Mountaintop Hideaway Secures Top Resort Rating in North Carolina

October 17, 2017 – Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its 30^th annual Readers’ Choice Awards with The Swag, near Waynesville, North Carolina, recognized as the #2 Resort in the South with a score of 98.21.  This was the highest resort rating in North Carolina.

“For the past 35 years, we’ve strived to bring our guests a warm, calming and hospitable environment in the midst of the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains,” said The Swag owners Deener and Dan Matthews.  “Having our guests recognize The Swag’s special brand of hospitality is truly gratifying.”

Over 300,000 readers submitted millions of ratings and tens of thousands of comments, voting on a record-breaking 7,320 hotels and resorts, 610 cities, 225 islands, 468 cruise ships, 158 airlines, and 195 airports.

Opened as an Inn by Deener and Dan Matthews in 1982, The Swag was formerly the Matthews’ mountaintop home.  Over the years, the couple added nine more cabin rooms and became known for their special brand of hospitality.

Each guest is gifted a personalized wooden hiking stick upon arrival; a communal table features hand written placecards and a rotating roster of special event leaders –  experts in the area of  bears, birds, wildflowers and Great Smoky Mountains lore – lead guests on daily hikes.

Quoting guests,  Condé Nast Traveler said,  at an elevation of 5,000 feet in the Great Smoky Mountains, “the views can’t be beat.”

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.” Under Editor in Chief Pilar Guzmán, the Readers’ Choice Awards have become more selective and specific to the passions that inspire today’s travelers.

The Readers’ Choice Awards are announced in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, on newsstands nationwide on October 24, 2017. The full list is published exclusively online, at www.CNTraveler.com/rca.

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About The Swag

Ending its 36^th season on November 25, The Swag is owned by Dan and Deener Matthews.  A 14-room romantic hiking hideaway bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Swag sits on 250 acres of private property 5000 feet high.  Just 50 minutes from Asheville, North Carolina, guests enjoy inspired dining, luxury level accommodations, world-class hiking, and a rotating schedule of speakers and programs.  For more information visit www.TheSwag.com or call 800-789-7672.

About Condé Nast Traveler

As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. Condé Nast Traveler is the most trusted and celebrated name in travel with 6 National Magazine Award wins and 26 nominations in its 28-year history. Advertising Age named Pilar Guzmán Editor of the Year in 2014 and CNTraveler.com attained 4 Webby Awards since 2015. www.cntraveler.com

Press Contact:

Erin Kaplan – 212 286 2479 Erin_Kaplan@nullcondenast.com

Press Contact for The Swag:

Rebecca Werner – 917-370-5005 Rebecca@nullwernerpr.com