By I recently had the pleasure of spending a week at Skyterra Wellness Resort (just outside of Brevard NC). This was my 3rd vacation there although calling it a vacation doesn’t properly convey the experience at all. For me, it’s like pressing my giant reset button. In today’s topsy turvy world, life at times can feel overwhelming and I often get very out of balance. Skyterra (their staff, the location, the food, the exercise courses, the lectures, the yoga) helps to free me from the toxins of everyday and return me to a healthier path (mentally and physically). I can’t say enough good things about my experience (each and every time). A huge added bonus is that Mavis gets to stay with me when I go there…so she gets her own doggy version of a wellness retreat. I have not gone to other wellness resorts so I don’t know if this is unique to them…perhaps being a resort ‘tester’ is a new career opportunity??? Here is a summary from each of my trips. DM if you want to know more.
Visit #1 April 2021 – I drove up to Skyterra the day after my friend’s Eric’s wedding. I had to stop and get a tire repaired before I began the drive, which was an unexpected deviation from the schedule. My frame of mind – I was beyond stressed out from work. My nerves were frayed. In retrospect, I was likely burnt out and possibly having a mental breakdown because of it. I’m not overstating this when I say that going to Skyterra saved my life. The week was filled with exercise and yoga and hiking and positive reflection on who I am. As an added bonus, I met, Jen H. who just happens to live 5 minutes away from me. We’ve been friends ever since – even going on a couple of trips together such as…
Visit #2 August 2022 – Jen and I decided to go to Skyterra together, settling on August, as our schedules were challenging to coordinate. While the trip was fun, August is a little toasty even in the North Carolina mountains. I did have one scare when I had some sort of allergic reaction while on a 5k walk around the property. My face swelled up and my throat started to close which was REALLY scary. Luckily someone had a benadryl or claritin that I took. Eventually everything returned to normal. Jen and I took some time to go into downtown Brevard, which was bustling with activity.
Visit #3 May 2024 – Mavis and I made the 3 hour drive without too much difficulty. The number of lanes (and amount of traffic, even on a Sunday) always amazes me when I go Northbound on I85. I had to power through some pretty negative thoughts after reviewing the BodyScan results (they do a BodyScan at the beginning and end of each week). But they have an acronym here HAES = Healthy at every size. So I’m going to give myself some grace and be joyful at my accomplishments. I’m doing the best I can with where I am, health-wise. I completed the 5k they run (indoors, since it was raining like crazy on Monday). I lost some weight, gained some muscle, relaxed and made some new friends. I attended lectures that were educational and insightful. The weather was FABULOUS — not too hot, not too cool. The drive home was a little tough – fog and rain through the mountains will increase stress levels for anyone. I made it home and attempted my first pre-planning/meal prep for the week. Baby steps in the right direction. For now I’m taking a break from wine to clear my head (and hopefully lose some excess lbs).
On each of these trips the group arrives as strangers, each carrying their own burdens. But we’re all supportive of each other…and the connections we make and the encouragement we give each other fills my heart with so much love.
My advice:
- GO! It is worth it. I’ve always gone just for a week, but I could see the benefit of staying for two weeks
- Try to pace yourself (I never do)
- Get a massage on the 1st or 2nd day. Your body will thank you.
- Walk to the waterfall
- Visit the town of Brevard
- Sit next to someone new at each meal
- Be open
