Best Destination Spas

You may not be splurging on a lavish two-week vacation to Hawaii anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a little weekend R&R. Head to one of these swoon-worthy Washington spas to be primped and pampered—and be home by Sunday night.


Glade Spring Spa
at Suncadia Resort
(Cle Elum, 3600 Suncadia Trail;
509.649.6400; suncadiaresort.com)
A relaxed mountain resort, Suncadia is a place laid-back lovers of the outdoors can really enjoy. The secluded property (which includes hundreds of acres and upscale cabins for sale) features three golf courses, two pools, a fitness center and two restaurants. Wintertime visits offer cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and more. If after all the muscle-wearying pursuits you’re ready for a little relaxation, head to the awe-inspiring new Glade Spring Spa. The sprawling $8 million 11,600 square-foot spa, which opened in July—it has its own building—features two relaxation areas with floor-to-ceiling windows to keep you connected with nature, and four outdoor saltwater soaks. After your pampering, order lunch from the delicious spa menu and enjoy a spinach and wild salmon salad while cozied up to the lounge fireplace in your robe.  Drive time: Ninety minutes from Seattle Overnight accommodations: Choose from either the intimate inn or the gigantic lodge (from $169). Must-try treatment: The deliciously sticky Sweet Milk and Midnight Honey Masque, which includes a Vichy shower cleanse. Skin is almost shockingly smooth afterward ($185 for 80 minutes). While you’re here: Northern Exposure fans can head into nearby Roslyn, the sleepy one-intersection town where the show was filmed, to do some exploring. Hunt for stylish kitchen gadgets at the adorable Kitchen Sink (Roslyn, 102 E Pennsylvania Ave.; 509.649.3406; kitchensinkshop.com) or shop for kitschy-cute souvenirs at Cicely’s Gift Shop (Roslyn, 112 W Pennsylvania Ave.; 509.649.3080). Or opt to stay close to the resort and take advantage of Suncadia’s amenities, including snowshoeing and skating in the winter, golf, hiking and biking in the summer.


Alderbrook Resort
(Union, 7101 E State Route 106;
360.898.2200; alderbrookresort.com)
A quintessential Northwest laid-back warmth resonates throughout this breathtaking resort, from the living-room-like lobby to the lush guest rooms to the peaceful spa. If you’re a water lover looking to get away from the city, this is the place to go. Nestled along the Hood Canal, there’s not much of a town here, but you won’t care. Take a walk along the oyster-shell-cluttered beach or a dip in the indoor pool, or relax in your oversized tub and enjoy the luxurious Molton Brown bath products that are stocked in guest rooms. When it’s spa time, you’ll be greeted by the most attentive spa staff we’ve ever experienced (they’ll be waiting with lemon water when you least expect it). And the total silence of the spa area—even when fully booked—is quite impressive. You’ll emerge wishing you could give up life in civilization and stay here forever. Or at least another night. Drive time: Ninety minutes from Seattle. Overnight accommodations: From $169. Must-try treatment: Step out of your comfort zone and opt for the enchanting al fresco Secret Garden Signature Massage (seasonal), given out of doors in the spa’s private garden area ($130 for 60 minutes/$180 for 90 minutes). While you’re here: Take a short walk to adorable Cameo Boutique & Wine Shop (Union, 6871 E State Route 106; 360.898.3200; cameoboutique.com), a country-style gift shop stocked with everything from clothing and jewelry to candles, note cards, ceramic sushi sets and porcelain vases. The adjoining wine shop, Bin 160, boasts a small but decent collection of mostly Washington wines and hosts wine tastings on weekend days between noon and 5 p.m.  To the north is Kayak Hood Canal (Union, 5101 E State Route 106; 360.898.2628; kayakhoodcanal.com), where you can rent kayaks and head out on the canal or opt for a guided tour on the Skokomish River.


The Spa at Salish Lodge
(Snoqualmie, 6501 Railroad Ave. SE; 425.888.2556; salishlodge.com)
The view of Snoqualmie Falls isn’t the only reason to visit Salish Lodge. The intimate lodge, which has been a longtime local favorite, features cozy guest rooms with oversized bathtubs and warm fireplaces that beg to be lounged by with a cup of tea. The Northwest Asian-inspired spa has a Zen-like quality, and features a unique menu of microfocused treatments and therapies, such as Reiki (a type of healing energy work that uses the power of touch) and Soma neuromuscular integration (a bodywork method that uses deep manipulation of muscular and connective tissue to improve joint function and body alignment). Drive time: Thirty minutes from Seattle. Overnight accommodations: From $199. Must-try treatment: Slough away dull winter skin with the sea-salt-based Alpine Purification body polish ($109 for 50 minutes). While you’re here: Take a stroll through downtown Snoqualmie’s historic district, visiting shops such as Snoqualmie Falls Candy Factory (Snoqualmie, 8102 Railroad Ave. SE; 425.888.0439; snofallscandy.com) for possibly the best caramel corn ever made, and then head to Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company’s Taproom (Snoqualmie, 8032 Falls Ave. SE; 425.831.2357; fallsbrew.com) to taste top-notch local brews.