Simply “Zen”sational: The Bodhi Spa

Newport is a place where you learn to expect the unexpected.

On my “most unexpected” list of things I’ve done recently: soaked in 98-degree water doused with 30lbs of Dead Sea salt from Israel. On lower Thames Street. And it was fabulous.

The Bodhi Spa is an oasis of serenity, healing and relaxation in the midst of the City-by-the-Sea. Once you pass through the doors of this creative-meets-contemporary bath house, you’d hardly guess you were on one of Newport’s busiest streets. You’ll be handed a luxe robe and comfortable sandals, escorted to the bath/changing room, and invited to start the adventure. While the spa offers traditional treatments including massage, facials, detox wraps, mud treatments, salt glows, etc., it’s The Water Journey that elevates your experience to the next level.  

I took The Water Journey and it was a bonafide cleansing of the mind, body and spirit. The series of hydrotherapy treatments included luxuriating in the aforementioned Dead Sea Pool, the 104-degree Epsom salt pool, the 50-degree cold plunge pool, retreating to the eucalyptus-infused aromatherapy steam room, unwinding in the traditional dry sauna and zoning out in the outdoor Zen Garden (there’s also an indoor relaxation room  and a full spectrum infrared sauna).

Founders and sisters Harmony Oschefski and Cedar Song Hwang (below) are  happy to advise you on the process, enlighten you on the benefits of hydrothearpy and educate you on how the hot and cold stimulates the circulatory system and detoxifies your cells. I recently sent friends to The Bodhi Spa to experience The Water Journey as it was a less then stellar beach day and they reported back it was a fantastic afternoon (especially for just $55!)

Visit The Bodhi Spa at 654 Thames Street and see their whole service menu by clicking here.

PHOTOS: Maaike Bernstrom