California claims many distinctive attractions and Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, in Freestone, is definitely one-of-a-kind. Leave your cares at the front door, along with your shoes, as you embark on an experience available nowhere else in the United States. There are hardly words to describe the sublime nature of this Japanese therapy – a cedar enzyme bath. This coupled with the beautiful gardens and atmosphere of the sanctuary, well, you must see it to understand just how special it is. From the moment you enter, you feel all stress begin to fall away. A sign above the garden entrance in Japanese says, “E Kimochi,” which translated means “a very nice feeling.”
The osmosis begins when your personal attendant escorts you to a Japanese-style sitting room with views of a Japanese bonsai garden and waterfall created by the owner. After serving you herbal tea mixed with enzymes, you are left to enjoy the meditative sights and sounds of the garden which is only available with cedar enzyme and spa package experiences. Following a brief respite, you are escorted to an (un)dressing room where you’ll don a warm cotton kimono; and then into the enzyme baths.
Discovered in Japan, an enzyme bath is a unique form of heat therapy that helps the body break down toxins, improves circulation, and cleanses and beautifies skin. Unlike a mud bath that combines volcanic ash and peat and heat from thermal sulfur water, an enzyme bath is a mixture of fragrant cedar, rice bran, and more than 600 active enzymes and generates heat naturally through fermentation. In redwood tubs, this aromatic mixture covers bathers for 20 minutes. The blend is light and airy so hands and feet are easily exposed if you prefer less heat. Sliding glass shoji doors allow you to enjoy the Japanese rock and bonsai garden, green hills beyond, and cool, fresh air. Your ever-watchful attendant periodically wipes your face with a cold cloth and offers you cool sips of water.
Once you are enveloped in the cedar enzyme bath you’ll wonder why you hadn’t done this sooner and ask yourself, “How soon can I do this again?” Following the bath and a shower, you can conclude with a 70-minute massage with one of several certified massage therapists. Massage rooms for singles and couples are available in the main building. However, for an additional fee, I prefer the two Japanese massage pagodas in a lovely wooded area beside the creek.
I have enjoyed Osmosis more than once over the years. The Japanese Meditation Garden includes a bed of chamomile. Could it get any better? It did with the addition of a Sound Healing Garden and its Field of Hammocks! Enhance the experience with meta-sync sound music; unique recordings that promote deep relaxation and creativity.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Friday through Monday, visit Wild Flour Bread across the road. This bakery is to bread what Osmosis is to the “ahhh” in spa.
Osmosis is a treat alone, with friends, with lovers. Some would say the experience is pricey, but that’s misleading. It’s not inexpensive, but it’s worth the cost and much less expensive than other spas I have visited. The ambiance is over the top.
Take your time. Enjoy the drive to this darling Sonoma County hamlet. You’ll want to find a place to stay nearby while all the wonderfulness takes over. Unwind. Let go. And let Osmosis.
Recommendations:
A cedar bath and massage will last 2-3 hours. Depending on your drive time, you should plan to spend the night nearby; you’ll be too relaxed to drive home. Or arrive a day early and spend two nights. No need to rush, enjoy the beauty of West Sonoma County, and explore charming villages like Occidental and Jenner-by-Sea. Fresh seafood, of course, is a big attraction in Bodega Bay. On our recent visit and winter escape, we found quiet comfort at the Bodega Bay Inn, just a short drive from Freestone and Osmosis. A local culinary destination, Terrapin Creek Cafe, is a short walk across their parking lot. Journey up Coleman Valley Road to another singular experience at Western Hills Garden. This twisting and winding road will take you over the Sonoma hills to spectacular views stretching out to the ocean and down to Jenner.
Relaxed and rejuvenated the idyllic Sonoma countryside awaits. Osmosis Day Spa & Sanctuary is just one hour north of San Francisco and just minutes away from Bodega Bay and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.
