One of our favorite things about our slice of heaven is that the world spins just a little slower here. We don’t operate on island time, but we definitely enjoy peninsula time. The coastal air is clean, the oysters are plentiful, and the smiles are genuine. When you visit us, the stress of the outside world seems to melt away. What makes it even better are the nooks and crannies where you can find a few extra moments of Zen. So, relax and join us as we let you in on the best places to unwind in Pacific County.
Stress-Free at the Sou’wester
Tucked against a forest along the Seaview beach approach is a magical 3-acre eclectic paradise, the Historic Sou’wester Lodge & Vintage Travel Trailer Resort. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you spy the more than thirty whimsical, vintage travel trailers, folky cabins, and the main three-story lodge. Once you start strolling the grounds, you will discover several of the best places to unwind in Pacific County, all in one spot!
Unwind in a Finnish Sauna in the Heart of Pacific County
Nestled behind wooden walls is your private garden spa. Smooth rocks lead you to a magnificent tree that flanks the deck to your private relaxation hut. On one side is a heated, indoor changing area with a shower. On the other is the tranquil, dry Finnish sauna.
Hand-milled Port Orford cedar benches line the room, just waiting for you to melt into the clothing-optional comfort of the space. The rock-filled electric heater is adjustable to your desired temp. After you release the toxins, you can dip in the cold (or hot) plunge in their classic claw-foot tub.
You don’t have to feel rushed or intruded upon. Your appointment is a full hour and exclusive to you (and up to six of your friends.)
Sip Your Troubles Away
Steps away from the quaint garden spa is a quaint trailer, affectionately dubbed the “QT.” The on-property Tea Trailer is a darling pod where you and up to three pals can take a heavenly tea break and unwind in Pacific County. Your visit includes a teapot, teacups, and your choice of raw-leaf tea.
Return to Wholeness in the Wellness Trailer
Glide into the Sou’wester’s Wellness Trailer to further your relaxation journey. The classic Boles Aero trailer is a spot for yoga, meditation, and a rotating list of mindfulness classes. Enjoy self-led yoga or sign up for a sound bath, acupuncture, or alternative healing sessions. Wood floors, calm lighting, singing bowls, and yoga mats are on hand. After your namaste, venture into the meditation garden behind the lodge to enjoy the koi pond and fountain.
Adrift Into Pacific Coast Peace
If you’re a guest at one of the Adrift Hospitality properties, you are moments away from floating in a saline pool of relaxation. The four unique properties offer multiple ways to unwind in Pacific County. Adrift Hotel, Inn at Discovery Coast, Boardwalk Cottages, and historic Shelburne Hotel offer guests complimentary shared use of a relaxing spa and heated, saline pool.
In-house and non-hotel guests can book an appointment for one of their decadent spa services. The location uses Eminence Organic vegan, organic, and cruelty-free products for all their treatments as part of their social purpose commitment.
Have your worries kneaded away with a 30-, 60-, or 90-minute massage. Recapture your glow with a revitalizing facial or peel. Spruce up your extremities with a signature manicure or pedicure. Or treat yourself to one of their waxing or tinting experiences. Both the Adrift Hotel and Inn at Discovery Coast offer Rejuvenation Package add-ons. So, take your relaxation to the next level with a Mind Your Manna Tonic, Beach House Bath Salts, or Succulent Shower Fizz.
Image Courtesy of Brooke Nesbitt
In addition to the pool house and spa, guests can enjoy one of the three onsite saunas. The barrel saunas are made from rich cedar and equipped with Finlandia heaters. Pour water over the sizzling stones and gaze out into the beach forest beyond the huge, steam-fogged window. If you’re a guest of the Boardwalk Cottages, you’ll find your own onsite barrel sauna right outside.
Stretch Your Body and Mind
The journey to self is personal for Michelle Svendsen, owner of Inspired Mind Matters. Certified in breathwork, meditation, mindfulness, and Yin yoga, Michelle has been passionate about helping people unwind in Pacific County for years. She recently brought her Boutique Wellness Collective to the Chautauqua Resort and Conference Center and offers weekly classes to those searching to release stress.
Michelle believes in connecting the yogic philosophies back to yoga itself. Mindful Movements, Yin Yoga, and Vinyasa Flow are on a steady rotation in the calm, carpeted studio. Guests will also enjoy focused breathwork and optional ice plunges to help bring them closer to their center. To get even higher in your practice, take on an aerial yoga experience. Students cocoon in silk hammocks suspended from the ceiling and play with gravity’s resistance, all while releasing pent-up stress from their muscles. And parents can enjoy Mini and Me Mindful Movement classes with their little ones.
Expansion is encouraged beyond just the physical. Special events fill the calendar, including unique experiences like Reiki sound baths, smudge-making workshops, equinox celebrations, and partner classes for Valentine’s Day.
Find your Zen in Ilwaco
Since 2016, RiversZen has been helping people unwind in Pacific County, overlooking the beautiful Ilwaco port. The second of its locations (the first is in Astoria), RiversZen sits right on the waterfront and gazes out to the peaceful docks.
The studio is certified in a variety of modalities and specializes in Ki-Hara stretching. Owners Peggy, Dave, and Kimberly believe in helping people through mindset, motion, and breath. Their classes are laid-back and blur the line between play and practice. Having fun is soundly encouraged.
In addition to their standard Smooth and Easy Stretch classes, you’ll find the Drum and Fun, which incorporates dance and drumming into the experience. Their lessons suit for any age or mobility, including chair options for those who can’t stand for long periods.
Enjoy an Enchanted Eclipse Retreat
Our towns are no strangers to annual events, so it makes sense that the heavens align for the Enchanted Well-Being Retreat in the Fall. The experience has grown into a full weekend for the first time.
The event will occur at the breathtaking Seaview Manor, a stunning beach-side property built in 1906. The grounds include private beach access, lazy patios, and sun-dappled trees, making it the perfect place to unwind in Pacific County. Hosted by the co-owners of Enchanted Light Reiki, the multi-day event will align your mind, body, and spirit.
The event schedule is taking full advantage of the weekend celestial celebrations. A spirited Friday the 13th will include tarot, palm, and card readings. Saturday’s main event will commence with a beautiful yoga workshop with Dr. Arlene Schmid in the morning and an afternoon meditation class led by Chopra Certified Meditation Instructor Chloe Redmond. You’ll slide into a revitalizing Reiki course as the sun sinks. And you’ll close the night with a fire manifesting ritual and moon water making during a glowing bonfire under the annular eclipse.
Unwind in Pacific County Outdoor Paradise
And finally, there’s nothing like the all-organic, open-aired “studio” we call home. In addition to the spas, saunas, and workshops in town, you can breathe into the great wide open of our great outdoors. The natural and wild beauty of our rugged coastlines and jade forests are the perfect tonic for your stressed-out soul.
Unwind in Pacific County paradise by taking a calming hike through one of our seven state parks. Find peace – and amazing wildlife – in our five wildlife/conservation areas. Or feel the sand between your toes as you stroll on our 28 miles of magnificent beach. The opportunities for Mother Nature’s healing touch in Pacific County are unmatched.
Just because the world has the spins doesn’t mean you have to. Let our waves wash away your stress and find your next mindfulness on our shores. We’ll be here waiting to help you exhale.
* Featured Blog Image Courtesy of: Melody Boulanger
By: Danelle Dodds
Danelle is an international traveler, road tripper, writer, and artist. She firmly believes in testing the limits of word count, mileage, and AYCE sushi.