Immersive Seaweed Spa Experience Launches on Vancouver Island Airbnb
Sooke, BC (September 2025) – A new collaboration on Vancouver Island is introducing travelers to the healing power of the sea. Airbnb host Kaitlyne Tyner, a doula, photographer, homeschooling mother of three, and retreat facilitator, has partnered with Jessica Almonte, known as The Seaweed Homeopath, to launch a one-of-a-kind Seaweed Spa Experience for guests staying at Kaitlyne’s custom-built Volkswagen Van in Sooke, BC.
The offering allows visitors to enjoy a rejuvenating bath infused with hand-harvested seaweed, prepared and set up directly in their private clawfoot tub set in serene coastal rainforest. The ritual includes a curated collection of locally crafted skincare cleanser, exfoliant, toner, mask, and balm formulated from sustainably foraged bull kelp.
“This experience was inspired by my love for seaweed baths for both myself and for my children,” said Jessica Almonte, The Seaweed Homeopath. “It’s a complete reset after a long day. For many, the word seaweed conjures images of something slippery underfoot or a briny smell at low tide. Yet, when you bring seaweed into a spa setting, it’s a completely different experience. Kelp is naturally cleansing, mineral-dense, and surprisingly elegant. In hot water, it softens, releasing a silky texture that feels like nature’s own body serum. In this format, seaweed becomes a luxury treatment that is clean, grounding, and deeply nourishing, containing many vitamins and minerals that are absorbed through the skin. Guests not only leave relaxed but also truly nourished.”
The collaboration between the two women grew out of a chance meeting by a bonfire in Jordan River years ago. Kaitlyne’s husband ran home to their tiny house in the forest, woke her up, and said, “I think I just met your new best friend.” He was right, and from that night on, the women formed a friendship rooted in community, family, and the coastal life they love. During the four months that the Tyners were building their Airbnb, their little community grew closer as three families came together, sharing meals, raising children side by side, and joining in the final preparations through cleaning and setup. What began as friendship and community has now evolved into an innovative hospitality experience that reflects the coastal lifestyle.
The healing tradition of thalassotherapy
The Seaweed Spa draws inspiration from thalassotherapy, from the Greek thalassa (sea) and therapeia (healing treatment), an ancient wellness practice that uses seawater, seaweed, and marine minerals to restore balance. Historically, thalassotherapy has been embraced by cultures from Ancient Egypt to modern European spas.1 Seaweed contains 10-20 times more vitamins and minerals than land plants, making it uniquely nourishing when used in therapeutic bathing.1 When immersed in a warm bath, these nutrients are absorbed directly through the skin, offering several key benefits:
Stress relief & relaxation: Minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium calm the nervous system and support the body’s ability to relax.1
Thyroid & breast health: Seaweed is a natural source of iodine, which is readily absorbed through both the skin and lungs. Adequate iodine is critical for thyroid balance, metabolic function, and breast tissue health1.
Improved circulation & joint support: Seaweed baths stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and ease arthritic pain. They have also been used to support cellulite reduction through localized circulation.1
Skin health & hydration: Hydrocolloids found in seaweeds lock in moisture, soften the skin, and provide gentle exfoliation that improves tone and texture.1
As Plato observed, “The sea cures all ailments of man”.
Quick facts: Seaweed baths
Seaweed baths were historically prescribed in 19th-century Ireland for arthritis, rheumatism, and postpartum recovery due to their anti-inflammatory and circulatory benefits.1
Cleopatra is believed to have used seaweed wraps in her beauty rituals.1
Modern studies show seaweed baths can reduce stress hormones like cortisol within 20 minutes.1
The iodine vapors released from warm seaweed baths are absorbed through the lungs, supporting respiratory health and pathogen elimination.1
The skin only absorbs the iodine it requires, similar to iodine tincture testing, making seaweed baths naturally balanced and safe.1
Hydrocolloids in kelp act like natural moisturizers, leaving skin silky, supple, and nourished.1
Some spas historically placed clawfoot bathtubs on beaches, heating them with firewood and filling them with seawater and kelp for a combined natural and sensory healing experience.1
Guests will also be introduced to Jessica’s handcrafted Coastal Skincare Line, featuring five signature products:
Coastal cleanser: mineral-rich kelp, rose water, and hyaluronic acid for hydration and clarity.
Earth to sea exfoliant: quartz, clay, and kelp for gentle exfoliation and circulation.
Mystic mask: bull kelp and local clay for deep detox and nourishment.
Tidal toner: kelp infusion with rose water and apple cider vinegar to restore balance.
Bask balm: kelp, zinc oxide, and jojoba oil for skin protection and a natural glow.
“Our goal is to create something restorative and deeply connected to the land,” said Kaitlyne, Airbnb host. “Vancouver Island is already a haven for surf, nature, and retreat, and this unique experience adds a layer of wellness that brings the ocean’s healing right into your bath.”
The Seaweed Spa Experience is now available for booking through Kaitlyne’s Airbnb in Sooke, Vancouver Island.
About the seaweed homeopath
Jessica Almonte, known as The Seaweed Homeopath, is a practitioner specializing in the therapeutic potential of seaweed in holistic health. Based in Sooke, BC, she forages seaweed by hand, blending her expertise in homeopathy, kinesiology, and seaweed therapeutics to create nourishing treatments, skincare products, and educational workshops.
About Kaitlyne Tyner
Kaitlyne Tyner is a Vancouver Island Airbnb host, doula, professional photographer, homeschooling mother of three, and facilitator of women’s retreats. She specializes in creating experiences that combine community, creativity, and relaxation, offering guests a holistic escape on the island’s rugged west coast.
Media contact
Jessica Almonte
The Seaweed Homeopath
Website: www.theseaweedhomeopath.com
Kaitlyne Tyner
Airbnb Host
Book: Volkswagen Airbnb
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