Sky Pond

DESCRIPTION

The Sky Pond sits on a quiet stretch of Rocky Road in Apex, just at the edge of Jordan Lake’s Bells Area. This small retreat property is built around a renovated tobacco-barn cabin tucked beneath tall pines. The footprint is intentionally modest: gatherings are capped at 13 people, which keeps the property close to its purpose. The owners describe it with the tagline “Step Outside to Go Within,” and the layout backs that up at every turn.

The grounds are made for slowing down. A meditative walking trail loops the pond, a campfire corner waits for the evening to cool, and the front porch’s rocking chairs face out toward the trees. Inside the cabin, a studio loft on the upper floor accommodates up to 10 yoga mats, and the living area — outfitted with a microwave, refrigerator, and a half bath — works for a long afternoon hang or a full-day workshop. Folding tables and chairs are on hand for whatever configuration the day requires.

Sky Pond rents to wellness practitioners, teachers, and small-group leaders running workshops, teambuilding sessions, or movement classes, with mats, blocks, straps, blankets, bolsters, and eye pillows on-site for twelve. It is also a quiet weekend escape for families wanting to picnic, walk the pond, work a puzzle on the porch, play board games, and let kids loose in the woods; birthday parties of all ages are welcome. For Jordan Lake day-trippers, the property doubles as a cool-down spot between swims.

FEATURES

Intimate venue and retreat center near Jordan Lake.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Mon: 8am-9pm.
Tue: CLOSED.
Wed-Sun: 8am-9pm.

Tours are available on non-rental days and can be scheduled directly through the reservations page; alternate times may be possible on request. Hosts are expected to keep all activity (including guest arrivals, setup, breakdown, and departures) within the booked rental duration. Overage fees apply on either side.

PARKING & DIRECTIONS

The property is located off Rocky Road, adjacent to Jordan Lake (Bells Area). On-site parking is limited to 13 spots, and the street and driveway are unpaved. Sky Pond provides hosts with a driveway map and parking strategy in advance to ensure efficient arrival and clear access for emergency vehicles.

AMENITIES & CAPACITY

The property accommodates a maximum of 13 people, and is best suited for 12 or fewer (typically 1–2 hosts plus 10 participants). The indoor studio (on the cabin’s second floor) is best suited for 10 participants on mats or 12 in folding chairs.

Rentals include full use of the grounds:

  • A walking path around the pond.
  • A fire pit.
  • A separate indoor studio space.
  • A cabin living space.
  • One and a half baths.

Furnishings and features on-site include:

  • Two 71″×35″ dining tables.
  • One 31″ round cafe table.
  • One 48″×24″ folding table.
  • Two round nesting coffee tables (under 34″).
  • Eight padded dining chairs.
  • A one- to two-person wooden bench.
  • Twelve padded folding chairs.
  • Five metal porch chairs — configurable throughout the property as needed.
  • A microwave, refrigerator (no freezer), hot/cold water dispenser, a 10-cup drip coffee maker (BYO coffee), soft seating, and ample floor space in the cabin living space.
  • 12 indoor and 6 outdoor yoga mats.
  • 24 blocks, 24 blankets, 12 straps, 12 bolsters, and 12 eye pillows.

Dimmable recessed lighting is installed in both the upstairs studio and the downstairs living space. They also have an electric candle selection. The cabin is climate-controlled by mini-split units, supplemented by a propane stove in winter and an AC window unit and a space heater in extreme conditions; layers are recommended. An outdoor flat-top griddle is also available, and assorted teas are stocked. WiFi is available throughout.

Add-ons include custom yoga sessions with on-staff instructor Miriam, and referrals for other movement and energy practitioners — Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Reiki, Thai Yoga, Hypnotherapy, and nutrition consultation, among them. Sky Pond also has vendor partnerships with Birdhouse Blooms (locally grown flowers), Santoki Healing (reiki-infused soy candles), Sutcha Teas (custom or event-themed blends), and B,halfmoon (yoga props), with guest discount codes available.

PROPERTY RULES

  • No smoking anywhere on the property.
  • Guests are requested to Leave No Trace (no confetti or glitter).
  • No firearms or fireworks.
  • No swimming in the pond.
  • No chemical or accelerant additives in the campfire.

ACCESSIBILITY

Sky Pond explicitly notes that the property is not recommended for those with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, walker users, crutch users, or cane users. The street and driveway are unpaved; the grounds include uneven terrain, rocks, and steps; the bathhouse requires a step up to enter; and the indoor studio space is on the second floor of the cabin. Guests should confirm accessibility suitability before booking.

PETS

Sky Pond is pet-friendly. Hosts are asked to notify the property in advance if pets will be joining. A dog wash station is available on-site (bring your own towels). There is no fencing around the property perimeter or the pond. Guests with sensitive allergies should plan accordingly.

FAMILIES

Sky Pond welcomes families and hosts birthday gatherings of all ages. The grounds offer kids room to explore — woods, water, sky, and the occasional snowfall — with creative follow-up activities like painting, coloring, or writing about the experience encouraged. For families spending a day at Jordan Lake, the property doubles as a midday reprieve from heat or cold.

QUICK LINKS

Sky Pond events.