Mountain Office Hours: Trailborn Highlands Nails the Remote Work Retreat

Sometimes you stumble onto a place that makes you rethink everything about how work and travel should feel together. Tucked into the North Carolina mountains just outside Highlands, Trailborn Highlands is that rare find – a boutique hotel that gets both the "work" and the "away" parts of working away.

A Room That Actually Works

Walking into my newly renovated room, I knew this wasn't your standard mountain lodge experience. The space felt carefully thought out, not just pretty for photos. The writing desk became my work station, while the Fellow tea kettle meant I could brew proper tea between calls instead of relying on lobby coffee runs.

Small touches like the built-in bench for gear storage and the curated minibar stocked with local treats showed someone understood how remote workers actually live in a space. The Grown Alchemist bath amenities turned my end-of-workday shower into a proper reset ritual before dinner.

Lobby That Invites You to Linger

The lobby doesn't try too hard to be impressive – it just is. Warm wood, contemporary touches that feel authentic to the mountain setting, and spots that work whether you need to take a quick call or sit with your laptop for an hour.

I found myself working from one of the lobby's comfortable seating areas, appreciating the change of scenery and the gentle hum of other guests starting their days. The check-in staff, led by someone who clearly knew the area, offered fellow guests hiking recommendations. 

Staff here seem to understand the rhythm of remote workers – they'll greet you warmly but don't hover, they keep coffee flowing, and they're quick with local intel when you need a break from the screen.

Location That Delivers on Both Fronts

What makes Trailborn Highlands special isn't just that it's beautiful (though those wooded mountain views are pretty spectacular). It's the location's flexibility – remote enough to feel like a true escape from your usual workspace routine, close enough to Highlands that you can walk to dinner, grab supplies, or meet a client without planning an expedition.

The town itself offers that perfect small-mountain-community vibe. I spent an evening wandering Main Street, which USA TODAY recently named one of the best small towns for shopping. Post-work drinks at one of the local spots felt natural, not like I was forcing myself to "make the most" of being somewhere new.

For the hiking breaks that every remote worker needs, trails start practically from the hotel's doorstep. There are also bikes available to take out for a cruise. 

Why It Works for Digital Nomads

Trailborn Highlands succeeds because it doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It's designed for people who want to work well and live well while they're doing it. The renovated spaces feel both elevated and lived-in. The location offers adventure without complexity. The service style supports productivity without being pushy about it.

Whether you're extending a business trip through the weekend or planning a dedicated workation, this spot handles both seamlessly. I found myself already planning a return trip before I'd even checked out – always the sign of a place that got the balance right.