Willows Lodge

Getting away is all about removing yourself from your daily regimen—the "I've got people to see, places to go, things to do" routine. Often we feel we have to leave town or maybe even the continent to put that space between us and daily life. But no, it's not true. Willows Lodge in Woodinville has everything you need to help those pressures fade away.

Room photo courtesy of Willows Lodge

Make no mistake, Willows Lodge offers high-end comfort. However, there's a definite "folksy" feel to it that is intended. Staff is friendlier and less formal than at other top resorts. The lobby is a great place to sit back and enjoy the stone fireplace but it's really all about Ruthie, the current lodge dog. It's her stomping grounds and she moves from one area to another as her day progresses.

Back in the day, many of Seattle's wealthy families had hunting lodges in the valley. C.D. Stimson's home was called Willows Lodge. As a nod to those early Seattle-ites, the current Willows Lodge reflects the heritage and informality of the area yet offers topnotch accommodations, food and service.

Much of the Lodge is built from recycled items. Douglas fir is on its second life after being used to build the Port of Portland a century ago. Port buildings were torn down, but the timbers are used in many places at the Lodge like the sofa tables in the lobby and ledges in the guestrooms. Tables in the rooms are made from slate used as pool table tops in British Columbia bars the first time around.

Lest you think things are getting too casual, rest assured that all the creature comforts are in place. Fine beds are covered with Australian lambs wool mattress pads. Linens have a 300 thread count. Each room has a French press coffee maker along with herbal and black teas. Rooms average 500 square feet. Each one has a stereo TV with a DVD/CD player, high-speed Internet access, personally stocked bar, gas fireplace, desk with power, ports and task lighting. Drawers are located inside the closet leaving the room free of mundane-ities.

One of the nicest features is the soaking tub with thick towels piled alongside. Situated so you have a clear view through the bedroom, past the fireplace and out the window, it can easily accommodate two people. The Willows staff is happy to create a romantic scene with bubbles, rose petals and a tray that sits across the tub holding strawberries, whipped cream, warm chocolate, a signature dessert, champagne and candles.

Willows is not just pet friendly, they go way out of their way to ensure your pet has a lavish stay with their Doggie Room Service.

Like all self-respecting resorts, Willows has a spa and fitness center although word has it that almost no one uses the fitness center. They're probably all in their soaking tubs—good news for you exercisers, no wait for machines! An outdoor Jacuzzi has a decidedly Asian feel to it with willowy plants bending with the breeze and a "rock" shower. It's a lovely place to relax. A door at one end of the Jacuzzi area leads into the spa. Its 2000 square feet isn't as large as many resort spas, but the intimacy fits the Lodge. There's no shortage of luxury packages to choose from or single massage, body and facial treatments. Naturally, they offer nail treatments, spa pedicures and paraffin dips.

Despite the fact the fitness center is under-used, other physical activities are popular. The garden walk and art walk are great ways to get a little exercise while enjoying the grounds. Walk through the gazebo courtyard used for weddings and other events. Find the Herbfarm's kitchen garden where cooks choose items for dinner. Pass by the home of Borage and Basil, the potbellied pigs. Continue on toward the Sammamish River, the Stonehouse Courtyard and the North Courtyard where you'll find a serene pool with bronze heads. At one point, you'll see a plaque under a tree that says "I'll never stop loving you." It appeared one day without explanation. Eventually, the staff found out it was put there by a woman who had been married at the Lodge. Her husband was later killed in Iraq. She asked if she could plant a tree near the sign and they gladly agreed.

Northwest Coast Native American artwork can be found throughout the building and the grounds at Willows. Chosen because it is unique to the Northwest, photos, sculptures, jewelry, prints and paintings can be enjoyed as you mosey. For something a bit more energetic, rent a bike and ride the Burke Gilman trail (and perhaps visit some of Woodinville's fine wineries and Redhook Brewery). If even that's not enough exercise, get a group together, book the challenge course and do a little team and confidence building with ground or "air" activities on high ropes. Your choice. I'll be in the soaking tub.

An outdoor fire pit has been added to the grassy area outside the Fireside Cellars (located on the other side of the lobby fireplace). The Cellars is a great spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or glass/bottle of wine. It's also perfect for a light dinner if you've overdone during the day or somehow missed all the walks, bikes and challenge course.

Fireside Cellars photo courtesy of Willows Lodge

Both the Herbfarm and Barking Frog restaurants are on Lodge grounds. The Herbfarm features Northwest foods and the menu is often finalized just hours before they open to take advantage of the freshest local ingredients. Dinners are nine courses with five-to-six matched wines. The Barking Frog matches the Lodge concept of rustic yet elegant. They focus on Northwest cuisine with a European feel and have a large collection of Northwest wines, including some amazing verticals.

All the pieces at Willows work to make it the kind of getaway you need whether it's all about relaxation, working out, fine dining or wine appreciation. The best getaway of all is one that takes advantage of all of the above.

Connie Adams/January 2008