Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean it’s time to surrender your relaxation rights. Unfortunately, spas can be expensive and to be honest, a little overwhelming. Since before the time of the modern spa, natural hot springs have been visited by cultures from around the world for their healing waters. Healing waters that contain a surprising number of minerals purported to detox and heal the body.
Over the years, wellness centers have worked to develop many of these locations where the goal is to rest, relax, and heal. Though only a handful across the United States, there is one natural spa in Washington State — Soap Lake. Known as ‘Nature’s Spa’, travelers from all over the globe have been traveling to Soap Lake. The main attraction? The silky mineral water and rich mud.
Legend has it that Soap Lake was originally known as ‘Smokiam’ which translates to “healing waters”. In fact, it was verified that rival Native American tribes would call a truce in Soap Lake. It was a place they came to relax and heal themselves and their animals. In the 1920’s, tourists referred to it as the “world’s greatest mineral sea”. Back then, people afflicted with Buerger’s disease found that bathing in the lake would cure their illness.
The high natural mineral count (20 minerals in total) and it’s high alkaline makes Soap Lake truly one-of-a-kind. This is fortunate for those seeking natural spa treatments! Not only is Soap Lake water known to provide relief from psoriasis, arthritis, and circulatory problems, it has amazing beauty benefits.
Beauty Benefits of Soap Lake
One of the best ways to reap the beauty benefits of this natural spa in Washington State is with a mud bath. For as long as people have been visiting the lake, they have enjoyed bathing in its waters and lying in the sun, covered in its dark, curative clay. The mineral rich mud helps absorb toxins, oils, and moisture from the skin. This replenishes your pores and tightens and smooths your skin for a glowing complexion. Just be careful lying in the sun covered in mud, the minerals and strong UV rays can induce rapid tanning!
Another beauty benefit of this unique lake shiny hair. Since one of the most abundant minerals is washing soda, Soap Lake is a soft mineral lake. Compared to hard water, which causes dryness, the soft properties will leave your hair shiny and silky smooth.
If you are looking to make a visit to the only natural spa in Washington State, we recommend staying at Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort. Their goal is to cater to any traveler seeking a respite from their daily grind and give them a chance to heal their body. Their accommodations include hotel rooms, cottages, and luxury log cabins. The recently updated hotel rooms are adorned with mid century modern furniture, Queen and King size beds, and premium linens. Their cottages and cabins offer enough space for a girl’s retreat or a family weekend. Further, they have private patios and in-suite Jetted Tubs that can pump in mineral water from the lake!
Overall, not only will the mineral water and rich mud do wonders for your hair and skin, the lake itself is breathtakingly beautiful. Surrounded by basalt cliffs and guaranteed to offer you a picture perfect sunset, Soap Lake is a must-see for all natural spa enthusiasts.