Now Experience Sonoma County’s Natural Wellness: Forest Bathing, Kelp Forays, and Geothermal Healing

Published on December 8, 2025

Sonoma County is one of California’s top spots for wellness and relaxation. It offers visitors a wide range of unique experiences that mix nature, healing traditions, and modern wellness practices. From forest bathing with horses to geothermal healing waters, the county features some innovative wellness experiences, all surrounded by its beautiful scenery, lush forests, and coastal landscapes. This region has a long history of promoting a holistic view of health and wellness. Here, the natural rhythms connect the body and mind for restoration. The variety of wellness options in Sonoma County makes it an ideal place for anyone looking to rejuvenate, relax, or reconnect with nature.

Forest Bathing with Horses at Belos Cavalos

One of the most unique wellness offerings in Sonoma County is forest bathing with horses at Belos Cavalos. This immersive, sensory-based experience takes forest bathing to the next level by combining it with equine-assisted mindfulness. Guests are invited to walk gently through the serene Kenwood ranch, engaging with the horses in a calm, mindful manner without riding. The experience encourages self-awareness and emotional healing, helping participants connect deeply with nature and animals. This practice offers a tranquil space to reflect, unwind, and let go of daily stress.

Forest Breathing Among the Redwoods

For those looking to engage with nature more deeply, Forest Breathing in Sonoma’s Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is a must. This old-growth forest, home to towering redwoods that stretch over 300 feet high, offers an immersive wellness experience. The practice of breathing to the rhythm of the wind in the trees has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve immunity. The green environment enhances well-being, and the area’s natural compounds help create a calm, rejuvenating atmosphere. Spending just 20 minutes in a forest has been proven to significantly reduce stress, making it a perfect wellness activity for visitors.

Micro Retreats at Timber Cove Resort

For those seeking quick relaxation, Timber Cove Resort offers micro-retreats designed to restore guests in less than an hour. The Reset & Restore Suite offers a combination of zero-gravity recliners, Normatec compression therapy, and cold plunge treatments, all paired with soothing herbal tea and stunning coastal views. These fast yet effective wellness treatments make it easy for visitors to unwind between business meetings or after a day of exploring the Sonoma Coast.

The Healing Power of Kelp

Sonoma’s rugged coastline is not only a scenic marvel but also a source of regenerative wellness. Heidi Herrmann of Strong Arm Farm leads public seaweed forays (April–August) where visitors can learn about kelp a superfood rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Kelp has become a key ingredient in wellness treatments, known for its skin-healing properties. This natural resource is also making waves in the spa world, where it’s used in rejuvenating soaks and body treatments to enhance relaxation and improve skin health.

Silent Retreats at Ratna Ling

For those seeking deep reflection and mindfulness, Ratna Ling offers Silent Retreats in the tranquil surroundings of Northern California. These immersive wellness retreats provide a space for guests to disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with themselves. Yoga, meditation, and nature hikes allow guests to fully embrace a restorative experience, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The Silent Retreat encourages mindfulness and introspection, providing a valuable opportunity for personal growth and inner peace.

Cedar Enzyme Baths at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

Located in Freestone, Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary offers a one-of-a-kind wellness experience: the Cedar Enzyme Bath. This Japanese-inspired ritual uses finely ground cedar, rice bran, and plant enzymes to provide a therapeutic soak that improves circulation, relieves muscle pain, and leaves the skin glowing. The combination of heat therapy, aromatherapy, and biologically active enzymes offers a deeply restorative treatment that’s exclusive to Sonoma County.

Wellness on Two Wheels: Cycling in Sonoma

Sonoma County’s diverse landscape is perfect for cycling enthusiasts, offering routes that range from coastal rides to vineyard tours. Visitors can rent bikes at local hotels and resorts, exploring the region on two wheels. For those looking for a unique experience, the Cycling Sommelier at The Astro Hotel pairs world-class cycling routes with guided wine tastings and culinary stops, blending wellness, adventure, and indulgence into a one-of-a-kind tour of Sonoma County.

Geothermal Healing Waters at Boyes Hot Springs

Boyes Hot Springs, historically revered by Native American tribes for its therapeutic properties, remains a top wellness destination in Sonoma County. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa harnesses the area’s geothermal energy with its balneotherapy treatments, offering five mineral pools filled with 27 different minerals. These pools provide restorative benefits for the body, improving circulation and reducing stress.

Goat Yoga at Charlie’s Acres Farms

For a more playful approach to wellness, goat yoga at Charlie’s Acres Farms offers visitors the opportunity to stretch and relax while enjoying the presence of rescue goats. This light-hearted and joyful practice helps reduce stress, build connection, and support animal welfare, creating a unique wellness experience for visitors of all ages.

Herbal Wellness at the California School of Herbal Studies

Sonoma County is also home to the California School of Herbal Studies, one of the nation’s leading institutions for herbal wellness. Visitors can participate in workshops that teach the healing power of plants, including tinctures, teas, and salves. This institution blends ancient traditions with modern practices, offering a deeper understanding of herbal wellness.

Conclusion

Sonoma County offers a wide range of wellness experiences that mix nature, fresh ideas, and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy activities like forest bathing, kelp foraging, geothermal healing waters, and goat yoga. The region provides a complete approach to well-being, drawing wellness travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for healing treatments, active adventures, or peaceful retreats, Sonoma County is the perfect place to connect with nature and yourself.