I've done two grief ritual weekend retreats at Sacred Groves and I love it. The land is peaceful…read moreand abundant with trees and garden, the private room I was given in a house with two other women was rustic but comfortable. Tere is an amazing cook and the veggie meals were lovingly prepared and delicious. Therese and Tere, plus two others, including Mary, helped run the safe supportive circles and african ritual based on Sobonfu Some's grief healing work. We had silent meals and lots of solo time. The center building is large enough for group gatherings (I think ours was 40 people). I also participated in a few sweat lodges there which were powerful. I'd recommend attending a healing retreat at Sacred Groves.

Sacred Groves is a super funky, down-home hippie retreat space mostly focused on women's groups and…read moresweatlodges, but there are counseling services and support groups for young moms, those experiencing grief, and community builders and activists. Sacred Groves is tucked away on 10 forested acres, on which you'll find several yurts, little meadows, and many magical altars. Be forwarned that it is rustic and funky -- but lovely if you're not into downhome good vibes hippy spaces. Sacred Groves is a gorgeous space to go get away from it all, and if you're pagan, wiccan, or otherwise into earth-based religions, it should definitely be a destination.

I have been gratefully receiving care and guidance from Heather for about a year now. Wellness has…read morebeen important to me for a long time and after having the same experiences with Kaiser doctors over and over, finding the only solution for my adult acne to be drugs (Accutane, birth control, and antibiotics) I walked away with worse side effects and skin conditions than I had to begin with. It was so refreshing to walk into Heather's office for our 2.5 hour consultation and have her ask about everything under the sun pertaining to my personal health history and lifestyle. Far from the experience of walking into my doctor's office for 5 minutes and feeling like I wasn't being listened to. I've come such a long way in my health journey with Heather and can truly see the results. I trust Heather's advice so thoroughly that I recommended her to my mom, who had been recovering from a surgery for years and was affected in every aspect of her daily life. I have never seen her have a more positive outlook and sense of hope than after she comes back from meeting with Heather. It seems as though she is already feeling significantly better. It means the world that Heather has been able to help my mom because she's been feeling at a loss and I couldn't figure out how to help her myself. It took time to convince her it's worth exploring alternative options and I'm so glad she got to the point of feeling comfortable trying. She's very happy to be working with Heather and I am too.

Heather is very dedicated to her art and to her clients. She is extremely knowledgable about…read moreayurveda and delivers her message in a warm, caring and connected way. As a therapist, I recommend Heather to my clients for body work and nutritional balancing. I have had nothing but positive feedback about Heather and she takes the work that my clients are doing to the next level of healing. I highly recommend Heather if you want to make significant changes in the way you feed and take care of your body. Her body therapies are amazing and all women can benefit from her work.

My dream: That everyone could participate in regular Ayurvedic cleanses/practices to maintain…read morehealth and most importantly peace with themselves. I feel deeply nourished and balanced after completing the autumn Panchakarma cleanse with Kael. There is a significant shift in my overall clarity; this is mental but also my clarity as it relates to my life and how I desire to live in this lifetime. The cleanse helped to peel back another layer of resistance in order to connect to an inner stillness; a more peaceful state of being. And this is the nectar of life. What could be more important than being in a state of peace and joy with the world? I will certainly be partaking in more offerings from Life in Balance Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Center and I could truly not recommend it more for everyone. Thank you Kael and the whole cleansing group! Tonya LMT

Kael is a highly intuitive, true healer. She holds a tremendous wealth of knowledge, topped off by…read morepowerful intuition. My digestive issues are healed, nervous system regulated - and her EFT Tapping sessions blew my mind as ancestral trauma was released. I cannot recommend her enough!

Staying at this treehouse is a beautiful reminder, of the importance, of seeking out the chance, to…read morefeel rooted and connected to Earth. You will be able to time travel, back into a section of old growth forest, and breath, walk and live among unique old giants. The beautiful and vibrant ecosystem,that surrounds the treehouse, includes birds, rabbits, deer, lush ferns, and soft dirt and vegetation. Take the time to walk around barefoot and let nature heal you. I would recommend experiencing this treehouse soon because the entire island seems to be hellbent on chainsawing and bulldozing itself, and its' history, into a "paved parking lot," so they can all "view" the ocean without tree obstruction (or make a quick buck selling wood boards). The accommodations Ken provides include kindness, a beautiful deck, comfortable bed, rope swing, cozy living area, yummy healthy breakfasts, and a clean and accessible bathroom with shower. This quote seems appropriate for this review-"Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the Earth are never alone or weary of life." Rachel Carlson You WIlL find peace and wellness in these woods!

A much-needed birthday gift to myself, I booked a two night stay at this peaceful retreat in the…read morewoods. Easy to find from the Clinton ferry, Ken and Lynn Berry greeted me when I arrived and made me feel right at home. Located 14 feet off the ground, the treehouse is tucked enough away to feel secluded while the rest of the property is close enough to keep you on the grid. The room itself came with modern conveniences (electricity, heaters, a microwave, DVD player, WiFi) and plenty of lounging space, with a converted shed for bathroom business located outside a few paces away. I liked looking at the skylight above my bed at night, listening to the rain beat against the corrugated plastic and feeling the wind against the walls. The wooded surroundings made for a pitch black sleep and refreshing wake-ups. I would've utilized the deck with my morning pot of coffee, but it was too soggy and cold all weekend to really enjoy it. I could see how it would be a lovely place to sit and enjoy the nature scene, though, and I appreciated the colorful LED lights Ken had attached to the trees making it feel like a thousand fireflies were escorting me home at day's end. I even saw two deer while I was there! Billed as a bed and breakfast, I was hoping for something hot and substantial to eat when I woke up. Instead I was given cold breakfast items both nights for the following mornings. I was living my hippie dream, so the granola and fruit were fitting, I suppose. Lynn also baked me GF scones on the second day and gave me a relaxing massage (she's a licensed massage therapist and provides this service for an additional fee), so my complaints are minimal. The island itself is fun to explore and the view at Double Bluff Beach is worth a stop on your way back to Mukilteo.

Exceptional experience at this lovely sanctuary. So peaceful and beautiful. Hosts are very…read morewelcoming and accommodating. I'm definitely looking forward to staying here again in the future.

Connections From the…read morefirst email from Kat... From the warm greeting from Kat and Donn... From the comfort of the suite... From the view of the sunsets... ...the mind and the body were in precisely the right place at precisely the right time.

What a gorgeous experience. I've been getting the Abhyanga massage as a healing tool and it's been…read morebeautiful. Especially during this cool, rainy, dreary time of the year. I highly recommend this loving place.

I was on vacation in Seattle and looking for a calming Shirodhara treatment. I had heard about it,…read moreand wanted to finally try. In my search for a location that offered the treatment, I came across Sarah's website and after some reading, decided to choose her package that included Abhyanga, svedana, and the shirdodhara. I am so glad I did! I felt so relaxed, and centered. Sarah has a very kind and calming nature to her, and I felt so at ease. She also explained things as she went along, and I always knew what to expect and how to take full advantage of the rejuvenation. Sarah delivered, by far, one of the best massages I have ever experienced. You will not be disappointed!

As a mom of 2 toddlers, my biggest concern was not developing the bond with my newborn that I had…read morewith my first two kids. The certified and experienced care team at Yuzi ensured I could maximize one on one time with my son and achieve optimal rest and relaxation. Delicious, gourmet meals designed by a nutritionist, were delivered to my room 3 times a day. These meals improved my milk supply and the quality of my milk; my son gained a full pound during our five night stay. The meals were based on my dietary preferences and cravings. Just having meals brought to me provided me with time to get to know my newborn and also nap with him; this was invaluable and exactly what I was looking for! Yuzi is located in the historical Lodge at St. Edward's Park. I loved being able to stroll the trails with my baby. On rainy days, I toured the art galleries or relaxed in the library. The park also has an amazing play area that my toddlers loved playing at when my husband and toddlers visited. Room service was also provided for my husband and children upon request. I was able to experience a facial and a massage at the Vita Nova Spa located within the lodge. The care team took my son to the nursery and bottle fed, cuddled, and even sang lullabies to him while I took time for self care. At any point, I was able to view my son on the Nanit Cameras the nursery is equipped with. It was also a nice option to leave him with the care team when I needed "me time" to bathe, sleep alone and uninterrupted, or have an uninterrupted meal. Every night, I also indulged in a foot soak and eye or face mask provided by the staff. The entire team was kind, accommodating, and knowledgeable. They were reachable via text and would check in with me regularly. Not only were they able to provide support in caring for my newborn, but also ensured I had everything I needed: from sanitary pads to peri ice packs to lactation teas and a variety of lactation support snacks and hydration products. It was nice to be able to try various snacks I've seen advertised on social media before buying any of them online. Although I regularly see a postpartum therapist, a 30 minute wellness check was also provided with my stay. It is very comforting to know how Yuzi understands the challenges which affect our mental health as we adjust to welcoming a newborn in our lives. Finally, along with just being surrounded by a knowledgeable care team, it was comforting to know Yuzi has safety protocols designed by OB and Labor and Delivery teams from one of our top rated hospitals in the Seattle Area. I can't thank my family and the staff at Yuzi enough for this invaluable experience.

Postnatal retreat on a state park? Say less, we're there! At 10.5 weeks postpartum my husband and I…read moreenjoyed the beautiful surroundings, 24/7 nursery option, and onsite spa. The expert care team of nurses & doulas gave us some hands free quality time as a couple and as individuals. We loved that we could easily communicate with the staff via text. The meals from Cedar + Elm were soooo good and I loved that they created a specific menu to support postpartum nutrition and lactation. Would highly recommend to all postpartum families in the Seattle area.

My bestie and I scheduled a massage during our stay at Alderbrook…read more Reservations were easily made and confirmed online. I received a reminder phone call the day before our appointments. Check-in time is 15 minutes beforehand in order to choose scents and fill out paperwork. We chose the 60 minute Alderbrook Signature Massage for $170 (Sat-Sun pricing): harmonize body and soul with a hot stone massage treatment customized with a choice of scented oil. Designed to release tight muscles and relieve tension. After checking in, we were walked to a changing room where we were provided lush robes and spa shoes. Nudity is optional. During the massage, one is covered the entire time. The masseuse doesn't see ones' nakedness. Being naked removes all obstacles while enjoying the massage treatment. Once changed into spa wear, there is a relaxation room to sit in and read magazines, drink tea etc. until your masseuse calls for you. After being introduced to your masseuse, they will ask you a few questions such as pressure points and heat (stones) to get a better understanding of ones needs and expectations. The rooms are dimly lit and ambient dream music plays at a low volume. Once the massage starts, the talking stops. After the massage is completed, one is encouraged to take a few moments to themselves before exiting the room. Upon exit, one is greeted with a glass of cucumber lemon infused water and ushered back to the relaxation room to enjoy for as long as one likes. Back in the changing room, one can fully shower if desired. All amenities are provided: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, razors, tampons etc. Payment is collected after massage completion where gratuity can be added. Cosmetics, lotions/creams and spa wear can also be purchased at this time. Thank you Alderbrook Spa for the heavenly 60 minutes of harmonizing my mind, body and soul.

Although a bit more expensive compared to other luxury spas, the wonderful staff, clean locker…read moreroom, quiet treatment rooms, experienced therapists made up for it.