Robert Duarte have meticulously crafted an oasis of tranquility, blending modern design with rustic charm to create a true home-away-from-home for discerning guests. From the thoughtfully appointed guest suites to the abundant gardens bursting with seasonal produce, the Wine Garden Inn embodies the spirit of gracious hospitality.
Most Innovative Nest
Pushing the boundaries of traditional lodging, Super Abari in NoDa has been named the Most Innovative Nest. This retro-inspired arcade bar and boutique hotel seamlessly integrates classic gaming, craft cocktails, and cozy accommodations, offering guests an immersive, nostalgic experience. Zach Pulliam, the visionary behind this unique concept, has artfully blended neon-drenched ambiance with modern amenities, creating a one-of-a-kind retreat for the young and young-at-heart.
Coziest Nest
Earning the title of Coziest Nest is the Traveling Gypsy Inn, a charming bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of Plaza Midwood. Innkeeper Isabelle Rêve has crafted a warm and inviting atmosphere, weaving together global design influences and personal touches to transport guests to a world of comfort and relaxation. From the cozy fireplace in the lobby to the sumptuous homemade breakfasts, the Traveling Gypsy Inn exudes a sense of hygge that makes it the perfect urban oasis.
Nest Voting
Nest Voter Demographics
The Social Life Nest Awards are determined by a diverse panel of local influencers, industry professionals, and discerning travelers. This year’s voters represent a cross-section of Charlotte’s vibrant hospitality and cultural scene, including chefs, sommeliers, interior designers, and lifestyle bloggers.
Nest Voting Process
The voting process for the Nest Awards is a rigorous, multi-tiered system that evaluates each nominated property across a range of criteria, from service and amenities to design and overall guest experience. Voters meticulously assess each “Nest” through anonymous site visits, social media reviews, and in-depth interviews with owners and staff.
Nest Voting Criteria
In determining the winners, the Nest Awards panel considers a holistic set of factors, including:
– Innovative, visually appealing design
– Exceptional hospitality and service
– Thoughtful, gourmet culinary offerings
– Immersive wine and beverage programming
– Commitment to sustainability and community engagement
– Overall guest satisfaction and return visitation
Nest Trends
Nest Design Trends
This year’s Nest Award winners showcase a growing trend toward seamlessly blending modern and vintage design elements. Innkeepers are embracing bold, eclectic aesthetics that incorporate reclaimed materials, custom furnishings, and locally sourced artwork to create distinctive, memorable spaces. The use of natural light, warm textures, and intentional layouts further enhances the sense of comfort and tranquility.
Nest Amenity Trends
Discerning guests are seeking out Nests that offer a curated array of amenities catered to their unique needs and desires. From bespoke concierge services and in-room massages to on-site wine tastings and garden-to-table dining, these properties are raising the bar in terms of personalized, experiential hospitality. The integration of technology, such as smart-home features and digital concierges, also continues to be a major draw for today’s savvy travelers.
Nest Lifestyle Trends
The rise of “workation” and “bleisure” travel has led to a growing demand for Nests that seamlessly blend work and leisure. Innkeepers are responding by crafting flexible, multipurpose spaces that cater to both productivity and relaxation, whether it’s a cozy nook for remote work or a communal lounge for socializing. Wellness amenities, such as yoga studios and mindfulness retreats, are also becoming increasingly important for guests seeking a holistic getaway.
Nest Profiles
Award-Winning Nest Profiles
The Wine Garden Inn, Super Abari, and the Traveling Gypsy Inn each offer a unique and compelling hospitality experience that exemplifies the Nest Award’s core values. From the Wine Garden Inn’s picturesque vineyards and farm-to-table cuisine to Super Abari’s nostalgic gaming atmosphere and the Traveling Gypsy Inn’s global-inspired charm, these properties have captivated visitors and locals alike.
Nest Owner Interviews
In exclusive interviews, the owners of these award-winning Nests share the inspirations and challenges that shaped their respective visions. Samantha Duarte of the Wine Garden Inn discusses her passion for sustainable viticulture and the importance of cultivating a strong connection to the land. Zach Pulliam of Super Abari reflects on the resilience and adaptability required to reinvent his beloved arcade bar during the pandemic. Isabelle Rêve of the Traveling Gypsy Inn speaks to the joy of creating a cozy, welcoming haven for modern-day explorers.
Nest Design Highlights
Each Nest showcases a distinct design aesthetic that enhances the overall guest experience. The Wine Garden Inn’s rustic-luxe interiors, complete with reclaimed wood, exposed beams, and locally sourced artwork, evoke a sense of countryside elegance. Super Abari’s neon-infused, retro-futuristic aesthetic transports visitors to a bygone era of arcade gaming, while the Traveling Gypsy Inn’s eclectic global influences, from Moroccan textiles to Parisian-inspired furnishings, cultivate a sense of worldly wonder.
The 2024 Social Life Nest Awards have once again shone a light on Charlotte’s thriving hospitality landscape, highlighting the visionary innkeepers and vintners who are redefining the concept of the modern getaway. Whether it’s the Wine Garden Inn’s immersive wine country experience, Super Abari’s nostalgic arcade-inspired retreat, or the Traveling Gypsy Inn’s cozy urban oasis, these award-winning Nests are setting the standard for exceptional hospitality and leaving a lasting impression on all who visit. To plan your own unforgettable getaway, explore the Wine Garden Inn and Charlotte’s other Nest Award-winning properties.