I experienced the silent retreat in Jan 2025. I came away feeling connected to my life and the…read morebroader world, and calm in a way I hadn't expected. The goal to foster harmony between body, mind, and spirit is obvious in every aspect of the retreat. The teachings of Sid, Howard, and Margaret were wonderful. Each lesson built on the one before as the 3 days unfolded. The mountains are stunning, the food delicious, and accommodations were welcoming and comfortable. Highly recommend.

This place is magical. I attended a 5 day juice cleanse with a friend. Yes, the directions to the…read moreplace are a tad difficult, but once you get there it's amazing. Prama is a non-profit so the accommodations are simple, but clean. I was always comfortable and there were a dozen other women there from all over the country. My intention was to learn to be calm, reduce stress and lose a few pounds. Ramesh is the director and leads meditation and the educational workshops. I finally learned to meditate! . The education was very interesting. Aryuvedic is equal parts art/science. Jessica, former prosecutor turned yogi, is so cool. She led the subtle yoga movement each morning, which supported my goal of being flexible and strong. Prama has a chef that prepared delicious vegan meals (egg plant and quinoa rolls!) and all of the juices. I had an individual consultation with Ramesh and learned about my 'Dosha' and the best foods for me. I also had a massage with Ren - maybe the best massage ever! In a nutshell, I had the best time with the other women (we continue to support each other via a group text), lost weight, feel calm and can control my stress. I bought a juicer and stick to the food list like it's a religion. I am telling everyone I know about my great my experience. I plan to return for another juice fast and a silent meditation retreat.

I went to the 5 day cleanse hoping it might help my chronic insomnia. I was fairly dubious anything…read morecould make a difference since even strong sleep meds hadn't, but I am doing so much better since the cleanse. The retreat basically gives you a course in nutrition while providing a holistic cleanse of everything- you cleanse/reset your digestive system (fasting), your skin (mud packs and sauna), your nervous system (yoga, meditation and support). The staff was so caring - it definitely feels like a service they are providing rather than anything for profit (technically it's a non-profit I think). Also a friend who'd been before was laughing with me about how everyone there looks about twenty years younger than they are-- that was good marketing for us. If you are even slightly tempted to go, I doubt you will be disappointed.

From the owner: The Prama Wellness Center uses lifestyle as medicine, we help you take charge of your own health…read more We specialize in effective cleanse and rejuvenation techniques for long term health and well being. Our spa and detox treatments combine yoga, meditation, fasting with fresh juice and broth, super foods, clay applications, massage, and more. We offer personalize wellness consultations to help you reach your optimal health. You are welcome to come for any length of time for a personal retreat. We also host monthly group retreats as well. Clients leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Maureen is a gifted and passionate Pilates instructor; she is an amazing communicator and has…read morehelped me become aware of subtle yet powerful ways that I can change how I move to make my workouts more effective. I have taken the techniques she has taught me into my daily life, and is made such a difference!

Mediocre instruction but incredibly rude staff. I think the owner was actually leading my class. I…read moretried to ask her some questions about future classes after ours was finished and she was downright mean. I think this is more about being in a fitness clique - they don't seem interested in new business.

I really like this place. I have visited every Thursday that I am able to and will continue to do…read moreso as much as I can. The meditation instructions are easy to understand and the greater Shambhala philosophy is really great. Overall even if you are not into Buddhism I think it is worth a visit.

From the owner: The Shambhala Meditation Center of Asheville is part of an international community of urban…read moremeditation and rural retreat centers founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and further developed by his son and lineage holder Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Shambhala vision is rooted in the contemplative teachings of Buddhism, yet is a fresh expression of the spiritual journey for our time. We offer the practice of meditation, the study of the Shambhala Buddhist teachings and a community dedicated to open-hearted interaction. Regular Drop-in Public Programs: * Thursday Evening Sitting 6-7pm * Sunday Morning Sitting and Chants 10am-12pm * Wednesday Evening Yoga 6-7pm * Young Adult Meditation Group 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 7-8:30pm * Pema Chodron Discussion Group 2nd and 4th Thursdays 7-8pm * 1st Thursdays Open House 6-7:30pm Free Meditation Instruction is available on Thursday evenings and Sunday Mornings. It is best to contact us ahead to insure an instructor is available.

I booked a 90 minute massage with Megan while visiting Weaverville for a weekend retreat. She was…read moreresponsive and flexible to work around my retreat schedule timing. I really appreciated that. Her massage was absolute bliss! She found my hidden tight spots that I thought were sorted and smoothed them out. She did things for my neck with confidence and skill that brought ease and relief in a way I've never experienced before in a typical massage. And the coup de grâce was Reiki streaming through it all. I highly recommend Megan for massage!!

Megan is a healer and in my 15+ years of yoga experience, she's by far the best yoga teacher I've…read moreever had. Her classes helped me strengthen physically and mentally. Numerous times she guided me through some of the darkest days of my life with carefully curated movement and intentional, intuitive guidance. If you have the opportunity to work with Meg, do it. You'll be better for it.

A great hub of community activity, a broad range of group classes, lots of machines, talented and…read morefun instructors and staff. Love the energy and friendliness of the place.

Y M C A....and though the cheesy 70s song does conjure up creepy images of Jim's this YMCA is not…read moreone of those. A brand-new facility Tucktaway in a little community of Woodfin wedged in between Asheville and Weaverville is the only real major gym in the northern part of Buncombe County. It consist of treadmills elliptical bicycling in stair climb machines and a large set a very new weight machines in addition to a free weight area and several exercise rooms. Doesn't have a pool or sauna or hot tub unfortunately. And though I do have YMCA envy for the Southern location such as Arden I do you like my own little YMCA