Shoji Spa & Retreat — Local services in Asheville

My son purchased a gift certificate for me for my birthday - a big deal on his budget. He was excited to give me this because I work overnights in health care and am always exhausted. I waited to book it so that I could anticipate it and plan perfectly for it with my girlfriend. We choose the "treetop package"

It was a super disappointing day.

It started out well with a welcoming staff. We were guided to the building where we would have the zero gravity massage. It was cold hard rain, and as there was no covered walkway we were soaked and freezing in our robes when we arrived at that building.

So now to 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 could not 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, I had to stuff a towel behind, which helped just a bit), and the one place where we both needed the massage the most, in our shoulders, was non-existent. The section that works on our shoulder blades 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 the one in that building 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 their 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 3rd portion (salt scrub), which had a ittle condiment cup and a scrubby glove.. That was $33.

When we were checked out, the 2 two young girls at the counter were bored, sullen, and, 1 was clearly 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.

Last, after getting the receipt, the cost of which my son had hidden from me, I come to see that there was a 20% built-in tip and "service charge,", even though there wasn't 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 might even have given more if there was a person involved. At this point, we were both so disapointed and cold and all aggravated and still needed a massage, that we skipped our dinner plan and went home :(

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 instead was stressful

I lived in Japan - and I don't see what makes this spa "Japanese", except for the cup of green tea.

I sent this review to the spa, and got a one-line answer, that I was invited back for another visit. It makes no sense - why would I want to repeat that experience? I suggested that hey could leave that credit in each of our names and we might bring a patient (we are both In health care), and perhaps they could enjoy a massage or soak. No...

First time we were here was for my husband's fortieth birthday in June. We did a weekend trip. Friday we drove the Blue Ridge Trail, ate local and stayed downtown. Saturday we did some white water rafting. That evening the sunset as beautiful, very romantic sitting in comfy chairs upstairs looking through giant glass windows from our wooded loft. The soak was very nice followed by expertly given massages, unlike most expensive vacation massages we have paid for while on other vacations.

The loft's bathroom was very dated. It would have been wonderful if the jetted tub was instead a two person shower. It just didn't make since to us that anyone would take a bath in the loft when we obviously would choose the outdoor ones at the spa. Plus, this change would have allowed us to shower at the lodge before heading over for our spa services and to bypass the locker room entirely.

The following morning we enjoyed a cup of coffee before heading out on a morning adventure. We went hot air ballooning and LOVED it! When we returned my husband enjoyed another massage as I packed us out. That afternoon we did the zip lines and headed home. That was almost three years ago.

This time we came to Asheville for an overnight trip in November. We arrived Saturday after hiking a couple of hours, a few hours away from the wildfires. Eating at Moe's BBQ was exactly what we were looking for as far as GOOD southern cooking is concerned. The pulled pork was excellent and atmosphere comfy. We look forward to a return visit! The Battery Park Book Exchange & Champaign Bar was super cool! Great coffee. Lots of patrons sat at tables enjoying beverages from the bar. The staff was awesome. Totally a dog friendly place.

We headed to the spa and got checked into the loft. The bathroom was not updated at all. When it was time for our soak we headed down and over to the spa. The weather was fantastic, but a bit cool at night. The locker room was okay, but the showers in the women's section desperately needed a makeover. The partition between the two shower stalls, soap dispensers and shower heads all gave off a feeling of neglect. This could be a pretty easy fix, but it saddened me because my impression of the whole experience already seemed so much less than the first time I had been to the spa.

Three years ago, we were shown to the tubs right outside of the front desk a few feet from the entrance. This time we were given tub number one way down the path past all others. We loved it! The map they showed us of to get there reminded us of a Lord of the Rings map. We were disappointed that the staff did not walk down with us since it was dark and the path was not lit, a lantern would have been a nice touch. The tea service was waiting for us and we enjoyed our time unwinding from a stressful holiday season.

We were again both very impressed with the massages and enjoyed a quite night in the loft. After our massages, it would have been nice to have the option to wonder back to the lodge in nice fluffy robes and sandals so we didn't have to put our street clothes and shoes back on. The robes could of course be provided in the lodge's bathrooms and maybe the sandals selected when checking in at the front desk with instructions to shower before heading down for the spa services...

Gourmet Valet did an excellent job of getting us our late night dinner, drinks and dessert! This morning, as I wrote this review and reflect on the overall experience this time compared to last time, I realize that there are some things I would like to see improved that we just didn't notice the first time. We will be back, and hope at least some of these changes have occurred to keep the spa current and on par with the expense/experience you would expect of...

My husband and l decided to travel to go to Shoji to celebrate our 2nd anniversary. We called in advance, since the net claimed there were no spots to RSVP. We quickly were able to get our package: The Michi Package. This included 1 hour at the outdoor baths, 1 hour chea massage, and 30 minutes in the savasauna room. We also were allowed access to the sauna if we wanted to use it.

Getting to the location was rather easy direction-wise. Our appointment was for 12:15, so they asked that we get there for noon. The roads leading up to the spa were a little challenging when cars were going the opposite direction. Once there, we had some difficulties getting a parking space, but did manage to get one. Immediately, you notice some Japanese aethetics in the buildings. Being someone who's been to Japan before, I think they did an ok job at trying to tackle a Japanese aesthetic. I personally would've liked to see a bit more theming (koi pond, bonsais, small temple would be nice touches). Upon checking in, we had to fill out some paperwork. They explained how things were going to go. Everyone working there was incredibly helpful and nice. I immediately took a shower and changed into the robe and slippers provided. As comfortable as the robe was, I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't an actual yukata (or a robe themed to feel Japanese). The slippers provided were nice, because they were waterproof; however, I was a little disappointed that they were weren't actual Japanese indoor/outdoor shoes provided. I think that would give a really nice touch.

The changing area/restroom was incredibly clean and well themed. The shampoo, conditioner, and body wash smelled amazing. After getting changed, we were led to our private bath house. It was really nice. Simple theming, but perfect. Definitely perfect for relaxing. I loved the wind chimes. The hot tub itself was amazing. Perfect temperature and deep. Just how I like it. Complimentary water was provided to drink. You could order other beverages if you wanted to.

After our soak, it was time for the massage. I was quite interested to try out the chea massage chair. Designed by doctors, this chair is supposed to give you a massage based on what your body needs. The room for the chea was really incredibly. Perfect ambience, nice, relaxing music, and all around calming and quiet. We were introduced to a lady to help us with the chea massage. She was able to get us calibrated in the chea. I don't know if I was calibrated properly or not, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the chea massage. Mainly because I didn't enjoy my head being grabbed and moved consistently. I personally would've enjoyed the chea to hit harder in areas. I felt like it hit the mark for a perfect massage. Definitely will use a human next time. You just can't replace what humans can do (massage-wise) with a robotic chair. I'm not saying that the chea is bad, but it didn't fully appeal to me.

After the massage was the savasauna room and I absolutely loved it. The heated tatami mats with the weighted blanket felt amazing and was so calming. 30 minutes is the perfect amount of time for this experience. After the experience we were led back to the check in area. We were told we could use the sauna and cold showers of we wanted or we could check out there. I decided to get a peek of the sauna and it seemed really nice. Ended up finishing my time with a shower and check out. It was a very pleasant experience and I wouldn't mind trying a different...