Solo Self-Care Getaway to San Juan Island

I love the holidays, the cookie parties, get-togethers, the lights, the music, my people, the gifts, just everything. Afterwards I’m exhausted. That’s why this January I treated myself to a soothing solo self-care getaway to San Juan Island to recharge and center myself. It was so easy and fun, I think I’ll make this a new tradition!

Why San Juan Island?

It’s close: I hopped on a tiny plane in Everett, WA, and was walking in the streets of Friday Harbor just 20 minutes later, wow, just wow. The flight was gorgeous too.

It’s safe: Friday Harbor is one of those small towns, where you don’t need a car, everyone is super friendly, and it doesn’t feel odd at all to have a meal by yourself in one of the cute restaurants by the waterfront.

Where to Stay?

I picked the Earthbox Inn & Spa in the heart of town because they are the only hotel on the island with a heated indoor pool, plus sauna and a huge jacuzzi, I happened to have all to myself during my stay. Not to mention their adorable, onsite spa, where I promptly booked myself both, a massage and a facial. You haven’t really lived until you;ve had a massage from LouAnne; she is so skilled. My facial from Amy, the spa director and esthetician, was superb, too. She took the time to help me pick out a new product line, perfectly tailored for my skin. Deep gratitude.

Earthbox Inn & Spa in Friday Harbor, Washington

Favorite Coffee Place

I took my morning coffee at the narrowest coffee shop in Washington State - the Crow’s Nest. There is always a line and the wait is absolutely worth it. Try the Third Eye Latte with medicinal mushrooms, vanilla and cardamon. Yummm.

Best Lunch

My favorite lunch place in Friday Harbor is hands down the Market Chef (weekdays only). Everything is made from scratch, including their bread. Stock up on sweets and wine and the cutest kitchen gear. Do not miss the Roast Beef Sandwich with arugula on a poppy seed bun.

Dinner at the Waterfront

The cozy bar at Downriggers overlooking the water was my favorite place to have dinner, people watch and read my book. Loved their Shrub mocktail. I so appreciate the tasty, gorgeous non-alcoholic options so many restaurants in Friday Harbor offer. Downrigger’s local oysters on the half shell and seafood cobb made my evening.

Art & Shopping

Everything you can do in Friday Harbor you can do all on foot right from the Earthbox. There are nine galleries, three museums, five wine bars, shops, boutiques, book stores, yoga studios and tons of outdoor art to explore and I did. I so enjoyed the Whale Museum. My favorite store is the adorable Salty at Heart Apothecary next to the Earthbox. So much fun.

Sunset Walk

Jackson Beach, a mile from the Earthbox, is a dreamy driftwood beach with a shelter and a statue of Tokitae, aka Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut, the last Orca whale taken from the Salish Sea and placed into captivity back in the 1970s, who died last year in captivity. I watched the sunset here every night, saw kids at play, fishermen coming home and puppies getting their wiggles out. Such a beautiful island life.