(This story has been updated to correct Skyterra's ranking.)
Three Western North Carolina locations were recognized in a health and wellness themed roundup of USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice lists.
10BEST Readers' Choice lists are chosen by voters across the country who choose favorites among locations nominated by an expert panel. So far this year, WNC has been recognized for river and lake locations, outdoor adventures, road trip options and more.
Now, the region is being recognized as a hotspot for health and relaxation, with several WNC meditation centers and wellness retreats on this year's lists. Here's what readers and experts loved about three WNC locations, plus the full lists and more.
Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, NC
The Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone was included on two different 10BEST lists, at No. 4 for Best Wellness Retreat Centers and No. 2 for Best Meditation Centers. The center has a long history on 10BEST lists, having received recognition every year since 2016.
10BEST writers loved the center's "transformative itineraries," with regular meditation retreats, fresh vegetarian fare, holistic spa services, Ayurvedic wellness programs and more. It's location surrounded by 380 acres of forests and trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains was also a plus for writers.
The Art of Living Retreat Center is located at 639 Whispering Hills Road, Boone, NC 28607. Visit the center's website at artoflivingretreatcenter.org.
Skyterra Wellness Retreat, Pisgah Forest, NC
Skyterra Wellness Retreat, located in Pisgah Forest, came in at No. 2 on the 10BEST list of best wellness centers. Skyterra is also no stranger to 10BEST recognition, with yearly recognitions spanning back to 2018.
Skyterra's sense of intimacy, exclusivity and individualization in experiences was praised in its list entry. Writers appreciated small classes which allow for personalized attention - the resort hosts no more than 35 guests at a time - which allows guests to "set aside the worries of day-to-day life and focus on health and well-being."
Skyterra Wellness Retreat is located at 75 Skyterra Way, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768. Visit the retreat's website at skyterrawellness.com.
The Horse Shoe Farm, Hendersonville, NC
Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville came in at No. 8 on the 10BEST list of wellness retreat centers in 2025. It previously received recognition as a runner up in 2024 and came in at No. 8 for the first time in 2023.
The property's accommodations, ranging from lofts to an entire manor, were highly praised on the list, as well as the entire grounds. Writers mentioned meditating, fishing, trail walks, massages and exploration of the 85 acres of riverfront pastures and farmland as some of the best of the Horse Shoe Farm's offerings.
The Horse Shoe Farm is located at 155 Horse Shoe Farm Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28791. Visit the farm's website at thehorseshoefarm.com.
The full list of best wellness retreat centers in the U.S.:
Best meditation centers in the US
The full list of best meditation centers in the U.S.:
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].