Everyone needs some R&R now and then to get away from the stress of our hectic everyday life. The Western NC towns of Jackson County are the ideal destinations to relax, disconnect and regroup. With countless relaxation options at your fingertips and an endless supply of refreshing mountain air that heals you, Jackson County is the ideal adventure wellness vacation.

According to a new study, those who spend two hours in nature are more likely to experience better health and overall well-being. Start your journey to improved wellness and read on for inspiration on what to do during your own wellness retreat to the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva.

A natural remedy

Covering 494 square miles of mountainside in Western North Carolina, we are abundant in beautiful trails, mountain scenery, flowing waterfalls and cool temperatures. Spending time taking in your natural surroundings not only calms the soul, but also inspires the mind. It’s the perfect opportunity to let stress go, recharge your spirit and take in the sights, sounds, and smells in your escape from the hustle and bustle of today’s busy world. According to Scientific Reports, time in nature can reduce depression, lessen anxiety and lower blood pressure.

Would you rather spend your weekend stuck in traffic trying to get to an overpacked restaurant where you need reservations? Or would you prefer to sleep in, take life at a slower pace, set out on a trail and reach new heights, then enjoy one-of-a kind-restaurants?

A great place to start is a nature and forest walk with Dr. Mark Ellison, a certified nature and forest therapy guide with Pinnacle Forest Therapy. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing,” forest therapy simply means taking a leisurely stroll through the woods, taking time to experience it with all your senses. It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to get back to nature. New to this kind of therapy? No need to worry, Dr. Ellison walks you through the whole process to ensure you get the most out of your experience.

Meditate for a while

A great way to refocus your mind and relax your body is through meditation. In Sylva, The Meditation Center offers open mediation every Monday from 12 to 5 p.m., where you can enjoy this tried-and-true relaxation technique on your own. Every Tuesday at 7 p.m., the center offers free healing meditation, which is a guided class to help you focus on the optimization of mind, body and spirit.

The center also offers a Metaphysical Lecture Series centered on metaphysical truth. Beyond the discussion, the program also incorporates music, meditation and healing energy. For additional classes and information, visit the center’s website.

Become a yogi

It’s no secret that yoga offers several physical benefits, ranging from increased flexibility, muscle strength and muscle tone, to improved respiration and energy. Yoga can also soothe the mind, reduce stress and increase relaxation. At The Yoga Mill, you can choose from 10 yoga and movement classes each week to start or continue your personal yoga journey. If you prefer to go at it on your own, there are many quiet locations around the area with scenic overlooks or the relaxing sounds of flowing water to practice your form and to get in touch with nature while doing so.

For an alternative spot to practice your poses, Jackson County’s breweries regularly offer yoga, including Sunday yoga at Balsam Falls Brewing Co. in Sylva and Innovation Station in Dillsboro and Yoga “Bend & Brews” every third Sunday through September at Whiteside Brewing Co. in Cashiers.

Prepare to be pampered

Improving your health and wellness means taking care of yourself. One of the best ways to do that is with a bit of pampering at the spa. From massages to facials to body treatments and much more, spa treatments provide a wonderful way to rest and recharge your body, mind and spirit. Jackson County contains several top-notch spas where you can do just that.

At Canyon Spa at Lonesome Valley in Sapphire, you can choose from a full range of spa treatments, including facials, massage and body treatments. Try a Canyon Stone massage or opt for an espresso limón slimming body treatment.

At Fusions Spa & Wellness in Sylva, you’ll find a menu filled with skin care services, massage and body therapy. Choose from reflexology, halotherapy (dry salt therapy) or a refresher facial.

Located inside Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, Mandara Spa welcomes you to refresh and recharge with an Asian bathing ritual or try a Fire & Ice massage.

Jackson County provides the perfect backdrop for a wellness retreat. Here, you can relax and sleep late, enjoy a cup of coffee while breathing in the area’s fresh mountain air, and bask in “eastern mountain time,” a slower paced time than that found in cities. Now is a great time to book a wellness retreat to Jackson County for some well-deserved R&R and your next refreshing and relaxing getaway.

Choose from a number of accommodations in Jackson County, ranging from cozy mountain cabins to luxurious full-service resorts, and everything in between. To start planning your retreat, order or download your free visitor guide now.