A Week of Wellness in Asheville, North Carolina

Woman at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville is the perfect place to find wellness, great food, and scenery, and I got to spend a week soaking it in thanks to Explore Asheville. Here are my recommendations for what to do, where to eat, and where to stay for the ultimate Asheville experience.

Inside Biltmore House on Biltmore Estate — Inside Biltmore House at Biltmore Estate

What To Do

Spend a day at Biltmore Estate. This 8,000 acre National Historic Monument is the location of Biltmore House, originally home to the Vanderbilt family. In addition to the house, the estate features a winery, two hotels, restaurants, gardens and gift shops. Don’t miss the Conservatory!
Bathe in the forest with Asheville Wellness Tours. Contrary to my initial assumption, forest bathing doesn’t involve getting in water. Instead, it’s the act of immersing yourself in the forest and connecting to nature in a mindful way. My guide, Kelly, was incredible at leading me in being present and appreciating the beauty around me, and the tour concluded with a tea ceremony by the river.
Engage your sense of smell with a candle making class at Hummingbird Candle Co. To choose your candle scent, they have you smell 35 numbered fragrances, all nameless so you aren’t biased. After selecting your number, you find out what the scent is. It made the whole experience exciting and allowed me to lean into my sense of smell and how certain fragrances made me feel.
Take a dip at the Omni Grove Park Inn Spa. This world-class spa features swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and fireplaces with a grotto aesthetic. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.
Heal with sound at Skinny Beats. Sound healing uses instruments to create a peaceful atmospheric soundscape that assists with healing and relaxation. It’s a must if you’ve never tried it.
Treat yourself to a massage at Urban Exhale. The interior of Urban Exhale feels more like a lush garden than an urban building, with a variety of plants and earthy accents. I had an incredible massage and next time I’m in Asheville, I’m going back!
Relax in a zero-gravity chair at the Asheville Salt Cave. With the high concentration of salt, 45 minutes in the cave is the equivalent to four days at the beach. The salt rock crystals release 84 trace elements that are essential to the homeostasis of our bodies.
Get a portrait of your aura at Adoratherapy. Want to see what your aura looks like around you? Adoratherapy will create a picture of it and give you a thorough reading of your aura and chakras. Bonus: they do them for pets too!
Take the plunge at Sauna House. With cold and hot baths, saunas, and massage, Sauna House is the perfect way to spend a couple hours, and the modern, clean aesthetic is gorgeous.

Urban Exhale Massage in Asheville, NC — Urban Exhale Massage

Forest bathing with Asheville Wellness Tours — Tea ceremony while forest bathing with Asheville Wellness Tours

Where to Eat

Posana: Contemporary American, farm-to-table cuisine where everything on the menu looks incredible.
Plant: If you thought plant-based was boring, think again. Everything on the entirely vegan menu is tempting, but the cheese board and ravioli are musts.
Pulp + Sprout: Healthy juice bar and restaurant that’s so good I went twice! Get the Green Goddess.
Green Sage Cafe: All-day breakfast and sandwiches in a casual cafe setting. They make great espresso drinks too!
High Climate Tea: If you’re looking for some afternoon tea AND a great photo spot, High Climate offers a great selection in a gorgeous space.
Corner Kitchen: New American fare & craft drinks in a Victorian cottage with a patio.

Pulp and Sprout in Asheville, NC — Pulp + Sprout

Where to Stay

Grand Bohemian Hotel: Like all Autograph Collection hotels, the Grand Bohemian is full of character. Its theme is a 19th century hunting lodge meets modern luxury, complete with antler chandeliers in both the lobby and rooms.
Omni Grove Park Inn: Perched on the hillside, the Omni Grove Park Inn offers some of the best views in the city, including the downtown skyline and rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are several restaurants on site and a world-class spa with a grotto-like atmosphere.

Asheville is a year-round destination, but if you’re in need of a winter getaway don’t miss out on this year’s Winter Refresh, featuring discounted spa and wellness packages and the lowest hotel rates of the year!