Escape is much closer than you think. Tucked under the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests of the Columbia River Gorge stands one of North America’s Top 100 Day Spas, Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Less then 35 miles from downtown Portland Oregon, this luxurious 19th century lodge will positively enchant all of your personal needs.
This spring, I invited my best friend, my mother and my sister-in-law to experience an ultimate princess package, “Girlfriend Getaway,” with me. This packaged deal truly brings essence to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”.
Upon arrival, we were immediately impressed with the staff service as well as the amenities. Aside from their unlimited free wi-fi, 24-hour guest service, and no resort fees, the spa also provides guests with free and unlimited access to their mineral pool and double soaking tubs. The pool water is naturally heated to 84 degrees, designed for ideal swimming therapy; additional benefits include joint pain reduction and therapeutic skin rejuvenation. If water-works isn’t your ideal form of movement, this resort is nestled into one of the region’s most pristine and perfected wildness locations in the Pacific Northwest, Skamania country. Right outside the Spa’s front door, there are over 12 miles of easy, moderate and difficult paved trails for running, cycling and walking tours. It is a hiker’s paradise, as one glides past wetlands, snow capped mountains and waterfalls. And if the adventure bug hits you be sure to check out all the other outdoor options. Within close driving distance is a buffet of other outdoor activities, including wind surfing, kayaking, whitewater rafting and horseback riding, local wineries, fruit orchards, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, fishing and more. At Bonneville the best of the Pacific Northwest is literally begging you to come play.
Perhaps the most incredible aspect of our weekend fitness regimen was the Sunday morning mineral aqua aerobics class led by Cathryn Moss. No longer a secret, this 6-year Bonneville fitness water aerobic guru pumped up our body as well as our soul. As we shuffled our way across the 4-foot deep mineral pool, Moss motivated us with verbal references from A Course in Miracles published by the foundation for inner peace, and quotes from Spiritual leader Ms Marianne Williamson. All participants threw their hands in the air, exclaiming, “I am beautiful, I am wonderful, I love myself.” We then repeated these positive affirmations several times, which reminded us of our own unique beauty and refreshed us as we swooshed the water around ourselves, building up resistance for the next phase of our power workout. Moss explained that exercise is the most powerful thing for our brain. She then went on to tell us that her goal with every class is the same as her goal in life, “To make a connection with everyone.” She explained that, “everyone has something to give to the world, and to share with each other.” Moss wasn’t always a water buff and instructor. She was in a traumatic car accident that left her body demanding more than just physical therapy. She found that by dipping herself into the therapeutic mineral water she was able to rehabilitate herself, and over time she personally shed over 100 pounds of body weight. This inspired and motivated her to train, certify and eventually teach water fitness classes. As our 50-minute arm pumping, legs marching, body stretching session came to an end, the participants gathered around Moss for our closure “Namaste” blessing, which instilled a sense of inner peace and wisdom in each of us gifting us the opportunity to take this experience back into our everyday life. Her final words were shared softly and spoken from the heart. “Take a moment to clear your mind, fill your mind with the knowledge and knowing that somebody, somewhere, is wishing you perfect health, peace, joy and honest relationship all the things money can’t buy, and that person is me.”
Part of our “Girl’s Getaway Package” included a free breakfast buffet in their Pacific Crest Dining Room. Chiseled chefs whipped up made-to-order omelets with luscious fresh and organic vegetables and farm fresh eggs. After our appetites were satisfied, we floated our way down the hall to the award winning 12,000-foot spa for our exclusive signature package. I indulged myself in an incredible 2 ½-hour spa experience of gloriously divine healing. My services started with a 25-minute aromatic and gentle foaming wild flower-scented mineral hot bath. After my soak, I robed and the attendant graciously led me into the next wrap room, where she tucked me in a cocoon for the spa’s signature 25-minute warm towel wrap. Afterward, I moved onto the massage studio to experience an 80-minute relaxation massage with Brad. Tension that has piled into my body from years of computer typing and punching keys was almost instantly released. Thanks to “Bonneville’s magical combination of WOW”, I walked out a fresh, optimistic, and peaceful new woman. Brad mentioned that his favorite part of his job was helping people become their best self and went on to say that “after a massage, I see people in their best light.” Me too.
Want to Go:
Bonneville Hot Springs Resort,
1252 East Cascade Drive; North Bonneville, WA 98639
Girlfriend GetawayPackage:
• Overnight accommodation in a guest room of your choice welcomed by a bottle of private label champagne and hand dipped chocolate covered strawberries.
• Gourmet breakfast in the Pacific Crest Dining Room
• Eighty minute relaxation massage & 25 mineral bath & wraps for each girlfriend.
• Keepsake champagne flutes
Double Occupancy
$249+ per Girlfriend
Shannon Kaiser
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