The Sydlovesfashion Guide to Suncadia

Summer is officially here and easy weekend getaways are my jam. Suncadia recently announced that they are now open for business and officially in Phase 3 of reopening. If you're looking for a fun place to escape quarantine, Suncadia is it! There's something magical about packing up the car and driving away from the city to get back into nature for a weekend of relaxation.

The 90-minute drive over the Cascades is beautiful and the skies open up giving way to gorgeous trees and serene sunshine. We first started going to Suncadia almost a decade ago when it was slow and sleepy, but since then, it's developed into a robust resort with multiple pools, parks, and vacation rentals. Suncadia is a great place for families to unwind, connect, and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I consider myself somewhat of an aficionado when it comes to Suncadia, so here's my guide on how to do it right.

Where to Stay
We love the Lodge at Suncadia. There are plenty of options on-site including the inn, condos, and even vacation rentals, but if you really want to experience Suncadia at its finest, stay in the lodge. The rooms are spacious, including some units with kitchenettes, and I'm a big fan of being able to walk down to grab a coffee from Coal House Cafe in the morning. The beds are comfortable, the bathrooms are spacious, and if you book a river view, you can stargaze at night. The Lodge also has a pool (pictured above) with is open late and much quieter than the other pools on property. If you prefer more space, you can also rent a vacation home on-site or search places like VRBO for other on-property rental options. Please note, the only way to access the pools is if you book directly with Suncadia. We recently booked this rental through VRBO and loved our experience!

Where to Eat
There are a few restaurants on-site at Suncadia including Portals which serves a mix of American food and Pacific Northwest favorites. The Lodge burger is a trusty favorite and you can order it to-go from the bar if you prefer to enjoy the epic views from your room. If you're planning on dinner at Portals be sure to make reservations in advance as weekends can be busy. Our favorite place to dine at Suncadia is on-property at Swiftwater Cellars. Sit outside if you can snag a table and enjoy sweeping mountain views while you sample flights of wine. If you head into Cle Elum there are a variety of restaurant options available. We like Beau's Pizza and Pasta and El Caporal Mexican Restaurant.

What to Do
Suncadia is all about relaxation. Take a long walk or bike ride around the property. We spend a lot of time at Dawson Park when we visit because my kids love to run around in the grass, scooter on the path, and take our dog to the fully-fenced dog park. There are also a variety of hiking trails on the property and you can easily rent bikes and boats from the Fitness Center. If you have time, I highly recommend booking a treatment at the Glade Spring Spa. They are offering a limited menu due to COVID which includes massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures.

Kittitas County, where Suncadia is located, recently received approval to advance to Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan. This means that public pools can reopen, restaurants can increase capacity to 75% and people can gather in groups of up to 50. You'll still need to wear your mask while out in public (indoors and outdoors) and maintain social distancing when you can. We're all in this together and we can still have a great summer if we all play it safe.

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.