As the driver pulled off the main highway and began the four mile drive through the high desert landscape dotted with juniper trees and sagebrush, I felt my cares slip away. With each mile the noise of the highway grew fainter, replaced by a quiet stillness. From the moment I walked into the lobby with its natural wood decor and artistic succulent gardens I knew this would be a meaningful experience.
The Juniper Preserve recently stepped up their wellness offerings and is now a full service luxury wellness resort. Plan a private retreat for yourself or up to five people.
Wellness Retreat Highlights:
- A personal wellness retreat tailored to your interests
- Experiential wellness therapy
- Cool venues including a lava cave, Spirit Island, and a Ghost Tree Forest
- Dedicated wellness center
- Juniper Spa
- Luxury accommodations at the Juniper Lodge
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Preparing for a Wellness Retreat at Juniper Preserve
Prior to your arrival at Juniper Preserve review the wellness section of the website. Read the 16 page brochure (pdf) so you don’t miss out on an activity. Be open to trying new experiences. Now comes the fun and difficult part, narrowing your selections from the large list of options.
Customize your retreat
- Identify your wellness goals
- Choose wellness options to meet these goals
- View the sample itinerary for inspiration
- Don’t forget spa treatments, dining, and other onsite amenities
- Fill out the form and a wellness specialist will contact you to design your personal wellness plan
- Custom wellness retreats can be created for up to five guests
SheBuysTravel Tip: I highly recommend the Intention Setting Ceremony to help establish your goals for your time on property. It is the perfect activity after check in and a great way to start your retreat.
Wellness Activities at Juniper Preserve
During my stay at Juniper Preserve I participated in a variety of activities, many outside of my comfort zone. Juniper Preserve offers an integrated approach to wellness that nurtures body, mind, and soul. Some experiences I tried solo and others in a group setting. As a solo over 50 guest, I felt my retreat was a perfect mix of solo and group activities. I never felt lonely or unsafe.
Below are the activities I participated in which are just a small sample of all that is offered.
Yoga at the Juniper Preserve Wellness Center
The Wellness Center at Juniper Preserve offers a variety of yoga practices that promote relaxation and inner peace. During my stay classes took place in the Wellness Center due to the weather. The neutral soothing colors and natural woods create a holistic environment. For a truly unique outdoor space, get your zen on in the Lava Cave which is available seasonally.
Sound Bath
Usually I find Sound Baths very annoying but the Juniper Preserve version completely changed my opinion. I think the use of a rain shower or ocean wave drum provided soothing water sounds. In addition to the comfy floor beds, the rear of the studio had a plush sectional. I snuggled in with a warm blanket and used the silky eye mask. With two facilitators the soothing sounds had me relaxed in no time.
Juniper Spa
For me, wellness means a spa treatment. I love nothing more than relaxing in a treatment room and having an esthetician work her magic on my skin. The Juniper Signature Facial delivered with a customized treatment for my skin type using perfectly selected products. I left with dewy, radiant, balanced skin and no redness.
Barrel Sauna and Cold Plunge
Guests that book a spa appointment gain access to the barrel sauna located on the pool deck. I spent time in the sauna followed by a cold plunge. In my case, a slow entry into the pool. I repeated this a few times followed by time in the hot tub. I purchased a sauna hat on my trip and am now a huge fan. It kept my head from getting too hot and protected my hair from drying out.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Outside the pool deck the firepit warmed me back up and the heat finished drying me off before heading back to my room.
Healthy Food Options at the Juniper Preserve
I love farm to table food and the Juniper Preserve sources locally as much as possible. I ate mostly healthy options during my stay but also enjoyed some indulgences such as the Bruleed Brie Boards with a glass of Oregon wine.
Iris at Juniper Preserve
For an upscale dining experience check out Iris at Juniper Preserve Resort. Chef Ryan Eisert takes country club fare and jazzes it up by incorporating ingredients from local farmers and purveyors. Make sure to try the Bruleed Brie Board with house made jams and pickles. The many delicious sides such as the Maple Glazed Carrots make a great appetizer option.
Blue Bar at Juniper Preserve
The stunning Blue Bar offers craft cocktails in the evening with an intimate jazz age feel. During the guests enjoy lunch with beautiful views. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to enjoy a cocktail and sit at the gorgeous bar but I ate lunch here after my spa treatment.
Biting into the BLTA offers a crunchy, warm toastiness from the sourdough. The peppered bacon delivers a savory, smoky richness that pairs perfectly with the creamy, smooth avocado. Heirloom tomato slices add a burst of freshness, while the chimichurri aioli brings a zesty, tangy kick. A slice of Tillamook white cheddar melts gently in the layers, complementing the crisp little gem lettuce, all coming together for a satisfying, flavorful bite.
What To Pack for a Juniper Preserve Retreat
Plan to pack a variety of athleisure clothing comfortable for exercising as well as relaxing. For shoes make sure to have something good for hiking in rocky terrain. I like to also have a pair of handfree sketchers that are easy to slip on and off for yoga etc. The high desert climate can get chilly in the evening even in the summer so bring a sweater or light jacket. Here are a few items I like to take with me on a wellness retreat.
Note: These are affiliate links.
- Oka-B Flipflops – These are a staple for me on any trip. Excellent quality and so cute.
- Kerstin Florian Neorli Face Mist – I am obsessed with this orange blossom scented spray. Spritz after a sweaty workout for a pleasant scent. I received a bottle as a gift on a press trip and continued to purchase it because it smells so good.
- Jen Simpson Journal -Journaling, a perfect activity on a wellness retreat. Super high quality and the pages don’t stick when turning on the spiral binding. The journals are guided with helpful wellness suggestions. I received a sample to review.
- Wool Sauna Hat, a Traditional Russian Banya Hat – I am new to sauna hats, totally worth the splurge. The hat protects hair and keeps your head cool so you can remain in the sauna longer.
Getting to Juniper Preserve for a Wellness Retreat
The Redmond Municipal Airport servicing Bend and Central Oregon offers connecting flights to major airports with five carriers, Delta, American, United, Alaska, and Avelo.
To get to this property visitors exit the main highway and drive four miles through a 1000-year old juniper forest on BLM land considered one of the largest in the world. It surrounds this resort which feels like an oasis amidst the high desert landscape. Formerly known as the Pronghorn, it rebranded to the Juniper Preserve with a focus on wellness.
65600 Pronghord Club Dr, Bend, OR 97701, (866)320-5024
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