oregon wellness retreat: your bff among the pears, pot, and psilocybin

Written by Lisa Saper-Bloom

Photos by Lisa Saper-Bloom and one rafting participant

Like the license plate of the vehicle she will welcome and transport you in, Jacqui Mann, Owner of the Bayberry Inn Oregon Wellness Retreat (OWR), makes you feel like you have been best friends forever! From the moment you step off the curb of the Medford Airport, Jacqui has you! With her sense of humor, her depth and breadth of Ashland knowledge, her breakfast culinary arts… you are never to lift a thumb while in her presence as it is her top priority for you to feel “valued and cared for”!

Jacqui makes Solo Travelers feel like her BFF!

Before diving in too deeply, I would be doing the female solo traveler a disservice if I did not mention the Jacqui experience begins from the first moment of planning. I am not sure how I stumbled upon her website, (thank you Google) but from the second I clicked, Jacqui was ready to help customize and plan my adventure, wellness, and meals! She suggested staying in her Garden Room, which I did. The Garden Room is nothing short of safe, private, and complete with its own bathroom. And absolute BONUS!... The deer LOVE spending time right outside the bedroom window!

Perusing her site, anyone who knows me knows I was hook, line, and sinker for her “Adventure Quick Escape 3 Day for 1” or as I would refer to it, a quick solo trip for the peaceful heart and adventurer spirit. 

Jacqui can tailor a visit to anyone’s needs and desires; from Ashland’s typical Shakespearean theatre enthusiast to the spiritually centered, outdoorsy soul. The itineraries listed on her website are just the starting point for creativity! Jacqui’s creativity extends far beyond her itineraries and is felt throughout the Inn as she makes daily breakfast, a plethera of body products including shampoo and conditioner and robes. Her Botanically Fused Formulas (BFF) product line is yours to use throughout the charming Inn, and her hand-made bath robes are hanging in your bedroom closet for your coziness and comfort. Being a Certified Aromatherapist for over 25 years, I can tell you that Jacqui has a quality product line and that her Frankincense shower gel is luxurious!

While on the road with Jacqui, coming from the Medford airport, I asked about the orchard that lined the highway. Jacqui mentioned it was the Harry and David pear orchard. She joked that Ashland is all about pears, pot, and psilocybin! Many of her guests throughout the year enjoy an array of healing therapies, one of the most popular being psilocybin. The healing stories she witnesses among travelers still astounds her.

Ashland’s natural vibe is magically earthy, super-down-to-Earth, welcoming, and safe. It strikes me as one of the last-of-the-authentic-outdoors-hippie towns, which says a LOT coming from me, who spent  years following the Grateful Dead, spending a ton of time throughout Colorado, hiking numerous trails and getting married in Sedona and living in Arizona my entire adult life!. I would go as far as saying Ashland rivals all of it!

One of the greatest benefits of solo travel is the time you spend with YOU! Staying at the Bayberry Inn, breakfast is the one communal event each day that brings travelers of all kinds and all places together. For those I Coach through the fear of being “alone” or “not being able to strike up conversation”, breakfast is the perfect time to help shift that mind frame.

My first afternoon and evening was spent exploring the town, including Lithia Park. Acclimating is simple as people warmly welcome you in. A walking town, Ashland drivers possess patience and respect for those in crosswalks and admiring the beauty that surrounds them. From art and crystals to record stores and fresh baked sourdough, Ashland is all about local artisans. Drift Collective Ashland has  65 local artisans throughout their establishment! This includes clothing, organic body products, art and ice cream; including dairy-free, coconut bases and hand-made, glute-free, waffle cones! This town truly speaks my language!

My first full day was split; half-day whitewater rafting with Noah’s River Adventures and an evening of Japanese pool soaks, small-bite-Japanese-inspired plates and matcha bread at Chozu Bath & Tea Gardens.

OK… WAIT… it is pertinent I back up! For those who follow my socials and All Inclusive Travel Series, you KNOW that food is my BIGGEST challenge when traveling. Garlic and onion will knock me out with a two-day, NAUSEATING migraine! And need I remind you, it is in EVERYTHING! 

As part of her all-inclusive retreats, Jacqui connects you with her local partners who she TRUSTS to give you next-level-dining experiences. No matter the cuisine or atmosphere of choice, she makes reservations (if she knows you need them…the theatre crowd can be tough to beat to a seat). With her personalized voucher, your meal is a seamless transaction, automatically charged to her account! 

While garlic and onion is a rare and challenging allergy to accomodate, Jacqui got on the phone with her people and asked questions! She never gave up on her mission to make sure I felt safe and happy! Should Jacqui need to search outside of her partners, and finds your experience meets her standard, she will then include them in her network. This happened with Umami, when I mentioned sushi tends to be a cuisine I can lean on while traveling as long as I stay clear of sauces. Boon, the Sushi Chef, was extremely accommodating! I love that together he and I found something uniquely different to my taste buds! He adjusted his King Kong roll to meet my needs. Never have I experienced a tempura-fried banana atop a shrimp tempura roll! The savory/sweet combination of this roll left me with something to write about! Boon took his time, expertise, and care in making sure I felt valued and accommodated.

Boon at Umami will work with food allergies, creating something just for YOU!

In getting back to Noah’s River Adventures, I will start with the word EXHILARATING! The Rogue River Whitewater tour was originally scheduled, but Jacqui emailed me the night before I arrived to inform me that the plan had pivoted as the rafting company did not have enough people to make that trip a go. When filling out the additional waiver, I noticed that I was then scheduled to be on the Upper Klamath, Class 4! I could not be MORE EXCITED about this pivot!

Prior to August 1st of 2025, this stretch of the river was never run as the area has been underwater since the early 1900s. I was informed that my group of six travelers was among the first of five hundred people to run this stretch of river that is still brand new to many guides. The day we went, we were the only group of travelers, while the four (maybe five) other rafts were fire fighters and guides in training. 

Geographically, we were transported to Hardbrook, California, population of 341 and known for its “rugged outdoors”. To open this stretch, four dams needed releasing. As their website states, “There is a lot of history in this area as it was sacred land to the Shasta tribe as this was their homeland.” “Entering the canyon is very spectacular; the views, geology, the rapids and the pace are world class. Enjoying this special place is a top priority and we will try and slow things down a bit to look around and marvel. This is a 3 mile stretch that is nonstop, big whitewater for guaranteed splashes to the face, and all day smiles.”

True to description, there was only one opportunity to slow down and absorb the magnificence surrounding you. I did NOT risk taking my phone, therefore very few photos came out of the experience. There was a group of three siblings within our party that knew they could “sacrifice one phone” between them. Needless to say, they were the photographers.

This half day was EXACTLY as stated on the website!... Nonstop and guaranteed splashes to the face!  Hearing and abiding by our guide Paul’s commands was pertinent to our safety! 

Other than getting stuck for a hard minute, Paul and our group KILLED it! One raft of firefighters however, flipped, and it was up to us and the other rafts to assist them to safety! One hour. Under 3 miles. 8, class IV rapids!!! This area is SPECIAL! It is RUGGED! And it DESERVES world class recognition among the rafting community! For those brand new to rafting, class IV rapids are not a recommended place to start! Those like myself, who get a small thrill from class III, and want to take it up a notch, I HIGHLY recommend this company and run! 

After twenty-four hours of airports, flying, and adventure, Jacqui knew it would be time for me to unwind. That evening, she scheduled a private soak and tea at Chozu.

After 24 hours of airports, flying, and class IV rapids, Chozu was the perfect remedy!

Upon entering Chozu, I was immediately and warmly greeted by Kelsey. She and I briefly discussed my plan including dinner, a communal soak with options to use the steam room and cold plunge, and an hour private soak.

Starting with dinner, Sati, who Kelsey lovingly referred to as their “Kitchen Witch”, reviewed menu ingredients with me as of course, Jacqui spoke with them before my arrival. We settled on their balsamic glazed shiitake mushrooms and edamame to which Sati made small adjustments. In addition, as a matcha enthusiast, I ordered their gluten-free-matcha bread for dessert! Pictured, the portion consists of two pieces. I ate one before my soak and then requested the other be wrapped for me with a chamomile tea to go. I anticipated being in a floaty, meditative state after soaking. The chamomile mint tea that was listed on the menu was not available, but Sati being the “Kitchen Witch” she is, blended up something unique and special for me!

Matcha bread, a slightly sweet dessert at Chozu!

Soaking among the jasmine plants and blooming magnolia tree was divine! I took advantage of  “clothing optional” and the arching jasmine plant while in my private soak. This was an optimal opportunity to meditate on my back, under the jasmine, allowing it to surround and amplify my crown chakra. Chozu is a truly delightful experience that I would recommend while visiting Ashland, especially after a day like mine on the river!

My final full day in Ashland was spent creating this blog and sampling what the town has to offer. Again, being a matcha enthusiast, I wanted to try the matcha boba at Dobre Tea. With another warm welcome and Zenlike indoor atmosphere, I chose their outdoor seating as it was perfectly situated for people watching. After a couple of hours of writing and observing, I revisited and meandered a bit through Lithia Park, “Ashland’s crown jewel.” Coming from the dry, 108 degree temperatures of Phoenix, the emerald landscape, waterfalls, ponds, flora and fauna are soothing to the eyes, mind, and soul. My day was complete with a 90 minute massage with Heidi back at OWR.

Being the host that Jacqui is, she made reservations for me that evening. But being me, and embracing one of the benefits of Solo Travel, (changing directions) a walk to the Red Zone  sports bar to catch my Chicago Cubs was my plan. Given the basketball finals, every New Yorker in town seemed to be there. The bar was packed! There were only two guys working that evening and they KILLED IT, making everyone feel attended to while remaining calm, respectful, and never skipping a beat! This is Ashland.

Knowing this blog got long-winded, I will not apologize. For when you want to share a string of positive experiences with others, you want them to FEEL the authenticity and joy in the same way you did. And honestly, I still don’t think I did the whole experience justice!

As you can tell, I cannot say enough good things about Jacque and Ashland. If you are a female solo traveler looking for a safe, warm, welcoming, healing to your mind/body/soul retreat and town… Jacqui at and the OWR at Bayberry Inn in Ashland, Oregon is your answer!

Needing a little encouragement and support beyond this blog, book a Coaching session with me! Not only can I help you overcome your fear of Solo Travel, whatever that looks like, I can connect you with the places and people that I have experienced and TRUST to be the ultimate host to YOU!

In addition, join me for online, virtual workshops! Coming up June 20th: Aromatherapy for Life & Travel

Don't have time but want the information: Aromatherapy for Life & Travel digital product