Idaho
9 Best Wellness Retreats In Idaho
Idaho might be famous for potatoes, but the state is also home to stunning mountains, relaxing hot springs, and tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation. This makes the state the perfect place for nature lovers to enjoy a wellness retreat. There are numerous spas throughout Idaho for those looking for a luxurious wellness vacation. Places such as Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene Resort offer a comfortable stay where guests can be pampered at a high-quality spa. These can be enjoyed at a resort such as Shore Lodge or in nature, such as the hot springs at Kirkham. Here we will explore the nine best wellness retreats in Idaho.
Shore Lodge
Set in the Salmon River Mountains, Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho, is a sanctuary for those seeking rest. This is a place surrounded by natural beauty, making it so guests won’t want to spend much time indoors. Just outside the lodge there is 5,330 acres of beauty, including stunning mountains, thickets of forest, and the Payette National Forest. Shore Lodge provides luxury in this setting. Enjoy the stunning views from the lodge’s heated pool. Or go for a swim on Payette Lake and sunbathe with mountain views. Near the lake there are firepits and S’mores available for roasting. Afterwards, soak in one of the outdoor hot tubs and enjoy the seasonal poolside bar. The spa at Shore Lodge offers everything from facials to massages and has a private hot spring. Unwind at the end of the day in one of the lodge’s luxurious suites. They have different suites to suit everyone’s needs. From a romantic fireside suite to a private lake-view suite.
Schweitzer Mountain
Looking for a winter vacation full of outdoor recreation and skiing? Look no further than Schweitzer Mountain. The ski resort near Sandpoint, Idaho, has 2,900 acres of skiable terrain. They offer rentals for gear and a variety of ski lift passes and lessons. The resort is also home to the Cambium Spa and wellness center. This is a great place to unwind in after a long day of skiing. They offer massages and facials to feel rejuvenated. There are also a range of wellness classes offered throughout the week, including yoga and Pilates. Schweitzer has a variety of accommodation options available to suit everyone’s needs. Their boutique hotel offers a more luxurious experience and is called Humbird. Meanwhile, White Pine is the accommodation closest to the slopes.
Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs
Anyone looking to getaway and enjoy a cozy, natural soak will love Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs. In any time of year, this is a natural oasis and a great spot to rest in the forest. Located right next to the road on Warm Springs Creek, these hot springs are easy to find. There are three pools at Frenchman’s Bend. Before getting into any of them always make sure to test the water with the tip of your finger. The water at these hot springs is said to be sodium and potassium rich. The hot springs close for the evening but there is still lots of time to enjoy a soak into the sunset. Conveniently located near Ketchum, Idaho, there are many nearby hotels and campgrounds for those looking to stay the night after a relaxing day soaking up the hot springs.
Stanley River Retreat And Cabins
Located in the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains on the Salmon River, Stanley River Retreat and Cabins offer an escape from the noise of everyday life. Here one can enjoy peace in a rustic cabin, that offer a blend of old-world charm and modern-day comfort. There are several options for cabin accommodations to suit different needs. The retreat center is a tranquil but convenient getaway. Being so close to the Sawtooth Mountains there is lots of outdoor recreation options near the retreat center, such as fishing, hiking, and biking. This is a great place, and the owners take booking requests for those looking to host a retreat throughout the year.
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
Those looking for an adventurous wellness getaway will enjoy the challenge of going to the serene Rocky Canyon Hot Springs. Located in the lush Boise National Forest, the Rocky Canyon Hot Springs are a series of geothermal soaking pools that offer a tranquil spot to relax. Located in the middle fork of the Payette River, this spot is the safest to reach in the late summer or early fall. This is because to reach the hot springs, visitors have to ford the river. The river current is strong, making this challenging. Once visitors reach the hot springs, there are three, volunteer-built cascading rock-and-sand pools to enjoy. Besides enjoying the hot springs, rock bounding is a popular activity on the river. Quartz and agates are popular to find in the area. Boise National Forest itself also has several hiking trails for those looking for a more strenuous adventure. Just 1.5 miles from the hot springs is Hardscrabble Campground. This is a great place to have a quiet, peaceful night while remaining close to the relaxing wellness opportunities of Rocky Canyon Hot Springs.
Maple Grove Hot Springs And Retreat Center
Anchored in the healing powers of the hot springs and on the shoreline of the Oneida Narrows Reservoir sits Maple Grove Hot Springs and Retreat Center in Thatcher; this is a healing space for personal growth and rejuvenation. The retreat center offers stone, wood, and yurt shelters. There is also a camping and van option in the summertime. All the accommodation types include full access to the 45-acre retreat center property. Enjoy the properties six hot spring pools, riverfront beach, hiking trails, canoes and paddle boards. Spend some time relaxing on the River House patio and enjoy the bathhouse. Throughout the year, the center hosts different experiences, such as sauna afternoons in January, and open song circles. One of the biggest draws to the retreat center is the 14 mineral natural hot springs. These hot springs require reservations for soaks and private a quiet oasis away from everyday hustle and bustle.
The Coeur d’Alene Resort
One of Idaho’s most famous wellness spas is the Coeur d’Alene Resort. The cozy-yet-luxurious resort overlooks Lake Coeur d’Alene. The resort offers cruises on the lake to enjoy the local sites. The resort has a full-service salon and spa, offering guests any treatment they might want on their getaway. At the spa enjoy a relaxing massage and facial. Afterward, enjoy some refreshments and check out the dining options. Those looking to spend the night in one of the resort’s luxurious rooms can ask for a margarita kit or hummus plate to be delivered to their room. The resort offers many different room types to suit everyone’s needs. Enjoy a view of the lake from the Lake View Suite or take in the view of the city and mountains at the Park Tower.
Kirkham Hot Springs
Arguably Idaho’s most famous hot spring, Kirkham Hot Springs is a hot spring along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. Here, visitors can enjoy the geothermal pools and waterfalls in the beautiful South Fork of the Payette River. This dreamy landscape feels like something out of a fantasy novel. Visitors walk down a wooden staircase to the geothermal springs. As visitors unwind in the hot springs, they can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the mighty Payette River. There is a campground nearby with a small fee for parking. Camping makes enjoying the hot springs easier. Visitors can relax in a hot spring all day and enjoy gazing up at the stars at night, before heading to their tents for a good night’s rest.
Mountain Village Lodge
Mountain Village Lodge is a great place to enjoy Idaho’s healing outdoors. Near Stanley, Idaho, Mountain Village Lodge offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. In the summertime, enjoy rafting, fishing, hiking, and biking. In the winter enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and the Stanley Winterfest held in town near the Lodge. Since Stanley is part of Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, it is also the perfect place to enjoy a night of stargazing. A quarter mile from the lodge is a relaxing hot spring, near an old barn. The hot springs offer a stunning view of the Sawtooth Mountains. This is a great place to have a sunrise soak and enjoy the stunning surroundings. The Mountain Lodge also has private hot spring options booked by reservation. Guests can enjoy the night in one of the lodge’s 61 rooms or camp in the summertime at the campground.
Why Visit These Wellness Retreats?
While you can visit a spa anywhere, Idaho offers unique wellness retreats set amongst tranquil nature scenery. The state is home to countless hot springs that are perfect for a day of relaxation. At the Kirkham Hot Springs, guests can enjoy a day in nature, while stress rolls off their back. More adventurous travelers can check out the Rocky Canyon Hot Springs for an adventure with a relaxing reward. Idaho is also home to some uniquely relaxing spas, such as the Shore Lodge. This spa has its own private hot spring for guests looking to soak in privacy. Outdoor recreation lovers will enjoy a winter wellness trip to Schweitzer for some skiing and spa time. Whatever type of wellness getaway you are looking for, these nine wellness retreats in Idaho have something for everyone.
PAYETTE — A Payette mom’s bond was revoked Tuesday after she was charged with suffocating her twin children earlier this month and is believed to pose a danger to the life of her newborn child.
The case, which has drawn national headlines, concerns Andrea Renee Shaw, a 23-year-old Payette mother who in May 2025 said her 18-month-old fraternal twins died the same day, after receiving routine childhood vaccinations. In January, Shaw joined as a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit filed by Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine organization founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with several other plaintiffs claiming vaccine injury or death.
Kennedy, who now serves as secretary of Health and Human Services, is no longer part of the group after taking on the cabinet position, as was reported by the Associated Press.
In Idaho, the twins’ deaths prompted a 14-month investigation by the Payette County Sheriff’s Department. On June 29, the investigation yielded a grand jury indictment of Shaw on two counts of first-degree murder by suffocation. If convicted, Shaw can be punished by up to life in prison or the death penalty, and the court would have the ability to order the penalties be served consecutively, or back to back.
Tuesday’s arraignment at the Payette County Courthouse was primarily attended by Shaw’s relatives and members of the media. Payette County Judge Kiley Stuchlik, who serves Idaho’s Third Judicial District, presided.
A key consideration for Stuchlik on Tuesday was a request from Joseph Filicetti, the legal counsel for Shaw, to have her bond reduced from $2 million to $100,000. Filicetti said this would allow for Shaw to care for a newborn girl, who, according to court documents, was born by caesarean section on June 25, four days prior to Shaw’s grand jury indictment.
State prosecutors objected to the motion for bond reduction, noting at hand was a potential death penalty case and asserting, unlike her husband, Shaw’s story repeatedly changed during questioning. Prosecuting Attorney Mike Duke said releasing Shaw would ultimately put the newborn’s safety at risk.
“That child is the most at risk. We do not think she should be allowed to be anywhere near any children, let alone her own children,” Duke said.
Stuchlik decided to revoke bond entirely, stating Shaw posed a “risk of safety” to the newborn child that was not known to Stuchlik or prosecutors when the $2 million bond was initially set.
Also for consideration Tuesday was a request to have grand jury transcripts of witness testimony provided to prosecutors and defense counsel to prepare their respective cases.
Idaho
Idaho is home to the nation's first DarkSky Reserve. Now it's home to the nations first DarkSky Certified Resort
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A controversy is brewing as the City of Idaho Falls reviews its alcohol ordinance.
The goal is to consolidate four existing ordinances for beer, wine and liquor into a single law and ensure compliance with state code.
However, at its meeting last Thursday, the Idaho Falls City Council unanimously voted to remove the proposed ordinance from its agenda, in order to receive and consider additional public comment.
The proposed ordinance would:
1. Require commercial establishments selling, dispensing or permitting consumption of alcohol – including beer, wine or liquor – to have an alcohol license, alcohol catering permit or a charitable event permit.
2. Business events with 20 or less employees consuming alcohol at the business would be allowed.
3. Require alcohol servers to complete training every three years.
4. Individuals who violate the law could be charged with a misdemeanor.
Idaho Falls City Council President Jim Francis said the changes were the culmination of months of collaboration between law enforcement, business owners and city attorneys.
“We wanted to provide a safe environment – the primary point here – for public gatherings,” Francis said. “We recognize that certain antiquated elements of the current code are overly restrictive and needed to be addressed. We wanted to make the code more accessible to the public. We needed to address over-pouring issues. We wanted to reduce penalties where possible for violations, particularly the first offenses, and yet make the code clear enough to be enforceable consistently by law enforcement.”
But City Council Member John Radford said the changes represent an overreach by city government.
“I believe it’s a bad policy. What problem are we solving in the name of trying to solve a non-problem?” Radford said. “We’re becoming big brother around alcohol in your private property. I’m concerned that landlords will be at risk of being charged with a misdemeanor if they knowingly, which I made sure that was in there, because that is what we’ve been talking about, allowed people to drink in our business. We will be outside the norm of Idaho cities. This is a big step, and I don’t think the public has weighed in on this.”
At a City Council Work Session on June 1, Idaho Falls Chief of Police Bryce Johnson cited an increase in alcohol-related crime – particularly downtown – as a reason for the changes.
“DUI is there, but this would include sexual assaults, assaults, batteries, disturbances, urination, public vandalism, shooting – all sorts of crimes,” Johnson said.
But business owners are concerned about the potential impact on commercial enterprises.
“The ordinance doesn’t address the real problem – which is people drinking … at one event and then showing up in a bar or restaurant already hammered and causing problems anyway,” ” said Terri Ireland, representing the Idaho Falls Downtown Merchants Association. “The industry is really well-regulated by state and local laws already.”
The City of Idaho Falls began the process of updating its alcohol ordinance in January 2026, seeking input from community stakeholders.
Multiple community members spoke out about the ordinance.
For more in-depth information, you can read the full 39-page proposed alcohol ordinance here.
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