Pulse Legacy Archive December 2011 | Page 15

Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa banks on its natural water resource to draw clients in. First used by Native American Indian tribes hundreds of years ago, the springs had been the site of hotels, cabins and campgrounds that eventually fell into disrepair. With his vision of a spa that combined luxury and therapeutic benefits, Cam bought the property in 2002 and built the Bonneville Hot Springs Resort, Spa and Conference Center. “The resort reflects his personal experience,” says Natasha Mathany, the spa’s marketing director. “We are a product of what we believe in. We give people a chance for healing, respite and rejuvenation.” The 12,000 square-foot facility, located on the site of the old Moffets Hotel and Bottling Works, celebrated its ninth anniversary last October. The majority of the structure is sturdily built of concrete and features hand-crafted woodwork. The geothermal hot springs are used not only for spa treatments but also provide for most of the energy needs of the entire resort. Most visitors to the rustic setting are health-conscious individuals who want to get away from the stresses of everyday life without actually roughing it. “We are in an excellent location between Seattle and Portland, with California just six hours away,” Mathany says. “It’s the perfect getaway.” Serving a client base of 60 percent women and 40 percent men, the spa attracts a wide age range of demographics—from ages 28 to 99. The majority of their clients have an average annual income of $75,000 and above. “One of the [ongoing] trends [we're experiencing like the rest of the spas] is stay-cations, where people don’t get on a plane to go on vacation but try to find a destination closer to home,” Mathany says. “Girlfriend getaways have also grown intensely in the last 10 months.” Just Add Water According to Mathany, the biggest draw for its spa-goers is the detoxifying effect of mineral hot springs. “Your body completely reboots,” she explains. “When you are in the water, your body absorbs the minerals. We follow [the experience] with a linen wrap to detoxify all the negative chemicals from the body.” The spa menu features more than 40 treatments. Mineral baths, followed by linen wraps, come in a variety of options and price points—from a $35, 50-minute bath and wrap to a $150 muscle-relaxing bath, wrap and massage that lasts up to 140 minutes. Guests can soak in claw-foot style tubs with privacy screens. There are separate, elegant bath houses for men and women. Other services include a full complement of massages as well as facials, manicures and pedicures. Couples may also take advantage of baths, wraps and facials or massages. December 2011 ■ PULSE 13