Mud, Stones and Seaweed: Washington State's Chrysalis Inn and Spa

[Allen Cox]

This first in my series of blog posts about extraordinary places and experiences in the Pacific Northwest aptly features common elements found on any Northwest beach—mud, stones and seaweed. But these elements are rarely put to such elegant use as by the pros at Chrysalis Inn and Spa with its exhaustive menu of treatments.

Mud. Check in and schedule a favorite among Chrysalis guests—the Rhassoul Mud Ritual—the ancient ultimate in pampering and head-to-toe beautification from the Middle East that will have even your hair follicles sighing "ahhhh!" You'll be aromatherapied, lotioned, hosed, slathered in imported Moroccan mud, baked like a clay pot, cracked open, hosed again and massaged.

Stones. Perhaps you simply wish to get stoned during your stay. The Chrysalis' Hot Stone Massage will put you in the pamper zone with trails of hot basalt rejuvenating both body and spirit.

Seaweed. If you came to the Northwest to sample the bounty of the ocean's lush garden, but don't have sushi in mind, the magic combo of seaweed and heat applied in the Oceanic Detox Wrap will jumpstart your metabolism and have you feeling as fresh as a kelp forest.

The Chrysalis' handsome marriage of beach lodge and artisan chic permeates every plank, beam and art piece throughout this boutique property, from the cozy lobby to the spa, restaurant and wine bar, and luxury rooms. Access to a shoreline trail and pedestrian pier is right outside the front door and, within strolling distance, you'll find a wide selection of restaurants and shops in the restored vintage Fairhaven Village. (Hungry? Try Flats, one of the best tapas bars outside Spain.)

More about Fairhaven:
Fairhaven Village, one of the Northwest's original Victorian towns, now incorporated into Bellingham, is the southern terminus of the Alaska Ferry. Many passengers embarking or disembarking at Fairhaven find the Chrysalis Inn and Spa to be a welcome beginning or end to their Alaska adventure.

When You Go:
Chrysalis Inn and Spa, www.thechrysalisinn.com
Flats Tapas Bar, www.flatstapas.com