Doe Bay Resort & Retreat

Our family stayed at Doe Bay Resort the first weekend of February and had the most relaxing and enjoyable time together. This is truly a special place and we are excited to go back. The ocean view from our window was incredible and our cabin had everything we needed. Everyone at the store was helpful and incredibly nice. We also had a lot of fun on the ferry ride. If you are looking for somewhere to relax, unplug and get away from your busy life. Highly recommend giving Doe Bay Resort & Retreat a try!

This is probably my favorite place of anywhere to go for a relaxing getaway. I've been coming for 10+ years because of its beautiful scenery, wildlife sighting opportunities, wonderful food (esp. the baked goods!), and easygoing atmosphere. It feels like a second home to me at this point. I often bike from the ferry to Doe Bay or do long hikes in Moran, and hitting up the soaking tubs during the colder months, is a pretty incredible way to end the day. Much appreciation.

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL birthday weekend Jan 24-27, 2025. My husband surprised me for my 60th birthday and I was not disappointed. The weather was gorgeous, Leona at the front desk was as helpful and accommodating as could be, and Autumn, Molly and Michelle in the Cafe were the best! The dinner we had at the cafe was incredible. The best meal we had the entire time we were there. The cabin was cozy and had everything we needed. It's a rare January where the sun is shining on my birthday, let alone the entire weekend. The spa and sauna were heaven and had an incredible view. I could not be happier with this weekend. Just wish we didn't have to go back to the "real" world.

01/24-01/27/2025 The weekend after the MLK holiday. Folks, if you're going to travel to a destination, your best bet is on an off holiday week or weekend during the off-season. Doe Bay Resort is the perfect example. Your choice of cabins or spot you desire to stay is way more obtainable, and the entire area is accessible because it's not crowded at all. The staff are amazing, the cafe has incredible food, and the chef creates new menu items practically daily. We were reserved for a specific cabin 2 days before our arrival, and we were informed there was a problem with our cabin, so they upgraded us to a much nicer cabin for no extra charge ! The staff care about the comfort of their clientele ! Our upgraded cabin was spotless and warm and had an excellent view ! On one other note, coming to a place like Doe Bay in the off-season is a wonderful way to help support the resort during the slow time of the year, and a real cozy way to spend time with your better half ! Cheers.

I see they tiled over the saying written in the cement of the hot tubs. It was written by the leader of the polarity institute when they owned the resort. It goes “To guide all to act each one’s own mind is each one’s birthright and highest moral duty. Would not a course of personal effort in positive thinking and acting be a more direct path to real progress. The body suffers as an innocent bystander. All external happenings are precipitated by internal mental and emotional causes”. “All healing comes from within”. I found this out while living there.

Truly a magical place! Doe Bay is so scenic and peaceful and there's plenty to do without even leaving the resort. The spa is incredible and everything at the cafe is so delicious and fresh. The open mic nights on thursdays draw in some really unique local artists. I'd also highly recommend the mushroom identification hike with River.

Wonderful spa with lovely garden views and fabulous massage with Kerstin. ||Great dinner at the cafe last night. A huge highlight of our stay way the funghi hike with River. He’s very knowledgeable and kept us 36 budding mycologists rapt with his extensive knowledge. Beautiful visit to Moran State Park!

Small and big issues. Biggest is this is not winter friendly. At all. But I’ll start with smaller problems. WiFi will not work from your room. You will need to be in the office. The path to the bathroom is far far too dangerous at night no lights. The room has ONE outlet so you can have lamp or heater. The rooms were covered in spider webs. The bathroom is terrifying. Not for me. Not for me. Had a long talk with a local gal who said this place used to be amazing but now no one goes here. Seems right. It was freezing cold. No internet. No outlet. Virtually no bathroom. No kitchen. If you want to camp, go camp. It is just camping where they give you a tent. Don’t ever pay more than twenty bucks. Not worth it. I woke up and could see my breath with the heater on max. It was so cold. There’s photos of me on the floor in front of the heater on max, curled up with a blanket, shivering. The heater barely works, the yurts are hardly insulated. I would go down and sit in the car to get warm. It was very loud considering the location too. We heard every word of the neighbor yurts and camp sites. One of the larger issues is cleanliness. The yurts are swept but that’s all. The windows, the walls, the doors have never been cleaned. The shower was not cleaned the entire time we stayed. There was hair and trash in the bathroom for days. If this place had better management, I’d like to think they could work on this. They need someone to go in and properly clean, daily. The shower curtain was covered in spiders. I had to shake them off. It was awful. And so easy for them to do better. They ran out of how water on Tuesday. Put up a little sign. It wasn’t back by Friday. They have to do better. One last word. The spa is gorgeous. It is beautiful and lovely and the SOLE reason for going. But how the hell are you going to tell me that I have to pay for your one feature on top of my reservation. I had given this place two stars and now I’m dropping to one. This is the reason people come… why charge them twice? Nope. 1 star.

I have always loved the lodging and cafe at Doe Bay but after going on an amazing mushroom identification hike with River I have to highly recommend the activities that the lodge offers. We walked through a beautiful old growth forest and spotted and identified many, many varieties of mushrooms. It was fun and we met several great people who were guests at the lodge as well as locals. Highly recommended!

Book your stay at Doe Bay Resort and Retreat! We went for a Mother/Daughter weekend and it was so wonderful! The staff is so nice and resort is a little piece of heaven. The waffles at the Cafe were our favorite! We stayed in the Salmonberry Cabin which has a full kitchen and bathroom . It's near the Doe Bay Garden and Spa. Our dog was able to stay with us and played with a new friend she met there! We shopped in town, hiked Obstruction Trail and watched the sun go down each night. There are campgrounds, yurts and cabins you can book! We cannot wait to come back!

We decided to camp at Seagull this past weekend and we had so many questions but couldn't find answers. First: the view from the camp spot is unbeatable. Second: helpful info- There was no one staying at Lone Pine, but if there was, we would have felt really cramped for space with the campsite right behind us. The site says the seagull apot is only big enough for 2-3 person tent, but I believe a 4 person tent would have fit just fine. Probably nothing bigger than that. There is not shade at this specific space, but the campsites further in had shade. There is also only one communal picnic table between like 6 campsite. The bathroom is a 4-5 min walk in the woods and can be treacherous in the dark. We spent most of the time at the communal space near the center of the resort by the cabins and not at our campsite. They have a kitchen complete with a stove, fridge, plates, silverware, microwave, toaster and pots and pans. There are showers and running water bathrooms near the center area. The soak was nice and the staff was all very kind. Our biggest wish was that we had packed lighter as Doe Bay really did provide alot of things we needed. Info before you book: if you are driving, you need a ferry reservation to both get on the island and to leave the island.

Disclaimer: I have been visiting Doe Bay for 20+ years, with our family. I have never left a public review because I felt my opinion would seem biased. This weekend, I expierened the Island and Doe Bay in a brand new way - as a romantic getway for two. If you visit Doe Bay, the only words you walk away with is - magical. Its hard to explain why such a rustic and natural expierence to so wonderful, but it is. Doe Bay's slowness gives you permission to stop, in a world that tells us we are not winning unless we are busy. We stayed in the Mala studio cabin. We enjoyed a comfortable bed that smelled of outdoors and fresh laundry. The cabin is nestled in the trees so we were shaded and cool. It was a perk to have our own shower, a small fridge and a coffee pot., after years of camping at Doe Bay. We brought grounds and made our favorite coffee in the morning, to enjoy from our ocean view porch. We spent a few hours sitting at the beach each day, talking and resting. We took long naps and ate the most thoughtfully prepared dinner at the Doe Bay Cafe. All in all, 4 days and 3 nights was heaven. The days were long and peaceful and gave my husband and I time to just be - relaxed, together, quiet and cared for - deep in the trees of Orcas Island. The soaking tubs added to our rest - and healing, with us booking 2 private sessions of sauna and tub use. If you are looking for overpacked days, crammed schedules and the hustle and bustle of a city "resort" - you will be disappointed. But, if you are looking for a well appointed and cared for natural environment and a gentle, slow pace for your young family or romantic get away, you will be welcomed with a warm smile, perfect summer sun and a soul resting time. Take advantage of it, if you get to come. Don't rush it. Taking Doe Bay slow, is how you truly feel the magic.

Rent the Boat House for business retreats! We regularly book the Boat House at Doe Bay for Management Team and Board Member retreats. Since we started having our retreats there we have found that they are the most productive retreats we've ever had over the ten years we've been in operation. The Boat House along with the overall experience at Doe Bay is the perfect setting for a balance of getting work done and relaxing. As part of our stay we normally will reserve a private spa session, and it's a big part of why our team looks forward to our retreats together. What better team-building activity than relaxing in the hot tub and sauna? The price for a 90-minute spa session is totally worth it and very reasonable. We love the Doe Bay management and staff, who always make sure we have what we need and make us feel at home. Features of the Boat House that are particularly notable are: - The view. It's the best view at Doe Bay (see photo, which is the view from the deck at sunrise). - The beach. Being able to step right out the downstairs door and have the beach right there is incredible. If you like being close to the beach and the water then the Boat House is hard to beat. - The kitchen: The kitchen has a huge island and big counters, spacious refrigeration, stove, etc. so that you can bring everything you need for a whole team to cook all week if that is your jam. If you forgot any ingredients you can pick up most essentials from the Doe Bay store, which is only about 100 feet away. Of course you will probably also want to go enjoy some meals at the Doe Bay Cafe, too, which features an impressive amount of local and regional ingredients, including veggies grown onsite. - The steam shower and heated bathroom floors: there is a steam shower in the master bedroom and it is amazing. Everyone on our team normally will take a turn using it during our stay, always with rave reviews. The floors in both downstairs bathrooms are heated. - Large dining table: The long dining table will accommodate 8-10 people comfortably, making it the perfect for team meetings and meals. One thing to note is in regards to sleeping spaces. For our overnight retreats we are able to sleep four people in separate spaces. There are four people on our management team, so that works well. The four beds consist of the two large bedrooms (each with king beds), a foldout couch in the downstairs (near the door that goes out to the beach), and an upstairs foldout futon. There is also a second foldout futon in the upstairs, so if you have 5 people then two people can have their own beds upstairs so long as they are comfortable sharing the same space. For larger groups, my recommendation is to book the Boat House in addition to one or more of the other cabins or yurts that are nearby, which can be offered to members of the group that want some additional privacy.

Went on New Years Eve. Had no idea what to expect. I was just looking for place to camp with a good view. The ladies at the general store working this day were amazing. Got me settled with a great cabin with a gorgeous view. They recommended going to the peak which I would not have done otherwise, The view from this peak was absolutely stunning. Dinner was very good. Only thing I wish I got to experience was the spa but it was pretty booked up. I highly recommend this place!!

Doe Bay is like a little piece of heaven. Walking out to the bluff with a cup of coffee each morning and watching the sun rise over the bay is a perfect start to the day. My friends and I go for a week in the spring to paint. The resort is committed to supporting artists so they give artists the opportunity to stay at Doe Bay to work on their art whether that be music or painting. This is an incredible gift. The views provide endless possibilities for painting. After a concentrated day of painting, relaxing in the spa is lovely. Top this all off with a delicious dinner at the cafe and you have a perfect day. Thank you Doe Bay Resort. You are wonderful not only in your accommodations, but also in your commitment to supporting artists.

If you're on Orcas during mushroom season (Sep-Nov) check out the Doe Bay weekend mushroom identification hikes! The guide River is super nice and knowledgeable and will take you on beautiful trails where he'll teach you about mushrooms, plants and trees. Then stop by the Doe Bay Cafe for dinner or a drink after. Highly recommended!

Subject: R&R @Doe Bay Resort and Retreat True review and based on my experiences, this place grew on me overnight. I was too quick to judge until I walked its trail. Amazing! Pros: unforgettable surroundings of the waters and nature. This is what I paid for- I realized now. Do not miss the trail at all especially when it is not raining. The water is so calm and all I hear is the birds chirping and the nature itself. Take lots of pictures to remember your time here. True isolation from the outside unless, you are more calm and relaxed to watch your movies and phone, do so because their WiFi is very strong and quick to use Convenient store around the corner for urgent need of water and some other stuff like light snacks. Heaters are available. Follow their Covid protocols and because they care, they leave you alone from 24 to 48 hrs. Follow the rules of the resort and you should have a fab time. Cons: learn how to adjust to the smell of the cabin. It isn't welcoming but it will grow on you. I have the best bed at home and when I travel, it is my demise to get rested and relaxed. Dunno how to do it for the life of me-- wherever I go travel to. Beds are fairly comfortable but it's not mine. Bring scented candles or lavender spray. Heaters are not centralized. Finally! Enjoy what you can and you shall have a relaxed, unforgettable weekend.

This place is amazing! My husband and I have been up two years in a row to celebrate our bestie bdays. We come up in February and it's so peaceful. The resort sits right on the water, which offers stunning views. The staff are super nice and accommodating. The check in process is seamless and contactless. We usually stay in the deluxe cabins, DoReMi and Doe Baby. These cabins have a one bedroom, full kitchen and bathroom with a living room area and patio for relaxing and watching the gorgeous views of the water. Basic necessities are provided for the kitchen and towels. The cabins are thoroughly cleaned and ready upon check in. We always rent the spa and have a nice soak in the hot tubs that overlook the bay. This is definitely a treat and a must try while at Doe Bay. We love it!

Doe Bay is the best! This is my fourth time and every time I come to Orcas Island, this is the go-to-place to stay. I come every year for an annual birthday gathering and I've also come up a couple of times during the summer with family; every experience has been magical. The views are stunning, the cabins are cozy and the staff are amazing - super kind, friendly and very on top of responding via emails. They've done a great job too in keeping things COVID safe, and particularly love the private spa rental option. It is also very dog friendly and I love that there are trails and a beach on-site. The cafe is also delicious and I highly recommend folks make time for both their brunch and dinner. Thank you Doe Bay!

I spent a weekend at Doe Bay Resort & Retreat for Mike K. and Gino G.'s gorgeous wedding. It was a wonderful venue for the ceremony and reception, as the views and landscape were beautiful and the cafe was fantastic. If you're considering getting hitched on Orcas Island, I'd highly recommend this place. If your wedding is small enough, as Mike and Gino's was, your guests can all even stay on the property. I stayed in the Harbor House, one of the two group cabins, with my husband and three of our friends. It was supposedly large enough to sleep twelve people, but it was more or less a large one- or two-bedroom house, with a kitchen and living room and a single bathroom. I can see youngsters or true campers cramming twelve into this space, but for us, five seemed about the limit, especially with all of us sharing the one toilet and shower. The place was clean but very no frills--you should take your own toiletries unless you're fine with using some mysterious liquid in squeeze bottles as both shampoo and soap (definitely no conditioner in sight). Our mattress was thin and uncomfortable, and our bed was crammed into a front room that felt more like a foyer. This was still preferable to the creepy bunk bed room or the overheated second story. Service was limited, just a couple people hanging out at the Doe Bay store. Very nice, but not equipped to treat their customers like hotel guests. There was a sign in the kitchen asking us to wash our own dishes, for example. We also had a comic incident when somebody--not naming any names but he knows who he is--clogged the toilet without realizing and then left the cabin. The rest of us woke up to a stinky situation and called the office before realizing there was a plunger on the side of the toilet where none of us had ventured, not wanting to pass through the poop zone. The call went straight to voicemail, as did the one immediately after, saying never mind, we dealt with the shit ourselves. Overall, though, the accommodations were decent and probably excellent if you're used to the camping life (I very much am not). We had breakfast at the Retreat House, the other group cabin, and that looked quite nice. I don't know about the smaller cabins or other campsites, but I'd recommend these group cabins if you're traveling with friends and don't mind bonding over poop. I didn't explore all that Doe Bay had to offer, but I enjoyed our stay and had an incredible time at the wedding. I'd definitely come back to Doe Bay Cafe if I made a return trip to Orcas Island, and would consider staying at the resort again, especially if I were with a fun group.

We drove here from Salt Lake City Utah. It was a 14 hour drive and this place was well worth the drive! We were celebrating our 20th anniversary. The general manager brought us a very pretty bouquet of flowers from the grounds. It made us feel special. We absolutely enjoyed the secluded spa. Had the hot tub and lounge area all to our selves for two hours. Very peaceful and relaxing. The sunrises and sunsets from the resort are gorgeous. The food at the Doe Bay Cafe was so good. We want to come back again!

Doe Bay is a serious gift!!! The sea side land is epic. The spa is just wonderful, the cafe is delicious and the staff is so great. I'm so thankful Doe Bay is around for the sweetest of getaways.

Sweet little baby Ganesh, this review is for the $15 spa pass experience only. Not the hotel/cabins/yurts. Just the outdoor spa area! I'm probably biased writing this review because I'd been obsessing over photos of this place for a week or two prior to my arrival. The hottubs were my phone lock screen so I'd daydream about them all day for, yeah, weeks There was no way I was going to dislike this place. The way we stumbled on Doe Bay is this: In the movie the Lobster, the hotel resort Colin Ferrell stays at has these gorgeous hottubs, overlooking a mass body of water. We googled to see where that was-- Parknasilla Resort in Sneed Co Ireland. Obviously we can't do a weekend in Ireland from Portland so I started researching hottub situations right on the water that had that same Irish beauty, green and gray. When Doe Bay came up, with its quiet cove and green tree scape, I was sold. The photos I saw were sunny and daytime, but I imagined it in gray wintery drab, more like the Lobster's aesthetic. They seemed well cared for and like a secret little place tucked away, from the photos. We came over to Doe Bay for brunch after reading the Yelp reviews and getting a verbal recommendation from a friend. We parked up the road and walked down, past the spa and peeked in to see it in real life and it really took my breath away. It's not the nicest hot tub or hot spring experience I've seen or experienced (I think Radium in British Columbia steals that honor for me) but I loved how private it was. We mused, if you surveyed a million people, it's unlikely anyone in that group would know of this place. It felt like we were somewhere secret and special. The details: It closes from 3-4 daily (you have to leave, I wondered if we could just sit in the deck chairs? NOPE.) for cleaning. There are 3 tubs that are all the same temp, I wondered that from the pictures if they were different temperatures. Nope. All hot. We were the only people wearing clothes (by that I mean swimwear) but no one talked or did anything weird. It was silent and serene. There's a waterfall creek feeding down to the bay so there's a loud white noise. The bay is large and you can see from all 3 pools. I asked an employee how long the tubs had been there. He was about my age (30s?) and said at least as long as he'd been alive. Two outdoor showers. 1 bathroom indoors with a lock. 1 changing area with about 15 hooks and 10 feet of bench. A sauna with four benches of tiered seating. The top row having bay views. About 6-8 Adirondack chairs on a lower deck down from the hottubs. Each tub could prob fit about 6 people comfortably. More than that, it'd feel cramped. There were 2/2/1 in the 3 tubs and that felt nice. We could all stretch out, no touching feet or making splashes. The changing area felt cramped with more than 2 people, so we went in waves (we were there at cleaning time). No music, just white noise. No overhead lighting that I saw, but there were small garden type lights along the lower portion of the deck. And! We bought our tickets at the cafe with our breakfast. Presumably you could buy them in the general store too. Overall, this was a wonderful spot to kill an hour (or more) on my birthday. I'd go back to Doe Bay for sure. My meal was also wonderful so I'd probably stay in Doe Bay next time, instead of Eastsound. Totally worth 15 bucks if you love serene natural places that are every shade of greenand gray. Wouldn't want to do this in the summer, I picture tons of mosquitoes in the dense woods.

This place has its following but unfortunately it wasn't a good fit for my wife and I. We stayed 4 nights and 5 days in the "Mala" cabin and paid about $183 for the weekend nights and $146 for the other nights. The "Mala" cabin is about 500 yards up the hill from the bay and cafe. THE GOOD: Doe Bay is quite lovely and serene. The grounds are clean enough with a nice vegetable garden and chicken coup. The food at the cafe is actually pretty good but a little overpriced. There is a large field to play ball or frisbee. It is dog and kid friendly. Open mic which is every Thursday at the cafe was entertaining in a Portlandia kind of way. THE BAD: The service was hit or miss and as far as our cabin a complete miss. In our 4 days there was no room service at all. If you wanted new towels you had to exchange them at the store. Ironically there was an envelope to leave a tip for the non existent room service. A lot of the staff seemed indifferent or would rather be somewhere else. Although our cabin was clean, it was small, very small. The shower was the size of a telephone booth. The beach is tiny and shallow with a large tidal draw turning it into yards of mud at low tide. It is quite a long portage if you want to launch your own kayak or SUP. The sauna and hot tub are clothing optional and there were nudist there most of the time. I am not offended by nudity but they didn't they didn't say they were a nudist retreat on their website or brochure. A definite lack of transparency. LOL THE UGLY: Our cabin was dilapidated with duct tape holding the refrigerator together, no screens on 2 of the 3 Windows, corroded sink and a stove which was difficult to light. No wifi anywhere up the hill from the garden and no cell service either at our cabin. The bed was uncomfortable and small with not enough blankets. Our cabin had a very partial view of the bay but mainly overlooked the campground giving it a Woodstock look and feel. For $183/night and billing themselves as a "resort" it was shocking to see the level of disrepair. Overall, it didn't work for us. We were happy to leave our Doe Bay "Jail". If you are a hippie, nudist, or want to get off the grid this is your place. Otherwise there are much better places to stay on the island.

Doe Bay Resort is a pure delight. My partner and I loved our cabin and luxurious time spent outside exploring the trails and gardens and meditating next to the water (and soaking in the hot springs!). The staff were wonderful and the food was excellent. Definitely one of my favorite places on earth.

Doe Bag is Orcas Island best kept secret. I agree with a previous reviewer that it's what postcards are made of. The lodging consisted of yurts, cabins and campsites. I chose the drive in campsite since they were running such a great deal for the weekend. The site was well maintained, clean and came with great views. The site was a short walk to all the amenities, I.e.soaking tubs, restrooms, shower. The staff was very welcoming and every guest I encountered was easy going and helpful in every way. This place is a must see! I can't wait to make the trip again to experience the wonders of Doe Bay!

Postcard perfect scenery. We stayed in a cabin but wish we were in the yurt at the edge of the cliff. Take in the view, the relaxed vibe, and nature. Not a "luxurious" resort but one that has everything you need to camp comfortably. The trails, gardens, beach were the highlights. Communal bathrooms and showers were clean. We snuck into the hot tubs right at 4pm with kids and got a few minutes to ourselves. Kids love it until they realized what clothing optional meant There were two deers wandering around not afraid of people. They didn't come out when it got really crowded. Definitely a different experience when it's not so busy. Go midweek if you can.

We Just got done spending five days here camping. Would highly recommend Doe Bay at anytime but especially during our time of social distancing. We felt very safe with everyone wearing masks and such a big property to social distance. The views are stunning and food is wonderful. The store sells ice along with grocery items. Live music on the weekends and all of this made for a relaxing week.

Stayed at Doe Bay during covid, and they did an excellent job of keeping things safe and enjoyable. The property is so large, that you can have plenty of distance between yourself and other visitors. They encourage masks outdoors and require them indoors at the shop, and everyone was very respectful, ensuring they have their mask on when walking around the property. We've stayed at Doe Bay at least 10 times, and it's always a treat. Beautiful scenery, amazing cafe. What more could you need?!

Absolutely loved this place!!!! Our first time staying on Orcas and we are so glad we chose Doe Bay rather than and Airbnb. So much thought went into the grounds and there is truly a different type of dwelling for everyone! We stayed in a dog friendly cabin, but will definitely be back soon to try out a yurt with amazing Salish sea views The cafe and spa were excellent and there is so much to do around Olga. Thank you!!!!!!!

So this one is complicated. I am not one of those who can deal well with creepy crawlers. I'm not good in less clean situations. Why, you may ask, did I choose to stay somewhere that approximates adult summer camp? Well it's just that beautiful! I wanted the camping experience without truly camping so we stayed in the treehouse. I was wrong to think it would avoid the pitfalls of camping though. We still needed to hike to get to the shower and privacy was nonexistent. The windows and room for the toilet have no curtains and no door (at least in the treehouse) and the sleeping loft while gorgeous and comfortable ended up being home to one of the most massive spiders I've ever seen. The only area to prepare meals is quite a distance from the treehouse as well and isn't well equipped. This brings me to the reason I still gave them a stellar review. The people who work here are endlessly patient. They knew I was out of my element and helped in whatever ways they could. When my phobias had me checking out early they even went so far as to help me find a different accommodation so that my vacation wasn't cut short. I feel like it's important to know that there are definite drawbacks to this type of vacation but the benefits are the amazing people you meet along the way and Doe Bay has not only some of the most extraordinary vistas but some of the best experiences and people to match.

We stopped in here and the only regret is not booking a cabin for the weekend. The saltwater spas are a heavenly assets to Orcas island and the staff keep the place clean daily. Between the little stream you cross to the sauna and the waterfront t 30 feet from the spas. Love this place. It's clothing optional so maybe skip the fudge for a week or five before comming here.

As an old, unhip fairly conservative dude, I had some concerns about fitting in. Let me just say, that everyone is super friendly to everyone. Staff, guests, everyone is very nice to each other. We sailed in and stayed on a mooring ball so I can't speak to the rooms/cottages/yurts, but we did use the showers and they were nice. I used one in the spa area and was surprised how "open" they were. I didn't notice the gate behind me. Almost gave some 10 year olds a view they would never "unsee", but was thankfully wrapped in a towel when they came through. Of course, the spa area is clothing optional even during the day, so parents are prepared I assume and are probably less uptight than I. So the look and feel, the people, were all wonderful. Let's talk food. Apparently the save their best food efforts for the weekend, but on a Wednesday night we had some of the best food we had on our entire trip. Grilled Chicken with a pesto sauce, a smoked cod dish, and broccoli with chorizo (never had that before and it was AMAZING), and other yummy eats. Good wine. Just a wonderful experience! Tips? Maybe some ties for the dinghies down at the beach. I was lucky to be able to tie off to a rock, but it worked.

Doe Bay Resort is a special place on earth. This gorgeous property has all of the amenities you would want while maintaining a rustic charm that reminds you to 'slow down' and relax. We arrived on Saturday morning (pre-book and get vehicle reservations for the Ferry, people) after learning the general manager River and his daughter Julia were hosting a 'mushroom and big trees' walk in the adjacent State Park - we totally recommend anyone attend this free nature walk! Once we checked in, we were provided carts to transport our luggage to the Gnome Yurt which has great views, comfortable new bedding, and secluded away from other visitors. The sound of rain on the top of the yurt was so peaceful. Other perks of the property include: the gorgeous resident male peacock 'Aqua', enjoying time along the private beach, fresh scallops from the Cafe, and thoughtful 'contactless' check in process. We are already dreaming of our return back to Doe Bay. Thank you!

You know you've found your happy place, when you make a booking for your next visit before you leave from your current one. Orcas Island is that happy place for me and the Doe Bay resort is central to my love of Orcas. Two things draw me to Doe Bay - the spa with its wonderful hot tubs and sauna, and the fabulous foodie worthy restaurant. Accommodations range from campsites to simple but very comfortable and clean cabins and houses. There are massages and yoga classes to be had in what is perhaps one of the most beautiful locations in North America, if not the world. The restaurant is delightful, and the food meets and exceeds international culinary standards. Orcas Island cuisine is a high bar, and the Doe Bay Café doesn't disappoint. The food is fresh, innovative and a true celebration of the bounty of the San Juan Islands. My only negative comment - if you can call it that - stems from the fact that there are Hindu and Buddhist statues all over the place. As an Indian-American who was raised as a Hindu, I'd like to point out to the folks at the Doe Bay Resort that there is a fine line between appreciation, adoption and appropriation. Many of these statues are sacred objects to my people (and to over two billion people on the planet), and it would be nice to see these treated as such - not as quirky garden gnomes from the "other". For example, I often see twigs, shells, and odd objects on the Ganesha statue near the tubs. I would be delighted to see this statue and others treated as the sacred objects they are. I would be happy to volunteer to share guidance on on this

After hiking Mt. constitution, the husband and I came here to relax in the soaking tubs and then eat dinner. The soak and the sauna was just what our bodies needed after a hike. Just beware that the facilities are just ok. They are coed. Lots of naked bodies with only one bathroom and basically a corner of a room to get changed in/de-robe. The sauna could maybe use a little upkeep for the amount of people coming through there. It strangely smelled like cigarettes but that very well could have been someone's bodily scent. Service at the bar in the cafe was good. Both of us were more than happy with our meals and drinks. The appetizers and entrees ordered were very delicious. Yes- prices are semi steep but that's what you get for organic/locally grown food on a remote island. Overall-there's certainly a "type" that make up the majority of guests here. Is it a little weird? Maybe. But it wouldn't keep us from coming back for day use again.

I've been staying here off and on for not quite 20 years now. Always have a good experience whether I'm solo or with a group of friends. I usually stay in one of the single-room cabins in the upper field. Doe Bay has consistently prioritized Earth-friendly practices and is a lovely retreat if you want to get back to nature. If you love the convenience of room service, throw-away culture and pristine bleached towels, this probably isn't your resort. Everything's clean, amenities are often gently used. There's camping sites where you can pitch a tent, platformed yurts (unless you're really determined to have a yurt experience, friends have reported struggling with indoor moisture, bitter frosty winter cold, and muggy summer greenhouse-like heat), and cabins of various sizes. There's also a body positive nudity-encouraged spa with 3 hot tubs, a sauna, and a nearby cold stream to dunk in. My no-op trans partner has felt safe visiting the spa while nude. The little cabins have a mini-fridge, microwave, shower, heater, ceiling fan, coffee maker, and some dishes and basic utensils. Plenty for off-season weekday mornings when there's not a lot of breakfast options on the island. The little cabins have a double bed so if you plan to share the cabin and are used to two people in a queen or larger, be ready for some tighter quarters, or consider one of the bigger or multi-roomed cabins. I often get massages while staying here. Always good experiences. Most recently, LMT Jason Frost did body work for both me and my girlfriend. I've had a few bad experiences with male LMTs over the years, so it was a wonderful relief that our experiences with Jason were excellent. Nurturing, kind, intuitive and communicative, and added bonus: since he worked on both of us and noticed we had several very similar aches and pains, he mentioned we might be due for a new mattress. We are indeed! Thursday open mic nights are always worth your time. Every month, Doe Bay donates $1 for every dinner entry ordered at the cafe to a different beneficiary. Drive slow, watch for deer. This resort is aptly named! If you want an experience that rewards the old proverb about "if you hold still long enough, you may see something," this is your resort.

Wow, things sure have changed. I stayed at Doe Bay a few times in the early 90's, rustic, beautiful, hot tubs, etc. But I guess I got kicked out of the club. Fast forward 30 years and my desire to return to relive my youth was thwarted by a 3 night minimum, during off season, and a crazy huge price tag. I guess the place was sold 20 years ago but by the looks of things, it hasn't changed much, but obviously the business model has. Also, the reservations calendar is quite full, so they don't have issues filling their lodging with folks willing to spend way too much money for what is offered. Back in the day Rosario was where the affluent stayed, Doe Bay was for the rest of us. Well, again, things have changed. Rosario is giving away a free night to come and stay with them. And the entire price for 3 nights there, is the same price as 1 night at Doe Bay, water view included. So, I'll swing by DB during my visit to Orcas, check out the old place, but sadly won't be staying here. Thays ok, they have plenty of other guests to keep lights on.

My time at Doe Bay has been life changing. I was invited to be one of their Artists in Residents in 2021 and 2022 and was blown away. The view from Doe Bay is breath taking. The food sourced from their incredible garden is amazing. The meals I've had at the Doe Bay restaurant are some of the best meals I've ever had. I'll never for get the scallops.. ever. It feels like home to me and I can't wait to go back. HIGHLY recommend visiting. Stop thinking about it and go!

The Doe Bay Resort truly did feel like a retreat from high paced urban life. From most locations on the property you enjoy stunning views out over the San Juan islands and distant mountains. There were plenty of options for activities while also providing a setting where you could just relax and unwind. There was all types of lodging from camping to full houses. Our accommodation was clean and spacious. One highlight was the restaurant, which had incredible food. There is a large garden on the property where they source all of the vegetables. The seafood was unbelievably fresh. To add to the experience, this summer there was live music each weekend night, and many guests came out to enjoy it. We also enjoyed the hot tubs, which as a result of Covid guidelines must be rented for a specific time window. They are perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the bay and beyond. It was a very memorable experience. In regards to Covid, both the staff and guests were extremely respectful by social distancing and wearing masks. Overall, I had an amazing weekend and I would definitely return for another stay in the future.

I had the opportunity to visit Doe Bay once again just about a week and a half ago. Had the most epic outdoor and friendly experience. Just grabbed a campground but was able to engulf he in dinner and breakfast the next day. I didn't get to campsite until after dark so me and my dog just hung out under a tree under the stars in our sleeping bag and a nice gentleman came by in the morning to make sure I was alright. I was and of course had my paperwork and turns out I was only across the path from my campsite by 20 feet. Good times. Met some great people but missed the springs as I had to catch the ferry. So I guess I guess I'll have to go back :)

Doe Bay is a perfect scenic get away to relax in nature, enjoy great food and soak in the hot tubs overlooking the bay. We really enjoyed the restaurant (organic, fresh, local, vegan/veg options), laid-back atmosphere of the resort. We stayed in the treehouse, with an amazing almost 360 degree wrap around balcony. Friendly staff. We had a flat tire upon leaving & the maintenance man was SO nice in helping us change the tire & providing info for tire repairs on the island. A special thank you to him for helping us!!

Tranquil spot on Orcas with rustic accommodations on the bay. First night there was a sail boat anchored there which was really fitting for the scenery and not too many people for the Memorial Day weekend. Live music was a cool, definitely gave it some flavor. Peeped some seals, deer, a blue heron, turkeys and hahha some raccoons and some gnarly island slugs (Ffffffff...) Clothing optional spa is chill. Up to you. Some openness there which is cool. Sometimes kids and families sometimes all to yourself go figure. Had a great massage there FYI, helped with a running injury. Stayed in one of the tent sights for $65 a night which seems way overpriced. Had some heavy breathing neighbors the first night. Especially when you consider the state park options nearby at Obstruction Pass and Moran State Park. Stayed in a rustic cabin for three other nights, which were over a hundred clams per night which seems outrageous given the state of the lodging, wood stove check, squeaky bed check, real basic. The communal services are attended to, shared bathrooms cleaned on the daily, but real rustic, think campers, Astro vans, etc. Cafe is ok, some good eats, overall I would say no more than two to three night's and you're good. Rent a kayak, watch the tide, bike up to Mount Constitution.

We went here for our honeymoon. We have lived in Seattle for around a decade. This place is Very Special, and some would say Magical! The soaking tubs, and sauna were absolutely relaxing. 2 of the days we soaked 3x a day. The restaurant was a tad pricey but thoroughly delicious. The cabin did not have water, but with soaking that much I have never felt cleaner. Bathrooms and showers are well situated and clean. The soap...oh man...the soap is phenomenal, I wish I had some in my shower. The stars at night were everywhere, and it was fun listening to the seals/lions barking at each other for their late night conversations. I couldn't recommend it more. Love this spot!

This place brings out the "hippie in me". I love the isolated campsites around, you can stay in yurts too, no campground where you are surrounded by other campers. The little cabins have great views and the kayaking tours take you around to some great locations. We love the hot springs soak, three nice side by side pools with wonderful view included. Great outdoor shower steps from the soaking pools. Who could ask for anything more! They own so much property here, much in an undeveloped state, i.e. unbuilt so, great for long hikes along the bluffs with wonderful views. They don't call it "Doe" Bay for nothing. You'll find them wandering about, unafraid. Everything and everyone here is so "mellow"... yes, I said, "mellow"... I guess the "Indian Vibe" got to me. You'll see... Yoga anyone! Seems like sacred space. Just loved the outdoor cafe for lunch and you can't beat the view!

The food is ridiculously good, and the view is gorgeous. Not much more to say. It's worth the pretty drive out if you're on the other side of the island! Brunch is amazing, and the rustic cabin feel only adds to the cozy morning vibe!

A few things... The property is in a residential area. The staff does not alert guests if there are concerts happening on site or loud parties during your stay. The view from my cabin was of a septic system drain field, old cars, and a run down trailer. It's just not as picturesque, relaxing, or unique as their website leads one the believe. And because of that, it is very over priced.

Doe Bay has kind of been our spiritual center for 40 years. Began as a little community on Orcas Island reachable by boat. Nestled in an old orchard surrounded by rocky bluffs, woods, a waterfall, outdoor clothing-optional hot tubs on a cliff, wood-fired sauna. Incredible, inventive cafe. Ever since it was a hippie community, Doe Bay has attracted very centered, kind staff. Even with the tsunami of Seattle tech money finding and dominating formerly lovely places, Doe Bay keeps it real. Just spent 3 days. Felt like a year of discovery. Bamboo cane massage by Jason Frost set the clocks back in my body. Early morning meditation on Otter Cove reset my soul. Colin at the front desk gave me an incredible deal on The Little Cabin, one of my favorite dwellings there. If you go, notice the people around you. If they're quiet, take their lead. Noise and ego are better left in the city.

This partially clothing-optional resort is a nature-lover's paradise, complete with private beach, lots of trails, meadows with deer, a small river with waterfalls, and hundreds of trees across the 33 acres. The three soaking tubs, guided kayaking, volleyball net, yoga classes that are free and open to all, and the giant sauna round out the recreational profile, while the organic, locally-sourced cafe and general store ensure that you will eat delicious food there. Accomodations range from very simple (hike-in tenting sites, a few car-camping tent sites, yurts with wooden floors and double beds, tiny one-room cabins with beds but no running water or electricity, cabins with woodstoves, and single beds in the hostel house where 8 twin beds per gender share two half-baths and a communal kitchen and showers in the next building over) to more deluxe accomodation like small cabins with full baths/kitchens, several cabins with more than one bedroom, and the retreat house, which sleeps 10 and has a full kitchen. It sounds terrible to not have a full bath in your space, but you will spend a lot of time outside and there are generous full baths in many places. The tent campers and the yurts on the far side of the beach have a longish stroll to facilities, but it is incredibly beautiful and private over there, so you have to decide what's important to you. The place is so quiet overnight that if you've got "city ears" you might have trouble sleeping... and the birds will wake you up in the morning. After a day or two (many people go for the week) you'll get used to it. The soaking tubs are just stunning. Clothing-optional and set in a large area which has a clear-to-the-sky roof and view to the private beach and Rosario Strait beyond, they are eight-person tubs built from hand-cut slate tiles. They are clean and the temperature varies from "lukecool" -- not cold, not warm either, to quite warm, to hot. The sauna seats probably twenty people and it has a view to the Doe Bay private beach through four or five windows. A shower stall, private half-bath, small dressing area, and view deck with comfortable chairs complete this space. The little river that runs through the property has one of its waterfalls near the soaking tubs so the soothing sound of rushing water is continually heard. My gripes about this paradise: the cafe claims to be vegetarian but serves a lot of seafood. That doesn't add up in my mind; either it had eyes and a thinking brain, or it didn't. That said, the short menu was comprised of delicious food and it's definitely worth checking out. The cabins (a few of them) need some maintenance. In particular, the beds are pitiful; many are only double-size and the mattresses quite frankly are among the worst I've ever slept on. Bouncy and completely unsupportive, it didn't make for a good "romp in the hay" or for good sleep. My understanding is that the present owners bought the resort in a fairly dilapidated state three years ago and have made continual improvements; the sauna and new soaking tubs were completed in the last month or two and drew praise from many repeat guests. The guy behind the counter (super helpful and very friendly, like all the staff we encountered) said that they're working on replacing the outdated beds this summer... write to them and beg for more queen-size beds! (Kings simply won't fit in these small cabin bedrooms). My last gripe is that the whole place isn't clothing-optional, just the soaking tubs/sauna area and the private beach. I could see requiring clothes in the cafe for health reasons, but I would have loved to enjoy sunbathing in the meadow, reading a book, etc., au naturale. It takes a while to get there so the two-night minimum is reasonable. However, if you're really crunched for time and still hope to enjoy the facilities, call Thursday or Friday and then the last remaining cabins and rooms (if any) can be reserved for just one night at no extra cost. Some day-use passes are available for $10/day. It's 1.5-2 hours to the ferry terminal in Anacortes from Seattle, about an hour on the ferry ($55 for two with a car), and then you'll drive about another hour to the resort on the opposite side of the island. Stop in the little town of Eastsound for groceries, batteries for your flashlight (you'll absolutely need one at Doe Bay after twilight, there's very little lighting of any kind) and to get your last carnivore lunch. :-)

I will probably vacillate between three and four stars for Doe Bay. For every plus, there is a minus in equal measure. AMBIANCE you can't beat this place for the view. Vistas and viewpoints galore. Accommodations are VERY BASIC. The showers suck. outright. Dull, grimy, paint peeling, cold, no where to put your dry clothes while showering. Communal toilets exceptionally basic. I have stayed at campsites, and youth hostels and the communal services are sub par at best. It is cold here in the evenings so showering is best to do when the earth is warmed up. Otherwise you might want to bring a sleeping bag to the wet areas. Or take your main shower at the hot tub. Also the nicest toilet is there. The communal kitchen is very tiny. Only enough room for one and a half families to cook and limited seating. You WILL be getting social and friendly out of necessity. NOTE: Pick a yurt to stay in. Unique experience, and a bit more privacy and view. Be aware that the accommodation is NOT CHEAP for what it is. YUM FACTOR There is a cafe on site that I am sure you will frequent at least once. It is a fairly long drive to the retreat. There is moderate yum. Not overtly so. For the cost of a meal and a little forward planning, I wouldn't make eating here a habit. Have a glass of wine though, the selection was pretty decent. The Olga cafe beats the food here hands down. SERVICE AND FRIENDLINESS Great..It's a dressed up youth hostel. Not a five star resort. So those of you who are expecting handmaidens and butlers will be sorely disappointed. One of the biggest downers is getting your "stuff" to your accommodation if you happen to be on the left side of the entrance. You have to take one of their McGyver like contraptions to cart your stuff approximately one mile into the woods. Having to do so is a royal pain. No two ways about it. Especially when disrespectful guests hide the carts at their own rooms for the entire duration of their stay. Not cool. Wi-fi very sketchy wave your device around or walk like you've got a divining rod to improve signal. The general store is well stocked with basics, the cost of which aren't that outrageous when compared to the local supermarket. Be warned that it closes down at 4 or 5. VIBE Very sixties hippie. Earth mothers and pappas of all generations will and do find a home here. Enjoy being naked with strangers? Then don't forget the clothing optional hot tub. I'm not a prude, but i found the clothing optional area to be a bit too much for me. The hot tub overlooks a part of the bay. But looking up and seeing some dude's bat swinging first thing before breakfast was a bit much for me. And often people did NOT honor the no nakedness before a certain hour sign. You know FAMILY HOUR? I had to laugh as I walked down towards the hot tub one afternoon. A little girl was walking with her mother and she stopped me. She had a dead earnest look on her face and said, "I have to warn you, there are naked PEOPLE down there. We had a little conversation about "birthday suits" as I thanked her for volunteering her information. One cool feature was open mike night. We hung out for awhile and enjoyed the variety of locals showing off their wide range of talents and abilities. One downfall is the party carries on into the night and the farther away you are from the cafe, the better if you like sleep. Doe Bay is more retreat than resort. That is where people may be misled. With a little more thought behind the basic conveniences, and a few tips from Martha, I think they could justify the Resort and Retreat component to their name. In the meantime, think camping and communal living, stay two days and enjoy the magnificent view.

Doe bay is a great place to stay! All of the staff are super nice, and this is an amazing place to de-stress. The soaking pools are so nice, and I love coming here to relax, slow down, and unplug. Can't wait to go back. The restaurant has very tasty meals, good service, and use locally sourced when they can (there is a huge beautiful garden on the property for the restaurant). Great drinks, and excellent desserts too. Can't wait to go back.

For starters, this is a one of a kind location: on a cove on the South-facing side of Orcas Island. Pure magic. Next, while the accommodations are rustic, the simplicity blends well with surrounding nature, and ideally with your intended time there: to unplug, and get back to simplicity and nature. The tubs and sauna area (spa) take this idea a step further, and should be the centerpiece of any stay here: the spa is situated over a stream and waterfall, so while you soak, you're listening to naturally running water. Bliss! But then there is the cafe with food grown in their own garden! Always nutritious and delicious! But finally, the cherry on top is how supportive Doe Bay is to the arts and touring artists, with a robust "Artist is Residence" program that keeps Doe Bay Resort and the island immersed in incredible artists all year long! I have produced multiple events there, including my own wedding, so... I guess you could say I'm a super-fan!

The stay in October 2019 was my second at Doe Bay resort and retreat. The last last time I visited was in 2015. I stayed in a cabin with a kitchenette then. This time, we stayed in a yurt. This place has had a huge upgrade since then in terms of lodging options, facilities and service. Check-in was easy. The staff was very friendly. We chose to stay in an on-grid yurt so we could use the heater. There were skylights we absolutely loved but no view like the off-grid ones. The soak is awesome as usual. The mist rising up the cliffs makes the bay look like a dreamland. The other guests were also cool and friendly. They provide yoga, massages and a common kitchen by the yoga studio. The doe are so cute and friendly! I suggest visiting their cute library and checking out the doe bay cafe at least once. I wish they would extend the hours of that cafe!

This is not a five star resort, this is a retreat. Let your hair down, shed your shoes and just let go. For me, this was perfect place for a relaxing weekend with a dear friend. It is a rustic with hippie overtones. A variety of options from geodesic domes and yurts, to cabins and larger retreat spaces. This was my second visit, and it was a delight to see how the property had improved in the the intervening years. Its clear that the owners love the space, work to improve it but still honor the spirit of the place. The soaking tubs were clean and well kept, and while there were a number of other people there, they were never overly crowded. We also hung out in the Otters Lounge, enjoying the deck, using the wifi and napping on the couch. We stayed in the South Couples Hostel room. It was clean and cozy. The only hitch was that they couldn't find the curtains for the room. When I brought it to their attention they acknowledged it was an issue, but still didn't fix it for the second night. They comped me a pound of coffee on check out, but It would have been easy for them to toss some sheets over the windows to give us a little privacy. It's a little expensive for a regular retreat, but we'll be back.

Let's get this out of the way I LOVE LOVE LOVE, Doe bay. I've been there a countless number of times to use the tubs and sauna (when I use to live on Orcas) They are wonderful, and have been updated within the past year of two, so they are really quite nice now / yet rustic. The tubs over look Doe Bay, and it it the perfect retreat on a cloudy NW winter day. I've never been when it is too crowded. So why only four stars? Last January we came over from neighboring San Juan Island to spend a birthday weekend here; stayed in a cabin, ate at the restarunt- it is possible we had a bad exprerience... but both my travel partner and I felt yucky after eating the food there (which was a bit of a bummer). I was pretty happy with the cabin, small, simple - but my companion didn't think it was anything special for the $ and said next time it would be better to stay in town and just drive out to Doe Bay... so there is that option. If you are traveling in the summer, I think the camping and the hostel options could be great; but I have never tried them. We enjoyed hiking around the property; I think there is a trail you can take to Moran State park (which is gorgeous) and there is a little library on the property as well as a yoga studio. Clothing optional, gotta love that. I love bringing close friends here; it is a great way to experience that island feel.

What a great little spot! Even though the weather was cold and we came in the off-season it was still wonderful. They were so welcoming and even upgraded us since they were doing construction on where we originally booked. The cabin was so cozy with a wonderful view. Our favorite place was the hot tubs. They were so clean and comfortable. We mostly stayed in the spa since it was so pleasant and warm. This was a perfect place to spend a weekend away. We will for sure come back in the summertime to create more memories.

Let's start with the property. The views are phenomenal from almost anywhere on the property. The grounds are clean and well kept. I cannot say enough about the beauty of this place. Amenities: I loved the spa. While it's not a large area, it is clean and well kept. Your trip is not complete without a dip in the hot tubs. The Cafe/Restaurant is top notch! I did not expect to have such a fantastic dining experience. The food is absolutely incredible! I would make a trip just for the cafe. Accommodations: We stayed in the Beach Yurt and it was great! The yurts are minimal but cozy, and exactly what you want when camping. The beach view was stunning from our yurt and the fresh air and sounds of the inlet were so calming. Staff: Hands down, the friendliest and most helpful folks you will ever meet. Colin, Brian, Jessie, Jasmine, and so many others go above and beyond to make you feel like you are among great friends, not just a resort staff. They have taken hospitality and turned it into an art form. Bravo! In summation: Go to Doe Bay. When you're there, there are no bad days.