On these crisp winter days when Mount Rainier, robed in winter white, etches the southern skyline, there’s nothing better than wrapping yourself in the soothing warmth of a sauna or sinking into a pool of heated water. Whether you’re seeking a unique hot tub adventure or a tranquil spa retreat, we’ve curated a list of our favorite ways to beat the winter blues in the Seattle area.

Hot Tub Boating on Lake Union

For a quirky and unforgettable experience, host an outdoor soaking party aboard a Hot Tub Boat on Lake Union, just north of downtown Seattle. Recent guests raved about this fun and unique way to enjoy the city’s iconic views, including the Space Needle, the steampunk charm of Gas Works Park and our famous houseboats. Each hot tub boat comfortably seats up to six people, making it perfect for groups. Easy to pilot and equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, these boats let you cruise the lake while soaking in warm, bubbly water and enjoying your favorite playlist. Who knew boating and hot-tubbing could go hand in hand?

The Spa at Salish Lodge – a Northwest Gem

For a quintessential Pacific Northwest spa experience, head to The Spa at Salish Lodge, a quintessential Northwest luxury lodge perched above spectacular Snoqualmie Falls. This serene retreat offers a full suite of indulgent treatments, including massages, skin care and innovative body therapies like the CannaBLISS massage with CBD-infused oils—a nod to Washington’s wellness trends. My favorite part? Their expansive tiled hot tub, complete with a cascading waterfall feature that soothes your shoulders as you gaze through floor-to-ceiling windows at the surrounding river and forest. It’s relaxation at its finest. To make the most of your experience, plan your visit around a meal at The Restaurant at Salish Lodge, which features an extensive wine list and Northwest fare (including sublime miso-glazed black code and grilled salmon), enjoyed with a fantastic view of the Snoqualmie River as it dashes toward the falls.

Scenic Hot Springs – A Hidden Forest Haven

Perched high on a bluff in the Skykomish River Valley, above U.S. Highway 2 as it winds its way toward Stevens Pass, Scenic Hot Springs offers a magical escape into nature. The hot springs pool, recently upgraded with tilework, feels like a hidden retreat in an enchanted forest. Getting to this hot spring is challenging. It’s a steep, uphill, 2-mile trek over rugged terrain. I once made the excursion in the dark, with a flashlight! (Not recommended.) But it’s a journey well worth the effort for those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience. Clothing-optional and by reservation only, Scenic Hot Springs is a bucket-list destination for the hardy and adventurous.

Olympus Spa – A Korean-Style Oasis

My absolute favorite spa? Just 35 minutes north, in Lynnwood, Olympus Spa is a women-only, whisper-only sanctuary that promises inner peace and relaxation. This Korean-style spa features bubbling pools of varying temperatures, a cold plunge pool, a steam sauna and an herbal dry sauna, as well as seven “energy” rooms, each offering unique therapeutic benefits. Whether you relax in the salt room or meditate in the charcoal room, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and recharged. You can enhance your visit with optional spa services like massages, body scrubs and wraps for the ultimate pampering experience. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal at the outstanding onsite Korean restaurant, where guests, wrapped in cozy bathrobes, savor umami-packed dishes like bulgogi and bibimbap.

Fyre Sauna – Nordic Serenity in Woodinville

In nearby Woodinville, Fyre Sauna brings authentic Nordic sauna culture to the heart of Woodinville Wine Country. Nestled among trees in The Homestead Orchard, this wood-fired sauna retreat combines tradition with tranquility. Guests can enjoy cedar-lined dry saunas or sprinkle water over hot sauna rocks in a Finnish-style sauna before taking a plunge in one of the cold-water tanks, kept at a range of temperatures. The serene outdoor seating area invites you to breathe in the fresh country air and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Just one more wonderful Northwest wellness option that will put you in a positive spirit for 2025!