A Japanese-inspired retreat nestled in the woods, Shoji Spa has officially been declared one of The Gemmies in the United States by our team of local travel experts. The 2025 Gemmies are a collection of destinations that are a true representation of their state. To experience these gems is to know the heartbeat of their American locations and we think they are all worthy of a visit.
Driving up the steep driveway to Shoji Spa, just minutes from the heart of Asheville, we weren’t sure what to expect. The setting seemed unassuming and casual, but the moment we arrived and set foot inside the spa facility, we felt as though we had traveled beyond the realm of Western North Carolina.
The spa started in 2006 after its owner, Roberta Jordan, returned from Japan and was inspired by the country’s focus on wellness. She decided to establish her own Japanese-inspired spa within the mountains of North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest.
After checking in at the front desk, guests are invited to…

























