Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, Pacific City Oregon is a naturalist retreat from a busy world.
While driving through the windswept drizzly day of arching
pines and swaying trees, the beat of steady drumming of droplets and dew
created a meditative hum as we looked at the verdant farmland whirring by. PacificCity Oregon only a few short hours from Portland seems like a perfect setting
for a weekend jaunt. The musty farmland smells gave way to briny sea air as
sandy beach and grassy knolls indicated we were getting close to our arrival;
The Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa.
There is was on horizon, the “Haystack Rock” embedded into
the undulating Pacific Ocean, like a beckon or overseer of this very special
coast line of Cape Kiwanda. Directly across from this stony landmark is the new
Headlands Coastal Lodge Spa. Built with clear sensitivity to the landscape, the
Headlands appear to blend synergistically into the hillside.
Owners Jeff Schons
and Mary Jones have dedicated themselves in preserving and sharing their love
of this pristine space with visitors from all over the world.
“We spent 20 years designing and redesigning
the lodge in order to best take advantage of the incredible views of Cape
Kiwanda and Haystack Rock, and the proximity to amazing tidepools and the dune.
We wanted to make sure the design fit into the natural landscape, which meant
using materials like cedar shingles and natural stone.”
Deluged by the pelting rain, we quickly
entered the lodge like structure. Immediately we were embraced by a chorus of
hellos as we crossed the threshold. To the left the open kitchen and spacious
bar of the Meridian Restaurant and bar beckoned us for a cocktail and a bite
from the coastally inspired menu from Chef Andrew Garrison and his team.
The
majestic space aptly named Haystack Hall with floor to ceiling windows showcases
the majestic ocean scene below. To the right, cozy sectional furnishings summon
visitors to leisurely sit while enjoying the stately stone fire place with its
mesmerizing chill dispelling warmth.
The Headlands boast 33 “carefully appointed” guest rooms and
luxurious cottages each with an ocean view. Walking into the room, we were
immediately surprised with the “rock” being the first thing to capture or
attention right outside the patio door.
The
thoughtfully designed room is meant to heighten the awareness of the natural
world; rough hewn wooden wall boards, hard wood flooring, reset wall
lightening, luxurious pillow top bedding and the piece de la résistance, a cast
iron soaking tub seductively placed next to the bed.
A wall unit gas fireplace
and small conversation area opens up to the outdoor patio where the steady sea
breeze and undulating surf can calm the weariest worn traveler. For the outdoor
enthusiast folding hooks are available to store surfboards or mountain bikes.
A soak in the hot tub
at the spa seemed like a relaxing way to embrace our new surroundings. The Tide
pools Spa and Wellness Center is where one can began and end their weekend
reprieve.
The wellness center offers a full exercise room, yoga studio, showers
and spa amenities. Guests can join complimentary exercise classes or book a
session with a personal trainer.
Adventure coaches are on staff for those
wanting a guided adventure tour whether it is sea kayaking or tide pool
pursuing or a ride on a dory boat. Situated outside overlooking the crashing
surf, we sat perfectly warm and relaxed in the swirling spa waters grateful we
found this exquisite place, a bastion of natural relaxation. For more
information on Headlands Coastal Spa and Lodge go to: www.headlandslodge.com
