Jake Schmidt: The Swag (Waynesville, NC)

Located just 40 minutes away from Asheville, N.C. but in many ways still a secluded secret, The Swag’s 250-acre property includes distant views of the mountain city from its 5000-foot elevation, luxurious rooms, a spa, and plenty of rest and relaxation in rockers on porches. Originally built as a private family retreat, this intimate luxury spot feels a lot like an adult summer camp, and that includes access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park mere steps from the guest rooms. Chef Jake Schmidt is responsible for keeping all guests fed in this remote retreat, and that includes 4-course dinners, picnic backpacks filled with homemade energy bars and nutritious lunches, and sit down breakfasts each morning. As the former executive chef of The Omni Grove Park Inn, he’s familiar with the region and the needs of the kind of luxury traveler that looks to the Blue Ridge Mountains for escape. His Midwest roots keep him grounded in this resort above the clouds, and there’s always something delicious around the next trail corner.