The Art of the Solo Staycation: Seattle Southport Wellness Retreat

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Large waterfront hotel with a dock overlooking Lake Washington and next to the Boeing Plant
The beautiful Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport is the perfect base for a solo staycation. Photo credit: Marguerite “Peggy” Cleveland

As someone who often travels solo, I’ve learned that you don’t need a long-haul flight to experience the best wellness retreats. My latest reset brought me just off Interstate 405 to the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport. Positioned right next to the Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, it feels like a quiet lakeside oasis miles away from the crowded city. It’s a perfect spot for a weekend of peaceful waterfront walks, spa treatments and incredible food.

Highlights

  • How to maximize a luxury wellness retreat close to home: Here are my recommendations for the best treatments to book at the hotel’s spa and tips for a restorative “party of one” staycation.
  • The ultimate guide to outdoor activities at Seattle’s Southport: My favorite lakeside walks, water sports and the most peaceful spots to sit and unwind right by the water.
  • The top dining spots at Seattle’s Southport: I love not having to drive when I’m hungry.

Editor’s note: the writer was hosted.

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How to Maximize a Luxury Wellness Retreat Close to Home

Two blue Adirondack chairs on a dock overlooking Lake Washington.
Adirondack chairs overlooking Lake Washington make chilling a breeze. Photo credit: Marguerite “Peggy” Cleveland

Take time to just relax and don’t overplan. Sometimes, just sitting on a dock and watching the sun go down while sipping a glass of great Washington wine is all it takes to enter zen mode. Bonus points for listening to Otis Redding belt out “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay”.

SheBuysTravel Tip: When you check in to the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, make sure to ask for a copy of the Destination Fee inclusions. The hotel offers several discounts in-house as well as around the area.

Crafting the perfect solo staycation

Bubbling round inground hot tub with concrete steps edged with blue tile.
The indoor pool and hot tub at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport. Photo credit: Marguerite “Peggy” Cleveland
  • Take advantage of “me time”: I disconnect from my phone and social media. I do exactly what I feel like doing.
  • I feel a luxury hotel is worth the splurge: Check the rate calendar as prices fluctuate near bigger cities. Business hotels usually have great rates on the weekends
  • Bring all the stuff to beautify: I do my nails, give myself a facial and a good body scrub

Must-book spa treatments at Hyatt Regency Lake Washington

Entrance desk to the spa with a neon sign, Spa At The Lake and two glass kiosks with sample products for sale.
The spa offers access to an indoor pool and hot tub. Photo credit: Marguerite “Peggy” Cleveland

Experience personalized wellness at The Spa at the Lake, an award-winning resort day spa. Expert treatments allow hotel guests and locals to relax away everyday stress.

  • Microdermabrasion Facial: For us over 50 gals, this is the perfect facial targeting sun damage, fine lines and age spots.
  • Massages: A nice variety, make sure you look at the add-ons. For a small charge, add hot stones or a relaxing scalp massage. I think it is totally worth it.
  • SPA – Cation: Book this package and receive a $200 spa credit and 30% discount on services during your hotel stay.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Save money by booking an express service. These 30-minute options are half the price of a 60-minute service. Want a massage and a facial, but have budget constraints? Book the express option and have two services for the price of one.

Tips for making the most of your “party of one” experience

Tables and chairs with folded umbrellas overlooking Lake Washington
Outdoor dining overlooking Lake Washington. Photo credit: Marguerite “Peggy” Cleveland
  • Don’t be afraid to go solo: It can be intimidating the first time you travel alone, but take it from me, you will quickly get used to it and come to enjoy the experience. A staycation is the perfect option for first-timers.
  • Embrace me time: Bring that book you’ve been wanting to read, or binge-watch a Netflix series. It’s your time, so spend it in a way that will have you relaxed and rejuvenated.
  • Splurge: Like many women, I tend to think of others and tend to feel guilty spending money on myself. Don’t, this is your time for yourself, so have that great dinner or extra glass of wine if you want. Recharging is worth the expense.

The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Activities at Seattle’s Southport

Interpretive sign describing the types of birds on Bird Island with Lake Washington in the background
Bird Island is a small nature sanctuary adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport. Photo credit: Marguerite “Peggy” Cleveland
  • Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park: Each morning of my stay, I walked the waterfront path, which leads out onto a dock. On weekdays, I had it mostly to myself. The cawing of seagulls, the gentle morning breezes and the stillness of the water de-stressed me. The park is adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport.
  • Floating Pickle Ball : Pickle Ball players will enjoy the challenge of a floating court. The hotel also has a variety of watercraft for rent.
  • Bird Island: Learn all about the local birds as you walk along the boardwalk on this petite island. I saw so many types of birds, and the interpretive signs were informative.
  • Sunset: I like to consider myself a collector of gorgeous sunsets. When Mother Nature flicks that switch, the exploding yellow, orange, pink and red skies create magic. Plop down in an Adirondack chair on the floating dock behind the hotel for the best views.

Top Dining Spots at and Around Southport

A charcuterie board on a black board with a white napkin and cutlery to the left. A carafe of water, a glass of wine and a glass of water at a table overlooking Lake Washington
Al Fresco dining at Water’s Table. Photo credit: Marguerite “Peggy” Cleveland
  • Water’s Table: My favorite solo meal consists of a charcuterie board with a glass of wine at the Hyatt’s restaurant. Leftovers easily pack up for a snack later.
  • Anchovies and Salt: Founder Quyen Phan believes Vietnamese cuisine deserves a grand stage. I loved the authentic Vietnamese food, the elevated atmosphere and a robot assisting the servers. Adjacent to the Hyatt with waterfront dining.
  • The Market: How convenient to have a 24-hour market at the hotel with hot food and coffee late into the evening, and grab-and-go the rest of the time.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Drop by the market each evening to pick up a complimentary s’mores kit to enjoy at the fire pit.

A bronze sculpture of two women and one man with elongated shapes walk on a granite slab with Lake Washington in the background.
The “Interface” sculpture by Phillip Levine at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. Photo credit: Marguerite “Peggy” Cleveland

Frequently Asked Questions

What wellness retreats are available at Seattle Southport for solo travelers?

The wellness retreats are do-it-yourself retreats. Plan and schedule activities during your stay to meet your goals. I discovered lots of options on the hotel website for packages and activities.

Are there any wellness packages or programs specifically designed for individuals traveling alone at Seattle Southport?

The Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport offers a variety of packages. The SPA-Cation package is a perfect option for a wellness retreat. I booked the Hanger Hideaway package, which gave me a guaranteed lake-view room. Learning keeps the brain sharp, and I loved experiencing the Museum of Flight to learn all about aviation.

What types of wellness activities (yoga, meditation, spa treatments, etc.) are offered at Seattle Southport retreats?

Check the hotel’s event schedule for wellness events such as yoga and cooking classes. Book spa treatments at the Spa By The Lake. Relaxing at the indoor pool or hot tub gets rid of stress.

Are spa treatments at the Hyatt Regency open to non-hotel guests?

The Spa at the Lake is open to non-hotel guests.

Can you enjoy the area without a car?

Walk everywhere when staying at Seattle’s Southport. It’s easy to catch a rideshare from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Complimentary self-parking beats Seattle’s crazy parking prices.

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SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.
Marguerite “Peggy” Cleveland is a freelance journalist, writer, and content creator specializing in travel, food & wine, and wellness travel. Her work has appeared in publications including MSN (US), The Sacramento Bee, Miami Herald, The Charlotte Observer, Tacoma News Tribune, and more. Cleveland is a dedicated member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), bringing deep expertise and credibility to her storytelling.
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