Hot springs and hot yoga. Salt therapy and sound healing. Unwind and seek holistic self-care with this guide to Asheville’s unique spa and wellness experiences.

Asheville’s reputation as a destination for health and wellness dates back to the 1800s, when tuberculosis patients flocked to the region based on the “climatic theory” that Asheville had the altitude, atmosphere, and climate to heal TB. Flash forward to today's modern spa and health-centric culture, and you’ll find that legacy has evolved into highlights ranging from the legendary 40,000 square-foot underground spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn—consistently ranked among the top spas in the world—to mindful moments and private sessions with the area’s chefs and yogis. Treat yourself to one or more of these good-for-you hidden gems.

Book a Foot Spa and Massage

Discover a blissful respite for your soul—and some much-needed love for your soles at Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa in the historic Grove Arcade. With a variety of spa services on the menu, decide between tailored spa packages or shop "a-la-carte" from the spa menu. Awaken all your senses as you nourish your tired muscles, savor a pot of aromatic tea, and nibble on locally-made desserts. Choose a simple foot soak featuring ingredients such as lemongrass, green tea, and avocado oil, or enhance your experience by adding a foot and lower leg, hand and arm, or head and neck massage.

Discover Cave Therapy

Asheville Salt Cave

Experience an unparalleled spa experience with salt therapy. Unwind in a tranquil cave formed of solely natural materials—nothing but salt, wood, and water—at the Asheville Salt Cave. This relaxing experience located just blocks north of downtown Asheville uses salt crystals ranging in size from six ounces to 300 pounds. Feel renewed as you enjoy the benefits of this magical therapy, some of which include aids in the treatment of respiratory problems, digestive ailments, skin problems, sleep maladies, depression and more.

Just south of downtown you'll find the Salt Spa of Asheville and Himalayan Salt Cave Sanctuary where you can book a hot salt stone massage or energy healing sessions. Every month in the cave, the spa hosts special events including Crystal Bowl Meditation, Gong Meditation and Yoga Nidra.

Float in a Salt Bath

Get the celebrity treatment! While in town, Actress Kristen Wiig enjoyed the Salt Water Flotation experience at Still Point Wellness when she filmed the movie Masterminds. She enjoyed it so much that she returned for a second dip—and then raved about it in an interview with David Letterman.

Decrease your blood pressure, slow your breathing and heart rate, calm your mind and body, and boost your endorphin levels during the session. Let your worries drift away as you float, completely free from all outside stimulation, in 13 inches of skin temperature water loaded with 1,500 pounds of Epsom-salt.

Relax in Hot Tubs With a View

Take in unmatched forested views on Japanese-inspired decks while added salts and minerals nourish your skin and enhance your overall well-being at Shoji Resort and Spa cradled in the mountains surrounding Fairview, just east of Asheville. Order a pot of tea, provided by local favorite Dobra Tea, and some bites to indulge in during your time in the tub. Private hot tubs come with access to the rejuvenating cold plunge, the cedar sauna, and all spa amenities. Top off your visit with a restorative massage.

Decompress in a Hot and Cold Contrast

Unwind in a serene environment and explore the healing effects of sauna and cold plunge at Sauna House. The Nordic style bathhouse, located in the South Slope District, provides a space meant to be shared in a social but calm atmosphere. Start in the sauna to remove negative tension in your body then move to the cooling shower or cool plunge to decrease inflammation. End your time relaxing and hydrating, allowing your body to self regulate your temperature and heart rate. Other services include deep tissue massage and epsom salt footbath.

Feel the Healing Power of Sound

Immerse yourself in the world of sound healing, an ancient practice used by many cultures as a form of therapy through various frequencies. At the Skinny Beats sound shop in downtown Asheville, owner and percussionist Billy Zanksi uses crystal bowls, gongs, harps and several other instruments "to create a peaceful atmospheric soundscape to assist in relaxation and healing." Zanski has been practicing sound healing for more than 15 years.

Soak Your Worries Away in a Natural Hot Spring

Nurture your body and mind in one of the greatest remedies from nature, water from natural mineral hot springs. Located just off of the Appalachian Trail, these natural hot springs, in the nearby (and aptly named) town of Hot Springs provide picture-perfect, post-hike relaxation and help to relieve your fatigue and stress, increase circulation, and ease muscle stiffness.

Create Your Own Wellness Tour

Craft your own mini-wellness-retreat! Take advantage of Asheville Wellness Tours’ complimentary concierge service to customize the perfect half day, weekend, or full retreat. Choose from their eclectic "menu" of offerings including mountaintop yoga hikes, forest bathing, tarot, massage, private chefs, aromatherapy and winery tours. Asheville Wellness Tours works with more than 50 local partners to help connect you to mindful moments.

Soak up the mountain scenery beyond a basic hike with Namaste in Nature. Combine yoga, hiking and meditation along with the most beautiful mountaintops, sunsets, waterfalls – and even a vortex. Book instantly online or get in touch to create a customized, private experience.

Practice Hot Yoga

In Asheville, we always love to put a unique spin on things, even the classic wellness practice of yoga. Take a trip to the Down Dog Yoga Studio for a hot yoga session and then grab a beer after your session. Take your dog and let them play while you do yoga, or play with the dogs and skip the hot yoga!

Explore Holistic Health and Wellness

Discover a new dimension in natural skin care at De La Terre's unique clinic and spa. Regroup, recharge and rethink your approach to achieving healthy, vibrant skin with their treatments and products. Find De La Terre in the historic Grove Arcade building, an architectural gem in downtown Asheville.

Visit a beautiful, 54-acre mountain retreat center known as the OM (Oshun Mountain) Sanctuary to learn and explore holistic wellness. During your visit, truly relax in cell phone free common areas, take holistic classes, enjoy the wellness center, hike the woodland trail and enjoy the gardens and waterfall.

Reserve a Traditional Spa Experiences

Urban Exhale Massage by Allison Anderson

During your visit, book a traditional wellness and massage experience at one of the many day spas. These spas include the Spa at Biltmore Village, Relax and Rejuvenate Massage and Spa, Adelaide Spa and Salon, Sensibilities Day Spa, Spa Theology, Massage Envy and Zen Asheville Inn and Spa Retreat. Find boutique spas inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Biltmore Village and The Inn on Biltmore Estate.

See our full list of spas and wellness experiences in Asheville.

Photos courtesy of Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa, Asheville Salt Cave, Still Point Wellness and Sauna House.

Jacqui Castle

Stories & Articles by Jacqui Castle