Nestled in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area of Bingen, Washington, The Society Hotel Bingen offers a refined, off-the-beaten-trail experience anchored by the historically restored 80-year-old Bingen Schoolhouse. The hotel offers both private cozy standard rooms and bunk room accommodations in the main schoolhouse building. There are also 20 private cabins surrounding the Spa and Bathhouse.

The three accommodation options are perfect for a variety of travelers who are drawn to the Gorge for its incredible diversity of activities in a stunning setting from hiking, cycling, and whitewater rafting to wine, beer, and cider tasting, in addition to exploring the famous Hood River County Fruit Loop and nearby Mount Hood and Mount Adams.

The expansive property is also home to The Sanctuary, a unique subterranean dome with fantastic acoustics and natural light. It offers a special place for group retreats and events, along with a variety of lodging options.

In addition to The Sanctuary, the campus features a Spa & Bathhouse, with a saltwater soaking pool, sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge, as well as massage rooms and a Spa Café. We caught up with The Society Hotel Bingen co-owner Matt Siegel to learn more about the Spa & Bathhouse at The Society Hotel Bingen.

Why You’ll Love It: Guests primarily love the feel of the spa space itself. It’s modern yet natural and connected to the earth. It has loads of natural light and truly blurs one’s understanding of what is inside and what is out. Each element was really considered in the design phase so that it would feel like an intimate experience for one or two people, and at the same time be able to hold much larger groups.

The Sanctuary at The Society Hotel Bingen

Key Features: We have five primary features: sauna, warm pool, outdoor hot tub (pool) with a gorgeous mountain view, cold plunge, and two treatment rooms. In addition to the above, we also have a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, and a sunbathing, lounging area with its own fire pit adjacent to the hot tub that’s only available to spa guests.

Pool at The Spa and Bathhouse at The Society Hotel

Insider’s Tip: If you really want to make the most of your hydrotherapy experience, while in the sauna use a towel to vigorously scrub your body down. The more you dry yourself off, the more your body will flush itself out. Try to follow the hot experience with a cold plunge, and if you want to stay in longer, just hold your feet out of the water while continuing to immerse your torso.

For regular visitors, we have 10 passes (get the 11th visit for free) for $180. Each two-hour spa pass allows access between 12 – 8 p.m.

The Spa and Bathhouse at The Society Hotel Bingen

Bonus: Spa access is included with all cabin reservations and is available to all other guests for $20.

Spa Snacks: Our spa cafe provides drinks and light fare: seltzer, beer, wine, sangria, hummus, fresh veggies, chips, fruit, and charcuterie boards.

Insider’s Favorite: Currently, the treatment of choice is a self treatment, meaning that our guests are really enjoying taking advantage of the whole space—they love the pools and sauna, and are having truly therapeutic experiences in hydrotherapy. Start or finish your time with a massage.

Wellness Offerings: The hotel isn’t currently offering regular classes or instruction; however, we are happy to arrange private yoga, meditation, and sound healing experiences for our guests. The Sanctuary (our 30-foot diameter subterranean dome) was specifically designed and built for these things, as well as intimate music offerings and dance. Stepping into The Sanctuary is an amazing experience that should not be missed!

Featured Brand: Marche

For more information, visit their website and follow them on Instagram: @societyhotel

[Images courtesy of The Society Hotel Bingen/ by Micah-Cruver and Sean O’Connor]