At The Landing at Orcas, we pride ourselves on being more than just another island hotel. We’ve created a sanctuary where guests can truly connect with the restorative power of Orcas Island, which is why we’re pleased to offer access to our world-class sauna as part of your stay. 

The tradition of sauna bathing dates back thousands of years, with documented benefits ranging from improved circulation to mental clarity—perfect companions to the diverse Orcas Island activities that await just beyond our doors. We believe that wellness shouldn’t be seasonal, which is why our sauna remains available to guests year-round. As the island transforms through the seasons, so too does the sauna experience, offering unique benefits that perfectly complement each season’s distinct character.

Winter: Warming Refuge in the Island Chill 

Winter on Orcas Island brings misty mornings, dramatic storm watching, and peaceful forest trails draped in subtle frost. After exploring these winter wonders, our sauna becomes a sanctuary of warmth. 

During the cooler months, guests at our island hotel particularly appreciate: 

• Deep Muscle Warming: After hiking the winter trails of Moran State Park, the sauna’s dry heat penetrates sore muscles, relieving tension that comes from exciting winter Orcas Island activities. 

• Winter Immune Support: Regular sauna use has been linked to improved immune function—particularly valuable during winter months when seasonal illnesses circulate. 

• Winter Sauna Ritual: We recommend our winter sauna ritual of alternating 15 minutes in the sauna with a cool (not cold) shower. The contrast creates a profound sense of relaxation. 

Winter Aromatherapy: During winter stays, our sauna features subtle notes of cedar and pine—fragrances that connect your wellness experience to the island’s evergreen forests. 

Spring: Renewal and Detoxification 

Spring on Orcas Island brings renewal—wildflowers emerge, wildlife becomes more active, and the island pulses with new energy. The sauna experience at The Landing perfectly complements this season of transformation. 

Springtime sauna benefits during your Orcas Island stays include: 

• Gentle Detoxification: Spring is traditionally a time of cleansing, and the sauna’s ability to promote deep sweating helps release accumulated toxins—perfect after a winter of comfort foods. 

• Improved Circulation: As you prepare for more active Orcas Island activities, sauna sessions improve blood flow, enhancing oxygen delivery throughout your body. 

• Spring Sauna Ritual: We suggest incorporating gentle stretching within the sauna during spring visits. The heat softens muscles, allowing for deeper, more effective stretching to prepare for more active days ahead. 

Spring Aromatherapy: Light citrus and lavender notes enhance our spring sauna experience, reflecting the island’s blooming landscape and promoting mental clarity. 

Summer: Cool Contrast and Recovery 

Summer days filled with kayaking, swimming, and hiking make Orcas Island a paradise of activity. Your island hotel sauna serves as the perfect evening complement to active summer days. 

Summer sauna enthusiasts at The Landing enjoy: 

• Post-Activity Recovery: After a day of vigorous Orcas Island activities, the sauna helps release lactic acid build-up, reducing next-day soreness and preparing you for another adventure. 

• Evening Cool-Down: Following a sauna session with a tepid shower creates a profoundly refreshing sensation during warmer months—restoring balance after sun exposure. 

• Summer Sauna Ritual: We recommend shorter, more frequent sauna sessions in summer, ideally in the evening as the island cools.  

Summer Aromatherapy: Light eucalyptus and mint create a refreshing atmosphere in our summer sauna experience, providing an invigorating counterpoint to warm days. 

Fall: Transitional Comfort and Mental Clarity 

Fall brings a spectacular transformation to Orcas Island’s landscape. The crisp air and golden light make it a photographer’s dream and a time for contemplative Orcas Island stays. 

Autumn sauna sessions at our island hotel provide: 

• Joint Comfort: The penetrating heat offers relief as temperatures begin to drop, keeping joints fluid and comfortable during changing weather. 

• Mental Clarity: Many guests report enhanced creativity and mental clarity after fall sauna sessions—perfect for those seeking inspiration from the island’s dramatic autumnal beauty. 

• Fall Sauna Ritual: Our recommended fall ritual involves longer sauna sessions followed by cool (not cold) exposure, then wrapping in a warm blanket while enjoying the sunset from your private space—creating a cocoon-like experience that mirrors the season’s introspective nature. 

Fall Aromatherapy: Subtle spice notes like cinnamon and clove create a warming atmosphere in our fall sauna experience, complementing the season’s harvests and changing colors. 

Why Sauna Access Enhances Your Island Experience 

Regardless of when you book your Orcas Island stays, sauna sessions offer consistent benefits that enhance your overall experience: 

• Stress Reduction: The combination of heat exposure and subsequent cooling activates your parasympathetic nervous system, creating a natural relaxation response. 

• Improved Sleep Quality: Regular sauna users report falling asleep more quickly and enjoying deeper sleep—essential for fully enjoying your island adventures. 

• Mental Clarity: Many visitors find that sauna sessions clear the mind, creating space for deeper appreciation of their Orcas Island activities and surroundings.