Stylish Seattle Getaway: Suncadia

Style, serenity and sunshine come together beautifully at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum. Just a mere 80 miles east of Seattle the gorgeous views will take your breath away. If you've ever felt too plugged in when you'd rather rather zen out, you're in luck. Suncadia Resort is well worth the drive and you'll feel instantly relaxed the moment you hit the lodge. This is an easy getaway that will leave you recharged and ready to take on the week ahead.

The What: Weekend escape to Suncadia Resort

The When:
Suncadia can be enjoyed year-round. During the summer months guests will enjoy swimming, outdoor concerts in the amphitheater, s'mores, evening strolls under the stars, and outdoor dining. The winter months are perfect for enjoying a glass of wine near the fireplace, ice skating, snowshoe trekking, and even sleigh rides with the kids.


The Why:
Because according to CNN Money, taking a break from work is when people come up with their best ideas. Translation: you'll basically be multi-tasking.

The How:
My vehicle of choice for road trips to Suncadia is the Lexus RX450 Hybrid. You get all the luxury you would expect from a Lexus with the added environmental benefit of reduced emissions. It gets 32 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway making it fuel-efficient and fun to drive. The dual-screen rear entertainment center is pretty awesome too! My son loved watching Star Wars from the backseat.


The Details:
Our weekend at Suncadia was incredibly relaxing from start to finish. Upon arrival we had lunch at Portals restaurant located in The Lodge and since it was sunny outside we ate on the terrace and enjoyed sweeping views of the Cle Elum River and the Cascade Mountains. This was such an easy getaway from the city that felt so close, and yet so far away. The guest rooms are clean and comfortable with all the amenities you would expect. What I love most about Suncadia is that you can essentially choose your own adventure. One day might include breakfast in bed followed by a stroll around the property and an afternoon swim in the pool, while the next day might begin with a sunrise hike followed by a day at the spa lounging in the mineral pools after a hot stone massage.

What to Pack:
The sunny days get hotter in Cle Elum that in Seattle, so if you head over in the summer months you'll want to pack shorts, tanks, dresses and a swimsuit. If you head over in the winter be sure to pack a coat that is water-resistant and warm for your outdoor adventures. In the evenings I found myself wanting to curl up next to the fireplace in soft, comfortable pajamas, so be sure to pack those too!


What to know before you go:

• Request the river view when you book your stay. The views are incredible and they get even better at night when the stars come out!
• In the evenings the resort usually has entertainment in the lodge near the fireplace. Grab a glass of wine from the bar, sit back and enjoy. 
• There are two swimming pools on-site. One that is located just steps from the lodge  that is mellow and great for adults and a second pool that is kid-friendly just a 5 minute walk away.
• If you can't imagine a weekend without Starbucks, never fear. There's a coffee bar located near the lobby that makes a decent cup of joe and they also stock snacks, sandwiches and lunch items that are perfect for picnics.