As temperatures drop, you might be tempted to stay inside and wait out the bad weather. But winter does not have to be a time of hibernation. Check out these great winter getaways right here in the Seattle region.
Banya 5
What better way to warm yourself up than to visit this local spa? Banya 5, known as “the urban spa experience,” is modeled after the traditional spa design of Turkish hammams, Russian banyas, Finnish saunas, and Japanese bath houses. Wood-paneled doors and walls create a comfortable atmosphere, while concrete and basalt brick retain heat to soothe your muscles and relieve your tension.
The Turkish steam room is an especially good escape from the winter weather. You can luxuriate in 113-degree heat while enjoying the health benefits of decreased respiratory congestion and skin rehydration. The tea lounge also provides plenty of complimentary warm beverages and lemon water, while you relax after your therapy. Enjoy a book or play a board game.
Suncadia Resort
Just over an hour from Seattle, you will find this bona fide winter wonderland. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and snow tubing are just a few of the activities you are sure to enjoy at this resort. Visitors to Suncadia can choose to stay in either the main building, where they have access to multiple rooms and kitchens, or separate vacation home rentals.
If you do happen to get tired of exploring the 6,000 acres of forested mountains, you can always retire to one of the resort’s heated pools for the ultimate relaxing afternoon. You can also enjoy a spa treatment or one of the many events that Suncadia holds throughout the year.
Lake Quinault Lodge
Drive a little further afield to the Olympic National Park and Forest for a truly spectacular getaway. A winter vacation at the Lake Quinault Lodge rewards stays of more than a few nights, as there is a lot to see and do there. The lodge itself is a big, rustic building with a huge fireplace and dining room. The lake offers great views, and there are plenty of hiking trails if you enjoy tramping about in the solitude of winter.
If you would rather stay warm and cozy, consider taking advantage of the lodge’s pool, sauna, or game rooms. While you can visit the lodge at any time of year, you can often get an especially good deal during the winter.
The Summit at Snoqualmie
Under an hour from Seattle, you will find a popular place to hit the slopes. The Summit at Snoqualmie is a fully-featured skiing destination that offers a wide variety of wintertime activities. In addition to skiing and snow tubing, you can also attend various events throughout the season. The Summit hosts live music concerts, ladies’ days on the slopes, and various festivals. For example, the Vertfest on Feb. 18 features snowshoeing and ice climbing demonstrations, along with some tasty beer samples. This is one winter getaway you will not want to miss.
The Pacific Northwest is an ideal vacation spot during any time of the year, but it is during winter that you will find some undiscovered gems in the Seattle region. Check out some of these picks to get started.
Image via Flickr by erocsid
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