The New York Times: Brides Are Trading Boozy Parties for Luxury Wellness Retreats

By Ivy Manners, March 30, 2024

The bachelorette party is getting a spa makeover, with many brides-to-be now opting for more tranquil settings.

Teeona Breon, 28, picked Rush Creek Lodge & Spa in Groveland, Calif., to celebrate her bachelorette party in July 2022 with her five bridesmaids. She was drawn to both the look of the lodge and the access to nearby Yosemite National Park.

“I’m not one to gravitate toward the bachelorette drinking and party scene because I like to prioritize my mental and physical well-being, so it was the perfect setting to allow me to indulge in that,” said Ms. Breon, a landscaping and design plant technician based in State College, Pa.

During the four-day trip, she and her bridesmaids spent time hiking and “taking in nature, while also finding moments for serenity and rejuvenation.”

Wellness-focused parties have become more than the typical pre-wedding spa day. Many brides are now looking to take longer trips to spa resorts, often near outdoor destinations.

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SF Gate: When bad weather hits, Yosemite’s storm chasers head to the park

By Ashley Harrell, March 4, 2024

Over the weekend at Rush Creek Lodge and Spa, some guests actually extended their stays to experience the magic of the snowfall firsthand, according to Teri Marshall, director of marketing and communications.

“Some of the best feedback we get all year is from guests who hunker down with us during a snowstorm,” Marshall says. “Between the cozy fires, hot toddies, games and socializing, guests are surprised to find it’s one of the best vacations ever.”

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Valley View Winter (Tyler Glass)

Organic Spa Magazine: Rush Creek Lodge

By Keri Bridgwater, February 26, 2024

Home to a trio of hiking and biking trails, a guest lounge and an all-day restaurant, the biggest draw at Rush Creek is undoubtedly its 5,000-square-foot spa. Surrounded by towering pine trees, the indoor/outdoor space pays homage to the natural beauty of the beloved national park. In fact, just being here feels akin to forest bathing. Stone, wood and water are incorporated across amenities and relate to Yosemite in some way – from the restorative warm waterfall cove and a cool mist shower (inspired by local favorite hiking spot, Carlon Falls) to a granite waterfall mineral hot tub and warm river rock beds in the lovely covered outdoor lounge area.

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Rush Creek Pool in Winter (Kim Carroll)

Golden Gate: Playing with Light: Here’s How to See Yosemite’s Firefall Now

By Jennie Nunn, February 21, 2024

There’s a lot to be said for being in exactly the right place at the right time. In the case of Yosemite National Park’s rare natural phenomenon, Firefall, it’s everything. It’s no surprise the two-week annual spectacle at Horsetail Fall caused by sunlight hitting the waterfall at precisely the right moment—happening now through February 25th—has attracted renowned photographers, nature enthusiasts and throngs of visitors from around the globe. If you plan on attempting to get in on the action (pending perfect weather conditions), here’s what you need to know.

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