Story by Rosemary Camozzi,
Jessica McElfresh, and Emily Kolkemo

WINTER IN THESE parts sometimes seems like it will never end, no matter which side of the mountains you live on. We wouldn't trade our life here for one in warmer climes, but still, it's hard not to have those mid-January dreams of stretching out lazily on a beach somewhere way to the south. You can have that same feeling right here in the Northwest, though, by heading to a spa. Pick any of the many wonderful places we've listed here, and you'll spend an hour or a day in a world that will leave you rested and recharged.

We haven't listed prices for most of the spas, because they are generally similar, with treatments usually running between $100 and $200. Of course, if we've missed your favorite spa, please send us a letter and let us know.

WASHINGTON

The Spa at Salish Lodge
Snoqualmie

Spend an hour or two at the Spa at Salish Lodge and you'll want to say "Ahhhhhhhh!" This Asian-inspired retreat tucked into the second floor of the historic Salish Lodge will soothe your soul with Zen simplicity as soon as you pass through the handcrafted shoji doors. Inside you'll find slate and madrone floors and an aromatic cedar ceiling, an intimate environment where the meditative silence brings a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Fourteen full-time massage practitioners, each with unique skills, offer soothing, energizing treatments. Before and after a treatment, hot pools for soaking and a great sauna and steambath combine to soothe your soul. I had a Heated River Rock Massage, and the water-worn smoothness of the deep black rocks, enhanced by heat and gentle pressure, melted my muscles under the skillful hands of my practitioner. Other offerings include the Gingko Biloba Facial, the Sacred Stone Skin Revival rebalancing therapies, prenatal massage, Thai massage, remineralizing body wraps, couples treatments in the fireside treatment room, and more. Afterwards, enjoy the wood-burning fireplace in your room and the view of 268-foot-high Snoqualmie Falls. (800-272-5474; www.salishlodge.com) - R.C.

Solstice Spa and Suites
Leavenworth

Solstice Spa sits high in the Cascade Mountains in the unique town of Leavenworth. The spa incorporates the Bavarian style found throughout Leavenworth with its cream-colored facade and heavy brown accents. The interior, inspired by the high-alpine surroundings, glows with brown and amber colors.

"We're relatively small compared to the industry standard," says Julie Hamstreet, one of the owners of Solstice. "We try to make every client that comes in feels like they're the only one." Solstice offers seasonal services that now include the Cranberry Orange Decadence Foot Treatment and the Cranberry Orange Decadence Glow. Both treatments involve an application of chocolate lotion at the end.

Solstice also offers acupuncture services, including the Women's Balance Treatment that addresses hormone imbalances and the Facial Rejuvenation Treatment that acts as a natural face-lift. The theme of healing and self-care persists throughout all of Solstice's treatment offerings.

The first floor of Solstice consists of a boutique with clothing, jewelry, and body products. The second floor is dedicated to the spa and the third floor houses three beautifully decorated rooms where guests can stay overnight. (888-548-4SPA; www.solsticespa.net) - J.M.

Bonneville Hot Springs Resort
North Bonneville

A soak in a claw-footed white tub filled with natural mineral water from Bonneville Hot Springs is the relaxing start to many of the spa treatments at the Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa, located 60 minutes from Portland on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge.

In 1882, a local store owner began bottling the water and selling it for 10 cents a bottle because the water was said to relieve pain and promote healing. Now, the hot springs provide the water for private hot tubs on the balconies of the hot tub resort rooms and to the spa for the range of treatments available. One of the treatments, the Ultimate Relaxation Bath, Wrap, and Massage, includes a chamomile or Melisse mineral bath and wrap followed by an 80-minute massage.

To soothe clients during the winter months, Bonneville offers Full Spectrum Light Therapy to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. The treatment involves a 20-minute session and a cup of Joy Tea. The artificial light helps to reset your circadian rhythms, which can be affected by the dark winter months. (509-427-9720; www.bonnevilleresort.com) - J.M.

The Spa at Willows Lodge
Woodinville

Willows Lodge, 20 minutes outside of Seattle in Woodinville, is nestled in Western Washington's wine country and its luxurious spa caters to those looking for a retreat. In a tucked-away courtyard garden, you can lounge next to a hot tub or go inside to indulge in a Carita facial that acts as a mini-facelift, available at only 18 spas in the world.

The spa also offers a Jet Lag Massage to ease the strain for travelers and a Tension Soother Massage that blends acupuncture and therapeutic massage. For those looking for something unique, the spa develops a new treatment each month.

The resort is adjacent to top western Washington wineries including Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia. The gardens on the grounds of the resort showcase Washington's natural beauty and art of the Northwest coast Native Americans.

Willows Lodge is also dog-friendly and has recently implemented the new WVIP program (Willows Very Important Pet program), which includes a dog-friendly room service menu, map and directions for walks, and a doggie bed turn-down service with a rawhide bone. Ruthie, the lodge dog, is the official greeter for visitors as they arrive. (425-424-2900; www.willowslodge.com) - J.M.

Carson Hot Springs Resort
Carson

For a truly elemental experience, visit Carson Hot Springs Resort, tucked back in a canyon just over 40 miles east of Vancouver, Washington. Here you will sweat, purify, and energize just like they did in the old days. The resort has been in operation since 1892, the original St. Martin hotel since 1901 (it's now the resort office), and the bathhouse has remained relatively unchanged since 1923.

Step into either the women's or the men's bathhouse, complete with original claw-foot tubs. After a 25-minute soak in a tub full of 126-degree mineral water from a natural hot spring under the Wind River, your personal attendant will wrap you in a sheet, then a cotton blanket, and then a wool blanket (choose a loose, medium, or tight wrap) and you'll lie for 25 minutes on a table in a perfectly quiet, peaceful, unadorned room while you purify and reflect. Afterwards, if you like, enjoy a 60-minute Swedish massage to bring you to an unequaled glow. Spend the night in the Hot Springs Rooms, where there is no TV to disturb your bliss. A bath and wrap package costs just $20 and an hour massage is $60. (800-607-3678; www.carsonhotspringsresort.com) - R.C.

OREGON

The Spa at Salishan
Gleneden Beach

Mostly, spas are only about what's inside them. At Salishan, top-of-the-line spa techniques meld with iconic coastal views to put mind, body, and soul into a meditative bliss. The spa blends an artful, peaceful interior with an expansive view of Siletz Bay, so that as you are relaxing in the outdoor whirlpool, your eyes are drawn to the great blue heron standing in the shallows and beyond him, ducks bobbing on the bay.

I (R.C.) had a facial with Tanya, the lead esthetician. From the first gentle spray of steam on my face, as I lay on a comfortable, warm table, to the array of lotions and potions that she used to cleanse, tone, and moisturize my skin and the gentle massage that accompanied it all, I ended up in yet another state of bliss.

The spa facilities include separate whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, and rain showers for men and women as well as the coed outdoor whirlpool. The natural slate and river rocks complement the beauty of the location and add to the serene environment. Treatments, including the exclusive Salishan Signature Caviar Facial and the indulgent Coastal Classic Massage, are tailored to the individual. "Come early for your treatment and sit in the infinity pool," says Don Richardson, spa director. "Then, take a nap after in our Hearth room."

The Hearth room, with two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive view of the bay, is certainly a tempting spot for a nap. There are even binoculars provided next to the lounge chairs to watch the birds. Salishan encourages you to stay in the spa for the entire day before and after treatments. (800-452-2300; www.salishan.com) - R.C. & J.M.

Everything Glorious
McMinnville

Next time you're touring the Willamette Valley's famous Yamhill/Carlton wine district, do more than just sip the lush Pinot Noirs. You can, literally, absorb them too. With a visit to Everything Glorious, you can reap the health benefits of the noble grape with a Glorious Vinotherapy Facial.

At this intimate spa, proprietress Cary Stepper will cleanse your face with a Petite Sirah cleanser, then banish your dry skin with Merlot Exfoliating Puree or Zinfandel Scrub. And don't forget the Chablis Infusion Cream moisturizer. These are but a sampling of the D'vine products, which are made with real grapes, wine and grapeseed extracts, fruit acids from blueberries, cherries, and pomegranates, and resveratrol from the vines.

And guys, don't feel left out: the gentlemen's version of this facial uses special wine-based products created for men. Everything Glorious is located on the second floor of Radical Rubies salon in McMinnville, and specializes in facials, waxing, and makeup. A votre sante! (503-730-8179; www.everything-glorious.com) - R.C.

Aequis Spa Retreat
Portland

Aequis Spa Retreat is an Ayurvedic spa located right in Portland between the Pearl District and downtown. Here you can leave your urban life behind for a few hours and bring body and spirit back in balance with the help of the spa's experienced practitioners. "We serve our guests with intention, working from the heart," says owner/founder Megan Klein. "We are wellness- and spirit-oriented."

Couples massage is very popular at Aequis. "Our couples massage focuses on the first two chakras," Klein says, "bringing sensual energy back into the being." The Self-Renewal Facial and the Goddess Pedi "Cure" are also very popular, but the most requested treatment by far is the 2 1/4-hour Dakini "Sky Walking" Treatment, a full-body massage followed by a mud wrap, steam therapy, and a Sambara Scalp Treatment. This treatment balances the body's Vata, energy that regulates body functions such as heartbeat and blood flow.

The spa is very spacious, with only four treatment rooms in a 7,000-square-foot space. In the summer, indulge in an outdoor rooftop treatment under a cabana. (503-223-7847; www.aequisspa.com) -R.C.

Shibui Spa
Sisters

Shibui is a Japanese word that means simple, unobtrusive beauty, and the exquisite surroundings and peaceful atmosphere of Shibui Spa bring this concept to reality. Reflecting the beauty of Oregon's high desert with its huge ponderosa pines and snow-capped mountains, the spa is the creation of Zoe Willits, a long-time massage practitioner and Sisters resident who owns Five Pines Resort with her husband, Bill.

Attention to detail in the spa is amazing, from the beautiful wood to the water features to the shoji screens, and the same focus and care is lavished on its human visitors. "Going to a spa is a luxury," Zoe says, "and I want to make sure everything is perfect." Popular treatments at Shibui include the Thermal Hot Stone Massage, the Dance of the Desert Signature Body Treatment (which includes a lavender scrub, massage, wrapping your hands with heated wax, and a scalp massage with hot oils), the Signature Caviar Facial, and the Hot Bandle Massage. Couples massages are very popular as well. The lodge, 20 miles west of Bend, sits on 22 acres with 15 miles of trails for runners, joggers, and bikes. (541-540-6164; www.shibuispa.com) - R.C.

Overleaf Spa
Yachats

The spa is on the third floor of the Overleaf Lodge, with a view of one of the most stunning spots on the Oregon Coast. The ocean theme is prevalent, with treatments that range from seaweed wraps and sea escape facials to sea stone massage and salt glow body massage. The menu also includes the traditional Swedish and deep-tissue massage, along with a variety of hydrotherapy and facial options.

After having a baby three months ago, I felt stretched and pulled into a form I didn't recognize. I needed some rejuvenation. Luckily, the Overleaf Spa specializes in renewal.

I started with a body treatment and found that pregnancy glow has nothing on the Overleaf's Honey Body Polish. Soothing, warm honey cream was massaged over my body and then I was given a gentle scalp massage. After almost an hour, I felt as if I had melted into the table. But there was no need to get up to wash off, because the Vichy shower did the work for me. Five showerheads sprinkled water over me in a soothing hydro-massage.

Next up was the Sea Escape Facial, which made me feel as pretty as a mermaid. First, hot stones were placed on my abdomen, palms of my hand, and between my toes. The facial began with a seaweed serum and moisture cream. A seaweed mask was applied, followed by a clay mask that actually warmed my face. Just when I thought I couldn't possibly get any more relaxed, my attendant massaged my neck, face, arms, hands, and feet while the elements of sea did their magic.

For me, it was a transformation from a body I didn't recognize into one ready to take on the day again. (800-338-0507 x 440; www.overleafspa.com) - E.K.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Tao Day Spa
Richmond

There are some people you meet that make you wonder how you lived your whole life without knowing them. Winnie Cheung-Pozo, owner of Tao Day Spa, is just such a person. Her warm personality, incredible hands, and mastery of Pacific Rim massage techniques combine to create a magical experience.

I wish I could really describe what she did for an hour and a half, but mostly I was in a dream state as the world faded away. I can only tell you that it involved deep Swedish massage, Thai yoga massage techniques, and a hot herbal compress tied up in a linen ball, which she would periodically put in a steamer and then lightly pound, roll, and massage on and into my back, arms, and legs, heat and steam and herbs and hands all blending together into a euphoric experience.

Tao Day Spa is tucked into the waterfront shops in the fishing village of Steveston, near Vancouver B.C. Massage specialties include the aforementioned Thai hot herbal stem compress massage, a traditional Thai leg and foot massage with reflexology, and the meditative Jamu Balinese massage. You'll also find a great selection of pedicures, manicures, and facials. Next time you're in the Vancouver, B.C., area, be sure to pay Winnie a visit. (604-277-9821; www.taodayspa.com) - R.C.

The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara
Parksville (Vancouver Island)

At roughly 20,000 square feet, Tigh-Na-Mara's Grotto is British Columbia's largest spa. As you enter, one of the most striking features you'll notice in the spa is the 2,500 square foot mineral bath fed by a two-story waterfall. "It's designed to emulate a naturally occurring grotto with rock and a cave-like look," says Robin Tamboline, the spa operations manager.

Services include the Canadian Moor Mud Wrap, with mud from the bogs of B.C. applied over the body to relieve arthritic and rheumatic pain, and the Canadian Body Balancing Treatment, with fresh ingredients from the Canadian coastline and the Pacific Ocean used for an anti-aging treatment. "We try to use indigenous Canadian ingredients," says Tamboline. The indulgent and romantic Love on the West Coast treatment includes a Grotto Signature Massage for two, a copper soaking tub for two, a custom one-hour facial, and fireside wine, cheese, and fruit.

After treatment, Treetops Tapas and Grill on the third floor welcomes you, in the comfort of your chenille robes, to eat authentic Tapas while overlooking the treetops and Spa Bungalows. Tigh-Na-Mara is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Douglas firs on a 22-acre resort. (250-248-2072; www.tigh-na-mara.com) - J.M.

IDAHO

Coeur D'Alene Resort
Coeur d'Alene

The $100,000 SilverTag Swiss shower at the Coeur D'Alene Golf and Spa Resort immerses you with the power of 18 shower heads, adapting the hydrotherapy treatment to your particular needs. The 15,000-square-foot spa is inspired by the water and wilderness surrounding it.

The spa has an entire line of exclusive treatments referred to as "Oh!" (only here) spa experiences, which draw on Idaho's spruce, cedar, and lake algae. The Oh! services include the Spruce and Cedar Vitality Bath, the Forest Mineral Scrub, and the Mountain Lake Natural Spirulina Wrap.

For men, the spa offers a men-only barber area with Ferrari-red Italian leather barber chairs and a mirror with a TV built in. For an all-day experience, the spa has the Mineral Man package for "the man on the go," including a Gentleman's Facial and a Deep Tissue Massage. For women, the spa has a Mother/Daughter Retreat with baths, pedicures, manicures, lunch, and the choice of a massage or facial.

The spa also boasts the region's first med-spa, Lakewood Aesthetic Center, where treatments are supervised by licensed staff. The Lakewood Aesthetic Center's services include the 3D Laser Skin Rejuvenation to improve the tone and texture of skin and the infamous Botox Cosmetic. (800-684-0514; www.cdaresort.com)

Napoleon's Retreat
Boise

Napoleon's Retreat in downtown Boise appeals to the man or woman looking for a spa experience with some unusual features. Inside the spa, a full-sized pool table and a digital TV add a bit of fun and entertainment between treatments.

The spa has services for men including a beard or mustache trim; a polish for your shoes, boots, or briefcases offered by Hank Webb, the "Shoeologist"; and even a Top and Bottom treatment that features both a hair cut and a shoe shine. Old-fashioned barber chairs complement the urban ambiance. If you're looking for a shave, Napoleon's Shave uses a hot towel steam and a traditional straight edge razor followed by a face conditioning. Napoleon's also encourages dads to come with their sons for a trim with their Father/Son haircut for sons 15 and under.

For couples, Napoleon's has the Romantic Interlude with a one-hour massage for two including strawberries, music, dimmed lighting, and sparkling cider.

The Napoleon motto? "Relax, restore, and revive at Napoleon's Retreat. Enjoy impeccable grooming, shoot a little pool, and catch a game while experiencing a full range of spa services." (208-424-8484; www.napoleonsboise.com) - J.M.

Ammara
Ponderay

At Ammara Medicine Wellness and Spa, it's possible to receive a skin cancer evaluation, a spa treatment, or a treatment for an acute injury under the same roof. Ammara is a medical, wellness, and spa facility that incorporates whole-body health through all of its programs. Kathy Gavin, owner and nurse practitioner, says, "We live such stressful lives, I don't think we pay attention to how it affects our body, so a spa is important for both our emotional and physical well-being."

Skiers from the nearby Schweitzer Resort visit Ammara in the winter months for the expertise of the medically trained staff. "One of our popular treatments during the ski season is a steam, then a foot and leg massage followed by a complimentary Ammara martini," says Kathy. For non-skiers, a day package such as the Rejuvenation will caress your senses with a hot-stone massage and a rain massage in a warm tropical shower, followed by a spa facial and then relaxing trio of a scrub, mask, and massage for both your feet and hands. After all this, be prepared for a spa lunch and a professional makeup application.

Ammara seeks to unite the physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of life. (208-263-1345; www.vintagecourtmedical.com) - J.M.

MONTANA

The Resort at Paws Up
Greenough

At the edge of a meadow, 11 oversized white canvas tents stand out from the deep green pine forest behind them. Natural light and sound filters through the flaps as you relax into your treatment. This is Spa Town at the Resort at Paws Up, a 37,000-acre ranch 30 miles northeast of Missoula. The Bitterroot Valley that houses Paws Up was once crossed by Captain Meriwether Lewis, and many of the spa treatments appeal to active, outdoor-oriented people.

Paws Up prides itself on using indigenous ingredients such as sage and huckleberries. Sacagawea's Dream Therapy, including a customized massage, an orange blossom eye compress, and wild lime scalp massage, offers homage to the history of the land. For couples, the Apres Adventure Massage for Two takes place on the banks of the Blackfoot River with river rocks and essential oils to "invigorate the senses and awaken the inner child." For the even more adventurous, there's a Barb Wire Wrap that uses a dry brush exfoliation technique to eliminate sluggishness, followed by a mineral-rich wrap.

The resort keeps a full schedule of activities based on the seasons. From April to November, activities include wagon rides and horseback riding while the colder months from December to March include activities such as ice skating and dog sledding. Spa treatments are also available in the luxurious homes that are lodgings for guests. Paws Up, named after the friendly dogs that greet visitors, offers complimentary 15-minute pet massages with in-home spa services. (406-244-5200; www.pawsup.com) - J.M.

ALASKA

The Spa at Alyeska Resort
Girdwood

After a long day on the ski slopes, a thrilling white-water rafting trip, or a hike on a glacier, there's nothing better than a wonderful spa treatment. Especially one that slathers you with rich, gooey, creamy Arctic mud.

The Spa at Alyeska specializes in French Thalassotherapy, which involves using seawater and marine products. You'll find massage therapy, full-body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, Vichy treatments, and more. But this spa really stands out from those in the Lower 48 with its Alaska Glacial Facial. Containing more than 60 major and trace elements and bolstered with botanical extracts, glacial mud from the remote Copper River Delta is used to exfoliate, detoxify, and soften the skin. The treatment ends with a misting of Alaskan glacial water. And if your posterior side is feeling neglected, try the Alaskan Glacial Backcial, where a therapist will scrub your back with marine salt crystals and then apply the glacial mud. You'll have the smoothest back around. (907-754-2550 ; www.alyeskaresort.com) - R.C.

Northwest Travel Magazine January/Februray 2008