Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Quick Links
About Skyterra Wellness Retreat
- What is Skyterra Wellness Retreat?
- What is a wellness retreat, anyway?
- What does “Weight Loss Spa” mean? Is Skyterra a “fat camp”?
- Where can I find reviews and testimonials from previous guests?
- What is the environment like at Skyterra?
- Where is Skyterra located geographically?
- Can I visit the property or preview the experience before booking my stay?
- What is the weather like?
- Are you open year-round, over the winter and/or during the holidays?
- What should I bring?
- What type of clothes should I pack?
Skyterra schedule & program
- How does the Skyterra program work?
- I’ve read that the program is “all-inclusive.” What exactly does that mean?
- What is a typical day at Skyterra like?
- What is the recommended length of stay?
- How large is the Skyterra program?
- What are the fitness classes like?
- What are the entry/exit screenings like?
- It seems like you focus on outdoor fitness. Is there an indoor gym?
- What kind of ongoing support does Skyterra offer to departing guests?
Transportation
Is Skyterra right for me?
Booking
Lodging and Amenities
About our spa
Full FAQ
What is Skyterra Wellness Retreat?
Skyterra Wellness Retreat & Weight Loss Spa is a place where you can tackle the wellness issues that detract from your quality of life, under the caring, informed guidance of professionals. Our program provides a relaxing, rejuvenating opportunity to reset your habits and carve a new path toward lifelong health.
Through educational classes, private coaching, relaxing accommodations, and assistance with holistic health, we are a sanctuary for self-improvement. Our team weaves their cutting-edge expertise in fitness, nutrition, and stress management into every aspect of the program. Through outdoor activities, mindful movement, meditative experiences, helpful lectures, and hands-on demonstrations, you’ll leave us with a renewed sense of self and well-being.
Take a tour of our campus HERE
What is a wellness retreat, anyway?
A wellness retreat is any destination where you go to work on a health goal in some type of guided or protected setting. As you might imagine, there are wellness retreats in every size, location, and philosophy.
At Skyterra, we emphasize unplugging from everyday life and reconnecting with nature and your own instincts toward wellness. Our program encompasses a rich roster of all-level fitness and yoga classes, meditation and mindfulness opportunities, enriching lectures and discussions, stress management coaching, nutrition and culinary workshops, guided hiking, outdoor games and activities, community-building, and much more.
This format, combined with dynamic, personalized attention from our staff members, is the perfect setting to reset, relax, and rebuild. Previous guests have sought assistance for issues including, but not limited to:
- Limited mobility,
- Needing a “reset” in life,
- Sustainable weight loss,
- Reliance on medications,
- Work and family-related stress management, and
- Recovery from a traumatic loss, illness, or life change.
We encourage you to view our Testimonials page HERE
What does “Weight Loss Spa” mean? Is Skyterra a “fat camp”?
Many – but not all – of our guests come to us with a goal of losing weight. For those individuals, we provide comprehensive support for achieving and maintaining a healthy body composition in a safe, encouraging environment.
We are not a so-called “fat camp” or fat farm. We do not promote fitness fads, crash diets, or any other “lose weight fast” gimmicks. We know weight loss to be a “side effect” of a healthy, balanced life, so while weight loss is one of our areas of expertise, our focus is always on overall health, quality of life, and body composition before the number of the scale.
Because of this viewpoint, we do not make guarantees about the number of pounds you will lose. Nevertheless, most of our guests lose weight during their time here, or even better, lose pounds of excess fat. According to data derived from our InBody body composition screenings, guests who stay at Skyterra for four weeks lose an average of up to two pounds of fat per week.
Click here to learn more about our comprehensive weight loss program, LoseSmart.
Where can I find reviews and testimonials from previous guests?
We are proud to average 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google.
Skyterra was recognized as a 2024 Traveler’s Choice Award Winner, an award based on genuine feedback from guests who have visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor, putting us among the top ten percent of all listings globally.
A sample of guest testimonials:
“The place is filled with positive energy and the staff is highly experienced & educated. I learned a lot about what activities are the best for me. The meals are delicious and healthy. I learned a lot about mindful eating and nutrition. It is focused on positive lifestyle changes, so I can keep taking good care of my mind, body & spirit after leaving. I flew in from California and it’s totally worth it. Thank you Skyterra!” – via Facebook
“I booked a week at Skyterra because I was impressed with the smaller guest groups and individual care described on their website. My Skyterra was everything I hoped it would be and more. The team made the booking process very easy, offering information, advice, and assistance in advance of my stay. They made sure my every need and concern was immediately addressed and took care of all my transportation needs and more. The chefs are excellent and the farm to table meals are prepared with input from the nutritionist to provide a very tasty and healthy meal every time! I sure miss those meals now that I am home! All the fitness and nutrition professionals are extremely warm, knowledgeable and invested in the success of each guess. I was able to trust that I was being cared for as I tried new experiences in exercise. I was surprised to see improvements in myself over the course of the week I visited Skyterra. I never felt hungry and always looked forward to the creative and yummy meals. You are always your own boss and can decide how much you eat and how much you do…. suggestions are presented, but you decide. I also loved the balance offered with interesting classes on nutrition, exercise, breathing, cooking, self-image and more. Give yourself this gift, it’s well worth the investment!” – via Google Reviews
“A fantastic, life changing two weeks for me and my wife. The skilled and professional staff, the wonderful location, the delicious food, the superb accommodation and the incredible variety of options on the daily activity lists all combined to make it the best vacation I have ever had! My wife and I both followed tailored programs each day to suit our needs and interests and had wonderfully peaceful and energizing evenings in the wooded surroundings of our superb cottage. The mix and combination of coaching and counseling skills leave no gaps in a very broad agenda where there is something for everyone and every day we were spoilt for choice. I am reasonably fit but I have returned reenergized, even fitter and with a whole new list of exercise, fitness and dietary options. We will definitely go back!” – via TripAdvisor
What is the environment like at Skyterra?
Our guests stay in well-appointed mountain lodging, eat community-style high-quality chef-prepared meals in our bright, welcoming dining area, and attend classes and lectures in our cozy classrooms. The environment is casual and nature-centric, but with a full array of comforts and accommodations.
When weather allows it, we host many of our classes outdoors. Here in the mountains, we enjoy the favorable weather for much of the year. Our summers are much cooler and less humid than the rest of the south. We see low temperatures and snow during the winter, but the season is relatively short.
The community here is caring, intimate, and family-like. No matter what time of year you visit, we limit our number of guests to maximize your experience. We preserve a high staff-to-guest ratio so your needs never go unmet.
Where is Skyterra located geographically?
Skyterra is located at 75 Skyterra Way, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, between Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest, minutes from the little mountain town of Brevard and about 30 minutes down the road from Asheville, on a serene 155-acre campus. Our unique location enables a full array of breathtaking outdoor activities year-round.
Click here to learn more about our location.
Can I visit the property or preview the experience before booking my stay?
Yes! If you find yourself in our area, simply call ahead to schedule your visit. You can tour the property and even join us for lunch (subject to availability).
If you aren’t nearby but still want a taste of Skyterra, we encourage you to tour our campus virtually.
What is the weather like?
Skyterra is located in the in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. We’re about minutes from Brevard and 30 minutes from Asheville, on a serene campus just outside of Pisgah National Forest.
Our unique location exhibits relatively mild temperatures year-round. Our summers are less hot and humid than the rest of the south, and less cold and dreary than many places up north in the winter.
Are you open year-round, over the winter and/or during the holidays?
Yes – we are open year-round, even during major holidays. We even incorporate special seasonal, festive programming for guests celebrating the holidays here. If you’re interested in holiday travel that keeps on giving, we’re an excellent destination.
What should I bring?
You should bring plenty of active, season-appropriate clothing, preferred personal toiletries, and travel essentials like sun block, phone/computer/camera, and corresponding chargers. We provide housing, meals/snacks, and in-room laundry facilities.
What type of clothes should I pack?
Plenty of activewear, plus comfort attire and a few casual changes of clothes. Many guests wear their activewear to meals and outings. There is no need to dress up at Skyterra!
Bring layers, especially in the fall and winter, so you can adjust as needed. Even in the summer, we experience cool nights and mornings that call for an extra layer. Don’t forget your swimsuit for our year-round indoor pool and hot tub.
Your feet may get wet on hikes, so bring water shoes if you have them. Most people also bring hiking boots and at least two pairs of athletic shoes (one pair that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy). Bring your bathing suit and sunscreen during warm weather. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat that you feel comfortable hiking in.
We do have an on-site gift shop with a curated selection of athletic apparel if you need to purchase additional items while you’re here.
What kind of guests come to Skyterra?
A wide variety of individuals have enjoyed and benefited from the Skyterra program, including different ages, genders, lifestyles, and fitness levels. Anyone looking to invest in their long-term physical, mental, and emotional health is welcome.
This is a place for everyone – we have helped everyone from college students, to cancer survivors, to individuals with a fair amount of pre-existing fitness knowledge and conditioning, and people in their 80s.
This is a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for single travelers. It’s also common to bring along a friend, partner, spouse, or family member.
If you are younger, older, or in any way different from our average guest, don’t give it a second thought! Our staff members will still provide personalized attention and guidance for your priorities, even if they differ from the rest of the group.
What kind of health and wellness issues does the Skyterra program address?
Our program is designed to jumpstart new habits and help you develop a healthier lifestyle. Anyone who is experiencing health issues as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle can benefit from our retreat.
As you can imagine, that means virtually everybody, considering how the modern way of life makes it so hard to take care of ourselves! Guests come to Skyterra seeking assistance for common issues including, but not limited to:
- Limited mobility,
- Weight loss and weight loss maintenance,
- Reliance on medications,
- Diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions,
- Work-related stress management and executive burnout,
- Family-related stress management and caregiver burnout,
- Recovery from a traumatic loss, illness, or life change.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you are not alone! Committing to a retreat can help you see new possibilities for yourself and your circumstances.
Skyterra is not a medical facility, so if you have a condition that requires close medical attention, please call us at 888-282-1657 before booking your retreat.
What will my experience be like if I….
Are there physical/mental requirements for attending Skyterra?
As long as you are able to walk around on your own (even if it’s not long distances) and are able to climb a set of stairs five steps high, you will be able to participate, learn, and experience results. All fitness levels are welcome at Skyterra. We meet you where you are and help you improve from there. A desire to learn, caring enough about yourself to give your full effort, and a willingness to try new things is all we ask.
Is Skyterra a good choice for a solo vacation?
Absolutely! Solo travel can be anxiety-inducing for some; you may be wondering if everyone else will be busy with their friends and loved ones. That is not the case at Skyterra! You’ll feel at ease as soon as you arrive.
Once you join the group, you’ll see that the majority of our guests – about 70% or more at any given time – visit as solo travelers. With a maximum capacity around 35 individuals and a high staff-to-guest ratio, you’ll be welcomed by an intimate group of like-minded and supportive people of all ages and backgrounds.
Visiting solo (or with a very close companion or partner with whom you feel extremely comfortable) frees you to truly focus on yourself and your own needs. A solo wellness retreat represents a tremendous opportunity to connect with and nourish yourself and to expand your comfort zone without distractions.
How does the Skyterra program work?
Every Skyterra package includes on- and off-campus programming. From 7 AM until about 7 PM each day, enjoy a well-rounded roster of enriching lectures and enlivening classes and activities.
The schedule accommodates plenty of downtime, so you can stroll the grounds or explore the local area as you please. Keep in mind that our program is very small and we adjust classes accordingly. Even in group classes, you receive far more personalized attention than in most other wellness settings.
This core weekly programming includes:
- Comprehensive body composition screening
- Daily guided nature walks
- Daily breathwork and meditation sessions
- A full array of fitness classes, including both low- and high-intensity strength training and cardiovascular workouts
- Yoga and mobility sessions to address range-of-motion issues
- Nutrition education and culinary demonstrations
- Waterfall hiking
- Seasonal outdoor sports and activities
- Stress management skill building
- Guidance on establishing sustainable positive habits.
I’ve read that the program is “all-inclusive.” What exactly does that mean?
Skyterra rates are all-inclusive, meaning that one flat weekly rate covers all of our programming, lodging, three delicious chef-prepared meals daily (catered to your dietary needs and preferences) with snacks and refreshments, as well as airport shuttle service.
What is a typical day at Skyterra like?
A typical day at Skyterra starts with a Quick FIT class or Sunrise Yoga at 7:00 am, followed by breakfast at 7:30 am. After breakfast, Connect class will help you start the day with breathing exercises, meditation, light stretching and honoring unplugged space.
During mid-morning, enjoy an interval cardio class, participate in a circuit fitness session, yoga, or join a variety of educational lectures.
By then, it’s lunchtime! After lunch, you’ll have another opportunity to take in a lecture, attend a culinary demo, or join a hike to a nearby waterfall.
Enjoy some pre-dinner yoga, a creative arts class or meal planning lecture, then enjoy the last meal of the day.
After-dinner activities might include game night, a community campfire gathering, or simple downtime.
Please note that the exact schedule varies according to the season and our guests’ interests and that every day is slightly different to keep both our short-term and long-term guests inspired.
You are welcome to attend as many or as few scheduled activities as you would like.
What is the recommended length of stay?
Our recommended minimum length of stay is one week. For best results from our core program, we recommend a two-week stay. We have found that guests who stay for two weeks or longer get the most out of the program and have an easier time applying it at home. For stays three weeks and longer, our program takes on a more in-depth approach.
We also recommend arriving on Sunday if possible. This allows you to appreciate the full range of our weekly schedule.
How large is the Skyterra program?
Our maximum capacity is 35 guests because you are important to us. The small size and intimate nature of the program empowers us to maintain a high staff-to-guest ratio and meet every individual at their present level.
What are the fitness classes like?
Fitness classes are held multiple times a day. Every week includes yoga, strength-training, low- and high-intensity cardio, along with hiking and meditation sessions and an array of exciting, one-of-a-kind strength-training classes. Our small group size means you’ll always be appropriately challenged, whether you’re a complete newbie or you’ve had a fair amount of fitness education under your belt already.
What are the entry/exit screenings like?
When you first arrive, we complete a body composition and mobility screening. You start learning about your body right away! This information helps us dial in schedule and activities suggestions for your optimal benefit.
To measure your body composition, we use a state-of-the-art InBody scanner. Simply stand on the machine (fully clothed – nothing invasive or embarrassing here), grip the handles, and wait a few moments while the technology goes to work. The machine generates a report with your amount of body fat and muscle, and water distribution, among other key metrics. This allows us to help you focus on maintaining/building muscle and shedding excess fat. It’s a far better metric than the number on the scale alone, which does not indicate muscle and water loss.
We also take your measurements and conduct a brief mobility test. This helps us learn more about your range of motion. For this test, you simply lay on the ground and move your arms and legs while a member of our staff observes. Throughout this process, you are given full privacy – there are no public weigh-ins unless you choose to have a friend present.
Depending on your preferences and your length of stay, we conduct these InBody (body composition) tests again before you depart. This way, we can see the progress you’ve made before you return home. Longer-term guests may also opt to get periodic screenings throughout the course of your stay.
It seems like you focus on outdoor fitness. Is there an indoor gym?
Yes. While we do focus on outdoor fitness because research shows it is more sustainable and has benefits that go beyond physical fitness, we have an indoor gym with exceptional cardio and free weight equipment.
What kind of ongoing support does Skyterra offer to departing guests?
Our goal is to provide an experience that helps you feel your best even after you return home. We demonstrate the kind of lifestyle changes that you can actually see yourself making over the long-term. Deprivation and punishing, time-consuming workouts are not part of our philosophy!
When you’re here, you’ll attend a number of educational classes and activities that help you strategize these changes in your own life. You’ll keep the results of your body composition and mobility screening, so you can continue to measure your progress.
Through Skyterra At Home, our web portal, you’ll have continued access to all of our handouts, notes, and other lecture materials. There, you’ll also be able to follow along with original videos straight from our team. Strength train, get in some heart-pumping cardio, meditate, or do one of our signature yoga practices right in the comfort of your own home! There’s also a steady stream of cooking demonstrations and recipes directly from our culinary team. You can use Skyterra At Home for free.
If you’d like to continue working one-on-one with one of our professionals, Premium Coaching services are also available. You’ll work remotely with a team member of your choosing (pending availability).
How much does a stay at Skyterra cost?
You’ll find the latest information on our Rates page. We do offer discounts for veterans, teachers, front-line responders, and double occupancy guests. contact us to learn more.
Will insurance cover my stay?
To see if a residential weight loss program is covered by your health insurance, you will need to check with your carrier. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), then all or a portion could be qualified as a medical expense. Our program is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
Can I purchase a stay at Skyterra as a gift?
Absolutely! It’s a wonderful way to express care for your loved one. Contact us to confirm the visitor’s details and make arrangements: .
Is there a minimum/maximum length of stay?
Our recommended minimum stay is one week. We are a program, not a hotel, and we have a weekly curriculum designed to encourage well-rounded health progress. We can occasionally accommodate shorter stays. Contact us for details!
How far in advance do I need to book my stay?
Keep in mind that our program is small (35 guests max at a time). We do reach capacity, so it is highly recommended you reserve your space early. That being said, you are welcome to book your stay right up until 24 hours before your intended visit. Some of our guests plan their stays months in advance, while others make a spur-of-the-moment health investment.
Does Skyterra offer a money-back guarantee?
If you realize that Skyterra isn’t for you within the first 24 hours of your stay, we will refund your program fee (the amount you paid, less the $1,500 per-person deposit).
Please note that while your deposit is non-refundable, but if you need to reschedule your stay for any reason, you can apply your deposit to your new dates at no additional charge.
What are the lodging options?
Our mountain lodging features cottages that are completely private with a bed, bath, small kitchen and small living space, as well as a screened-in porch. The cottages are dog-friendly and frequently reserved for our guests who bring four-legged friends.
Is the lodging private or shared?
Cottages are completely private, equipped with a bed, bath, kitchen area, and porch.
Can I request specific lodging?
Yes, but our lodging accommodations are limited and are first-come, first-served. If you require something specific we will always do our best to accommodate.
Is Skyterra pet-friendly?
We can almost always accommodate your well-behaved dog. Please inform us about your pet before arriving. There is an additional pet fee of $250.
How big is the property?
We are situated on a 155-acre expanse of land with trails, streams, and a waterfall crisscrossing the property.
What are the rest of the accommodations like?
Apart from lodging, you will find our gated property extremely alluring. We have the following features onsite:
- Indoor fitness center including a cardio room and gym
- Indoor and outdoor yoga spaces
- Firepit
- On campus trails
- Lecture halls
- Kitchen
- Teaching kitchen
- Dining area
- Lounge
- Gift shop
- Stand-alone spa
- Waterfall
- Open space and untouched nature – fields, meadows, forests
- Golf carts for assistance traversing the property.
Is there internet access and cell phone coverage?
Our campus has ample wi-fi coverage in all guest lodging and common areas. Because of our mountain location, cell service coverage can be spotty. In the event of connectivity issues, our guest services and IT staff are happy to assist you.
What services are available in the spa?
Take a look at our Spa Services page to learn about spa services and treatments. Spa services are optional and are not included in the program fee.
Can I purchase a spa service as a gift for a Skyterra guest?
Certainly! Contact us to make arrangements.
How do I get to Skyterra?
Our guests drive or fly. If you drive here, we have safe on-campus parking for your vehicle. If you fly here, airport shuttles to/from nearby airports (AVL/GSP) are included in the cost of your stay at specific scheduled times only. Click here for airport shuttle information.
Which airports are closest to Skyterra? Which airlines fly there?
Asheville Regional Airport is the closest airport to Skyterra, about 30 minutes away. Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Elite Airways and United all fly into Asheville.
The Greenville/Spartanburg Regional Airport (SC) is about 90 minutes away. Delta, United, American Airlines, and Southwest fly into Greenville.
Click here for Skyterra’s airport shuttle schedule.
Is transportation cost included in the price?
Skyterra provides a private airport shuttle to and from the Asheville or Greenville/Spartanburg airports. However, airfare and alternative airport transportation prices are not included in the program cost.
Are there other airport options?
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is about 2.5 hours away, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 3.5 hours away, depending on traffic. However, we do not offer shuttle service from Charlotte or Atlanta.
Interested in a visit to Skyterra?
Fill out the form below and we will contact you shortly. As our gift to you, receive your own digital copy of The Skyterra Cookbook.
