Wellness Center

The Wellness Center is a spa and holistic clinic in Fern River. It first opened in the mid 1990s, and became a worker-owned cooperative when the founders stepped away 10 years ago.

At the clinic, guests can make appointments with the resident practitioners, who offer massage, herbalism, sex therapy, astrology and acupuncture, among other things. Carlos supplies many of the herbs they use, and Bri teaches regular yoga and meditation classes.

Most of the building is occupied by the spa, which consists of a large enclosed patio with a saline soaking tub, sauna and garden. Adjacent are the co-ed communal showers and dressing room. Clothing is optional (and rarely worn) throughout the spa. Guests and members can sign up for hour-long slots in the spa, and the practitioners often send their patients over for a soak after appointments.

The soaking tub holds about 12 people seated around its wavy perimeter, and is open to the sky. The sauna holds six comfortably, with a large window looking out over the patio.

Tati has been a member ever since the center opened, and recruited Lena & Carlos early on. Quinn & Nora visit weekly on women’s night, and Zia works as an attendant in the spa.