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Salt Spring Island Spa Weekend at Five Elements Lodge

If you’re looking for a restorative and relaxing weekend getaway and spa retreat from Vancouver or Vancouver Island, I have the perfect spot for you. Nestled in the temperate rainforest on the northern tip of Salt Spring Island (the largest of the Southern Gulf Islands), Five Elements Lodge B&B offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city while providing everything you need to relax at a reasonable price. In this post, I’ll be sharing my experience at this incredible property and why I’ll be returning again in the future.

Turning down the sloping drive to the lodge, through the tall forest closing in around you, you immediately begin to experience the healing properties of this place. Getting out of the car, you’ll be greeted by the host, Michael, and his wife, Dana. Together they have lovingly renovated this once multi-generational home into a gorgeous B&B and spa experience. Everything here is designed to help you slow down and reconnect with yourself.

Wooden sign reading Five Elements Lodge, 270 West Eagle Dr stands by a forest, with symbol plaques mounted on a post beside it on Salt Spring Island.
The entrance to Five Elements Spa and Lodge.

Why this BnB is the best on Salt Spring Island: Spa Amenities and Forest Wellness

This is where Five Elements Lodge sets itself apart from almost every other Salt Spring Island accommodation: the private, forest-immersed spa circuit. Tucked deep in the trees, this wellness area includes a cedar dry sauna with a window onto the forest, steam room with eucalyptus spray, a large outdoor hot tub, cold and hot shower, and natural lounging spaces—all arranged to support a repeating thermal circuit that is both restorative and invigorating.

A small wooden sauna with a glass door at Five Elements Lodge, featuring supplies and seating, nestled in Salt Spring Island’s peaceful woods.
Steam Room.
Outdoor area at Five Elements Lodge on Salt Spring Island with a covered hot tub, wooden shower, and small structure in a forested setting.
Hot tub and shower in the forest.
A woman in a swimsuit relaxes on a sauna bench at Five Elements Lodge, gazing out the window during her Salt Spring Island spa weekend.
Dry Sauna

The best part? You can book the spa for multiple private sessions each day of your stay, at no extra cost. The seamless booking system ensures that each guest enjoys uninterrupted, solitary access—just you, the forest, and the healing rhythm of hot, cold, rest, and repeat.

We spent hours immersed in this spa experience, returning again and again throughout the weekend. Whether in the stillness of morning or under a canopy of stars at night, it offered an unmatched sense of peace. You won’t be sharing this space with strangers or rushing through your time. It truly feels like a private forest sanctuary.

A wooden gate and fence next to a cabin with stairs at Five Elements Lodge on Salt Spring Island, surrounded by trees and plants.
Spa entrance.

Robes, flip flops, and spa towels are all provided. And just steps away is a movement studio with yoga mats, weights, and a meditation corner—perfect for stretching, journaling, or simply breathing, also bookable online in advance to guarantee each guest has the experience they are looking for.

A home gym in an attic, inspired by Five Elements Lodge, with exercise bike, bench, weights, floor lamps, and sunlit slanted windows.
Gym with meditation area in background.
Home gym at Five Elements Lodge with weight machine, treadmill, free weights, mirrors, and blue string lights—perfect for a Salt Spring Island retreat.
Yoga and stretching area.

This isn’t a hotel with a hot tub. This is a true spa retreat in the woods, and it’s the heart of what makes Five Elements Lodge so exceptional.

Breakfast and Kitchen Amenities

If you want to go all in on a wellness weekend, you could stay the entire time at the lodge without ever leaving. Just make sure to pick up some food at the grocery in town before you arrive. Then, you can take advantage of the kitchen which has thoughtful touches including all the utensils you might need, a microwave, a full fridge, as well as bread, milk and other basics. Plus, the hosts provide a lovely breakfast each day including yoghurt, granola and cereals, bread and other baked goods, as well as farm fresh eggs and butter. There is a handy espresso machine too, saving you the effort of going out to get caffeinated for the day.

A tidy kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a window above the sink, inspired by Salt Spring Island’s serene Five Elements Lodge.
All your kitchen needs.
A platter with assorted scones and breads at Five Elements Lodge, plus yogurt, blueberries, and cantaloupe—perfect for a Salt Spring Island spa weekend.
Breakfast provided.

Who This Lodge is Best For

Five Elements Lodge is best suited for couples, solo travelers, small groups or conscious families with children looking for an immersive and intentional wellness experience. If you’re seeking relaxation, the daily spa sessions and cozy rooms with fireplaces make it easy to unwind. You can rejuvenate and connect with nature by accessing the hundreds of hiking trails including down to the beach or on the property at the shinrin-yoku forest walk.

A person in outdoor clothing walks toward a round wooden Forest Walk sign at Salt Spring Island in a dense, wooded forest.
Forest walk.

This Salt Spring spa retreat feels intentionally off-grid while still offering comfort and structure. You don’t hear cars or nearby neighbors, it’s just you in the woods.

Element-Themed Suites & What Each Offers

Each suite at this Salt Spring Island B&B is named for a natural element and is thoughtfully designed with comfort and simplicity in mind.

  • Earth Element Suite – Spacious with queen bed + sleeper sofa, electric fireplace, desk and sitting area. Ideal for couples or small groups.
  • Air Element Suite – Private entrance. Queen bed and 2 double beds; great for friends traveling together or a small family.
  • Water Element Suite – Two queens (one a sleeper sofa) and two twins; Upper floor. Can connect to Earth or Air Suites for larger groups.
  • Fire Elements Suite – 1 queen bed and 1 sleeper soda. Cozy with a fireplace and couch but no ensuite; closest to the spa.

All rooms include Wi-Fi, toiletries (shampoo/conditioner), towels, and thoughtful touches for a retreat-style stay.

A bedroom at Five Elements Lodge on Salt Spring Island with red bedding, bedside lamps, a desk, and balcony access—perfect for a spa weekend.
Air Suite.
A neatly made bed with orange pillows at Five Elements Lodge, framed fish art, and lamps—perfect for a Spa Weekend on Salt Spring Island.
Earth Suite.
Two twin beds with whale tail bedding sit in an attic room at Five Elements Lodge on Salt Spring Island, separated by a wooden clothing rack.
Water Suite (second bedroom).
A cozy bedroom at Five Elements Lodge with a yellow bedspread, gray chair, and door to a deck—perfect for your Salt Spring Island spa weekend.
Water Suite.
A cozy bedroom at Five Elements Lodge on Salt Spring Island, with a large bed, patchwork quilt, and a small couch under the window.
Fire Suite.

Trails, Beaches & the Silent Forest

One of our favorite parts of the lodge was how easy it was to step out the door and into nature. The property connects directly into the Channel Ridge Trail system, offering endless forest walks. A 15-minute hike downhill leads to Sunset Beach, a quiet, meditative spot with west-facing views—perfect for journaling or catching golden hour.

Cloudy sky over a calm lake on Salt Spring Island, with distant tree-covered islands and mountains at sunset.
Views from sunset beach.

The host is a wonderful resource for trail recommendations and will even offer to drive guests to the top of the ridge so they can hike back down to the lodge. There’s also a stone circle area for mindful walking, a tucked-away meditation hut, and a separate propane fire area perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.

A small hut with a moss-covered roof stands in a forest on Salt Spring Island, flanked by carvings and surrounded by fallen leaves.
A hut in the forest.
Three wooden discs with carved wave patterns stand on metal stakes at Salt Spring Island’s tranquil Five Elements Lodge.
Stone circle.

Stopovers & Things to Do on the Way

Getting to the lodge is part of the fun, and we recommend padding your itinerary with a few food-focused stops:

  1. Salt Spring Kitchen Co. – Stock up on famous small-batch jams and pick up Salt Spring Island Cheese while you’re there.
  2. Francis Bread – Arguably the best bakery on the island. Everything we tried was perfection.
  3. Salt Spring Wild Cider House – Relaxed, scenic cidery with unique small-batch flavors and a beautiful tasting room.
  4. Feast – Our favorite dinner spot in Ganges. Elegant, seasonal, and worth reserving in advance for farm to table excellence.
  5. Moby’s Pub – A great spot for casual food and live music, especially in the evenings.
  6. Waterfront Country Café – We caught some surprise live country music here—always check for community events and posters in town!
Coffee shop counter with pastries, menu boards, flowers, and a barista; rustic decor evokes a Salt Spring Island spa weekend atmosphere.
Waterfront Country Cafe
A bookstore interior on Salt Spring Island with wooden shelves and a display table filled with books in the foreground.
Book shop in Ganges

How to Get There from Vancouver, Victoria, or Seattle

There are three ferry routes to Salt Spring Island. All can be booked at BC Ferries:

  • Vesuvius Bay to Crofton (Vancouver Island) – Closest ferry to Five Elements Lodge. Runs hourly.
  • Long Harbour to Tsawwassen (Vancouver) – Best option if you’re coming from the Lower Mainland. Only two sailings per day, so book ahead.
  • Fulford Harbour to Swartz Bay (Victoria) – Convenient if coming from Victoria. Runs several times a day.

You can also fly in via seaplane from Vancouver or Victoria on Harbour Air, and rent a car on the island.

Views from the ferry of the Southern Gulf Islands.

Best Time to Visit

While Salt Spring shines in summer, I highly recommend visiting in the off-season (fall through early spring). You’ll get lower accommodation rates, quieter trails, fewer restaurant reservations to worry about, and a more serene overall vibe—perfect for a wellness retreat.

If you come in December, the Salt Spring Island Christmas Market is also a festive highlight.

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Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Five Elements Lodge. It’s more than a place to stay—it’s a portal into a slower, more intentional way of being. A sign in the forest below the hot tub read, “Lose your mind to find your soul”. I think that fits what this place is trying to achieve perfectly. Whether you want to stretch out in the sauna, hike forest trails, or sit by the fire in silence, this place offers the rare gift of tranquility. And though it feels like you’re miles from anywhere, you’re just 15 minutes from downtown Ganges.

A wooden house with a metal roof on Salt Spring Island is nestled among trees, a garden, and a gravel driveway with orange and yellow flags.
Five Elements Lodge from above.

Rebecca runs The Adventure Beckons, a travel and outdoor adventure blog based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As an experienced traveler to over 40 countries and counting, she provides her readers with practical travel itineraries from day trips to multi-week adventures. She strives to balance nature and hiking with the must-see tourist highlights that are genuinely worth your time and money.

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