I love calling the Pacific Northwest my home, but I sometimes think we are pigeonholed in terms of a tourism destination. Have you ever thought of the region as a spa hotel getaway? It’s one of our little-known specialties. And if you plan your trip right – especially in the winter – you can get an excellent deal.
Winter is not so bad here, and it is hard to watch the mist and rolling clouds when you’re soaking in an outdoor hot tub. It was difficult to choose which spa hotels to feature, because the Pacific Northwest (which by my definition includes British Columbia in Canada, Washington State, Oregon State, and we shouldn’t forget up-and-coming Idaho) has so much hospitality on offer. Here are my top 7 affordable luxury Pacific Northwest spa hotel getaways.
Four Seasons – Seattle, Washington
If I had to pick a favorite hotel in the Pacific Northwest, it would be the Four Seasons Seattle. Located steps from the Pike Place Market and other Seattle attractions, it’s centrally located and has fantastic views over Puget Sound. The services are the quality you expect for a Four Seasons, and did I mention the chocolate shop in the lobby?
The spa is one of the best on the west coast, and they recently revamped the spa menu. Try their “Emerald Rain” signature massage for something unique, though they always have seasonally-themed packages that are guaranteed to relax. Follow your spa day with dinner at the lobby restaurant, ART, which is most certainly one of my favorite eateries in the city (reservations recommended).
Five Pine Lodge – Sisters, Oregon
Central Oregon is beautiful, and sometimes is a better option for those looking to escape the rains and winds of the coast. One of the best places to retreat to is Five Pine Lodge, located in the small town of Sisters; you’re practically in the middle of forest, and yet you are only a short drive if you want to enjoy the beer and food scene in Bend.
Five Pines is set up like a campus, and your room is a bit like a cabin, complete with living room and small outdoor sitting lounge. Some cabins have their own hot tubs. The campus also has a full-service spa; for the best value, go for one of the packages, such as the Luxury Shibui Package or the Spa Sampler. Rounding out the campus services is a brewery (of course!) and a movie house, making this a very Oregon-style luxury.
Shangri-La – Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is such a livable city, and when you visit, you can really feel it. So once you’ve finished a day of enjoying the city’s attractions, shops, and cafes, relax at the city’s finest spa hotel, the Shangri-La Vancouver.
The hotel calls itself an urban sanctuary, and it lives up to the hype. Try the West Coast Wave Massage, which will squash any remaining aches and pains from the flight in. If you’ve got the time (4 hours, approximately), then order up the West Coast Path Journey, which includes a kelp soak, sea wrap, wild seaweed oil massage, and facial.
Salish Lodge – Snowqualmie, Washington
One of the most iconic sights in Washington are the beautiful Snowqualmie Falls, located in Snowqualmie. Right next to the falls is the luxurious Salish Lodge, just 45 minutes east of Seattle. The hotel is designed like a true Washington retreat, spacious and yet cozy all at once. The hotel even has its own romance concierge, though with the natural setting and wonderful amenities, I’m not sure how much more help one could need.
In the spa, you can choose from a menu of offerings that include such treats as a yoga class overlooking the falls, spa jet packages, and treatments using honey harvested from the on-site bee colony. It’s all so comfortable you might want to book an extra night.
The Allison Inn – Newberg, Oregon
If we’re talking about relaxing weekends in the Pacific Northwest, we cannot overlook wine country, and I have just the thing for you: The Allison Inn. The hotel is one of the best we have here in Oregon, a statement which I extend not only to the rooms but also the hotel’s calm lobby wine bar and on-site restaurant (second only to The Painted Lady, my favorite Willamette Valley restaurant).
The Allison has some great spa menu packages, which allow you to customize your desired services into the amount of time you’d like to spend in the spa. Treatments include many grape themes, such as the wine facial or the grape seed cure body treatment. The Allison truly understands the Plum Deluxe philosophy, as their brochure states: “Indulgences here are considered therapeutic.”
Willows Lodge – Woodinville, Washington
Oregon doesn’t have a monopoly on wine country retreats; one great spot is the Willows Lodge, located in Woodinville, a wine town just north of Seattle. Despite being so close to urban confines, Woodinville is quite relaxed, especially at Willows, which pulls out all the stops to be a classic Washington state getaway, from the massive lobby fireplace, to walkable gardens, and some of the best food in Woodnville right on site.
The spa has a unique, almost international, feel to their menu of services, such as their exclusive Carita facials, Thai herbal balls, or Lomi Lomi massage. Of course, you can also opt for something a little more local, such as a Pinot Noir Pedicure.
Overleaf Lodge – Yachats, Oregon
Last, but certainly not least, is my place in the world: the Oregon Coast. I enjoy spending time on the Oregon Coast in the winter because you can watch the storms rolling in off the ocean, and because the wind is whipping, you don’t feel like you’re missing out by just staying inside by the fireplace or sleeping in or having a second dip in the hot tub.
The perfect spot for true spa luxury is the Overleaf Lodge, located in Yachats overlooking the ocean. Pamper yourself in the spa, followed by some time relaxing in the library. Spa access is included for all hotel guests, and treatments include ocean-inspired preparations with lots of anti-stress themes.
All images courtesy of property featured.
Source: Plum Deluxe