Plan a ‘We Time’ Getaway

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Doe Bay Resort & Retreat

Make a Quick Getaway

6 sensational off-season Northwest destinations for couples and families

By Kate Missine

With holiday festivities in the rearview mirror and plenty of long, dark winter days still ahead, this time of year can easily feel gloomy. What better way to brighten up flagging spirits than with a semi-spontaneous getaway? These relaxing regional destinations are a more affordable alternative to pricey and crowded ski resorts, offering quiet, serene vibes to enjoy before the rush of spring break. Sneak in some time away from the littles and reconnect on a couples-only, no-kids-allowed retreat, just in time for Valentine’s Day; or bring the whole family along for a calming midwinter break at one of these unique off-season getaway picks. All of them furnish plenty to do inside and out, and are located within a few hours’ drive of home.

Editor’s note: At press time, the CDC issued a level-4 travel health notice advising against travel to Canada. This article includes two destinations in British Columbia. Pop them onto your bucket list for future travel.

Kiddos-optional stays

1. Doe Bay Resort & Retreat, Olga, Washington • doebay.com If peaceful wilderness with creature comforts is your jam, head over to this slice of remote waterfront. Spread across 38 acres on the southeast edge of Orcas Island, Doe Bay Resort & Retreat is a serene respite with something for everyone.

Stay in: Choose from a wide variety of accommodations here, from rustic cabins for two to fully outfitted ones for families and groups, as well as seasonal yurts and campsites. Take a dip in the outdoor soaking tubs situated to take in the gorgeous view, or enjoy a massage or yoga session. A library, firepit and playground are available

continued from page 25 for the whole family to enjoy. Hungry? Grab a bite at the café, which serves the freshest “seed to table” fare made with ingredients grown in the on-site organic garden.

Head out: Orcas Island is a pristine paradise for nature lovers, with plenty of adventures to be had, including hiking, cycling, water sports and more, along with local museums and an arts scene. Beachcombing on the private beach, kayaking and whale-watching tours are available to arrange through the resort. A mile away, Moran State Park beckons with more than 5,000 acres of grounds to explore.

2. The Society Hotel, Bingen, Washington • thesocietyhotel.com This sleek, minimalist hotel (which is actually a converted 1908 schoolhouse!) in the scenic Columbia River Gorge features crisp Scandi-modern spaces and a unique bathhouse and spa.

Stay in: Spacious rooms and private cabins offer stylish, modern accommodations; there is also a hostel-like bunkroom, in case you’ve got a crew of teens with you looking for more independence. A main attraction is the groovy bathhouse, where various saltwater pools await inside and out. Afterwards, chill at the café and library lounge, or stroll around the pretty courtyard. Head out: The Columbia River Gorge is one of the region’s most spectacular natural wonders, with jaw-dropping landscapes to behold at every turn. On the Oregon side of the gorge, viewing the dozens of incredible waterfalls is a must (columbiarivergorge.info). Stop by the charming town of Hood River to browse cute shops and nosh at restaurants; transportation buffs will appreciate a stop at the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum (waaamuseum.org).

The Society Hotel; photo by We Are PDX

continued on page 28

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continued from page 26 3. Paradise Village, Ashford, Washington • paradisevillagelodge.com What kid — or grown-up — could resist a dip in something called the “Cannibal Hot Tub”? This and other right-out-of-a-story- book wonders await families at Paradise Village, a quaint family-operated hotel in the picturesque town of Ashford.

Stay in: Take your pick of modern, recently renovated family rooms and cabins with a rustic-chic vibe, complete with flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth sound systems and heated bathroom floors. The on-site restaurant and bakery dish up hearty European comfort food and treats — full breakfast is included! And, of course, there’s the famous hot tub, which heats up slowly, like a cauldron, over an open fire.

Head out: Set at the base of Mount Rainier and just 6 miles from the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, the lodge is surrounded by stunning scenery (making it a favorite venue for weddings), and offers endless options for hiking, biking and other ways to explore the famous peak. A short drive away is Northwest Trek Wildlife Park (nwtrek.org), where you’re assured a full day’s worth of wild-child play (see The Play List, p. 22).

4. Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia, Canada • tigh-na-mara.com Stretching along the shores of Vancouver Island, this truly spectacular oceanfront resort requires a bit of a longer trek and involves a border crossing and ferry ride. But it’s worth it! Tigh-Na-Mara is best known for its award-winning spa, which features a stone grotto, mineral pools, waterfalls and a decadent menu of spa treatments.

Stay in: Handcrafted log guest rooms and cottage bungalows offer a secluded atmosphere, cozy rustic décor and a slew of luxury amenities, including in-room Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces and private balconies overlooking the beach. Sports courts, barbecue grills and a playground are tucked away throughout the forested grounds. A must is the Treetop Tapas & Grill restaurant, where you can dine on an all-you-can-eat array of artful spa-cuisine tapas while decked out comfortably in your bathrobes and slippers!

Head out: The resort’s private stretch of shoreline is prime beachcombing territory during low tides. Venture farther out to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (niwra.org) to enjoy a close-up and personal look at eagles, owls, bears and other creatures. Additional unique adventures — everything from Pacific Northwest rain forest tours to family- friendly spelunking at nearby Horne Lake Caves (hornelake.com) — can be arranged through the resort. And don’t miss the Old Country Market (oldcountrymarket.com) in the tiny town of Coombs, where you can stock up on local goodies and watch goats grazing right on the roof!

Grown-ups only (sorry, kids!)

5. Posthotel, Leavenworth, Washington • posthotelleavenworth.com “Poshhotel” might be a better name for this glamorous adults-only property nestled in the heart of the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. Alpine-inspired wellness experiences and elegant European-style rooms make this spa resort destination an attractive option for pandemic-stressed couples in need of some serious pampering.

Stay in: The spacious rooms come fully decked out for ultimate luxury, with kingsize beds, sitting areas with fireplaces and hand-carved marble soaking tubs. Breakfast and light lunch are included with your stay. Spend endless hours at the wellness center, where a variety of saltwater hydrotherapy pools, saunas, Jacuzzis and even nap rooms await. For more relaxation, there’s a full-service spa, a library and a lobby terrace that overlooks the river.

Head out: Even if you’ve visited before, charming Leavenworth is always fun to explore — wander the village streets, shop, and stop by for some yummy German brats and locally brewed bier. Nearby, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country-skiing trails are plentiful, along with an adorable reindeer farm (leavenworthreindeer.com). Golfers will enjoy the Enzian Falls Championship Putting Course, available seasonally (April–October) for use by hotel guests.

6. Kitoki Inn, Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada • kitoki-inn.com Entailing another border-hopping adventure, this Zen adults-only retreat in the serene woods of British Columbia’s Bowen Island is a little less than a four-hour drive from Seattle. Inspired by the tradition of Japanese bathhouses, the inn combines a calming minimalist aesthetic with West Coast style for a uniquely restorative experience.

Stay in: The inn’s three cedar cabins (each accommodating two guests) are thoughtfully designed with custom artisan woodwork, private decks and floor-to-ceiling windows affording an unobstructed view of the forest. The resort’s one-of-a-kind outdoor bathhouse is inspired by the Japanese onsen (hot springs), and includes a hot tub and hydrotherapy shower in a covered open-air space to enjoy year-round. A wood-burning outdoor fireplace, a game and puzzle library, and an in-room breakfast selection complete the cocooning comforts. Note: Given the inn’s small size (and in light of current COVID-19 travel advisories), you’ll need to get your name on the waitlist for a future visit.

Head out: The small community of Bowen Island is known for its vibrant local arts scene, featuring galleries, boutiques and great restaurants. The island is also a mecca for outdoorsy types, offering miles of forested trails to explore, mountain biking, kayaking and more; hikers looking for a challenge can make the trek up Mount Gardner, Bowen Island’s tallest peak. ■ Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and girly girl raising two little boys in beautiful Sammamish.

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