The Posthotel in Leavenworth has become known as the premier luxury wellness hotel in our state and it’s not hard to see why. As you enter Posthotel, you’re immediately embraced by a sense of calm. The air is lightly scented with their signature custom
scent; soft ambient music sets a tranquil tone. Everything—from the luxurious textures to the quiet elegance of the design—invites you to exhale, unwind, and prepare for an experience where relaxation is the priority.
What many don’t know or see, is that the hard work and inspiration that went into building Posthotel is truly a family story, now six generations deep in Leavenworth. The Johnson family has history in Leavenworth starting in the 1940’s. The family had experience with construction, but surprisingly, no experience in the hospitality industry. It was Rob Johnson (third generation) and his wife Nancy, that saw an opportunity. At that time, Leavenworth was mostly a daytrip destination, and there were only a few small motels in town (which closed in the winter). They found themselves brainstorming ideas to encourage more people to visit, and decided to build their first hotel in Leavenworth, the Enzian Inn. For many years, the Enzian Inn was the family’s primary business, until 2006 when Rob asked his daughter, Robin, to do a project together. With Rob’s passion for building and Robin’s expertise with design, they wanted to create something special together. They decided to travel through the Alps for inspiration and it was on that trip they discovered wellness hotels and immediately knew they had to bring this concept back to Leavenworth.
They had a very small crew for such a big project, but Rob loves a challenge and enjoys building purely for the joy of building. And so, Robin put him to work. Every detail in the Posthotel is thoughtful, intentional, and extremely complicated for the average carpenter
to accomplish. From custom beams, detailed mosaic tile, welded rod iron staircases, unique wood doors, custom furniture and more; no detail was left out. “We wanted the Posthotel experience to be as authentic as possible, and to feel like a home in the
Alps and not a commercial space. The Alps are limited in materials and colors due to location, so it was important to use natural tones and incorporate elements of nature. Everything visible is natural: all natural stones, slate roof, real wood, etc.” says Robin. Even the food menu was curated with the Alps in mind. Delicious, simple, fresh, and made from scratch in house.
The Posthotel’s hydrotherapy spa was designed using Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897) techniques, which were used at the wellness hotels they had visited in the Alps. Considered “the godfather” of some of today’s hottest wellness trends, Kneipp was a German priest turned “water doctor” and although he wasn’t the first person that was healing with water, he made these methods understandable and accessible to common people. Posthotel offers several different steam rooms, saunas, cold plunges, and showers, allowing for a variety of different areas to alternate hot and cold. Robin worked with a doctor to create circuits that guests can follow depending on what health benefits they’re looking for (ex: muscle relief, detox, stress relief, etc.).
In addition to hydrotherapy, their spa services are top notch with medically advanced facials, and the latest and greatest products. “We’re constantly looking for new lines and staying on top of current spa trends. We have a lot of repeat guests, so we try to have new things for them,” says Robin.
The beauty of Posthotel is visible to anyone. But what might be unseen, is a testimony of the Johnson’s values and hard work. Currently, Robin and her husband Chris manage the hotel, and are a vital part of everyday business. “I grew up watching my Papa and dad work really hard and enjoy their work. Those values are really important to me, and something I want to pass onto my kids, which is to do something you love, and work really hard at it,” says Robin. And then, of course, make time to relax.
“We wanted the Posthotel experience to be as authentic to the Alps as possible” says Robin John, Posthotel manager and designer.