Recharge for the New Year in the Wilds of Idaho

It’s no surprise that destinations in the Far East are among the top wellness and resilience spots travelers are searching for according to Skyscanner. These destinations are home to deep-rooted traditions in holistic healing, spiritual practices, and ancient philosophies. But what if we told you, you don’t have to travel so far for a rejuvenating retreat? One that provides you with the resilience, purpose, and longevity many travelers seek, especially with New Year resolutions quickly approaching.

Consider trading Thailand’s crystal-clear beaches for a scenic winter escape to the mountains of McCall, Idaho, with Shore Lodge as your base camp.

Now, let’s get one thing clear: we are not claiming to be a wellness resort. But! (Yes, there’s a but.) When you break down the core components that define a wellness retreat, we’re not too far off from offering just that. Here are just some of the wellness elements available at Shore Lodge:

Holistic Treatments

While we may not provide Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, or Thailand’s famous Thai massages, we do offer an incredibly unique spa experience that celebrates the adventurous lifestyle that Idaho is famous for.

The Cove, an authentic McCall spa, may be Idaho’s best-kept secret. Eight treatment rooms, two immersion pools, and over fifteen signature treatments combine to create one unforgettable adventure in luxury. Remarkable treatments like the Trailblazer massage, the Wildflower facial, and the Clearwater Scrub make for an incredible spa escape. One of our most popular treatments has its origins in the Far East.

The Switchback Ashiatsu massage at The Cove delivers an inventive experience that utilizes the power of an expert therapist’s feet and body weight for an incredibly soothing session. This technique allows for deeper pressure than a traditional massage, effectively relieving chronic muscle tension and pain. Be sure to follow your massage with a soothing soak in our heated saltwater immersion pools. The natural minerals in the saltwater penetrate your skin, promoting healing, hydration, and detoxification while reducing inflammation compared to traditional chlorine pools. And even though our immersion pools were inspired by the hundreds of hot springs that call Idaho home, if you want the real deal, you’re in luck.

Burgdorf Hot Springs and Gold Fork Hot Springs are less than 40 miles from our mountain-lake resort. Not only will you get to experience the benefits of Earth’s mineral waters, but you’ll also connect with nature and embrace the stunning natural setting surrounding you.

Physical Wellness

Being surrounded by snowcapped mountains, blanketed forests, and valleys, there’s nothing more invigorating than embracing these natural landscapes and embarking on challenging wellness pursuits. Less than 9 miles away, our complimentary shuttle can drop you off at the foot of Brundage Mountain to shred some of “The Best Snow in Idaho™.”

Now, snowboarding and skiing are definitely a little bit out of the norm when you think of standard physical wellness activities that come with a wellness retreat, like Vinyasa yoga or meditation. But! (Yes, another but.) Let’s break down why all these activities aren’t so different:

• Whether shredding snow or focusing on your breathing technique, snowboarding, skiing, yoga, and meditation all involve a state of mindfulness and presence. Snowboarding and skiing require complete concentration on your movements and the environment (because no one wants to hit packed snow), similar to the presence required for yoga and meditation practices.
• If you aim to kick off the year stress-free, yoga, and meditation are surefire ways to achieve this. But do you know what else is commonly associated with helping to relieve stress? Physical activity! Exercising boosts endorphins and serotonin while lowering cortisol levels, and powering down the slopes certainly checks that box.
• Just as yoga promotes balance and coordination through various poses, snowboarding and skiing require these skills to navigate the slopes and maintain stability.

But if you’re not into extreme sports, no worries. There’s a more leisurely activity that you can better control the pace of. Rather than lacing up your hiking boots, strap on some snowshoes to explore Payette National Forrest. Home to 105 great trails, browse its top trails, select your favorite, and set off to discover the snowy wilderness of McCall.

We know this might not be the typical wellness retreat. But! (We promise this is the last but). A retreat to the mountains is an amazing way to recharge for the New Year ahead. So, kick off the New Year at Shore Lodge by reflecting on your personal growth and connecting with nature, allowing you to take on the New Year with renewed energy and purpose!