Willows Lodge
If you need a break from Seattle, just pop over to Willows Lodge which is only 18 miles away! It is located on five acres on the beautiful Sammamish River in Woodinville right in the middle of Wine Country including Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery just footsteps away. If you like beer, Red Hook Brewery is right next door!
Willows Lodge uses sustainable practices and re-uses natural materials. Willows is doing its part in helping the environment which makes it even more charming with its Northwest ambiance. When you drive up to the entrance, you will see a burned-out shell of a 1,500 year –old Cedar tree. This came from a forest of huge cedar trees that were logged over 100 years ago.
The front doors of Willows Lodge are made from old wine casks. The main structure of the lodge is built from old Douglas fir timbers that were salvaged when the Port of Portland was torn down. Each guest room also has a table that is from recycled slate pool table tops from old bars in British Columbia! Pretty amazing!
Willows Lodge has a very rustic yet elegant feel with its contemporary Native American prints and sculptures by area artists which are displayed throughout the lodge and gardens. The guest rooms all have a cozy gas-lighted fireplace so you sit in front of it and sip on a glass of one of Washington’s fabulous wines. There are DVD and CD players and a 40” HDTV in every room and of course there is complimentary high-speed Internet access. The bathrooms are amazing with their oversized tubs that can be seen from the living room or shut the slider door for privacy. The lighting throughout can be controlled at the switches for the exact ambiance you need. The sinks are very stylish Mexican bowls and the toiletries are by Molton Brown of London. The best part of the rooms is the refrigerator stocked with irresistible snacks and beverages. A French press is on hand so you can brew up some Starbucks coffee. For music, the suites also feature Bang & Olufsen stereo systems.
If you have a furry friend you would like to bring along, feel free! Willows Lodge is extremely pet friendly and when you arrive, a cushy bed, treats, doggie menu for room service, bowls, and a bottle of fresh water will be sitting in front of the fireplace. Now this is service!
Before dinner, stop by the Fireside Cellars which is right next to the lobby and it has a warm and inviting atmosphere with a stone fireplace. Have a glass of vintage wine or new or even better, yet to be released wines. They also have all sorts of refreshing drinks such as a Raindrop Martini or even a tasty mocktail! Come out for Happier Hour and sample some of the tapas from Barking Frog restaurant. Try the scrumtious Grand Marnier Prawns! Wednesday evenings, there are lots of activities in the Fireside Lounge with live musical entertainment and cooking classes and wine education. You can even step outside to the patio where there is a lovely fire pit so you can relax and sip on your favorite drink. Make sure you check out the great event calender!
When you get hungry, step over to the fabulous Barking Frog restaurant which excels in American regional cuisine with Pacific Northwest influences. Executive Chef Bobby Moore will make sure you have an amazing experience. Sous Chef’s Josh Delgado and Rick Deyo are also amazing! Every dinner entrees is special, including Seared Sea Scallops & Sous Vide Pork Belly to the fabulous Oven Roasted Sea Bass. The food and it’s presentation is beyond spectacular and your pallet will be happy! With each course, enjoy a pairing of a glass of fine Washington wines. Wine List After your dinner, enjoy one of pastry Chefs Matt Kelley fine desserts! Choose from the creamy Crème Brulee to the Port Poached Rhubarb, and many others. Don’t forget to add a glass of tastey dessert wine! After dinner, go for a stroll in the beautiful garden where many weddings take place. In the Herbfarm Garden, you might see cooks harvesting their ingredients for their meals. The famous Herbfarm Restaurant is also on site. Make sure you visit Borage and Basil, the resident pigs who are great recyclers for the garden. Borage is especially chatty!
When you are ready to be pampered, head over to the Spa at Willows Lodge. This is the place to revitalize and soothe your body and soul. The massage therapists are magical with their touch! The atmosphere is very relaxing along with peaceful music. Choose from all sorts of massages, body wraps, and probably the best hot stone massage you will ever get anywhere! Don’t forget the manicure, pedicure and of course a relaxing aromatherapy facial. Before and after your treatment, make sure you enjoy the very large outdoor hot tub and relaxing sauna. You will be in sheer bliss…
Above all, the Willows Lodge is a paradise not to be missed. The customer service here is spectacular, and they are also extremely gay friendly. If you want a getaway into the country yet so close to Seattle, this is the place!.......
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