To get away from daily, quarterly, or yearly stressors, a wellness retreat is just what the doctor ordered. This year, prescribe to wellness of a different nature... one that inspires a restorative lifestyle that goes far beyond your Pacific Northwest escape. For a city at the heart of a bourgeoning tech hub, Bellevue is unexpectedly grounded. It's a city that loves to live in harmony with its lush surroundings, where sloughs, gardens, forests, and lake views coexist with urban luxuries, and where wellness is lived and not staged. Come and breathe in the fresh Pacific Northwest air, absorb the invigorating energy that motivates locals to hike before or after work, and experience the sensations of nature's calming rhythms. 

"Wellness of a Different Nature"

Surrounded by towering evergreens, majestic mountains, shimmering lakes, and peaceful gardens, Bellevue is deeply connected to its Pacific Northwest environment. And yet, it’s never far from what makes you feel held: luxurious hotels, modern spa experiences, nourishing food, and thoughtful spaces that invite you to slow down. The result? A wellness destination that doesn’t require a full escape from life. It simply helps you return to yourself within it.

Personalize Your Wellness Experience

There's no one-size-fits-all version of wellness here. Every culture, lifestyle, and human is different, so think of it less like an itinerary, and more like a menu. Choose what feels good, leave the rest. 

For Unplugging

If your mind is overstimulated and your nervous system is absolutely done with you and all your monitors, try the age-old method of "did you try unplugging and re-plugging?" Your system needs a reset, so here are some places to disconnect: 

Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku) 

is an excellent form of nature therapy. Enjoy a slow, tech-free walk through Bellevue's parks, like the Mercer Slough Nature Park, Coal Creek, Bridle Trails State Park, Weona Park, or the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Let the phytoncides that trees and plants release into the air reduce your cortisol, lower blood pressure, and improve your mood and sleep. 

Lake Bathing 

is not a real phrase, but there is something magical about the calmness of a lake, and Bellevue is home to ample beaches for waterfront views. Reduce visual and auditory clutter with some SUP (stand up paddle boarding) or kayaking experiences, and hone in your focus towards the budding wildlife around you.

Go chasing waterfalls,

because they are known for high concentrations of negative ions, which are really great with improving mood, increasing serotonin, and providing calming energy. Washington Trails Association offers an incredible tool for searching trails, and you can filter by "waterfalls." It's crowdsourced information from the helpful hiking community in the state. 

Mountain medicine 

should be a thing, because something so ancient and so undeniable can really make you feel small, clear-headed, and steady all at once. It's the sense of spaciousness it gives you, and there are so many to choose from near Bellevue! There's Mount Rainier, Mount Si, Mt. Baker, the North Cascades, and all the ones in the Issaquah Alps. 

For Reconnection

These days, the repetition of "unprecedented events" can really disconnect your mind from your body. So when your thoughts feel loud and your limbs feel distant, reconnect through movement, touch, and stillness - get back to that coveted "mind-body connection."

Get a massage,

because it brings awareness back to the body. Enjoy all the various spas or couples spa experiences that help you shift into a parasympathetic state, which is when your "rest and digest" mode turns on. Enjoy the hydrotherapy at Yuan Spa, the warm volcanic mud wrap at Truce Spa, or the Bellevue Club Hotel's spa day packages. 

Pick up pickleball,

a sport (yes, a sport) that finds its origins right here in the Puget Sound. You can stay at the Bellevue Club Hotel, which offers pickleball classes at their pickleball courts. Or, head to REI Co-op to grab some gear and explore the many different pickleball courts throughout Bellevue. 

Zipline or do a challenge course,

because we do outdoors a little differently. Bellevue Adventures is located in a maple and Douglas fir forest in Bellevue, with ziplines up to 458 feet long! The challenge course is an all new experience and both activities will get you out of your head and into your body, because there's really no room for overthinking and all your focus is on your breath, your grip, and  your footing.

Go paragliding

and experience a spiritual reconnection with a harness. It's one of the most profound ways to surrender control while staying present. Head to Poo Poo Point with Tiger Mountain Paragliding in neighboring Issaquah to our east, and you'll experience one of the best paragliding communities in the country. 

For Nourishment

True restoration often starts with what you put in your body, and the more whole the ingredients, the better you feel. Choosing to eat healthy is conscious behavior, one that will fuel your energy with nourishment. 

Warm & Ritualistic Beverages

signal safety to your nervous system and, lucky for us, the specialty coffee and tea scene here is phenomenal. Get yourself some ceremonial-grade matcha or adaptogen drinks from Matcha Magic, a woman-owned business that's all about supporting women in business. Discover the global flavors at Third Culture Coffee or enjoy a slow morning at a spot like Farine Bakery & Cafe. 

Clean, Colorful, and Seasonal Foods

help nourish and satisfy the body. Step into Bellden Cafe, which prides itself on offering foods that paint the colors of the rainbow. Savor the wild salmon or omega-3-rich dishes at local seafood restaurants like Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar. Indulge in seasonal produce from the Bellevue Farmer's Market and farm-to-table restaurants like The Lakehouse.

Good, Clean Snacks

provide you with protein and healthy fats, which help prevent sugar crashes, irritability, and mental fog. Enjoy Bellevue's conscious snacking options with Yezi Coconut Dessert, serving snacks made with fresh fruits. Hit up one of our Asian supermarkets like Uwajimaya Bellevue or T&T Supermarket to find a variety of delicious snacks perfect for hikes and trails. 

Why Not Wellness, Your Way

Bellevue’s wellness scene invites you to restore, reconnect, and recharge. Not by escaping your life, but by engaging with it more intentionally. Whether it’s the crisp air of a morning hike, the grounding heat of a spa ritual, or the nourishment of a seasonal meal, your retreat begins the moment you choose to listen to what your body needs.

Here in Bellevue, wellness isn’t a script to follow. It’s a menu to explore. Unplug. Move mindfully. Eat vibrantly. Rest deeply. Then carry that energy back with you. This is wellness that lingers, long after you’ve returned home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I experience nature therapy in Bellevue?
Forest bathing is a favorite local ritual. Try Mercer Slough, Coal Creek, Bridle Trails, or the Bellevue Botanical Garden for tech-free walks and natural immersion.

Are there water activities that help with relaxation?
Yes. Paddleboarding and kayaking at Meydenbauer Bay or Lake Sammamish offer gentle ways to slow down and reconnect with the moment.

What are the best wellness spas in Bellevue?
Yuan Spa offers hydrotherapy and traditional treatments like cupping. Truce Spa is known for its volcanic mud wraps, and the Bellevue Club Hotel has full spa day packages.

Is Bellevue a good destination for solo wellness travel?
It’s ideal. The city is safe, peaceful, and filled with welcoming spaces that support solo exploration and rest.

Where can I find healthy places to eat?
Matcha Magic serves adaptogenic drinks and ceremonial-grade matcha. Bellden Café offers colorful, nourishing meals. Seastar features omega-rich seafood, and the Bellevue Farmers Market is a local favorite for fresh, seasonal ingredients.