Most of us include elements of self-care and wellness in our vacation itinerary, and an increasing number of us are building our entire getaway around these elements. Designing a retreat around activities and experiences that restore mind, body, and soul is easy in Walla Walla, Washington.
Walla Walla is the perfect destination for a wellness retreat, be it a midweek escape or a two-week sabbatical. Here are a few must-add experiences to your Walla Walla wellness retreat.
Your wellness retreat stay:
Cottage at Ducleaux Cellars
If you’d prefer a bit of privacy for your Wellness Retreat, consider the Vineyard Cottage at Ducleaux Cellars. The cottage is next to Ducleaux Cellars’ Estate Vineyard, a 1921 Craftsman garage that has been transformed into a light, airy, cozy escape. At the foothills of the Blue Mountains, there are plenty of activities nearby, from walking the vineyard and feeding the chickens, or going for a swim in the heated, saltwater pool (April to October).
The Barn BNB
If being hosted by some of the finest people you’ll meet in Walla Walla works into your Wellness Retreat vision, then you cannot choose a better place than The Barn BNB. Seven unique, spacious, elegant suites await you, each with a view of the Blue Mountains, independent outdoor entrance, en-suite bathroom and a private Zen garden complete with an outdoor hot-water shower (May-October). The Barn BNB also has a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub open to in-house guests only from April to October.
Stock up on natural nourishment and essentials
The Market By Andy’s
Andy’s Market in College Place has been a local mainstay for the freshest, highest quality food and supplements to support a wellness journey in any phase. In the summer of 2020, their second location, The Market By Andy’s, opened in the Colville Showroom in downtown Walla Walla. Stop by to stock up on fresh, local produce and organic snacks, order a fresh fruit smoothie, and purchase a bag or two of their signature Walla Walla Roastery blend to bring back to your homebase.
Reconnect with Nature on a rugged, rustic hike
Start the day with a smoothie bowl from Fresh Lime in College Place, WA. Their seasonal cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls and wellness shots are made fresh to order from local ingredients.
Harris Park is located on the South Fork of the Walla Walla River, about 14 miles southeast of Milton Freewater, Oregon. For experienced hikers, their rugged and rustic hiking trails are a perfect excuse to challenge your body and calm your mind while taking in breathtaking views of the valley.
Bennington Lake is another favored spot for hikers, birders, anglers, and runners, with lots of local wildlife. Here more than 20 miles of well-kept trail awaits whatever route you fancy. Take the long perimeter walk for the views of the lake, indulge in a quick out and back, or indulge in a quick out and back, or find a bench around the lake to quiet your mind and meditate.
Sweat, Stretch, or both
Kaleidoscope Studios
Centrally located and full of heart, Kaleidoscope Studios provides yoga, movement, and lots of opportunities to amp up your wellbeing through movement. If strength and flexibility are priorities for your wellness retreat, Kaleidoscope Studios offers high intensity movement (think buti yoga). If you’re looking to create space for emotional and mental freedom, calming and meditative yoga are also offered. With such diverse and eclectic experiences in an inclusive and welcoming place to practice and evolve, you can easily make a daily session at Kaleidoscope Studios part of your itinerary.
Escape to Sivana Spa & Boutique
Sivana Spa & Boutique provides a holistic approach to skincare and wellness by providing services and products that will impact your lifestyle.
Sivana is a premier day spa and lifestyle boutique devoted to holistic skincare and wellness. From luxurious facials and body treatments to all-natural products, loungewear made from natural fibers, paintings and jewelry from local artists, wellness is at the heart of every service and product offered at Sivana Spa & Boutique.
Sivana Spa & Boutique also holds the distinction of having released Walla Walla’s first-ever subscription box, in partnership with local artist and energy healer Lindsay King. The LOVE BOX, a quarterly box for personal wellness, includes a collection of 5-7 skincare, lifestyle and wellness products. Subscribe to receive one or all four seasonal offerings of Sivana’s LOVE BOX and be surprised and delighted by your quarterly shipment of organic Ayurveda skin care products, natural home items and wellness crystals, all from women-owned businesses.
To learn more and order, visit https://sivanaww.com/love-box
Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine providers to research in advance of your wellness retreat:
Jade Wellness Clinic
Magnolia Healing Arts
Thompson Family Acupuncture
Self-guided and self-scheduled art immersion
Flesh out your itinerary by reflecting on absolutely stunning artwork. Downtown Walla Walla is studded with thought-provoking sculptures that punctuate a stroll down a busy sidewalk. Escape to Whitman College to take in their self-guided Sculpture Tour. Or schedule an appointment at one of Walla Walla’s local galleries, like – Todd Telander’s Gallery, Studio Two Zero Two, and the Combine Art Collective.
Refuel your body
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Set your alarm to be up and through your meditation practice before 9 am, when The Fresh Lime in College Place, WA opens. Stop by for a seasonal cold-pressed juice, smoothie, smoothie bowl or wellness shot to fuel the rest of your day’s activities. All made fresh to order, from local ingredients.
Restore your mind
No getaway is complete without a good vacation read. Pick yours up from Earthlight Books, a family-owned full service bookstore that has been serving Walla Walla book-lovers since 1973. Browse their selection of Body/Mind/Spirit literature in advance by visiting their website.
Whatever your goals for your getaway, from the rejuvenation of the mind to the reinvigoration of the body and spirit, Walla Walla is an ideal destination year-round for your wellness retreat.