Are you looking for the perfect couples getaway in the NC Mountains?
I’m here to show you why Meraki Escape in Brevard is the Ultimate Couples Retreat
I’d like to thank Meraki Escape for inviting me to experience what they have to offer!
Somewhere past the last grocery store and before the road forgets how to stay straight,
the world goes quiet.
The kind of quiet that makes you realize how long it’s been since you’ve heard your own thoughts.
We didn’t come to Brevard to be tourists.
We came because we were tired —
of the noise,
of our routines,
of filling silence with scrolling.
That’s where Meraki Escape lives — tucked into the hills outside Brevard, North Carolina — quietly daring you to slow down.
This isn’t a resort with distractions.
It’s a retreat built for two:
a place where conversations stretch past midnight,
laughter echoes off the trees,
and silence feels like its own kind of language.
About Meraki Escape
Spread across more than 200 acres of private forest, Meraki Escape is part wilderness hideaway, part love story in motion.
Three private waterfalls weave through the property — two with wooden decks for yoga, sound baths, or wild-foraging cocktail classes, and one that exists purely for sitting close and doing absolutely nothing together.
There are two cabins:
Ukiyo – (Living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life.)
and Cynefin (“It’s where nature around you feels right and welcoming).
Both are designed for connection — quiet corners for coffee and conversation, and enough space to remember that stillness can be romantic.
Why Meraki Feels Different for Two
“Meraki” means Doing something with soul, love and passion. The essence of yourself put into what you do.— and it’s everywhere here.
Book private:
✅ yoga
✅ Pilates
✅ Guided Meditations
✅ sound baths
✅ massages
✅ or chef-prepared dinners & other dining experiences
✅ Elopements
✅ Watercolor Painting in Nature
✅ Intuitive Card Readings
✅ Soul Collage
✅ or take a wild-foraging cocktail class where you gather ingredients side by side, tasting what the forest offers.
Everything at Meraki feels intentional — crafted for the kind of connection that can’t happen when life moves too fast.
The Cabin – Ukiyo
The cabin where I was honored to stay
Inside Ukiyo, the light feels softer.
The shower is open, spacious, and romantic — stone on one side, tile on the other, two waterfall heads, and room enough for two.
Outside, a hot tub wrapped in curtains glows beneath fairy lights.
There’s an ashtray on the deck, an unexpected but thoughtful gesture for couples who still enjoy a smoke together under the stars.
Wi-Fi is strong, but most couples end up forgetting it exists.
Thoughtful Touches That Make It Feel Like Home
It’s the little things:
a handwritten welcome note,
a hot-cocoa bar complete with peppermint and candies
and every kind of glassware you could need for wine, whiskey, or late-night cocoa for two.
There’s a shelf of books you can trade, binoculars for watching wildlife together, and a toiletry bag stocked so completely it feels like someone imagined your suitcase mishaps in advance.
Every detail says, we thought of you both.
What’s Included:
Mint water in the fridge, like someone remembered what exhaustion tastes like.
( this was waiting for me during my stay, however, this may be seasonal)
The fridge held
✅ eggs,
✅ bagels,
✅ butter,
✅ oatmeal,
✅ and cheese
✅ Ramen
*options may vary
nothing fancy, but it saved us from a grocery run we didn’t have in us.
These weren’t “amenities.” They were small acts of kindness disguised as hospitality.
We cooked breakfast each morning and laughed about how the simplest meal can taste like luxury when you’re both relaxed.
Outside, pots of fresh herbs and vegetables — mint, chives, tomatoes — wait to be picked. (Seasonal availability applies)
Other inclusions:
- Spices, olive oil, teas, flavored syrups
- K-cups, sugar, and creamers
- Wi-Fi, EV charger, washer/dryer
- Pet-friendly amenities (toys, bowls, crate, etc)
- Fire table, grill, and robes meant for lingering
- Games & puzzles
Optional Add-Ons & Packages
Romance is already baked in, but you can turn it up a notch:
- Two Hearts Luxury Couples Package – a massage, private dinner under the stars, roses, chocolates, and Biltmore wine.
- A Night to Remember – roses, chocolates, and wine, simple and sweet.
- Optional chef dinners, charcuterie, chocolates and custom florals.
- Private Yoga session in cabin or at a waterfall
- Private Sound Bath in cabin or at a waterfall
- Priavte Chef (optional on property foraging)
- Wild Foraging Cocktail Class
- Intuitive Card Reading
- Pilates
- Guided Meditation
- Watercolor Painting in Nature
- Soul Collage
We had two dozen roses — because sometimes the classics are timeless for a reason.
Shared Experiences That Bring You Closer
During my hosted stay, I experienced a few of Meraki’s signature offerings — the kind that don’t just relax you, they remind you what closeness feels like.
Private Yoga Session
We began the morning with a private yoga session, right in the comfort of our cabin. The instructor adjusted the pace to match our energy — slow, grounding, and deeply connected. Outside the window, sunlight filtered through the trees, and even though it was chilly, the space felt warm and alive. It wasn’t about flexibility or poses; it was about moving together, breathing together, and remembering what it’s like to be fully present with each other.
Sound Bath Session
Finding Your Yoga guided a sound bath. Crystal bowls sang; we lay side by side, not speaking, hands holding, letting the sound fill the room until our pulse slowed to match.
It wasn’t therapy. It wasn’t spiritual. It was just… stillness.
And that was enough.
Couples Massage
We ended the day with an in-cabin couples massage, the kind that melts every remaining bit of tension you didn’t realize you were still carrying. The therapists worked in quiet rhythm, the soft music and mountain air weaving around us. It felt intimate, grounding — the perfect close to a day that had already reconnected us in more ways than one.
Wild-Foraging Cocktail Class
Then came the foraging class with Chef Natty from Food for Adventures, who guided us through the woods, collecting sassafras, birch, and ginger. We crushed and mixed them into drinks that tasted like the forest — fresh, earthy, alive. It wasn’t just a cocktail lesson; it was a shared discovery.
Things to Do Nearby
Brevard’s the kind of town where everyone still waves when you drive by.
You can make a ring at Newfound Artisan, buy white-squirrel wine you don’t need, or sit shoulder-to-shoulder at Hunters & Gatherers, the smallest bar you’ve ever seen.
If you stay long enough, someone will tell you a story that makes you want to stay longer.
If you’d rather let someone else plan the date, try:
Don’t miss:
- Sliding Rock & Looking Glass Falls – hold hands and take photos at these no/short hike waterfalls.
- The White Squirrel Shop – a fun stop celebrating the local, rare, white squirrel for keepsakes.
- Territory Wine Bar – small plates, pimento cheese, and good conversation.
- The Bohemian – dinner under fairy lights that makes every couple glow a little too.
- Hunters & Gatherers – The smallest bar in the country!
- Rocky’s Grill – A 1960’s style diner with American comfort foods.
💡 Tip: stop first at the Brevard Visitors Center — they’ll help you map out romantic hikes and local favorites.
I’d like to offer a heartfelt thanks to Explore Brevard — their help made exploring downtown effortless.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Meraki Escape
Each season has its own kind of romance.
- Spring: wildflowers and waterfalls at their loudest.
- Summer: long days, green canopies, and cocktails by the falls.
- Fall: crisp air, fiery leaves, and nights made for hot-tub stargazing.
- Winter: quiet, soft snow, and the sort of intimacy that only stillness brings.
Late fall is my favorite — when the air cools, the crowds fade, and the world feels made for two.
🚗 Getting There
About 15 minutes from downtown Brevard and roughly:
50 minutes from ASHEVILLE
2.35 hours from CHARLOTTE
4.20 hours from RALEIGH
5.30 hours from BIRMINGHAM
6 hours from LOUISVILLE
The last few miles twist through pine-lined roads — drive slow, roll down the windows, and let the mountains set the mood.
🎒 What to Pack
For the ultimate couples retreat, bring:
- Cozy layers for early mornings on the deck
- Swimsuit for the hot tub or Sliding Rock
- Hiking shoes for nearby trails
- Camera or tripod
- A favorite wine or snack to share
- Offline maps — signal fades in the woods
- A reusable bottle for hikes
- Heated Socks, Gloves and or vest for cooler months
But honestly, they’ve thought of almost everything.
📸 Moments You’ll Want to Remember
The Mossy Oak Courtyard looks like a storybook
rowboat,
hammock,
empty frame hanging from a tree.
At night, fairy lights melt into stars, and in the morning, the sunrise over the trees feels like a private showing made just for two.
🗓️ Sample Weekend Itinerary
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Arrive, unpack, exhale | Sit by the waterfall | Hot tub + fire + cocoa |
| Saturday | Breakfast & yoga | Sliding Rock + downtown Brevard | Wine at Territory + Dinner at The Bohemian |
| Sunday | Sound bath | Foraging cocktail class | Massage + starlit deck |
💞 The Thing About Love
We didn’t talk much that weekend.
Not because we didn’t have anything to say, but because we didn’t need to.
There’s something about sitting beside a waterfall — the water beating rock for a thousand years — that makes your problems look small.
Sometimes love isn’t about what you fix.
It’s about who you sit beside while it all keeps moving.
Who It’s For
✅ Couples who want to reconnect.
✅ Partners who need stillness more than noise.
✅ Anyone ready to fall in love with life – and each other – again.
✅ It’s also a great place for solo travelers
✅ People traveling with no more than 2 dogs.
Who It’s Not For
If your idea of a getaway includes nightlife, crowds, or convenience-store coffee at midnight, this probably isn’t your place.
Meraki Escape is off-grid luxury — not off-the-clock service.
There’s no restaurant on-site, no concierge, no bar scene. The magic here is in the quiet, not the cocktails.
It’s not ideal for families, large groups, or anyone who needs a constant itinerary.
If silence makes you restless, or if you can’t imagine a vacation without onsite activities, shopping, or constant activities on property — you might find yourself itching for noise.
But if you’re looking for a place that gives you time to breathe, talk, and not talk, this is where you’ll find it.
⭐ Ratings
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Location | ★★★★★ | Remote, yet minutes from town |
| Character | ★★★★★ | Soulful and sincere |
| Price | ★★★★☆ | Worth every cent for what it gives back |
| Cleanliness | ★★★★★ | Impeccable |
| Attention to Detail | ★★★★★ | Every need anticipated |
| Amenities | ★★★★★ | Waterfalls, yoga, chef, hot tub |
| Overall | ★★★★★ (4.9/5) | Luxury with heart |
The Takeaway
You don’t come here to be entertained.
You come here to hold hands beside a waterfall and let the world slow until it matches your heartbeat.
Taking time to get away together isn’t indulgent — it’s essential.
Because Meraki Escape isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a place to remember why you chose each other in the first place.
🧭 FAQs
How far is Meraki Escape from Asheville?
About an hour’s drive from Asheville Regional Airport.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes — with thoughtful touches like pet towels, bowls, and a fenced yard. 2 Dogs Max please. A portion of the pet fee will go towards a local spay and neuter program.
Do the cabins have Wi-Fi?
Absolutely. Strong enough for streaming, though you might not need it.
Can non-guests visit the waterfalls?
No — they’re private for guests, which keeps them peaceful.
What’s the best time to visit?
Late fall for cozy weather and fewer crowds, though every season has its charm.
📍 Plan Your Trip
🗺️ Visit Meraki Escape by clicking here
Are There Discounts or Coupon Codes?
Book a 3+ night stay at Meraki Escape
*using code NCTRAVELER
and receive a Complimentary Romance + Wellness Gift Package during your stay!
You’ll get:
- A private wellness session (choose from Yoga, Pilates, or an Intuitive Card Reading)
- A bottle of Biltmore wine waiting in your cabin
- Two signature etched Meraki wine glasses as a keepsake to take home
A luxury gift (valued at $150+) exclusively for the NC Traveler community.
*TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Valid for 3+ night stays. Use code NCTRAVELER when booking. Offer valid for stays from December 2025 through May 2026.
*Wellness session is subject to practitioner availability.
*One gift package per reservation.
*Non-transferable and holds no cash value.
*Not valid on holidays and cannot be combined with any other offers.
*Must be at least 25 years of age to redeem and stay.
Stay tuned because I’m soon going to announce a giveaway for
2 Night Stay Giveaway!
Entry Form Below👇🏽
Enter to Win a 2-Night Getaway at Meraki Escape 🌲
To celebrate my stay at Meraki Escape and give one of you the chance to experience it for yourself, I’ve teamed up with them to give away a two-night luxury cabin stay for two in Brevard, NC.
Think: a king bed, spa-style shower, private hot tub, fireplace, forest views, and the kind of quiet that lets you actually exhale for a minute.
How to Enter
Entering is simple:
- Fill out the giveaway form on this page with your name and email address
Once you’ve submitted the form, your entry is officially in the drawing. 🎉
How to Get an Extra Entry
Want to increase your chances?
You can earn one bonus entry by:
Following Meraki Escape on Instagram: @MerakiEscape
Add your Instagram handle in the entry form where indicated.
As long as you include your IG username in the form, I’ll be able to verify that you’re following Meraki Escape and count your extra entry. If I can’t match your handle, I can’t confirm the bonus—so double-check your spelling.
Click Below to go to the Entry Form
👇🏽
When the Winner Will Be Announced?
The winner will be selected at random and announced on November 29th:
- On my Instagram Story
- Inside my private North Carolina Traveler Facebook group
- And directly via email to the winner
The winner will have 7 days to reply and accept the prize. If there’s no response within 7 days, another winner will be chosen.
Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and maybe your spam folder, just in case).
Prize Details
- A two-night Adults-only luxury cabin stay for two at Meraki Escape
- Private luxury cabin
- King bed & spa-style shower
- Private hot tub & fireplace
- Secluded forest setting in Brevard
*Lodging is included. Travel, food, and any add-on experiences are not included.
Terms & Conditions
In addition to the entry requirements listed above, the prize is subject to the following terms from Meraki Escape:
- Must be at least 25 years of age to redeem and stay
- Stay must be redeemed Sunday–Thursday
- Valid for a stay from December 2025 through May 2026
- Not valid on holidays and cannot be combined with any other offers
- Prize is non-transferable and holds no cash value
- Winner is responsible for any add-ons, experiences, and/or incidentals
- Winner has 7 days from the time of notification to accept the prize, or another winner will be selected
By entering, you agree to these terms and to be contacted via email if you win.
To make sure you don’t miss out when the winner is announced, join my e-mail list or my exclusive Facebook Group where details will be announced.
And be sure to Follow Meraki Escape on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook too!
Follow me on my socials