Skyterra Wellness Retreat opened in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 2016 as a holistic health retreat and since then has earned several accolades, including being named one of the top three wellness retreats in the country by USA Today in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Located on 155 acres, 25 minutes from Asheville Regional Airport, and offering complimentary airport transportation, Skyterra is also a short drive from the town of Brevard and the city of Asheville, North Carolina—two culture-rich destinations for enjoying art, shopping, food and drink, festivals, and other local flavors.
The property includes newly built facilities, inspiring views and nine miles of walking trails that crisscross streams and lead to a waterfall. Accommodations include 20 newly built, self-contained lodges with fully equipped kitchens, living spaces and washer/dryers plus 10 (also self-contained) cottages that offer more privacy and allow for pets.
The retreat also contains a full-service spa for guests only, and a main building that houses classrooms, fitness spaces, indoor and outdoor yoga rooms, a kitchen, a teaching kitchen, and a dining room with expansive mountain views. An indoor pool is under construction and scheduled to open late this summer.
The Main Points of Distinction
“While other resorts accommodate hundreds of guests, our small size is intentional,” says Sue Crowell, Skyterra’s owner and founder. “Guests benefit from small classes and receive the individual attention they deserve. All fitness levels are welcome at Skyterra. We meet you wherever you are on your wellness journey.”
Skyterra is also located in the “land of a thousand waterfalls” plus is home to miles of hiking trails through Pisgah National Forest.
New Health & Safety Protocols and Procedures
“As a wellness retreat, keeping our guests safe and healthy is a primary concern,” says Crowell. Guests are pre-screened both pre-arrival and again upon arrival. Staff is monitored daily for symptoms. “In addition to our environment of safety and minimized risk, COVID testing is available for an additional charge.”
What New Types of Programs are Being Offered in a Covid-19 World?
Skyterra recently launched WorkSmart, a remote work opportunity that keeps guests safe while allowing them to work and take advantage of all the facilities and activities of the wellness retreat. The program includes full accommodations, private training sessions, three meals a day plus healthy snacks delivered to guests’ lodges/cottages, and, if needed, emotional support from an onsite therapist.
What Types of Activities/Programs are Offered?
Skyterra offers a wide range of health-promoting and personal enrichment activities in a relaxing environment. All classes, lectures and experiences are included in the weekly rate of between $3,150 to $3,650 depending on the season. Guests spend days on the trails, on the mat, in the gym, or simply in quiet self-reflection. Every week, guests choose from more than 60 classes that accommodate diverse priorities, all designed to be fun, customizable and holistic. Programs run Sunday to Sunday (seven nights), or Sunday to Thursday (four nights). A 4-week (or longer), weight-loss program, called LoseSmart, incorporates extra one-on-one services.“If your client’s goal is to lose weight, our experts will help them accomplish that in an effective and sustainable way,” says Crowell.
For the month of March 2021, the LoseSmart program is being offered at a discounted rate of $12,600—a savings of $4,200. HERE is more information about the program.
What Types of Clients Does the Property Typically Cater to and What Clients Would Feel Most Comfortable at the Property?
As evidenced by their nearly 200 TripAdvisor five-star reviews, Skyterra appeals to a diverse roster of guests mostly from across the U.S. and Canada. People of different ages, genders, lifestyles and fitness levels, all with the common goal of long-term physical, mental and emotional health are welcomed and catered to.
Skyterra positions itself as a safe, secure and welcoming environment for single travelers in particular but guests also often bring along a friend, partner, spouse or family member, age 17 plus.
What Client Goals/Intentions Might be Achieved by Selecting this Property?Because Skyterra’s program is so wide-ranging, any number of client goals/intentions can be achieved. For instance, their classic wellness retreat offers guests an opportunity to fulfill intentions such as rest and relaxation, to launch healthy habits including developing consistent movement routines, learning how to make better food choices with whole, nutritious foods, and learning restorative stress management techniques.
Can Programs be Customized to Suit a Client’s Needs?
All programs can be customized. Also, the daily schedule allows for plenty of flexibility as guests can partake in any of the following at their leisure:
- Attend yoga, fitness or educational classes
- Schedule spa appointments
- Go for hikes or join excursions to local attractions
- Sleep in and have breakfast delivered to your door
What is the Best Time to Travel?
Skyterra is open year-round, with special seasonal and festive programming available for guests looking to celebrate the various holidays on campus. Shoulder season rates are available November through February.
For more information, visit skyterrawellness.com.
The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has a new Wellness Travel Specialist Course—to find out more, click here.
Recommend magazine has partnered with the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) to bring you monthly columns to help travel advisors sell wellness travel. For more information on the WTA, visit wellnesstourismassociation.org.
