Hotel Domestique
ACHIC, MODERN, European-influenced property inspired by the travels of road racer George Hincapie, the 13-room Hotel Domestique is on the northern edge of South Carolina, not far from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Beyond the cycling, for which staff will create custom routes for guests and special experiences such as climbing with Hincapie himself, there are sleek fitness facilities on the premises, including yoga and Pilates instruction, as well as a saltwater pool and spa. Rooms are spacious and airy, well lit by large windows that offer a view of the mountains or of the property’s dormant, but still pretty vineyard, and are stocked with Hermès toiletries. Indulging – or replenishing – is easy to do here too, thanks to a café (Café 17), restaurant (Restaurant 17) and
bar serving European-inspired delicacies.
If you choose to bring your own ride, storage is provided via a valet service that stores rides nightly and delivers them to the hotel entrance every morning complete with topped-up tire pressure and full water bottles ready for drinking. The Hotel Domestique has a shop stocked with Trek road bikes, and will prep a ride for your arrival if you send measurements in advance. Before heading out, grab a complimentary Garmin to track stats and Bonk Breaker bars and Skratch Labs hydration to keep you fuelled. As well, technicians in the shop are happy to walk you through repair techniques. If you’re looking for company on a ride, the concierge can pair you with a partner, whether it’s someone for motivation on the hills or a guide for backroad exploring. WHERE TO RIDE The hotel-provided Garmins are preloaded with 30 of Hincapie’s favourite routes in the area ranging from 19 to 156 km that lead riders through a natural wonderland of state parks, valleys, along rivers and around lakes. The most popular routes include the undulating Saluda Watershed, the 12-km steepbut-not-too-steep Caesars Head and ascending the 626-m Paris Mountain. DON’T MISS Restaurant 17’s ever-changing menu, which specializes in locally sourced produce, fish and meats. Because the chef relies on what’s available from neighbours, there’s a good chance the dish might not appear on the menu again. And take advantage of the hotel’s laundry service – staff will wash and dry cycling clothes daily so that you can both pack light and always be fresh for your ride.