Poetry At Sooke Harbour House

Sooke Harbor House is more than just a picturesque, garden-laden seaside inn with world-class food and wine menus that change on a daily basis. It’s more than just a sought-after venue for destination weddings and corporate retreats.  Sooke Harbour House – located on the southern coast of Vancouver Island – is [...]

39th Annual Folklife Festival

Don’t you dare assume that, because of the name, it’s nothing but “folksy.”
And, whatever you do, DO NOT call it a “hippie fest.” Sure, they’ve got petitioners seeking to legalize marijuana, but let’s face it – that issue has a LOT more support than merely from the hippie populace. Besides, there’s more to this event [...]

Bask in the Glow of Suncadia

If you’re looking for a “staycation” – a getaway that’s not too far away – you might want to consider Suncadia Resort & Spa. Located 80 miles east of Seattle on the sunny eastern slopes of the Cascades amidst 1,200 acres of pine forests and saddled up next to the Cle Elum River, Suncadia is [...]

Sleep, Slurp, Spy, ‘n’ Spa This February Month of V-day

Since it seems that – for better or for worse – day-long holidays (pagan or not) are now marketed as month-long events, this month your Hedonista will focus on the month of pure hedonism: February.
Why February, you ask? Well, there’s Valentine’s Day, with all of its pampering of your respective loved one (or ones). However, [...]

‘Tis the Season … for Pine & Juniper Berries

Let’s face it – the holidays are for all ages.
So why not hedonistically treat yourself (and those you love) to some soothing scents of this season?
This winter holiday, Seattle’s Vida Spa – located over in the Denny Triangle neighborhood – is offering a two fabulous treats:

Vida’s Winter Essential Kit is a best-seller this year – [...]

Follow the Silk Road

Tea is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures (simply type that three-lettered word into the search box on this site and see all the pleasures it has to offer).  That said, spa and aromatherapy also has its hedonist holding in your Hedonista’s heart (again, type in this three-lettered word and see what reveals itself).  What [...]

Wag More, Bark Less at Zen Dog

What exactly is a Zen dog, you ask?
Go ask Larry Murphy of Zen Dog Studio and Tea House Gallery if dogs truly have a Buddha-like nature, or a tendency toward the enlightened divine.
His art studio and tea house gallery – located right in his home – is not your typical tea house: it’s a charming [...]

Think Third Thursday at Spaahh

Everyone needs a pick-me-up, particularly during the inevitable onslaught of winter in the cold, wet, gray, rainy Emerald City. You in? Think Third Thursday specials offered by Spaahh at Hotel 1000 – little-known specials that will lighten your stress while keeping your wallet heavy. (Well, heavier than most spa treatments, at least.)
This month’s Third Thursday [...]

A Garden’s Gifts

Autumn is definitely upon us, which means big, transitional life changes for gardens everywhere in the Pacific Northwest.
Make no mistake; gardens are truly gifts – ones that keep on giving, no matter what the season. There’s a Chinese proverb that goes like this:
“If you want to be happy for a short time, get [...]

What’s Your Dosha? Keeping it Local at Vida Spa

What’s your Dosha? Are you a Vata, Pitta, or Kapha?
Vida Spa – one of my all-time favorite spas – wants to know.
Vida Spa is a currently 5-spa-strong Canadian company (B.C.-based, no less) with spas located in Vancouver (3), Whistler (1), and Seattle (1). Its flagship spa is located at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre [...]

Next Page »