Some of the best wellness activities near Bend, Oregon can be found in the surrounding small towns and luxury resorts that make up Central Oregon. Just taking a drive through the gorgeous natural spaces and taking in views of Mount Hood and the Three Sisters mountains promotes a sense of peace. I visit this area often when I want to get away and relieve stress. I find it a perfect getaway for a girls trip with my sleep deprived Mom friends.
Highlights
- Variety of yoga and meditation in Bend and the surrounding area
- Many luxury resorts offer day passes
- Stunning natural spaces offer a variety of outdoor fitness and recreation options. Bend has over 80 parks
- I think Bend and Central Oregon should be named the Spa and Wellness Center capitol of the Pacific Northwest
Gather Sauna
My favorite experience on my Central Oregon Wellness Retreat. I joined Halina who led me through an authentic Baltic-Latvian sauna experience. She and her husband Dorian own Gather Sauna House which has a variety of mobile saunas and a concession at River Bend Park on the Deschutes River. Bend received fresh snow the night before and the cold, sunny day was perfect. The event culminated with a rapid walk through the snow to the river and a plunge. My toes immediately burned with the pain of a thousand needles. I froze but the endorphins were worth the pain.
The author’s extremely awkward Deschutes River plunge.
- Wellness Benefit – Reduces stress and tension, enhances cardiovascular health
- Mind-Body Connection – Engage in mindful breathwork, facilitates emotional release
- Sensory Experience – Aromas of wild herbs, tactile sensations of heat and cold
- Why I loved it – It was my first guided sauna and Halina knew her stuff. I found the historical and cultural aspects fascinating.
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Enhanced Oil Blending Workshop with Hikisheme
I enjoyed this interesting and informative workshop with owner Kristine Ambrose. During the two hour class I learned to create a custom diffusion after experiencing a journey exploring a variety of scents. Scents evoke memories and Ambrose guides you to create a signature scent filled with your emotions and memories. Bring wellness into your home by using your new scent with a diffuser. Hand-blended tea, wine, and chocolate just added to the experience. Ambrose’s offers public workshops or you can book a private session for your group.
- Wellness Benefit – Mindful scent experiences enhance mood and emotional well-being
- Mind-Body Connection – The class encourages creativity and self expression through scent
- Sensory Experience – Taste with wine, tea, and chocolate paired with aromas from natural tinctures
- Why I loved it – I loved the creativity of creating my own scent from aromas that evoked positive childhood memories
Enjoy a Transformative Journey Horseback Riding at Brasada Ranch
Explore the sagebrush and juniper forest landscape with a ride with Brasada Trails. The gorgeous Brasada Ranch with its panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains was named one of “15 Fantastic Horseback Riding Destinations” by USA Today’s Outdoors Wire. Guests immerse themselves in the high desert as experienced wranglers guide them on a 1-hour trail ride. Foster a deep connection with nature with an activity that promotes physical exercise, and mental clarity. Interaction with the horses encourages emotional well-being.
- Wellness Benefit – Improves posture and core strength
- Mind-Body Connection – Fosters a sense of confidence and trust with the horse
- Sensory Experience – The warmth of the horse, aromas of juniper, and sounds of nature
- Why I loved it – Views for miles and the rhythmic steps of the horse are so relaxing
Book a Wellness Room at the SCP Redmond Hotel
SCP stands for Soul, Community, and Planet and really is a mission statement for this brand. I enjoyed my stay at SCP Redmond. This charming boutique hotel delights with its focus on wellness. I loved all the inspiring quotes throughout the cozy public spaces. Every stay does good at an SCP hotel through a variety of charitable initiatives. The perfect location for a girlfriend wellness retreat due to the reasonably priced rooms so each gal can have her own space. Book Peaceful King Rooms mindfully designed for relaxation with a blue light-free space, no clocks, TV, or radio. Plenty of community spaces to hang out.
- Wellness Benefit – Sleep deprived Moms will love enhanced sleep quality without digital distractions
- Mind-Body Connection – The relaxing environment supports emotional balance and mental rejuvenation
- Sensory Experience – Soothing sounds from the sound machine and aromas of essential oils from a diffuser, plush beds with crisp, premium linens
- Why I loved it – I loved all the wellness amenities and book a wellness package that includes yoga classes.
Hiking the Trails Around Smith Rock State Park – Nature’s Sanctuary
The iconic Smith Rock provides a challenging destination for all skill levels. I love the flat RIver Trail but for the fit, challenge the Summit Loop. A girlfriend group of differing fitness levels can start out together and take their desired trail then link up again. Connect with nature as you wander on trails past dramatic rock formations. The Crooked River’s soothing sounds of flowing water promotes a sense of relaxation. This is truly a sanctuary for mindfulness and natural beauty.
- Wellness Benefit – Cardiovascular health and reducing stress
- Mind-Body Connection – Challenging trails foster a sense of accomplishment
- Sensory Experience – The sights, sounds, and smells of a natural environment
- Why I loved it – I loved the breathtaking views and trails suitable for my fitness level.
Getting There
The Redmond Municipal Airport serves Central Oregon and connects to major cities throughout the Pacific Northwest and as far east as Dallas. It’s about a three and a half hour scenic drive from Portland, Oregon.
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