Is stress taking over your life and it’s time to unplug for the weekend? If so, I’ve got solutions for you! For those seeking a relaxing getaway, Portland has plenty to offer for some R&R. Hot tubs and spas provide the perfect opportunity to unwind your mind, soak in vitamin D, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat or simply a way to relax after a long day (like me after a fun-filled day leading food tours), Portland’s got it all! And in honor of keeping the style consistent with its reputation, Portland spa experiences provide themes for versatile preferences from an artsy feel, flower-child hippie, urban hipster, or as bougie as you’d like!
So come explore a few of my top picks included with delicious eats nearby! (Of course, I’d talk about food!)
- The Everett House Healing Center
Talk about achieving optimal Zen and serenity! This venue provides an Asian-themed atmosphere, decorated with beautiful mosaic art and an array of gorgeous imported Asian art. This location resides in the quiet Laurelhurst neighborhood where the spa is located in the basement and extends to the backyard of two residences. You have the option to indulge the experience in your birthday suit, which is neat!
This location has wonderful spa packages for all budgets ranging from ala carte timed options to packages with full massages and float tanks.
The Everett House also has separate spaces for the outdoor hot tub, saunas, and steam room, or take a cold plunge in a beautiful clawfoot tub. Lounge chairs are also available to guests and a gazebo completes the relaxing ambiance of the center’s garden. Thirsty? The center has proudly converted a former detached garage into a kombucha bar and tea shop for guests to enjoy a brisk drink after a dip in the hot tub.
Due to its popularity, weekend afternoons fill up fast so if you prefer a smaller crowd, I recommend you reserve an off-time. The staff at the Healing Center will be happy to provide you recommendations on off-times to reserve.
Fun fact: If you’re planning a girls’ afternoon, the Center hosts a women-only time slot from 10 am to 3 pm! I absolutely loved combining a morning routine of yoga and swinging by the center for some R&R which made for a fantastic Sunday.
Food options! Navarre is often overlooked and an absolute gem when you’re in the area! It provides a laid-back atmosphere with delicious foods to choose from. And who doesn’t love pizza?! Try out Ken’s Artisan Pizza for a classic pepperoni pie. One of the greatest perks about Portland neighborhoods is being able to walk to your many eateries on Restaurant Row on 28th Ave.
2. Loyly — Two locations (Northeast and Southeast)
Both locations boast beautiful Scandinavian elegance, these urban oases will put you in a deeply relaxed state after getting a wonderful massage. The Southeast location provides a steam room option which is currently under temporary repair.
This was a pleasant experience for me to visit during the stressful pandemic days and while it was during the reopening of full services. At that time, Loyly was offering private rentals which is the perfect occasion for private parties with your group of friends without other guests around. That option makes for an unforgettable spa experience!
I adored the petite tins of body scrubs and crème provided, which felt so luscious against my sun-kissed skin, and I am sure you’ll love it, too.
After relaxing for a few hours, you’ll raise your body’s temperature, but nothing a cold and healthy carbonated drink won’t fix! There’s an open space with comfortable lounge chairs provided for guests to enjoy their drinks before heading back into the sauna.
The deets on eats! The SE location is centrally located in a “foodie hotspot” on Clinton St so you will have plenty of delicious options to choose from. I recommend Jacqueline’s seafood if you are a seafood lover. Magna offers Filipino cuisine that’ll make your taste buds sing with joy, and finish off the evening with Fifty Lick’s delectable ice cream. The NE location is located on MLK Blvd, and I recommend visiting Queen of Sheba where you’ll explore unique and cultural Ethiopian foods that’ll leave you wanting more. Café Olli has a wood-fired oven which provides a cozy atmosphere to enjoy.
3. Knot Springs
Ah, Knot Springs provides an upscale feel with a twist of Portland’s cosmopolitan vibe. For 90 whole minutes, I enter a different world of relaxation where I am left with such a sense of serenity. My senses are heightened at their highest and I can’t get enough of the scent of their organic body care products which permeates throughout the entire space.
Sauna, steam rooms, hot tubs, and cold plunges are all available for you to use during your visit. Knot Springs pride itself on a specific ritual that they offer all guests which optimizes the body’s circulation. This consists of specific step-by-step instructions on what to do which I highly recommend you take their lead the first time you’re there to get the full experience.
Finish off your stay with a delightful full-body massage that takes roughly an hour.
Knot Springs is about halfway up the 21st-floor building called The Yard and resembles Darth Vadar (ha-ha!). When I need to take a break from the heat, I love sitting on the large deck and appreciating the gorgeous views of downtown. From bridges to I-5 and I-84 interchanges which has its own definition of beauty when you’re not stuck in rush hour traffic. I love watching cyclists ride down the riverfront and soak in the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Hungry yet? The Central Eastside Industrial District leaves no food preference left out! You have plenty of choices to choose from and your only problem will be where to eat. One of my favorites would be Hey Love, Canard, and C’est Si Bon, just to name a few.
4. Yacht tubs
We save the best for last, right? Well, in this case, that’s the case! I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here in Portland at Yacht Tubs. This venue provides an incredibly unique and hip vibe. Imagine yourself sitting in a hot tub that’s shaped like a boat AND floating around Oregon’s infamous Willamette River! It doesn’t get any cooler than that!
I’ve had the pleasure of coming back here during spring, summer, and autumn and it never disappoints. Whenever friends from out of town stop to visit, I would recommend this to them because it’s something many people don’t get to experience. And when it rains, Yacht tubs have you covered with their canopy option.
You can experience your yacht tub at any time of the day. If you like morning hot tub soaks on the river, have at it! Or if you’d like to enjoy the golden hour as the sun sets, it couldn’t get any prettier. Truly in this sense, it’s all about guest preference!
On each yacht tub, you’ll have a designated captain who will oversee steering (which means no alcohol consumption). The steering experience is simpler than maneuvering a car, but it does take a bit of getting used to. To top off the bougie feel, Bluetooth options are also available, and the marina has an awesome changing room for all guests.
I could go on and on about how Yacht tubs truly went out of their way to craft such an unforgettable experience for guests!
Wine and dine options: If you are a Vietnamese food lover, Luc Lac is the hot spot to check out! Well known for its flavorful pho, it’s sure to please a crowd. King Tide Fish and Shell is conveniently located right on the marina that offers hotel stays as well. If you’re a seafood lover, this Peruvian and Asian fusion restaurant provides some of the freshest seafood around.
So, no matter which spa and hot tub location you visit first (or visit all of them), you are in for a uniquely pleasant experience. You deserve a mental and physical recharge and what better way to do it than soak in some Portland vibes and good times paired with delicious eats nearby? I can’t wait for you to soak in some much-needed and deserved R&R!
