You might be wondering why I chose Boulder Hot Springs for a retreat? I recently read an article that said yoga retreats abound. They are everywhere! So what makes your (my) yoga retreat different? Let me tell you the ways! It is a hidden treasure and I am excited to share with you a little glimpse of what it offers.
The Food
First, the food! Not only is it delicious, but BHS follows a mindful food philosophy that I greatly appreciate. Here is what they say:
“We pride ourselves on serving food that is wholesome, nutritious and healing. Here is some information for you about our food service and philosophy.
Our meals are made –
I. Fresh – We use fresh ingredients whenever possible and have them freshly prepared for each meal and each group with a few exceptions.
II. With Seasonal Reference – Even though we can get all kinds of food from all over the world at almost any time these days, there is a wisdom to our bodies processing foods that are in season. We believe seasonal foods are healthier for our bodies and our digestion.
III. Carefully planned with respect to cuisines – Each day we will be consistent with a specific cuisine for that day. We like to work with a variety of world cuisines and recognize that each cuisine has, over time, developed a wisdom specific to that, often ancient, cuisine. The cuisines offer the body not only combinations that are not offered in typical American cuisines, they are combinations that have a special healing effect on the body. Therefore, when we are serving, for example, Mexican or Italian, we will serve that particular cuisine for both lunch and dinner so we can maximize the healing aspects of that cuisine and not unduly confuse the body.”
We have researched this approach to meals and hope to make what we do here at Boulder Hot Springs be as wholesome, nutritious healing, beneficial and exciting as possible.”
The Springs
Another, maybe more obvious reason, is the hot springs themselves – the indoor hot pool, outdoor hot pool, and cold plunge. There is nothing quite like starting the day, ending the day and immersing oneself throughout the day in the hot pools. A soak in the hot springs intertwined with the yoga seems to allow it to all soak in. No pun intended!
When you visit the website for Boulder Hot Springs, you will find comprehensive and detailed information about the minerals found in the hot springs. Here’s a little more of what they have to say:
“The natural springs of our valley are known for their relaxing and healing qualities. This place was named Peace Valley by the First People of this land because they believed that all people should be able to come here to heal in the hot mineral waters. The spring waters are now known to help relieve various aches and pains, including sore muscles and arthritis. They are also known to improve circulation and skin health.
The natural geothermal pool, mineral baths, and steam rooms are an important part of the spa facilities at Boulder Hot Springs Inn, Spa, and Retreat Center. In addition, we offer massages, healthy outdoor exercise, nutritious food to meet individual needs, and a natural environment of healing.
The cool crisp evenings in Montana and the contrast of falling snow and hot mineral water make the outdoor pool a popular and fun-filled place to hang out, do your laps, have a romantic evening, or just have fun with the family. The pool has a graduated depth with a floating line dividing the shallower from the deeper end. The deck surrounding the pool has chairs and tables for relaxing. A heated sidewalk connects the pool and the bath house.
- The swimming pool uses the geothermal mineral water from our springs cooled by our natural well water.
- The water temperature is maintained at approximately 96-100°F.
- We use no harsh chlorine in our swimming pool and, instead, add a less harmful agent of bromine to keep the pool pure and fresh.
The hot geothermal mineral water is piped into our indoor plunges where it is mixed with natural cool water and maintained at a temperature of between 103-106°F.
- The women’s plunge has a hot pool maintained between 103-106°F and a cool pool which is usually under 70°F.
- The co-ed side has a hot pool maintained at 103-106°F and no cold pool.
Both hot pools are “continuous flow”, completely changing the water in the plunges every four hours. In addition, the plunges are cleaned nearly every night. You will find our plunges to be some of the cleanest and most natural (no harsh chemicals added!) you will ever experience. Both co-ed and women’s sides of the bath house have dressing rooms, toilets, places to rest, and steam rooms. The steam rooms are heated by natural mineral geothermal water running through perforated pipes, so the steam baths are natural mineral steam which is very healing and healthy.”
Travel and affordability
The third reason I chose BHS to host a yoga retreat, and the most practical reason, is relatively easy travel and affordability. Many of us who love wellness or yoga retreats, dream of a day when we can do a destination retreat. However, it’s not always feasible financially and the amount of time it takes to travel to retreat destinations is a challenge. When I started thinking about location, travel distance and cost were very important without compromising quality. This retreat is affordable (approximately $500/person depending on lodging selection) with I15 passing by less than 3 miles from the Hot Springs and airports in both Helena and Butte. The atmosphere is very quaint taking one back in time. It may not have the feel of a luxury resort, but is definitely welcoming and warm.
Although travel to and from the resort is not included in the accommodations or retreat package, please reach out with any questions regarding getting to and from the retreat. The Boulder Hot Springs website also has additional information about accommodations.
Setting
The fourth reason for hosting a retreat at BHS is setting. Setting, setting, setting! Nestled in Peace Valley, there is an opportunity for hiking right out the back door. The 7 Generations Monument is a nice short hike away and a reminder of looking beyond ourselves when making decisions. The history of the building and all the artifacts contained within is rich! While you’re there, you can take a peek into the past and by exploring the grounds, learning more about the story behind the antiques, and using your imagination. You may find time for a tour led by Kerri Kumasaka, which I highly recommend! The resort is geothermally heated which means the rooms get very toasty warm. Nothing like letting a little cool mountain fresh air in when it becomes too warm. The yoga room is also very warm and welcoming with windows all around for those moments when you might need that fresh air. There are many nooks and crannies throughout the resort that invite you to read a book or visit with a friend. The large windows allow natural lighting to fill the rooms.
The yoga and friendships
Maybe this isn’t directly tied to the location itself, but I can’t help but feel that the inviting and warm welcome of the resort has something to do with it. After I hosted my first retreat, I just assumed I would come home exhausted, but content about the retreat. That is not what happened at all. As the retreat unfolded, I found the same experience I had hoped for everyone else was happening to me! I was able to recharge, make my own yoga practice a little deeper, create new friendships and build on already existing friendships. I was able to draw back from the everyday hustle and bustle and just enjoy the experience. Working with the staff at BHS was incredibly easy. They are passionate about this being a place of wellness and kind to everyone. But don’t just take it from me, check out some of these testimonials retreat participants shared:
“I attended Melanie’s Yoga retreat held at Boulder Hot Springs. It was a wonderful and refreshing experience. The lodge is quaint, the hot springs are revitalizing and all of the extras (massage/ hike/ seating areas to visit or just reflect) are such a bonus!!The yoga, lead by Melanie, was amazing. She makes sure to accommodate each one based on their abilities. She leads with a calm, caring, yet fun manner. This is an experience you don’t want to miss!” Jen O.
“I loved Melanie’s straightforward approach to Yoga! I hadn’t done it in years and she helped me feel right at home. Her sense of humor lent much needed support to my bumbling attempts to get back into the swing of it. The Boulder Hot Springs provided the perfect backdrop for a refreshing and nourishing weekend! I can’t wait to attend another one of Melanie’s relaxing retreats!” Kris G.
“Melanie’s yoga retreat at Boulder Hot Springs was the perfect way to recharge and bring my yoga practice to the next level. I learned body alignment for basic poses and enjoyed the soaking and community. I bring what I learned to class every week.” Deana M.
From the food to the springs, location and price, setting and camaraderie, Boulder Hot Springs offers everything necessary for a wonderful retreat experience. I hope you consider this little treasure nestled in the middle of Montana and my yoga retreat for your next, or maybe first, retreat experience.
Register now by completing this form or by visiting my Retreats at Boulder Hot Springs link.
Namaste
