7 DESTINATIONS TO REBOOT & RECHARGE THIS SPRING
written by Jean Chen Smith
As the days start to get longer and temperatures increase, we find the early promise of spring in all its splendid glory—the lush trees, the vibrant yellows of daffodils and emerging green grass. Shedding our heavy layers of jackets, sweaters and boots, along with the primal instinct for hibernation, I know I’m ready to get out and travel. This time of year is my favorite for seeking wellness experiences. Health and well-being can look different for everyone, ranging from spa retreats to meditation gatherings. Why not take this year to redefine what it means to be whole and healthy? Try something new instead of taking the same type of journey year after year. I know for myself, new adventures are a great way to stimulate my senses and knock me out of the ordinary. Here is a list of my favorite destinations across our great state to provide you with a surge of energy and renewal.
1 Book an All-Inclusive Retreat
OREGON WELLNESS RETREAT AND BAYBERRY INN | ASHLAND
These two organizations work in conjunction to host themed retreats for artists, couples, writers and solo travelers, along with those seeking some rest and relaxation. The all-inclusive retreats include lodging at the Bayberry Inn, a historic property dating back to 1854, and three gourmet meals a day, along with snacks and refreshments. The six beautifully appointed rooms are furnished with antiques and luxury bedding and linens. Some rooms have soaking tubs, sitting areas and patios. With pre-approval, select rooms are pet-friendly.
Photo by Bayberry Inn
Nestled in the heart of Ashland, the inn is just steps from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and many shops and restaurants. Morning walks to Lithia Park are a great way to start your mornings. Retreats allow you to relax and reset, while meeting others on a similar journey.
Photo by Jeffrey McFarland
More: www.bayberryinn.com, www.oregonwellnessretreat.com
2 Spa-Focused Relaxation
OVERLEAF LODGE & SPA | YACHATS
What could be better than a resort with spectacular ocean views, a tranquil spa and comfortable rooms? Book the Sunset Suite, which offers a plush king bed, large sitting area and whirlpool tub overlooking the breathtaking coastline. Cozy up near the fireplace with a glass of wine or hot chocolate as you settle in with a good book or cuddle with your significant other. This suite features a kitchenette with appliances for convenience. Guests are served a hearty breakfast of eggs, potatoes and sausage or bacon daily as part of their stay.
Photo by Overleaf Lodge & Spa
The Overleaf Spa has soaking tubs to help alleviate sore muscles and tension from stress. They also feature saunas and steam rooms. Book a treatment with a seasoned therapist—the spa uses quality products from the Aveda line. I suggest booking the Reiki Refresh Energy Work if you are looking to experience something new. After your massage, sit in the relaxation room with some hot tea and reflect on your day.
Photo by Overleaf Lodge & Spa
Located about a five-minute drive to Yachats State Recreation Area and close to the downtown area, visitors have ample access to trails and shopping. Pre-order a curated picnic basket prior to heading out on a light hike. You will not be disappointed by the bevy of nibble options.
For those seeking to amp up their fitness, the hotel has a fitness center with cardio machines and weights.
More: www.overleaflodge.com
3 Visit a Working Ranch
SILVIES VALLEY RANCH | SENECA
Being close to nature is a great way to slow down our busy minds and our media-focused lives. That is why Silvies Valley Ranch in Seneca is one of my favorite places to visit. The 140,000-acre working ranch offers golfing, dining and lodging in the heart of the Oregon frontier, with ample access to the natural world.
They specialize in raising their breed of heritage beef, which is served at their restaurant. The land is composed of deeded and leased National Forest and BLM lands within the region. With more than 20,000 acres of ponderosa pine forest and meadows, the area is home to numerous critters, including elk, deer, antelope, coyotes, otters, hawks and eagles, to name a few.
Photo by Silvies Valley Ranch
There are plenty of activities centered on health and wellness—choose from fishing, horseback riding, golfing, goat herding, hiking and biking. Be sure to book some time at Rocking Heart Spa, where you will find your stress melt away with the Medicine Springs Deep Tissue Massage.
Rooms range from suites to log cabins with fireplaces and great rooms with high ceilings and plush sofas. Cabins are solar powered and sustainable, without sacrificing on modern luxuries such as TVs, jacuzzi tubs and well-appointed kitchens.
Dining options do not disappoint here. The property has three full-service restaurants and options for picnics and takeout. A truly enjoyable experience is dinner at the Ranch Table, where you dine with other guests and farm hands, getting to know each other and bonding over the events of a day on the farm.
More: www.silvies.us
4 A Culinary Experience to Remember
STEPHANIE INN | CANNON BEACH
This iconic inn sits just steps from the natural wonder of Haystack Rock, offering world-class dining and out-of-this-world spa treatments. The resort recently completed a $1.3 million renovation on guest rooms and is ready to pamper guests. Neutral-toned rooms with pops of blue reflect coastal living at its finest. Gas fireplaces, huge soaking tubs and luxurious mattresses and bedding are some of what you will find at the resort.
Photo by Stephanie Inn
Start your day off with a gourmet breakfast in the dining room, where healthy smoothies, fruit bowls and savory eggs and pancakes fuel you for a day of activity. Take a stroll on the beach and stop by downtown Cannon Beach, which is lined with boutiques and restaurants. We love visiting Fetch, which has tons of dog toys, treats and sweaters to bring home to our pup. No trip is complete without a stop at the Staghorn Mercantile, where you can scope out some of the coolest items for your home.
Photo by Columbia Hospitality
Book a spa treatment at the Stephanie Inn, where you can indulge and revel in sensory pleasures. The Lavender Body Melt, the spa’s signature offering, is a great way to unwind during your wellness escape. Dinner reservations are required for the inn’s very popular prix fixe, four-course dinner by chef Aaron Bedard, who highlights seasonal and creative fare. The chef fosters close relationships with local purveyors and farmers, maintaining the highest standards for meats and produce.
More: www.stephanieinn.com
5 Get Active Outdoors
MT. HOOD OREGON RESORT | WELCHES
With 157 rooms, a refined spa and a twenty-seven-hole golf course, the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort is a favorite in Clackamas County. The hotel is close to world-class skiing and the Salmon River Trail, which offers boating, fly-fishing and hiking. Modern rooms feature comfortable beds, a small seating area, mini-fridges and coffee makers. Splurge on the suites, which offer more space, along with fireplaces, tubs and patios with splendid views.
Book a treatment at the impressive 5,000-square-foot spa featuring seven treatment rooms, a couples treatment room, cedar saunas and a relaxation space. The property also has a state-of-the-art fitness center, heated outdoor pool, and basketball and tennis courts.
Photo by Mt. Hood Oregon Resort
Altitude Restaurant serves elevated international fare showcasing Pacific Northwest ingredients. For breakfast, do not miss the southern fried chicken and waffles or California Benedict. For lighter fare, go for the avocado toast. Dinners are elegant, with a romantic ambience. The BBQ short ribs are delicious and hearty, and the panko-crusted salmon is another great option.
Mallards Café & Pub serves laid-back plates in a casual environment. Patio seating offers amazing views and is dog-friendly. You can not go wrong with their classic fish and chips.
More: www.mthood-resort.com
6 Boost Your Endorphins Surrounded by Nature
WILDSPRING GUEST HABITAT | PORT ORFORD
This small, eco-friendly gem, nestled in a quiet forest, overlooks the state’s popular South Coast. Five luxurious cabins are your base camp for a peaceful getaway.
Think heated floors, vaulted ceilings and spacious living spaces with plenty of areas for lounging. Quality, antique furnishings decorate the rooms throughout the property. Perhaps the most impressive parts of the accommodations are the bathrooms, which feature walk-in slate showers and quality walnut shelving.
Because there is no wifi, you can really disconnect from your technology devices and savor the peace and quiet, surrounded by the beauty of your environment.
Set across five acres, the property is home to a sculpture garden, meditation labyrinth, guest hall and deck. A free breakfast buffet is included in your stay, along with more than 650 DVDs you can borrow to watch in your cabin. Though there are no cooking facilities inside the cabins, the guest hall kitchen is open to all after 11 a.m.
The open-air, slate, jetted hot tub is a big draw. It overlooks the ocean and is a great way to unwind after a day of hiking and exploring.
More: www.wildspring.com
7 Hot Springs for Healing
BELKNAP HOT SPRINGS RESORT | MCKENZIE BRIDGE
Natural hot springs can provide benefits such as enhanced blood circulation and aid in pain management and may improve skin conditions. Plus they are relaxing and soothing as you enjoy being in the great outdoors.
Photo by Melanie Griffin/Eugene, Cascades & Coast
About 60 miles from Eugene, this remotely located hideaway is open year-round, featuring two hot spring pools and lush outdoor gardens. Accommodations include rooms in the rustic lodge, cabins with full kitchens, and RV and tent sites. Some rooms and cabins are pet-friendly.
The lodge is a five-minute stroll to the McKenzie River Trail and a ten-minute drive to the Tokatee Golf Club, which offers an eighteen-hole championship course designed by renowned architect Ted Robinson.
Photo by Samantha Inouye/Eugene, Cascades & Coast
Bigelow Hot Springs, also known as Deer Creek Hot Springs, is a seven-minute drive from the resort and worth a visit. This small hot spring is located adjacent to the McKenzie River in the Willamette National Forest with fewer crowds. Clothing is optional, and there is no fee to enter.
