FAQ
Your questions, answered
Everything guests usually ask before a first stay, from what a typical day looks like to what to pack. Pick a topic below.
Rather talk it through?
Our team plans every stay one-on-one. Call us, or tell us about your goals and we'll get back to you.
35
guests at most, so classes stay small
1 week
recommended minimum stay; two is ideal
3 meals
chef-prepared every day, plus snacks
30 min
from Asheville airport, shuttle included
365 days
open year-round, holidays too
Questions by topic
Frequently asked questions
About Skyterra
What is Skyterra Wellness Retreat?
Skyterra is an all-inclusive wellness retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. For a week or more, you move, eat, rest and learn alongside a credentialed team of fitness, nutrition and stress-management professionals, then go home with habits you can keep.
Is Skyterra a weight loss spa or a “fat camp”?
Many guests come to lose weight, but Skyterra is not a fat camp. There are no fads, crash diets or “lose weight fast” gimmicks. We focus on overall health and body composition before the number on the scale, so we don’t guarantee a number of pounds.
Learn about LoseSmart, our four-week weight loss program.
Where is Skyterra?
75 Skyterra Way, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, on a 155-acre campus between Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest. We’re minutes from Brevard and about 30 minutes from Asheville.
What is the weather like?
Mild for most of the year. Summers are cooler and less humid than much of the South, and winters are short, with occasional snow. We hold many classes outdoors when the weather allows.
Are you open year-round, including holidays?
Yes. We’re open every week of the year, including major holidays, with seasonal programming for guests who spend the holidays with us.
What is the atmosphere like?
Casual, friendly and close to nature. Guests stay in private mountain lodging, share chef-prepared meals in our dining room and take classes in small groups. With 35 guests at most and a high staff-to-guest ratio, it feels more like a community than a resort.
Where can I read reviews?
We average five stars on Tripadvisor, Google and Facebook, and USA Today 10Best readers have voted Skyterra a top-three wellness retreat every year since 2018.
The program
How does the Skyterra program work?
Each day runs from about 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with classes, lectures, hikes and activities, plus plenty of downtime to rest or explore. You choose how much you join. Every week includes:
- A body composition screening
- Daily guided nature walks
- Daily breathwork and meditation
- Strength and cardio classes at low and high intensity
- Yoga and mobility sessions
- Nutrition classes and culinary demos
- Waterfall hikes
- Seasonal outdoor sports and activities
- Stress management skills
- Guidance on building habits that last
What does “all-inclusive” mean?
One weekly rate covers your private lodging, all programming, three chef-prepared meals a day with snacks (tailored to your dietary needs) and the airport shuttle at scheduled times. Spa treatments and private sessions are extra.
What is a typical day like?
Most days start with Quick FIT or sunrise yoga at 7:00, then breakfast at 7:30 and Connect, a morning class of breathwork, meditation and light stretching. Mid-morning brings a fitness class, yoga or a lecture. After lunch there’s another lecture, a culinary demo or a waterfall hike, then pre-dinner yoga or a creative class before dinner. Evenings might be game night, a campfire or quiet time.
The schedule changes with the season, and every activity is optional.
How long should I stay?
One week is our recommended minimum, and two weeks is ideal. Guests who stay longer get more from the program and find it easier to keep going at home, and from three weeks on the program goes deeper. Arriving on a Sunday lets you catch the full weekly schedule.
How many guests are there?
Never more than 35. Small groups mean our team gets to know you and can tailor classes to the people in the room.
What are the fitness classes like?
Classes run several times a day: yoga, strength training, low- and high-intensity cardio, hiking and meditation. Small groups keep everyone challenged at the right level, whether you’re new to exercise or already fit. There’s also an indoor gym with cardio machines and free weights.
What happens at the arrival and departure screenings?
When you arrive, we do a private body composition scan on an InBody machine (you stay fully clothed, stand on it and hold the handles), take a few measurements and run a short mobility test. The results show your fat, muscle and water balance, which tells you far more than a scale.
Depending on your stay, we repeat the scan before you leave so you can see your progress. There are no public weigh-ins.
What support do I get after I leave?
You keep your screening results, and the Skyterra At Home app keeps you going with workout, yoga, meditation and cooking videos from our team, with coaching built in. Learn about Skyterra At Home
Is it right for me?
Who comes to Skyterra?
Adults of every age, background and fitness level, from people new to exercise to longtime athletes, including guests in their 80s. If you’re different from the “typical” guest in any way, our team will still tailor your week to your own goals.
Is Skyterra a good choice if I’m traveling solo?
Absolutely. About 70% of our guests come on their own, so you’ll find a welcoming group from day one. Many others bring a friend, partner or family member.
What health goals can Skyterra help with?
Guests come to us for help with:
- Losing weight and keeping it off
- Limited mobility
- Diabetes and prediabetes
- High blood pressure
- Work, family or caregiver stress and burnout
- Recovering after a loss, illness or big life change
Skyterra is not a medical facility. If you have a condition that needs close medical attention, please call us at 888-282-1657 before you book.
I’m self-conscious about my weight. Will I fit in?
Yes. Skyterra was founded so people of every shape and size could feel free to be themselves while they get healthier. This is a judgment-free zone.
I have limited mobility, pain or an injury. Can I still take part?
Yes. Our trainers adapt every routine to you and meet you where you are. You’ll never be asked to do anything that is unsafe, painful or hard on an injury.
Are there any physical requirements?
If you can walk on your own, even short distances, and climb a few steps, you can take part and see results. All we ask is a willingness to try new things.
I have diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer or depression. Is Skyterra a fit?
Many guests with these conditions come to us. We note your health history and medications when you arrive and adjust activities to keep you safe, and our chef, dietitian and trainers can help you build habits that support your health.
We’re not a medical facility, and our program doesn’t replace care from your doctor. Please call us at 888-282-1657 to talk it through before you book.
I’m dealing with stress, burnout or a loss. Will this help?
Stress management is one of our pillars. You’ll step away from daily pressures, learn how stress affects your body and practice tools you can keep using at home, all within a caring, close-knit community.
Booking and cost
How much does a stay at Skyterra cost?
Current prices are on our Rates page. One weekly rate covers lodging, meals, programming and the airport shuttle. We also offer discounts for veterans, teachers, front-line responders and guests sharing lodging; call us at 888-282-1657 to learn more.
Will insurance cover my stay?
Check with your insurance carrier. If you have an HSA or FSA, part or all of your stay may qualify as a medical expense. Medicare and Medicaid don’t cover the program.
Is there a minimum stay?
We recommend at least one week, because the program follows a weekly curriculum. We can sometimes arrange a shorter stay, so ask us.
How far ahead should I book?
As early as you can. With 35 guests at most, weeks do fill up. You can still book up to 24 hours before you arrive.
What is your deposit and refund policy?
Your $1,650 deposit is non-refundable. If you decide within your first 24 hours that Skyterra isn’t for you, we’ll refund the rest of your program fee.
Need to change your dates? You can transfer your deposit to new dates without penalty up to 14 days before arrival. Transfers made fewer than 14 days before arrival carry a $500 transfer fee, and no-shows forfeit the deposit.
Can I give a stay as a gift?
Yes, it’s a wonderful gift. Call us at 888-282-1657 and we’ll set it up.
Can I tour Skyterra before I book?
Yes. Call us at 888-282-1657 to arrange a site tour. You can also explore the campus online, or try a shorter stay first.
Lodging and campus
What are the lodging options?
We have three types of lodging, all at the same price: 11 cottages (single-unit cabins), 10 lodges (larger duplex units) and one Bungalow, a two-bedroom house with two king suites, a shared living room, a private outdoor hot tub and an outdoor shower.
Every unit has a king bed, a full kitchen with refrigerator, microwave and stove, a fireplace, TV, washer and dryer, a porch and Wi-Fi. Compare lodging
Is lodging private or shared?
Cottages and lodges are private. The Bungalow is set up for two guests sharing, and a solo traveler can reserve the whole Bungalow at the two-person rate.
Can I request a specific unit?
Yes. Lodging is first come, first served, and we’ll always do our best to meet a specific need.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in our cottages, which are our only pet-friendly lodging. Please tell us about your dog before you arrive. There’s a $250 pet fee.
What’s on campus?
Our gated 155-acre campus has trails, streams and a waterfall, plus:
- An indoor fitness center and gym
- The Natatorium, with an indoor pool and hot tub
- Indoor and outdoor yoga spaces
- Three pickleball courts
- A dining room and teaching kitchen
- Classrooms and a guest lounge
- A garden and greenhouse
- A stand-alone spa and a gift shop
- A fire pit, and golf carts to help you get around
Is there Wi-Fi and cell service?
Wi-Fi covers all lodging and common areas. Cell service can be spotty in the mountains, and our team is happy to help you set up Wi-Fi calling.
What spa services do you offer?
Massage and other treatments in our stand-alone spa. Spa services are optional and not included in the program fee. See the spa
Can I give a spa treatment to a Skyterra guest as a gift?
Yes. Call us at 888-282-1657 to arrange it.
Travel and packing
How do I get to Skyterra?
Drive or fly. There’s secure parking on campus, and if you fly into Asheville (AVL), our shuttle to and from the airport is included at scheduled times. See shuttle times
Which airport is closest?
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), about 30 minutes away and served by several major airlines. Charlotte (about 2.5 hours) and Atlanta (about 3.5 hours) are other options, but our shuttle doesn’t serve them.
Is transportation included in the price?
The airport shuttle is included. Airfare and other ground transportation are not.
What should I pack?
Pack for comfort and movement. There’s no need to dress up, and activewear at meals is perfectly fine.
- Activewear for a few workouts a day, plus some casual outfits
- Athletic shoes for indoors, and outdoor shoes that can get muddy or wet
- Court shoes if you’ll play pickleball
- Water shoes, a swimsuit and a swim shirt for the indoor pool and hot tub
- A rain jacket and layers; in winter, a warm coat, hat, gloves and shoes with good traction
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and a hat for hiking
- Toiletries, your phone, chargers and something to read
- Optional: recent bloodwork you’d like our team to review
Forget something? Our gift shop carries athletic apparel and essentials.
What do you provide?
- TV and Wi-Fi in every unit
- Bedding, bath and pool towels, and a bathrobe
- A hair dryer, soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion
- A washer, dryer and laundry detergent
- A Keurig with coffee pods, plus coffee and tea in the main building
- A backpack and water bottle
Can I smoke or drink alcohol?
Skyterra is a smoke-free campus. We don’t serve alcohol, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Still have a question?
Talk with our team. We're happy to help you decide if Skyterra is right for you.