If there’s anything we can all use a little more of these days, it’s self-care! Simply getting away and taking a vacation can certainly fuel up your self-care tank but planning your trip with your health as a focus can make your travels even better by catering to your mind, body and spirit.

For those who are in need of a recharge, Asheville, North Carolina is a mecca for health and wellness, and offers unique self-care experiences for any type of vacation.

Take in the Healing Power of Nature

Vortex Hike with Namaste in Nature

An energy vortex is a specific geographical area which acts as a swirling center of energy favorable towards healing, meditation and self-exploration. Asheville is home to one of three vortex destinations in the United States. The Blue Ridge Mountains are built on the largest white quartz deposit in North Carolina, which is a stone known for master healing. Go on the Vortex Hike with Namaste in Nature and soak up the pure energy of the Blue Ridge Mountains through yoga, hiking and meditation.

Forest Bathing with Asheville Wellness Tours

Asheville Wellness Tours’ Forest Bathing experience is a guided walk through nature which, unlike the name implies, doesn’t requires actual bathing. A certified forest therapy guide leads you through a gentle forest trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Throughout the walk, the guide presents a series of invitations that provide you with the opportunity to stay present in the moment and deepen your connection with nature. The experience wraps up with a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks.

Nature Walk at the Biltmore Estate

The Ultimate Guide to Biltmore Blooms in Asheville NC

Biltmore Estate

Known as America’s largest private home, Biltmore is one of the most iconic attractions in Asheville. While you may not immediately associate Biltmore with self-care, the gardens and grounds are beautiful and guaranteed to make you smile. Slow down and enjoy a nature walk through acres of stunning gardens. You can also go on a walk, jog or bike through 20+ miles of trails on the estate grounds.

Elevate your Bathing Experience

Couple at Shoji Spa / Photo: Darrell Cassell

Private Outdoor Salt Tubs at Shoji Spa & Retreat

About 15 minutes from Asheville, transport yourself to Japan by stepping onto the grounds of Shoji Spa & Lodge. Upon check-in you’ll receive a Japanese Yukata (cotton robe) and sandals to wear as you walk through an enchanting path to your private outdoor mineral salt tub overlooking Pisgah National Forest. You can choose 60, 90 or 120 minutes of hot tub bliss. Included in the Salt Hydrotherapy Tub package is access to the wet cedar sauna and open-air cold shower. Elevate your experience with tub-side tea served with Japanese tea crackers.

Mini Escape at the 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-on, including foot and lower leg, hand and arm, or head, neck and shoulder. Do book ahead though. It's conveniently located in downtown and a perfect pick-me-up after a long day spent exploring the city on foot.

Private Hammam Bathhouse at the Asheville Salt Cave

The Asheville Salt Cave Hammam is a unique spa experience rooted in ancient Turkish and Moroccan bathing traditions. In this soothing steam room, you will soften your skin, relax your muscles and exfoliate with an all-natural handcrafted soap and a traditional exfoliating glove. The purpose of a hammam is to wash away whatever is no longer serving you. Prepare to feel completely revitalized when you’re done.

Pamper Yourself with a Massage

The Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn

While Asheville has massage therapists and day spas aplenty, the award-winning Spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn is a once-in-a-lifetime 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.

Integrative Massage at Fusion Day Spa

Fusion Day Spa is often touted as “West Asheville’s best little secret” that everyone should know about. 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 and facial services.

Eat Food that Nurtures the Soul

Posana

Located in downtown Asheville in historic Pack Square, Posana’s contemporary American menu nourishes your body with local, seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients made in a 100% gluten-free kitchen. Try the mouthwatering kale salad and heritage farm pork meatballs for your starters and the Sunburst Farms trout as your main course. (Pro Tip: Indulge yourself with trout during your time in Asheville because the fish is local to the area.)

Plant

Located just north of downtown, Plant serves elevated scratch-made vegan cuisine using thoughtfully chosen local ingredients. Seasonal dishes like Crispy Mushroom Mole, Wild Nettle Masala Uttapam, and Crusted Seitan Marsala reflect a multi-cultural influence.

Simple

Simple Cafe & Juice Bar in West Asheville serves a daytime menu of fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, boosts and shots, healthy breakfast bowls, avocado toast and more, hearty salads, and sandwiches. Vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters will all find a host of healthy fare here.

Make Wellness a Priority

Audre Lorde said it best, “Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.” And it is through this self-preservation that we’re able to continue to spread love to those around us.

Looking for more inspiration? See our full list of spas and wellness experiences, restaurants and places to stay in Asheville.

Jewels Rhode

Stories & Articles by Jewels Rhode