If there’s anything we can all use a little more of, it’s self-care. Taking a vacation can certainly refuel your tank, but planning a trip in which your health is the focus provides an even greater recharge for the mind, body and spirit. For those in need, Asheville is a mecca for health and wellness, with unique self-care experiences.
Discover the Healing Power of Nature
Tap into Asheville's Energy Vortex
An energy vortex is a specific geographical area believed to be center of energy favorable toward healing, meditation and self-exploration, and Asheville is considered one of three vortex destinations in the United States. That could be because the Blue Ridge Mountains hold large deposits of some of the nation's purest quartz, a stone recognized for its healing qualities. Soak up the energy of these mountains with a two-hour Vortex Micro Retreat with Namaste in Nature, which includes a 1.5-mile hike and mountaintop yoga session.
Go Forest Bathing
The Japanese practice of Shrinrin-yoku goes beyond your casual walk in the woods. It's therapeutic and all about mindful immersion. Asheville Wellness Tours’ Forest Bathing experience presents a public or private guided walk in the woods that includes mindfulness and breathing exercises to quiet the mind, awaken the senses, and deepen your connection with nature. The experience is sure to leave you in a state of bliss with a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks.
Stroll Through Nature at Biltmore
America’s largest private home is Asheville's most iconic attraction. While you may not immediately associate Biltmore with self-care, the idyllic gardens and grounds offer a calming escape. Biltmore's 8,000 acres comprise 75 acres of formal and informal gardens, a lush Conservatory (which is especially soothing during the chilly months), and more than 20 miles of trails. A ticket onto the property includes the house and grounds, so plan to spend the entire day so you can soak it all up. (Pro tip: bring a picnic to enjoy by the Lagoon, where you'll find the most picturesque view of the house.)
Curative Experiences You'll Want to Soak Up
Melt Your Stress with Salt Hydrotherapy at Shoji
Perched on a mountainside near downtown, Shoji Spa & Lodge offers a traditional Japanese bathing and soaking experience. Upon check-in, you'll don a Japanese Yukata (cotton robe) and sandals for your stroll along the forested path to your private outdoor mineral hot tub overlooking Pisgah National Forest. Guests also have access to a cedar sauna and double cold shower for contrast therapy. Elevate the experience with tub-side tea served or add on a massage.
Treat Your Feet at Wake Foot Sanctuary
Take a load off at Wake Foot Sanctuary with a 45-minute foot soak comprised of essential oils, nourishing clays, and revitalizing salts. There are 10 different soaks to choose from, plus massage add-ons, including foot and lower leg, hand and arm, or head, neck and shoulder. Advance booking is recommended. It's conveniently located in downtown Asheville and a perfect pick-me-up after a long day exploring the city on foot.
Discover Wood-Fired Relaxation
Asheville’s only wood-fired sauna and cold plunge experience, Drip Sauna invites you into an outdoor Nordic-style wellness space where hot-and-cold therapy meets mountain vibes. Rotate between the crackling heat of the cedar sauna, invigorating cold plunges, and a cozy central fire pit, with options for intimate private bookings, social community sessions, or full-site gatherings with friends.
Feel Revitalized with a Hammam Bath
A stint at Asheville Salt Cave recharges with 30 tons of pure pink salt, but their hammam bath is a standout wellness experience in Asheville that's rooted in ancient Turkish and Moroccan bathing traditions. During a 30- or 60-minute session in this soothing steam room, you'll reap the benefits of detoxification, improved circulation, exfoliation and skin rejuvenation, muscle and joint relief, and clearing the respiratory system.
Pamper Yourself with a Massage
Experience Ultimate Indulgence at the City's Most Luxurious Spa
While Asheville has massage therapists and day spas aplenty, the award-winning Spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn is a pinnacle pampering experience. Guests of the inn who book in advance can enjoy access to the sprawling subterranean spa, which holds private men's and women's saunas, hot tubs and cold plunges, and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms. Indoor and outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, quite fireside lounges for reflection, a spa cafe, and plentiful pampering treatments make this a world-class experience. (Pro tip: Book far in advance and plan to spend the entire day, even if you're getting only one treatment.)
Get Whole-body Healing at Fusion Day Spa
Fusion Day Spa is touted as “West Asheville’s best little secret”. This Black-owned spa takes an integrative approach to massage, including a variety of modalities in a single session, such as sound therapy, use of ayurvedic warming oil and head massage. Give your body a much-deserved refresh with a 60-, 75- or 90-minute customizable massage. The spa also offers a variety of body treatments, including lymphatic enhancement therapy, and facial services.
Eat Food that Nurtures the Soul
Enjoy Diet-sensitive Dining at Posana
Located in downtown Asheville in historic Pack Square, Posana’s contemporary American menu nourishes with local, seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients made in a 100% gluten-free kitchen. That's right, everything on the menu is gluten-free, but that doesn't mean the options or quality of the food is lacking in any way. It's absolutely delicious. From salads and starters like grilled trumpet mushrooms and beef tartare to mains that include pastas, meats, and fish dishes, you'd never realize you're at one of Asheville's best allergy-friendly restaurants if you didn't already know.
Try Vegan Fine Dining at Plant
Located just north of downtown, Plant offers a fine dining experience that's entirely vegan. The menu changes with what's available locally while drawing inspiration globally for some of the dishes, like the mushroom mole in a green chile-blue corn tamale or a scratch-made green curry packed with veggies and creamy basmati fritter.
Get Juiced at Simple Cafe
Simple Cafe & Juice Bar in West Asheville serves a daytime menu of fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, boosts and shots, healthy breakfast bowls, hearty salads, and sandwiches. Vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters will all find a host of healthy fare here.
Looking for more inspiration? See our full list of spas and wellness experiences, restaurants and places to stay in Asheville.
