Shoji Spa & Retreat

Had such a damn good time here with my wife celebrating our anniversary. The tubs were so clean. Cold shower, a must. Set in the woods just makes it that much better. Chell “Shell” our host made the experience even better. Thank you so much for making the time spent there even more worth it. Truly a relaxing time! Would travel for this again in a heart beat!

Not sure why the negative reviews, this place is Amazing! It was difficult to book online but they do say to call so I just left a message and received a call back the next day. The signage made the place easy to find, short drive from downtown Asheville and we were warmly welcomed. Yes, it is in nature which made it amazing so if you’re not into nature then it’s not for you! Restrooms had everything you needed to get ready and we were given a tote with a robe, towel and slippers. For it being late June, there was a nice breeze and the sound of the birds and rustling leaves were so relaxing. There was a cold shower right next to the spa to cool off in between. We were brought to the upstairs of the lobby for our awesome massages! Highly recommend for complete relaxation 😊

My sister took me here for my birthday. This was an amazing and indulgent experience!!! Our massage therapists Erik and Courtney were exceptional!! The location and experience were so unique! I've been to many spas and this one tops the list. I cannot recommend this place enough!! Thank you for a perfect birthday!! Rachel and Sarah K.

Let me preface by saying, I’m not sure why there are so many negative reviews lately. My fiance and I came to Shoji today, the day before our wedding, for a nice, relaxing break. We booked the Nihon package, which includes a 60 minute soak in a private hot tub and then a 90 minute full body massage. From the moment we got there, we were met by a wonderful groundskeeper and kind front desk staff. We also added on a package to get a bottle of prosecco and chocolate, which was delightful. The hot tub was clean, secluded, and peaceful. Then, after our time in the hot tub was up, it was time to get ready for our massages. Erik and Elisabeth met us and talked us through the process, making sure all questions and concerns were answered and resolved. They both did an amazing job and when the time was up, we were still wanting more! Overall, we had a lovely experience and would most definitely come back again! Thank you Shoji staff for helping us de-stress before our wedding day! 💛

This spa is so beautiful and relaxing. It is so inspiring to be out in nature. I went about 15 years ago, and this recent visit is only my second trip. I now plan on making this an annual event, as I am often visiting in Asheville. I chose a solo retreat for my birthday weekend. It was so rejuvenating and peaceful to be alone and really relax. I indulged in an hour tub soak and ordered a tea tray. This little extra was totally worth it and the tea was delicious and presented so prettily. Afterwards, I enjoyed the salt exfoliating scrub in the outdoor shower and then had a 60 minute deep tissue massage. They also have a sauna that you can utilize just for being on premises, and I took advantage of that while drying off before my massage. Their facilities are top notch, staff is wonderful, and the property is gorgeous. I HIGHLY recommend. I can't wait to go back! 💕

My husband and I did the 1 hour salt water tub experience and I was blown away with the service! The whole thing felt luxurious from start to finish. We were welcome upon arrival and given robes and shoes to change into. Their bathroom/changing room was spotless and very high end. After that we were able to order drinks for our soak and then shown to our private tub area. In addition to the tub, we had access to a sauna, cold water shower, and the most refreshing frozen, cucumber/mint towels to use to cool off. I have been wanting to go here for years and it did not disappoint!

This is one of the best peaceful and relaxing locations I have ever been to in the United States during my travels. The staff were exceptional, and the scenery of nature was one of a kind. Recommendation is to bring a significant other, or friend to enjoy the peaceful relaxation at the spa. A small group can be entertaining when one wants to get away from the urban life. Money well spent and the trip to go here was definitely worth it.

Our visit to Shoji Spa on March 30 was honestly pretty frustrating. From the start, they never answered the phone, so we had to drive there just to book an appointment for the next day. We were told we’d get an hour-long soak and could use the sauna and cold showers until closing at 8 PM. We even confirmed this with Maya when booking. But when we finished our soak at 7:30 PM, they told us the sauna and cold showers were already shut down. That was a huge letdown because it wasn’t what they told us when we booked—or even right before our session. It really felt like they just wanted to leave early, which is fine, but not at the cost of the guest experience. To top it off, the restroom had a sign saying, “Don’t use, shower in maintenance,” but the shower was working perfectly fine. Expecting guests to just leave without showering after a jacuzzi session? That’s just ridiculous. Maya, in particular, didn’t seem suited for customer service—especially in a spa where relaxation should be the priority. This place is overpriced for what it is. If you just want nice pictures, maybe—but for a true relaxation experience, look elsewhere. We won’t be coming back and wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Shoji is a unique experience in WNC. It's not just another spa or massage spot. The spa is situated at higher elevation with the most beautiful panoramic views of the mountains. We went there to get the private one hour onsen/ salt hot tub. We added the beverage service for the valentine champagne set, hot tea and hot chocolate. It was amazing- intimate, relaxing and quiet. The showers and changing room was also clean and smelled heavenly. They provide you with a tote bag including your robe, slippers and towels to easily carry throughout your stay. How smart! I will be back ‍

Shoji offers a really special experience, tucked away in the quiet mountains to let you connect with nature a bit and also feel really relaxed, cleansed, and pampered. My friend graciously booked this for several of us for my bachelorette weekend back in July with a soaking tub session and massage. The spaces and service were all nicely done and staff was friendly. After checking in, you will shower off and change into a robe and provided sandals. You can purchase a light snack and/or drink to have while you relax in the soaking tub. Definitely take advantage of the cold shower next to each of the soaking tubs to get the maximum benefit. There's also a sauna on site, but we did not venture in there ourselves. The masseuse will consult with you before your treatment to ask what type of experience you want and any conditions or needs they should be watching out for or aiming to assist with. With both soaking tub and massage, this makes for a great half-day experience for either a small group or a couple. If you have to wait for a while between your soaking tub and massage, recommend bringing a book, magazine, and or headphones with you to help enjoy and pass the time if you need.

I've visited Shoji spa both of my visits to Asheville. The first time was pre-covid in 2019 on a girls trip. It was 4 of us and we opted for 1 hour soak and we all got massages. We loved it and I had great memories and always wanted to return. Flash foward to present I was planning a weekend getaway to Asheville with my boyfriend. He's never been to Asheville or a spa so I was really excited as I felt this spot would be perfect. We could only secure time on Monday as the weekend was all sold out. We had a 12:30 reservation for a 1 hr soak and a 60 mins couples massage. The spa is about 15 mins from downtown and you'll want to show up early to sign their docs and change. The dressing room is different from my previous visit in 2019. They had lockers back then so you could lock up personal stuff. Now they provide you a tote bag with a towel, sandals and a bathrobe. The tote bag is where you keep all your personal belongings. I liked it better when you could lock your stuff up and not have been forced to lug it around the spa with you. The changing room is quiet small. There wasn't that much traffic while I visited but I can see how on the busy weekends it could be quiet uncomfortable. The soak was nice. Yelp check in got us free tub side tea service which is a $20 value. I probably wouldn't buy the tea service but having it complimentary was nice. The longest the jets run for is 15 mins so you have to get out of the tub to press the button for them to work again. Its a very serene and relaxing vibe. When our hour was up we went to dry up and change out of our swim suits. We had a few mins and spent a little time in the sauna before we had our massages. Our masseuse's took time before to talk to us about any issues we might have, injuries etc. I thought it was a nice touch. My massage was great and my boyfriend really enjoyed his being the first professional massage he ever had. I was so relaxed and it was very needed. Overall I would absolutely go back to Shoji but I would probably not deviate to try any different services.

My spouse and I had an absolutely wonderful time at Shoji spa. We did a 90 minute tub soak and then a shower scrub. There was extra time to do cold shower and sauna sessions as well. It was completely relaxing and serene. We thought the rainy cold weather would put a damper on the experience, but it only added to the magic. Highly recommend the tea during the soak, too! The shampoo and body wash smelled so good that I had to buy some for home. We will definitely be back!

Loved it! Solid 4.5 stars. Rounded up to 5 to help their overall score. We're visiting from GA for the week after Easter (April 2024). A friend recommended Shoji. I immediately snagged a Thursday appt about 5 days in advance for solo soak and massage. First, do not pay attn to the nit-picky, negative reviews. The day of my appt, I read Yelp reviews and got a little concerned. So, know before you go: -customer service was great, especially young man in converse sneaks who checked me in, as well as my massage therapist -massage was awesome -robe, towels, showers were exactly what they needed to be --warm, big enough for most folks and clean -lack of lockers no big deal, just leave large things in your car and use the tote they provide -there were no loud patrons around to disturb my soak or massage -my tub was very private...it had a door so no one could see in and I couldn't see out -the dry sauna was a welcome way to end my treatments at Shoji. -the tub looked clean to me; no overpowering chlorine smell...just clean -spa is in the middle of the woods; there are leaves, trees and outdoorsy stuff all around...be prepared -check the forecast before scheduling the self exfoliating treatment; it is an outdoor treatment and I think the showers are cold (only downside during my visit) -check out Glenwood Hot Springs in Colorado if you like the idea of hot soaks in nature; it's similar to Shoji (kind of): https://www.hotspringspool.com/

My husband and I reserved two spa services. The hot tub soak and the scrub. His complaint was that the hot tub was too relaxing and he kept falling asleep. when you first arrive you shower then wait in a zen like garden for your services. Everyone was nice and accommodating. After our hot tub soak we took a cool shower and then headed to the outdoor showers for a scrub. The scrub smelled like orange peels. It was amazing. I would definitely recommend.

After teaching in Japan in my early 20s and learning all too late to enjoy onsen culture while there, Shoji Spa has been on my US-based Japanese-inspired spa bucket list for quite some time. So glad I finally went! Going in the fall was, for me, the perfect decision. The crisp chill in the air juxtaposed by the warmth of the hot tub and tea service, complimented by the gorgeous autumn leaves -- including the breathtaking oranges and yellows of the Japanese maples throughout the property -- made for an excellent relaxing, rejuvenating shinrin yoku ("forest bathing") experience!

Visited Shoji Retreat for the first time on July 5th and we purchased the Nihon Spa package. Enjoyed an amazing soak in a private salt tub immersed in nature. We then had a 90 minute couples masses with both Charmaine and Sara. We both agreed that it was hands down the best massage we have ever had. They were both so amazing- feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated! 10 out of 10- definitely recommend!

The first thing I will say about this place is how scenic it is. You really feel like you're in a traditional Japanese spa with the mountainous terrain, period correct architecture and gorgeous plant life. Getting to the location is slightly challenging with the hilly terrain so make sure you have a capable vehicle and drive cautiously. The trek up the mountain is worth it though because the complete and utter relaxation you get to experience is unmatched. We did the 90 minute hot tub soak and the privacy and intimacy inside is awesome. Even with the chilly weather and rain we were still cozy and also had drinks we ordered to refresh us. The staff were so welcoming and gave us a warm welcome and send off. Please come here and take time to relax.

It didn't live up to the expectations that we had for it. Came here with the wife for our second anniversary and we left underwhelmed. Pros: - The tub was large - The setting is beautiful Cons: - The setting was not very private. We had to keep the jets on in the tub the whole time so we couldn't hear our neighbors talking and vice versa. There was a communal area that had a clear view into our tub area and my wife felt uncomfortable that someone would see her soaking. - The amenities for the price are light. You couldn't tell if the tub was mineral water and we had a lengthy debate as to whether it was just chlorinated water. You get a cheap robe, towel and rubber shoes but nothing else. Other experiences we've had have given bath salts, body lotions, Turkish towels, and plush bath robes. - The bath area itself was not clean. It's open air, so some leaves are to be expected. But the ground was covered in dirt and you felt gross if you leaned on the side on the side of the tub. - There really wasn't an option of anywhere to sit or go if you weren't in the tub. We had a two hour soak and there weren't many options to relax. - There's only one bathroom in the check-in area, which means you have to leave your tub, walk up the hill and walk past other bath areas and the waiting area in your robe to get to a bathroom. Overall, just not that impressive for a $370 price tag for two people. We didn't feel like there was much difference between going here and sitting in a hot tub back at your house. We had a much better soaking experience in Bryson City and would not recommend this one.

This was a hidden gem in the hills of Asheville. We went off of a recommendation of a friend and we're pleased. The package we chose was "spendy" and I would say most with it. We only had actual human contact for 90 minutes out of 4 hours and that was a really amazing massage. Beyond excellent. I will say that the 90 minute soak was a little too long for my liking. We could hear staff and other clients talking and even had an employee accidentally walk into the area we were soaking in, closet to the check in area. Too much chatter and staff conversations. The massage was fabulous, the location is incredible.

5 stars overall experience 2 stars for the actual hot chocolate (keep the set up it's super cute! But change the hot chocolate please.) As part of my birthday trip I was excited to book a private hot tub! This is a unique experience because of the location being nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. The private hot tubs over look the forest and is enclosed for privacy with the back wall open to the forest. Take caution when driving to Shoji Retreat. It's only a 15 minute drive from downtown ASheville. However, take into account extra time if you miss a turn like we did several times. The roads to Shoji are a two way street built basically for one car to fit, with the other stopping to let the other pass. If even that. It is a windy road. There are Shoji signs leading you to the spa which helps a lot! However, I would recommend an arrow pointing left with the largest sign. Because it was kind of confusing whether you go straight or left. We went straight and it was someone's house! So if you see the largest Shoji Spa sign and it looks like you go straight or left, make a left. From the start of booking, which I did 3 months in advance, up to the day of, communication went smoothly. We had to make a few changes and that was simple. One warranted a refund (allowed only up to 48 hours prior to reservations) which was promptly returned without issues! The only slight hiccup was the location for a lower hot tub I had requested during my reservations which was noted in my reservation. We were led to the one near the front desk. I informed the kind staff member that I requested a lower tub and she was able to remedy this. The parking lot is small however you are allowed to parallel park along the entrance if there are no available spots. Fortunately, we were able to park in the lot. Once you park proceed to the entrance with the little cat flags and bear a left and proceed all the way down to the left in which once you reach the outdoor lounge area you bear right. Before you enter the tubs you are required to take a full shower. There are two separate hot showers with shampoo, conditioner and body wash with curtains partitioning the two. They provide you with a large tote, robe, towel and sandals. There are no lockers due to the pandemic. So they advise you to dress causally and with clothes to easily change in and out of, as well as bring as minimal with you as possible. These are solid words of advice. Less is better! We had the lower tub to the far left which was much better and a more quiet and serene atmosphere. This particular hot tub house had two separate benches and hooks to hang your big soft comfy robes. The kind staff member brought our hot chocolate set up down to the private hot tub and showed us the controls for the jets which had 15 minutes as the highest increment. This makes sense as it forces you to get out of the hot tub so you don't over heat or over do it. There is an intercom if you have any concerns. It was a lovely hour soak. Make sure you arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your time so you get your full hour. There were even wind chimes near the open wall facing the forest. There are sun sails over the hot tub to keep the sun out of your eyes. It was so relaxing and just what my sister and I needed after a 6.5 hour drive. The jets felt so good on my calves and feet. With the private hot tub soaks, use of the cedar sauna and cold shower contrast showers are included. Once your time is up they announce it via the intercom in your hot tub area. It truly is a peaceful and tranquil setting. My only disappointment was the taste of the hot chocolate. It was was watered down, more like hot chocolate water. I probably should have mentioned it while we were there, but I was more concerned about enjoying my hot tub time. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the set up though of the hot chocolate itself. It was inside the two penguin thermos and accompanied with cute mugs with a package of colorful marshmallows. You get about two mugs full of hot chocolate per person per thermos. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to receive any biscoff cookies or not or if cookies are an extra charge as well. My recommendation is to please provide quality hot chocolate that warrants the $12 per person price. We both finished our hot chocolate because we didn't want the money we paid or rather my sister paid to go to waste. Maybe set up a collab with one of the local chocolate shops to provide their hot chocolate. Overall, this was a great unique experience to unwind in nature! The staff was kind, friendly and accommodating, the facilities are clean and beautiful and serene. It does seem like it is geared more towards couples, unfortunately my husband wasn't able to accompany me on this trip. But it doesn't mean you can't enjoy some sister time or girls' day/ night out here! I highly recommend!!

Great getaway for a romantic weekend in Asheville! The outdoor hot tub was amazing for an hour, followed by a massage and relaxation room. The facilities were very clean and the staff was very friendly/welcoming. It was a relaxation experience like no other and we would definitely return again. Thanks for making our anniversary weekend extra special.

Highly recommend Found this gem online tired to book online a few weeks before our trip and they were all full, I called the day we landed and they were so helpful and able to squeeze us in last minute. I would try calling them to book appointment if it looks full online. Such a great relaxing way to enjoy nature. Everything was very clean will definitely be back next time we are in Asheville.

I've heard a lot about Shoji so I was excited to check it out. I love a spa day and nature so I was thrilled. The location and setting was wonderful but it was incredibly expensive to sit in a chemical-filled hot tub for an hour. The whole time I was thinking where my money could have been better spent. I didn't feel like we had privacy, I didn't feel like the space was clean and I there was really no where to sit or even put your stuff in the large space.

My son purchased a gift certificate for me for my birthday. It was a big deal - a lot of money for him. He was so excited to give me this because I work overnights in health care and am always a zombie. I waited to book it so that I could anticipate it and plan perfectly for when I wouldn't be too exhausted and my friend could come with me. We choose the "treetop package" Yesterday was a super disappointing day. It started out well with a very welcoming staff behind the counter. We were guided to the building where we would have the zero gravity massage. It was cold cold hard rain, and as there was no covered walkway we were soaked and freezing when we arrived at that building. So now the massage chairs. They were so uncomfortable that we were watching the clock for them to end (I want to stress here that the person who was guiding us was super sweet and did her best to make us comfortable. Our arms couldn't reach the ends of the rests, so after having the tips of our fingers squeezed we both pulled our arms out. there was no neck support at all, and the one place where we both needed the massage the most, in our shoulders, was non-existent. The section that works on our shoulderblades felt like they would split in half. My friend who is a PT was nervous for both of us. While our room was cozy, it did feel more clinical then spa-like (I was told that normally in a spa there would normally be some candles or incense or trickling water to make it special. We left with achy hips (that part pressed really hard on the bones, and we had to try to push ourselves over it), and only feeling like we had a massage on our feet (that part was great). When we were done, we both had to use the toilet, and at that point were told that it wasn't in order, so we had to run all the way back to the office in the freezing rain to use that one, where there was no hot water in the sinks. The broken pipe was out of your control, but I would have expected that we would have been notified before we set out, or at least at the front desk before we started. We could have re-scheduled for another day (running in the rain back and forth was the opposite of relaxing). The next room was nice, with the heated pad and weighted blanket, but nothing special. The sauna was nice, but much too small for 2, or even for 1 to stretch out. Next - since it was cold and rainy, we were offered to take a "to go" bag instead of the next phase, which had 2 little condiment cups, and a scrubby glove for each. We paid $33 for that. 2 samples of a scrub and 2 dollar store gloves. When we were checked out, the 2 two young girls at the counter were bored, surly, and1 was in training. Neither smiled, or asked how it went or said "thank you", or wished us a nice day. Neither apologized that the bathroom was of order. And this part makes me feel bad to say - but I feel like it should be a part of the whole "experience", we would have expected someone kind and gentle earthy to check us out, but one of these girls was busy chewing on gum, sitting down, texting? (sort of hiding it, so couldn't be sure), ignored my questions (which the other one, who seemed to be in training, couldn't answer at all, not knowing) Last, after getting the receipt, the cost of which my son had hidden from me, I come to see that there was a quite large built-in tip, even though there was not any personal treatment or massage, just a nice person to lead us from place to place. A tip isn't meant to add to the cost, it is meant as a thank-you for special and deserved treatment. We could have given a masseuse even more if it was special. At this point, really, we both felt so dissapointed and cold and all aggravated and still needed a massage, that we skipped our dinner plan and went to a friend for a home massage. I feel that we should have left with a "glowing" and relaxed feeling, not like we visited a pt or chiropractor that was in a nice setting. I'm not spoiled, but this was meant to really spoil me for one afternoon, and it was the opposite. I wrote this same letter to the owner and I got a one-line response, that we could come back on the house. Why would we want to return for this?

Great spot for relaxing in the woods and getting a nice massage. I was super impressed with the quality of the massage and how quaint the facility felt. The hot tub reservation is a MUST during your stay. It's so fun to enjoy a private hot tub while looking out at the woods. I recommend bringing your phone to the side of your hot tub and playing some relaxing meditation music for when the jets aren't on, so you don't hear others in the tubs next door to you. I highly recommending adding a tub-side service -- I got tea but there was a champagne option and even hot chocolate for the winter!! Such a cute upgrade to your hot tub relaxation. I really appreciated that the masseuse asked about recent injuries and about my body before taking me up to get my massage; because of this, she was able to work on my lower back area that was giving me issues (absolutely reliving my recent pain).

My boyfriend had gotten a gift certificate from his parents. The day was mildly cloudy which was perfect. We came early/mid April. I would definitely suggest coming here on colder months than hotter. This is such an elevated experience compared to other spa places in Asheville. When you arrive they have you check in, then you fill out a waiver. After that they give you a bag with a towel, sandals, and a robe. After you shower and change into your robe (swim suits are optional). They take you to your own hot tub. You're in a private section but can still step out to be in a co-op space (ie: sauna/cold showers/lounging area). The way this place is up in the mountains is so beautiful and peaceful. You only hear the sounds of nature. This place is super healing. And such an amazing spot for a romantic date night. I wish I would've gotten picture but I was too busy relaxing and enjoying conversations with my boyfriend.

We called earlier in the day of our reservation making sure we could check in after 8, when the office closes. We were told we would be sent self check-in instructions and would be able to check-in whenever. After driving all the way to the retreat, more than ready to have a good nights rest for our next day; we were unable to get into our room. There was no number to contact, we even tried calling an 'emergency' # listed on the door and were sent to voicemail every time. We were left to find a different hotel last minute and late at night. Worst, most ridiculous experience I've ever had. We've yet to be contacted with any apologies.

Shoji was such a unique experience. It was the highlight of my visit to Asheville and Im so glad I got to experience it but it was not perfection. The staff was very warm and welcoming. I received clear instructions to get ready for my tub soak and after filling out the paperwork I was lead to the bathroom to shower. The tub itself was warm but I would have liked it a bit hotter. The view and nature sounds were absolutely soothing and the tea service made for a wonderful time. After my soak I took a walk on the path to take in the surrounding views and other bath houses which was really nice. The property is glorious. With regard to the tubs, the jets have to be reset every 15 minutes. After about 2 times it just became annoying so I never really got into a "zen zone". I was in bathhouse #4 and this was a major disappointment. #4 and #5 sit right across from the check-in entrance. There is also a seating area just outside these tubs for guests who dont want to wait inside. So the entire time I had to listen to people coming and going, the sliding door constantly opening and closing and chatter from guests sitting just outside the bathhouse. Also, this bathhouse in particular(#4) is not private. The privacy frost on the door has been wiped away from people using the door knob. You can see straight through it. So any guests sitting in the waiting area just outside of my bathhouse could see straight in. I highly suggest requesting one of the "lower tubs". Those are the tubs they advertise on their website. They have a much better view, are in a quieter area and you have a clear view of the sky.

Completely under delivered. Starting out with the changing rooms- way too small for how crowded this place was. When I arrived, there were about 10 women crammed into a space meant for 2-3. The changing area has a Japanese style divider separating 2 changing benches, 1 toilet, and a shower area with a curtain dividing it into 2 stalls. Nothing about it screams luxury or zen, and it is not set up for the high volume of traffic it sees. It is like the locker room at high school all over again. After soaking, I was instructed to dry off, and was then placed outside in an open air tent to wait for my next service. It was 50 degrees out, and everyone walks around in robes here. I waited 15+ min, outside. Nothing screams zen like hypothermia. I was walked to the chair massage room. The attendant tells me to whisper because someone is already inside. I'm told to leave my belongings next to the door. Really? Then, part way through my massage, the other couple finishes and loudly chats with her while drinking tea. I'm so glad my massage was interrupted hearing about how they are from London. At the end, the attendant commanded me to grab my things, and whisked me to the next room- savassana room. Never offered me tea or water. Luxury or zen treatment? No. I've had better experiences at spas half the price. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.

The service and facilities are excellent. My wife and I enjoyed visiting the Spa in March of 2024 for her Birthday. The facilities are clean and well-maintained. The staff was very helpful and helped explain the entire process and how best to enjoy the Spa experience. We are local to Asheville and plan to return to the Spa frequently. If you are coming from out of town, schedule well in advance to get the services you want on the dates you will be in town, as the Spa books up quickly. Set up a service in the evening to enjoy the sunset views over the mountains. This is truly a rare experience that is not found in many areas in the US. I have spent many years in Asia, and this spa experience is as close as you will get to a Spa experience in Asia but in the US.

We enjoyed a treetop sauna, followed by a salt hydrotherapy hot tub. The service was great. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.

Went there for my anniversary and I will not make that mistake again! Sent an email about my complaint and never got a response! I was left in a massage chair for over 15 minutes and had to get out and walk down to the reception to ask them to turn it on. The woman at the counter rolled her eyes and the gentleman apologized and helped me. The the same rude woman came in early turned off her massage chairs told us to leave our ropes there didn't even offer to let us get changed in the bathroom and then she walked out she turned off the damn lights on me!!! Don't waste your money

Upon arrival to the spa I really didn't know what to expect but the front desk workers were really nice and welcoming. We started in the salt water hot tub first and it was relaxing but got really hot to me after about 5minutes. So it was nice to get out and simply enjoy the scenery. The sauna had us sweating bullets som from there we jumped on the cold shower then back into ten hot tub. After a hour of that we headed to the massage chair and it was a little different but definitely relaxing enough for me to fall asleep. After about a hour in the massage chair we were led to the savasana room. It was darker with calming light rays and the vibrating beds helped relax my body even more. My hubby & I enjoyed our visit but if we come back I want a massage by a person next time not the chair!!!

Absolutely one of the best massages I've ever had in my life, thank you Monica! I brought my girlfriend, my brother and his wife. All who said the same, BEST massage! I absolutely recommend this place. Very cool and Zen ambience. We did the package which included the hot tub for an hour and massage for an hour. Unfortunately they were doing some noisy work next to us which was a little disturbing but management made it right and I truly appreciate everyone there. If I ever go back to Asheville I will 100% go back to shoji and ask for Monica.

I wish I could give this place two reviews, one for the massage and one for the hot tubs. I'll start with the positive - the massage was amazing. We did a couples massage and both the ladies working on us were very professional, and able to give us both recommendations after the massage about how we could reduce some of the places of tension they had found. I thought that was a great touch and really helpful. We both left the massage feeling totally relaxed. As for the hot tubs.... I really wanted to like it. It looked so cool from all the photos I had seen before showing up. The view was really nice, and the water was warm. Every 15 minutes you had to get up to reset the jets in the tub, and so after 30 minutes we decided to just sit without the jets for a few minutes out of the tub to cool off. While we couldn't hear the people in our neighboring tub (we were in tub 2, in between two others) while we had the jets on, we definitely heard them when they were off. One couple was moaning, and the noises that were coming from their side sounded like a very intimate act. After that we felt kind of gross - who knows what the people before us were doing in the tub. Luckily that was toward the end of our time in the tub so we were happy to be called for our massage. I felt like the spa took Covid protocols pretty seriously, but I didn't love being forced to shower in the women's locker room with no privacy. I understand they don't want lotion, etc getting into the tubs, but I'm more worried about other things after what I heard. They had two showers with just a flimsy curtain in between, so didn't feel like I had much (any) privacy while I showered off before the tub. My boyfriend felt the same way. It was a cool thing to try once, but after this experience not sure we would go back.

We were visiting Asheville for the day and I was looking for something cool to surprise my fiance with for our anniversary. I found out about Shoji through a travel blog, and WOW am I so glad I stumbled upon it! This lovely spa is located in the forest, and focuses on providing different, relaxing services in a Japanese-style experience. What is really unique with them is that they have multiple private hot tubs, which are outdoors and covered with minka-like walls to look like little Japanese huts. Every staff member we encountered was beyond friendly and provided excellent service. Before you enter the hot tub, you must take a quick shower, and the showers/women's changing room was really nice. The hot tub experience itself seemed magical! Even in January, it felt so nice to be soaking in a hot tub, and being elevated up in the woods. They also have different add ons, which we added the tea service. It came with a large pot of tea, honey, and cookies. This is one of the coolest things we've been able to experience in a while. It is absolutely worth checking out, and it's not something you can find just anywhere!

One of the things to look out for in Asheville is this beautiful Japanese hot tub spa. It's located in the outskirts of Asheville which is around 15 mins drive from the downtown. We heard about this from our hotel receptionist when we asked him for things to do in and around Asheville. He recommended this place for their hot tubs and massages. Since this was a long holiday weekend we thought we would never get it. We tried calling their number a couple of times but we could never get through. So we drove all the way to their spa to see if they anything open spots for massage and hot tub. We arrived around 6:10pm in the evening on Friday. They have plenty of car parking spots. After we parked our car we had to walk 5 mins to their checkin location. Once we arrived at their check in we were greeted by their host. We enquired about their services. Fortunately, they had a hot tub slot open for an hour at 6:30pm. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the massage spot. Hot tub and sauna is for 1 hour and it costs $45/person. Yelp checkin gives you a free tea service at the hot tub. We checked in and collected our bath robes and towel. Hot tub area is private so it's completely on you if you want to be naked or wear a bathing suit in the hot tub. Locker area is extremely clean and very well maintained. They have few small towels that you might want to carry with you when you go to your hot tub area because this may come in handy to wipe off your sweat on your face while you relax in the hot tub. You also have to wear their sandals which helps keep the water in the hot tub clean. Shower area has shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. They also have body location and ear buds. So basically we don't have carry any toiletries with us. The hot tub is located in the middle of the woods. The view from the hot tub is spectacular and also extremely soothing. We had a great time. You can regulate the light of the hot tub. You can also carry your phone with you to the hot tub if you would like to take pics of this amazing scenic view. The best part of the hot tub is that it's salt water and temperature is perfect neither too hot nor too warm. We were here on nice breezy day and in the end it started to drizzle. So it made it even more special. We enjoyed our time at the sauna as well. The aroma of the entire place is so good. Everything here is very soothing. We would love to go back here again. For massages I would recommend trying to book few weeks in advance. I definitely recommend this place to everyone.

My boyfriend and I visited Shoji the week before Christmas and it was an amazing experience! It's a cozy and beautiful little village up on the mountain. The front desk staff was very friendly, and it was very obvious they were taking serious precautions for Covid. They also ask you to shower prior to entering your private salt hot tub. Upon entering, there is a large salt hot tub with steps for entrance. The jets are strong and loud, to make it an even more private experience. Maybe every 10-15 minutes, you have to get out of the tub if you want to reset the jets or it's silent and you can slightly hear others. We were brought hot tea and these delicious wafer cookies that tasted like sweet rice cakes. They leave this at the door per your request. The entire experience was enjoyable, relaxing, and romantic. Once the hour is up, they let you know through a speaker on the wall. You then can put the towels and sandals they provide in the bag and return. You're also welcome to shower and put on clothing in the locker room when finished. They provide bags for any wet clothing or swimsuits. I highly recommend Shoji!

I had the BEST time at Shoji Retreat - was looking for a massage on Yelp and stumbled upon this magical place. It was a little tricky to find and I made a few wrong turns going up the hill but I got there and it was well worth it. 1000% do not miss out on the private salt mineral tub - the massage was great but honestly, the tub was the highlight for me because it was just so unique. I did an hour soak and then had a lovely hour long massage. The staff was warm and welcoming, super professional. Just a really great environment overall. Ask for the lower tubs if you want total peace quiet as the two others are up front by the waiting area and you'll hear people passing by, etc. Literally, all I heard down below were birds, chimes, and the bubbling water :) Really heavenly!!

I was very excited to try this spa. I arrived and was asked to take a shower before entering the tub. This was my first time here, so would have loved some information about the spa and maybe a tour. When I arrived I could tell the property was hug, but I want really told much about it. I took a shower and headed to the tub. It felt like a hot tub. The benefit of the tub wasn't really explained to me, but it felt good. Good view and very quite. I liked that you could wear anything in it and it was private. No one will bother you. Perfect for couples. My massage was good. Also, wine is by the bottle not the glass which was downer as I don't drink a lot. Overall, I would have loved to learn more about the spa, be shown the area (I didn't realize there was a hot and cold shower as I was not told or shown), and explained the benefits. Hot and cold shower where good to me. This is a great spot for couples. My tub area had a very broken staff door in it and the massage areas are not private room the are more private areas that are blocked off with sheets. The staff was friendly, but not as informative about the place which seemed super unique.

Can I give this place 20 starts. 3 words to describe my experience at Shoji is WOW! 2500 feet above stress level nestled away in the woods. From them check in to the check out the staff was extremely professional. The package that I choose was the baby Buddha, which consist of a 1hr soak in the hot tub ( your there by yourself and your facing the woods ) , a 15 min exfoliation outside shower and then 1hr of meditation in a very quiet room that has massagers on the table with white noise playing in the background. There are other packages to choose from as well. I can't wait to go back and be above stress level!

We went for an hour-long soak and a massage. 10 - 15 minutes into our soak, we experienced painful shocks because of an ELECTRICAL CURRENT in the water. Very scary and dangerous! The staff did not provide an appropriate way to make up for that experience (they offered lying down in a room with a recorded meditation) nor did they offer an adequate refund. They didn't really seem to understand the gravity and danger of their pools having electrical current running through them. I am wildly disappointed with my experience and concerned that other people could get hurt. Additionally: - The massages were average (and NOT the primary reason we went to this spa). - It's not actually Japanese. It's all cultural appropriation. - The manager was rude and condescending when I tried to share about our experiences. Honestly, this place prioritizes making money over providing a space that is safe for their customers. STAY AWAY!

First off the tub experience was really nice but the rest was just, wow. So disappointing! I thought I was getting a package which included a soak, massage, and savassanah retreat. What wasn't clear to me is that the chea massage pod is a "chair massage". It's a chair that kind of squeezes your limbs while little rollers move up and down. A massage it is not. The people that work there all seem nice and I didn't want to create a scene so I just left. Now I'm crying on my car because I feel so ripped off and sad. Anyway, I'm writing this because I want others to beware of the "chea massage pod". I wish I had known better.

Appalling "customer service"! Our $600 "spa day" was cancelled via voice mail without so much as a phone conversation the same day. After a year of hell on earth fighting brain cancer, we were looking forward to a day of celebration of RECOVERY at the spa. INSTEAD, we were cancelled and then when trying to discuss the matter, hung up on by the phone person because she was told it was ignorant of them to assume that we cannot manage our own medical situation. They insisted we get a "doctors note' to be able to attend a massage and spa. It seemed to us a thinly veiled excuse to avoid having to accomodate someone with a wheelchair. No matter the details, the cost of this facility would suggest they employ people sufficiently mature and proffessional enough to handle socially difficult situations. They have certainly failed in this area. After reading several other complaints about the customer service at Shoji, I must agree that they only sell ZEN as a concept, not a reality.

This was magical. I will preface this by saying I'm born and raised in NYC - a private outdoor hot tub with a view of the mountains for an hour at only $50 - this doesn't exist where I live. That's a bargain and I was THRILLED. I had an Uber drive me up a windy road just as the sun was setting. Check in was a breeze, I was handed a towel and a robe and instructed to shower before heading in to soak. The bathrooms are lovely, a little humid. There are two shower stalls separated by a curtain, semi-private. The shower is lovely although it took me a minute to figure out how to get the temperature right, but once I did I got to enjoy all the settings - they even have a wand. The bath products have a mild but refreshing scent and they didn't irritate my sensitive skin. The lights in the hot tub are controlled by a switch on the wall, this switch also controls the jets, which need to be restarted every 15 minutes. I'd say this is really my only area of feedback, who wants to run out into the cold every 15 minutes to reset the thing? But I honestly found it much more relaxing to turn the lights down and the jets off and listen to...mainly nothing. "Nothing" is subjective, I'm used to a lot of noise, so the few people walking down the path below me and having quiet conversations didn't really register and they moved on quickly. The whole spa is made of wood - the structures housing the hot tubs, the winding paths, the cedar sauna. In my little private corner I had a small window overlooking the trees, the sky full of stars, and the path below - all framed with wood, like something out of a fantastical tree house. If people look up it's easy to spot you standing there naked so...do what feels most comfortable I guess! People were minding there own business. When your time is up they let you know through an intercom. Afterwards I was allowed to spend as much time in the sauna and the cold shower as I wanted, and I took full advantage of that. It was so lovely to sit there, warm up, then step out into the cold mountain air and walk the little paths to see the stone statues and trees. Nag Champa floated all around and the occasional wind chime would sound on the air. The front desk staff was very friendly. They allow you to bring in your own drinks and food, but also do have some small snacks for sale. I loved this and I would absolutely come back!

I have been looking forward to celebrating my mom's birthday here for months. I was very disappointed. From the beginning we got less than a welcome experience. We sat in a small room, filled out paperwork and then were given our robes and shoes. We were not offered water or tea or made to feel in any way like it was a spa. After a brief shower and change, we were told where our hot tub was (not led there). They put the prosecco we ordered in the wrong spa, so we moved. In the new spa, there were only two glasses when we were a party of three. I had to call on my phone to ask for a new glass since their intercom system was not working. We were not clear on whether we could use the lounge areas or not, but we were told we could not use the showers after our hot tub soak due to other guests coming in. The spa surroundings are beautiful and we had a nice time, but it was not the luxury experience I expected based on the price and the website description.

Looking back on booking a "double fun" package here, I'm glad we did it for the experience of soaking in the woods for an hour - but to be honest, the next time we will book a location with a better massage and not all the frills. Upon arrival we weren't given much instruction - the staff weren't very informative; and we felt rushed the entire time. The restrooms are crammed - only one toilet in the women's locker room. There are two showers, with a curtain dividing them. No privacy at all in such a small space. The soak was a fun experience, but I had hoped for more. The water was warm, but not hot by any means. The water was also too low which caused us to be chilled the whole time. Massages would have been good if it weren't for the employees beneath the massage room cleaning up and trying to close up the spa. This is a short, minimally detailed review - I spoke to someone at the spa about our experience here and I was kindly offered a one hour soak for if we return. Note: Book soak in the "bottom" tub, don't book last appointment, ask for extra towels. *One bottle rule - aka, don't bring wine & champagne for the soak.

Such a cool secluded little gem in Asheville! This is a spa with baths and so much more. The ambiance is very cool and the service is excellent! We found this last minute on our trip to Asheville so they didn't have any availability for the hot tub experience or the massages. So we opt for a chair massage which I wouldn't necessarily recommend if you can get a real massage. Nevertheless the grounds were very nice and I would like to return for the whole experience to write another review!

From driving up the winding road to the spa itself, attention is paid to every detail. My visit was wonderful. I enjoyed a deep tissue massage with Sarah who was awesome. I enjoyed true sauna and finally had a soak in one of the outdoor tubs. I can't wait to come back again!

My husband and I had a blast at this spa. We did a hot tub soak and a 1.5 hour massage. It was a little rainy when we were there, but honestly that made it even more relaxing for us. I highly encourage you to opt for some Prosecco by the hot tub, if that's your thing. And the massages were heavenly- I was very sore and felt like the masseuse used enough pressure to relive the pain without inducing more. If we lived closer, we would definitely try to go back again ASAP!

What an INCREDIBLE TIME!!! This. Place. Rocked. My boyfriend and I got the double the fun- 60 minute hot tub soak and 60 minute massage. Although expensive, you certainly are getting everything you paid for and more. They ask you to take a shower immediately upon arrival, and they give you nice robes and waterproof shoes. The shampoo, conditioner, and body wash SMELL AMAZING! We were then taken to our PRIVATE hot tub room. It was so nice. I was a little nervous about being naked outside but it was completely private and excellent. Having the privacy on all sides makes it feel very intimate. After our soak, we had our massage. We were taken upstairs to our couples massage. It's essentially a huge room, which is divided by sheets between (as it would be in Japan) which was a little odd at first but I got used to it. Excellent massage- Sky was incredible. And even her voice was comforting and relaxing. The only thing I would change was the privacy of the showers. It's 2 showers essentially together, divided by a shower curtain. I was just nervous someone would walk in on me.

mostly good. best was Madeline. great massage! least fav- the savassna bed- music was too loud and war like, pounding. I like a dijerido (can't spell) but it was scary sounds. and the bed was too hot. the setting sun increased my baking and was tough on my eyes even with a mask. I do like the tip being included

The absolute best massage that I have ever received. Amanda did an amazing job and is highly skilled. I can not speak enough praise for her. My wife and I had a two hour session in the bath house, followed by a couple's massage. Both are highly recommended.

They apparently don't have a dedicated person to answer the phone and take appointments. Every time I called it went to voicemail where I was prompted to leave a message. Over the course of a week, I left 2 short, polite messages, stating my name and number and that I wanted to schedule a service. They would call back hours or days later and the first two times they called back, I was at work and unable to answer. I called again this morning, again with no answer, and I left a message saying I was still trying to get in touch and left my name and number. I received a call from the spa a couple hours later, but when I answered, I could hear a person in the background discussing my message, saying "this lady called and said she keeps calling and no one answers, that's why no one calls you back bitch" then just more background noise until the call is disconnected. So that's my story. Wasn't even able to actually talk to someone on the phone and got called a bitch for no reason. There are so many wonderful spas in Asheville, I won't be sending my money to this one.

Not many places provide you with the experience of soaking in a tub in the middle of beautiful nature and surroundings reminiscent of a Japanese onsen. Follow that with a massage and both your body and soul will be rejuvenated

We used to like this place but the prices just keep going up. You used to be able to bring your own snacks and things. Now you have to pay the ridiculous prices for the only option there, theirs. The customer service SUCKS! I bought a gift card for a friends last week and she never got an email about it. I have tried calling and leaving messages every day. The only response I have gotten was via Instagram message and just that someone would contact me, but no one has. At this point they have just stolen my money. Heaven forbid if you had questions about the services or something. Worst customer service I have ever experienced at these prices!

This place is a lawsuit waiting to happen. As soon as you walk onto the deck a stench of raw sewage over takes you. In the dirty tub house the awning covered in moss and mold is slouching significantly and looks like it could collapse at any moment. There are exposed nails sticking out of the tub houses, tub 2 will shock you if you touch the metal bar while you're in the water. On top of all of that, it's a "Japanese spa" and the only non white people there are the groundskeepers...yikes. I mentioned this to one employee and his response was "we know" and looked ashamed. Apparently some old white lady went to Japan once and decided to appropriate the entire culture. Why so many Buddha statues?