Escape to The Zen Retreat, a serene urban oasis nestled in the private neighborhood of High Timbers. Unwind with a cup of coffee on the rear deck overlooking two waterfalls and ponds, or cozy up by the fireplace in the 2-story living room with a book from our library.
Reviews
9.49.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 73200 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
The current price is HK$1,330
HK$1,330
HK$3,155 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!
Welcome to The Zen Retreat! This is a gem of a house, one that is truly unique. Be prepared to spoil yourself to a hidden paradise with an abundance of options for relaxing and having fun, both inside and outside in an inspiring retreat setting!
15 min. to Uptown. 20 min. to Panther Stadium. 25-30 min. the Speedway. 25-30 min. to the White Water Center. 20-25 minutes to Charlotte Douglas airport.
Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place during your visit to Charlotte.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A TWO NIGHT MINIMUM FOR ALL WEEKEND BOOKINGS.
If you are looking for a traditional house, this is not the house for you. If you are looking for something special, then you have found the right spot. As soon as you set foot on the property, be prepared to have all your worries disappear as you are surrounded by peace and tranquility. The atmosphere is pure magic and with every breath you take, your mind and body will begin to feel like one. Nestled in the very private neighborhood of High Timbers, the house truly brings its neighborhood namesake to life as the entire property is tress lined and brings a welcome serenity and privacy to your stay. The attention to detail, both inside and outside of this Zen-style house won’t escape your attention. Start your mornings with a cup of coffee on the rear deck of the house and enjoy the view of 2 waterfalls and ponds and enjoy the blissful sounds of the cascading waters. Guests can cozy up to a book in the 2 story living room relaxing in front of the fireplace or enjoy a movie on the 65 inch TV, with Blu Ray player, Firestick with all apps and a Polk Audio surround sound system. I am a chef and the living room houses a library of cookbooks and food-related books for you to enjoy, which can be used to create edible delights in the NEWLY renovated kitchen. The ENTIRE kitchen has been redone, with new appliances including a gas stove, with dual convection oven. It includes new granite countertops and cabinets. The house boasts three bedrooms, each with its own personality. The Master Bedroom is furnished with Asian inspired décor and comes with a king-size pillow-top bed. The bedroom has its own bathroom with a bathtub. Both other rooms are furnished with queen size beds, and an additional fold out twin bed, also with a memory foam mattress. Each share a second full bathroom. The exquisite dining room seats 6+ and the fully equipped kitchen overlooks the peaceful back yard, with everything you need to get your cooking game on. Take your cooking skills outside and whip something up on the gas grill or the egg smoker/cooker and enjoy the fruits of your labor while sitting at the gas fire pit outdoor dining table. Jump in the hot tub and let the peaceful surroundings of The Zen Retreat take over. There is also a lovely breakfast room and screened in porch to start your day in the best way possible. The house is super pet friendly and our four-legged friends are more than welcome. They will enjoy the house as much and possibly even more, once they get to explore the fenced-in backyard. The Zen Retreat also offers its own Concierge Service with a slew of optional services available for guests to enjoy, from general grocery stocking and much more, we have you covered! (See the list under the "Other Things to Note section) We are sure all your guests will love The Zen Retreat and look forward to having you!
Guest access
Guests will have access to the entire house, inside and out, with the exception of two closets and the garage.
Neighborhood overview
The neighborhood is called High Timbers and The Zen Retreat reflects the name of the neighborhood as the property is tree-lined and very shady, offering loads of privacy. The entire neighborhood is full of mature trees and is in essence a private Cul-De-Sac community. There are only 2 entrances to the neighborhood and it is ALWAYS very quiet. If you have children, rest easy knowing that this is a very safe spot for them to play and be kids. The neighbors are great...Check out my neighbor Bob across the street, he has the quirkiest back yard you have ever seen. It has been featured on numerous TV shows nationally. Just say hi, he is super friendly.
Getting Around
The Zen Retreat offers enough parking for multiple cars on the property. The house is located off of Monroe Rd and Sardis Rd North. There is an abundance of shops, restaurants, and stores in the area. Please look at the Guidebook for my recommendations. FYI, since these are the questions I get the most concerning the house. The Zen Retreat is 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and is a straight shot on 1 road right to the heart of the city. It is 20 minutes from Panther Stadium It is 25-30 minutes from the Speedway It is 25-30 minutes from the White Water Center It is 20-25 minutes from the airport Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place for a wonderful stay that will cap of your visit to Charlotte.
Other things to note
Attention- The Zen Retreat Concierge Services The Zen Retreat has arranged for pre-arrival and during stay services. These services are arranged through Liomai, our Zen Retreat Concierge at +1 (704) 248-1778.
Please note, there are two active security cameras, one covering the stairs from the front entrance and another at the back door covering a portion of the deck.
If you are interested in a wonderful stay in the mountains of North Carolina, check out our other property, the Cozy Cabin, an NC Mountain Escape, which is near Boone. Whether you are looking to have a romantic getaway for two or to making new family memories, The Mountain Retreat is the perfect place for you! This gem of a cabin is perched on the hillside with everything you need for a perfect and peaceful getaway. https://www.vrbo.com/854107
Please Note- Please make sure to enjoy your stay as if you are visiting friends and family. Be respectful and tidy. No b-day parties or NYE parties for anyone under 25 years of age. No parties or gatherings larger than 7 people without prior approval. People booking for parties will be required to leave a double deposit. Weddings/receptions/events will be negotiated on a case by case basis. The house is NOT meant for entertaining unless discussed and agreed to ahead of time. Extra guests or visitors are not allowed without prior approval. Failure to do so will forfeit your deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any lost keys will be charged a fee of $75. Any parties or gatherings need to be addressed with the owner prior to arrival. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any use of the house for photo and video purposes will need to be requested prior to the stay, there are additional fees for such matters. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. There is NO SMOKING inside the property, any sign or smell of smoking inside of the house will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit. The house is ALWAYS pet friendly, with no additional charge. If guests do not pick up after their dog(s), there will be an $85+ fee applied. Lastly, there is a $50 per half hour fee for late checkouts. Check out is at 11 STRICT, especially in light of the present situation and time needed for enhanced cleaning. Please feel free to reach out for any and all of the above.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Ski
Close to skiing
Snowboarding nearby
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Music library
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Video library
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Fenced yard
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Office
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: There is NO SMOKING inside the property.
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Limited housekeeping
Location highlights
In the city centre
In the mountains
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near an outlet shopping centre
On a lake
On a river
Things to do
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Hunting nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors
Your assistance is greatly appreciated
Run the dishwasher-The tabs are under the sink
Do NOT strip the beds, leave linens where they are
Run a load of TOWELS only in the washer
Leave place as you found it. If staying Monday night, move trash bins from behind side fence to curb for Tuesday pickup. If staying Tuesday, return bins from curb to behind side fence.
Pets: clean all hair, prints, waste or $75 fee. No pets on furniture/beds. Checkout 11am sharp. Text Liomai 704-248-1778 with departure time. $50 per 30 min late checkout fee.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: We welcome all our four legged friends.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Please check pics for railings and my open plan.
Events
No events allowed
Failure to discuss prior to stay deposit is lost
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
There is NO SMOKING inside the property.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Failure to discuss prior to stay deposit is lost
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
Property is also known as
Urban Escape W/hot Tub, Waterfalls, Min to Uptown! Charlotte
About the area
Located in Charlotte, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a river. Quail Hollow Club is worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit NASCAR Hall of Fame and Carowinds Theme Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Spectrum Center or Bank of America Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. Visit our Charlotte travel guide
Is Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?
As of 11 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! on 19 Mar 2026 start from HK$1,330, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! located?
Located in the heart of Charlotte, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from McAlpine Creek Greenway and within 6 miles (10 km) of Matthews Community Center and Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. Independence Shopping Center and Sportsplex at Matthews are also within 6 miles (10 km).
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Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We had an awesome time for Christmas at the Zen Retreat. The location of the house is so convenient to all your needs and the neighborhood is quiet and great to walk your dogs, if you have any. Highly recommend for families.
My family and I were in town for my sisters funeral. We chose this house because of its proximity to the church. The house was a true joy to stay in. The back yard was peaceful and inviting. The house was large enough for us to have individual space. We spent most of our time congregating in the kitchen which was spacious and well appointed with everything you need. We had an enjoyable stay.
The backyard is amazing. Gorgeous patio with lights, seating, and a hot tub. The beds were super comfortable. The front entrance stairs inside were anxiety inducing for me because there was no rail on the side that drops into the living room, but other than that we had an amazing stay
Came here for a long birthday weekend with family. Even though it was in a neighborhood, it felt very relaxing and peaceful in the backyard. Especially loved the outdoor bed and fire pit dining table. Beds were very comfortable and the home was spacious, beautiful, and very Zen like.
We needed a place to stay that was willing to take two large dogs and have enough space for two kids as well. This home was clean, had nice appliances, a fenced in backyard, a nice back deck, and was near a lot of restaurants. We were in contact with the owner several times and he always checked to make sure everything was good. We would rent again if ever in the area.
Our group had an amazing time finally seeing each other again and doing it at this location put it over the top! We had plenty of room to gather around and chat and plenty of back deck to use! It was a beautiful and quiet neighborhood but very close to essentials like a grocery store. We loved the hot tub and being able to talk through the whole house, living room to the kitchen to the dining table. Loved the experience!
The beds were comfortable with plenty of pillows. We did enjoy the kitchen and living room. The outdoor spaces need some work. The floors and stairs are a bit uneven and dangerous. Overall, our stay was nice.
We had a fantastic time at the Urban Escape! The house was spotless, and the owner was incredibly responsive and helpful from booking to checkout. The zen vibe of the property made for a truly relaxing getaway. We especially loved the backyard oasis—it was the highlight of our stay. While we didn’t use the hot tub, it’s a great feature to have available. The backyard could use a little extra care, perhaps a quick blow of the deck to clear some leaves, but overall it was such a peaceful space. The house offered plenty of room for our group, and its proximity to Uptown was perfect. Highly recommend!
My family and I stayed for four nights at the Zen retreat. When we arrived there was an issue with the hot water tank and it was immediately being replaced. We were extremely grateful for that. The issue was handled immediately. We had a small issue with the hot tub which again was handled immediately and corrected right away. Otherwise, the beds were wonderfully comfortable and our stay was a beyond peaceful.
Lovely home with a very nicely equipped kitchen. Tons of cookbooks everywhere. We could have read for weeks! The beds were quite comfy. The homes location was very convenient for tourists wanting to explore the town. The area is very dog friendly as well. I do have one caution if you have pets or children: the top floor has a railing that overlooks the main and lower levels that is completely open without spindles. An adult would easily fall through the openings.
My husband and I stayed for almost a week to visit my grandmother for her birthday.We brought our two dogs The backyard was very accommodating for them they had Had a blast running around and a couple of deers came to the edge of the fence. And visited them. My husband worked remotely. The house was very accommodating for him. The master bed was very soft and the couch was great. The pressure in the shower was amazing. The neighborhood was very quiet and centrally located right next to a Food Lion. A ramen shop and a movie theater that is also a bistro. We had a great time. One of the best days I've had in a while.
This was the perfect property for our long weekend trip to Charlotte. We wanted a place to stay that would accommodate My wife and I, and 2 youngest kids (now adults) to host a Thanksgiving dinner to include our oldest daughter who now lives in Charlotte. We also had her boyfriend and 4 of his family join us. The house has a very open concept layout, with a nice kitchen, a large island that made prep and presentation of apps and dinner easy, dining area adjacent to kitchen, and a large living room for everyone watching the football games.
The backyard has a large deck, with gas fireplace, and ho tub. It is landscaped very nice, and is fenced in to allow our daughter's bulldog to roam around.
We enjoyed walking the neighborhood. It had deer that would often come waking past the backyard.
Richard the owner was very good at communicating with us, and marking the property with little signs to clue us in on where everything was and how its works.
THE GOOD: Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the Zen Retreat. We loved the decorations and all the amenities that came with the place! The screen porch is really cute, and we loved sitting out there in the morning. The neighborhood is very quiet and safe.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: the hot tub. It is way too chlorinated. The chlorine was stinging our eyes as we sat in the tub and the chlorine also stripped the color from our bathing suits! We originally had blue swimsuits and now they are a faded gray. Please fix this! Your backyard is amazing but the hot tub needs some TLC and a good scrub. The back deck and screen porch could honestly just use a good power wash in general.
Also, it said that the outside string lights were on a timer, but we did not see any of those light illuminate while we were there. Maybe a wiring issue?
Lastly, please get your ice machine to work. North Carolina is extremely humid and hot- especially in the summer months. Not having ice to add to our lukewarm tap water the whole week was not a vibe. If you can’t get the ice machine to work in the fridge, you should have some regular ice trays for your guests to fill up. The only ice trays we saw were the huge blocks of ice for whiskey and other liquors- if you could provide regular sized ice trays, that’d be great.
The photos don’t fully capture how wonderful this home truly is. The location, amenities, and spacious layout exceeded my expectations. There was plenty of room for both family and guests without ever feeling crowded. Check-in and check-out were quick and seamless. I would absolutely stay here again—whether for a family vacation, a girls’ trip, or even a couples’ getaway.
Tonya B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Russel M.
11 Jan 2019
Very Impressive retreat to share with friends and family.
Enjoyed our stay very much. A peaceful, relaxing retreat.
Russel M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
10/10 Excellent
Pam J.
17 Sept 2018
Relaxing place to stay
We enjoyed our stay here. Excellent WiFi and access to Netflix. Back yard with hot tub was inviting. Well equipped kitchen.
This place was so amazing and the beds were super comfy. We grilled outside and enjoyed the hot tub. It was a really fun time.
Britney P.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
This review is from a guest who booked and stayed through a partner site and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Becky K.
11 Jan 2018
This is a wonderful property! The home was perfect for our family, and we will definitely be back!
We had a wonderful experience at this property. It was perfect for our family. The kitchen was so complete, which made meal preparation a breeze. We loved the fireplace and big TV. The location was great! I highly recommend this property.
My family and I enjoyed our stay at The Zen Retreat! The home is very lovely and unique. The backyard is awesome and we all loved sitting on the deck! Location was central to all of our family's weekend activities!
Me and 3 of my girlfriends rented this space for the Scentsy Convention and it was absolutely perfect!! 10/10 will rebook next time I come to Charlotte
Angela B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
8/10 Good
Marc T.
27 May 2016
Zen Retreat
Our family had a nice stay at the Zen Retreat. The house was clean, comfortable and convenient. Richard did a great job communicating with us ahead of check in and throughout our stay. The decor is fun but also functional.
Marc T.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Ellen N.
19 Jan 2016
Comfortable,welcoming retreat
5 week stay at this retreat. Owner was very welcoming and interested in meeting all our needs. The home had all the amenities. Location is close to everything. We will stay here again.
Ellen N.
10/10 Excellent
Beth B.
22 Jan 2019
We had a very enjoyable stay. This is a truly unique house & lived up to it’s description.
We cooked big breakfasts in the fully stocked kitchen. We enjoyed the hot tub and the bubbling waterfalls in the back yard and well as the fire pit and gas fire places. The open layout of the main living space/kitchen worked well for our group of 6 (plus dog).