Suncadia Resort

Just right

It's not too far, it's not too close, it's not too formal, it's not too casual, it's not too boring, it's not too overwhelming...it's just right. You may not see the three bears, but you will see three (or more) deer.

Just 80 miles east of Seattle, in Cle Elum, Suncadia Resort is a 6,400 acre mountain getaway. Before sighing over forest loss, know that 3,753 acres of that total is part of conservation easements and are permanently protected. Suncadia is also doing restoration work on lands previously used for mining and logging. Even when fully developed, 80% of the resort will be open space. In addition, Suncadia abides by the international guidelines of the Dark Skies Act, meaning no light pollution. Outdoor lighting can be no brighter than 30 watts, and all lights are shaded, pointing toward the ground.

First to open was the 18-room Inn at Suncadia, on July 4, 2005. "The Inn has a B&B feel, and includes breakfast. At night, guests can raid the pantry for milk and cookies," says Bernard Kramer, Food and Beverage Director for Suncadia, who opened the Inn that day. "Each room has a fireplace, soaking tub, book library, and outdoor balcony/patio with rocking chairs." The Inn's availability matches up with the golf course, basically May-October. It's an intimate spot perfect for a quiet getaway or wedding party/special event group.

The Lodge at Suncadia, opened in April 2008, has 254 guest suites and penthouses: studios to two-bedroom suites, spa suites with patio hot tubs. Views of the mountains and river valley are stunning. Artwork creates a matching beauty inside. The Lodge is a temporary home to families, couples, singles, and corporate meeting attendees. 54% of their business is in meetings and conferences; the facility can accommodate up to 350 people, with 18 different meeting spaces on site, including a private board room for 16. "The bridal market has grown tremendously," says Bernard. "Almost every weekend is booked for 2013. Time of year doesn't matter--it's always beautiful." The main floor has a Great Room (photo above) with fireplace and huge windows. "People love this room and will order food and play board games. Down the hall is the Den, an extension of the Great Room, but more intimate. People play games, read, eat, watch TV; it's like your living room at home."

Condominiums, cabins, cottages, and luxury custom homes offer a getaway without the hotel feel, great for families who want to stay and play together. For those who want something less temporary, Suncadia is an ownership community. The studio in the Lodge, custom home or cottage you stay in may be owned by someone and managed by Suncadia. "90% of our owners live in Seattle," explains Bernard. "Most are second homes; 26 are primary residences right now. They're owned by retirees, telecommuters, and people who commute to Seattle every day. When the build out is complete, we'll have more than 3,000 private residences, a mix of condos, cabins, cottages, and custom homes."

Dining at Suncadia is not formal, and that is on purpose. "Our location really calls for rustic food," says Bernard. "No matter why people are here, we want them to have a good time eating. We do as much local food as possible; fresh organic produce from Yakima. We mainly do food from this side of the mountains like trout and sturgeon, lamb and quail." Portals is the main restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with views of the Cle Elum River and Cascades. Special dishes and fun food focuses, like "The Study of Salmon" and "The Study of Duck" appear throughout the year. Fifty 6° Lounge offers that great view, microbrews, wine, cocktails, bar and restaurant menus, along with weekday happy hour specials. The Coal House Caffe is the spot for espresso, quick serve foods, sundries and gifts. During summer months, Mulligans Cafe on the 9th hole of the golf course is perfect for snacks to go or a cold drink on the patio. The Canary Grill inside the Inn offers a casual lunch and fine dining dinner. The Chill and Grill poolside offers casual foods, and there are light and healthy foods at the Swim and Fitness Center. Swiftwater Cellars, privately owned, offers wine flights and dining (click here to read our story on Swiftwater).

Getaways are very personal. Someone may want to totally relax with facials, massages and more at the Glade Spring Spa at the Lodge. Others want to enjoy the outdoors: biking, geocaching, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayakying, white water rafting, rock hunting, cross country skiing, ice skating, inner tubing, sleigh rides and snowmobiling. There are three golf courses (one is members only, one is family oriented with youth tees at each hole). For families, there are special family and youth programs. A visit to the Swim and Fitness Center offers exercise classes like spin, yoga, Zumba, water aerobics.

Suncadia Resort 3600 Suncadia Trail Cle Elum, WA 98922 509-649-6400 phone 866-904-6300 reservations 800-667-1828 real estate www.suncadiaresort.com

Their 2013 development plans include the biggest zip line in the Pacific Northwest, a grand staircase from the Lodge to the river, new park facilities on the riverfront, a pea patch for owners and chefs, tetherball, horseshoe pits, trail enhancements, and bike path extensions. Suncadia doesn't rest so you can. It's time for a visit. 

Connie Adams/September 2013