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 TM
Five
Washington Getaways
Where
You Can Rekindle Some Romance
By Jane
Cassie
If you are feeling a
need to reconnect with your partner, a need for a bit of pampering, or
just a need to take a break from it all, you may want to try visiting
any one of these Washington escapes. The hardest part may be choosing
which one to try.
The
Chrysalis Inn & Spa at the Pier
 A potential deterrent
to staying at this contemporary seaside gem is that you may never want
to leave. From its perfectly poised location on Bellingham’s Bay, in
the historic district of Fairhaven, it sparkles like a crowning jewel.
Waves lap onto its rocky foreground, and pylons from a once booming
cannery now act as perches for stoic herons. Beyond is the ocean blue,
where sailboats breeze by in regal fashion and San Juan Islands dot its
horizon.
The essence of the
Northwest is brought indoors through sweeping windows that effectively
melds with the Inn’s elite interiors. China slate floors compliment
the sophisticated lobby’s wood crafted décor and lead the way to
forty-three ultra romantic rooms and suites. All are well appointed,
with fine linens, down duvets, gas flickering fireplaces, two-person
tubs, ocean view window seats, and internet access for those mixing
romance with business. For the ultimate in pampering, the Chrysalis Spa
appointments are a must! Eight blissful treatment rooms will effectively
transcend the mind, body and soul with their heavenly offerings of
massages, facials and other captivating body treatments.
The Fino wine bar is
the place to mingle at sunset, and while the chef delights your palette
with distinctive wines from around the world, his regional culinary
treasures and the windowed wall will keep you grounded on the Pacific
Northwest. At sunrise, you’ll return here for a complimentary buffet
breakfast before heading back to mundane routines…that’s assuming
you can pry yourself away from this exquisite getaway.
The
Chrysalis Inn & Spa at the Pier
804 - 10th Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Tel: (360) 756-1005
E-mail: info@thechrysalisinn.com
Website: www.thechrysalisinn.com
The
Mazama Country Inn
 If you have a yearning for a quiet, country style retreat, far away from
the maddening crowds, then this romantic refuge in Washington’s Methow
Valley may just be what you’re looking for. Nestled amongst verdant
evergreens and hugging up to the base of snow-dappled peaks, the Mazama
Country Inn emits welcoming vibes with its hewn log exterior. The cedar
timbers make their way indoors to where a full service dining room has
earned the reputation of being one of the best for miles around. The
lodge’s remaining interior space is reserved for fourteen cozy
quarters that are all rendered in Northwest rustic décor. Here, guests
are free from the distraction of TVs and phones and are privy to
peaceful surroundings they came here to find. For those wanting more
space and privacy, there are nine additional self-contained cabins, an
elegant chateau, a chalet, and a larger home, all within close proximity
to the Inn.
The Methow Valley is
embraced by acres of mountainous virgin timberland, and the
opportunities for outdoor adventure are just steps from Mazama Country
Inn. Nearby cross-country ski trails transform into fair weather hiking,
biking and horseback routes, and for the more adventuresome there is
whitewater rafting and heli-skiing.
For
those with energy left to burn, Mazama Country Inn boasts a work out
room, tennis, and even an indoor squash court! Most romantics, however,
will probably just want to soothe tired happy muscles in the sauna or
outdoor hot tub and enjoy the serenity that surrounds this quaint
country inn.
Thornewood
Castle
 For Wayne and Deanna
Robinson, their home, just south of Tacoma, is literally their castle.
The unique three-story Gothic Tudor, embraced by old growth trees, and
English perennial gardens, shimmers in stately splendor from its
lakeside location. The four-acre estate, and original home to Chester A
Thorne in 1908, has a history as colorful as its red brick exterior. It
has been a past favourite haunt for dignitaries and presidents, and more
recently, for celebrities during the filming of Stephen King’s ‘Rose
Red.’ The suspenseful flick is scheduled to air spring of 2002.
The
Robinsons have lovingly restored Thornewood Castle that now serves as a
gracious country inn, and guests are transported back to a romantic era
of old world charm during their stay. Gothic archways and medieval
stained glass windows emit a whimsical feel while light floods through
them to twenty seven thousand square feet of living space and fifty-four
rooms. Plush oriental carpets adorn gleaming hardwood floors, wall
sconces cast a soft light on richly paneled walls, and handsome décor
flows through from the Great Hall, Ballroom and Music room to the eight
opulent upper floor guest quarters. Some boast fireplaces and antique
tubs, others offer modern jetted Jacuzzis. All view the palatial
gardens, and all are divinely regal!
Bountiful
breakfasts are also an important part of the stay and if you are
visiting on the first Thursday of the month, make sure to partake in
afternoon high tea. This four-course extravaganza is fit for the best of
royalty!
Thornewood
Castle Inn & Gardens
Ph: 253-584-4393 or fax
253-584-4497
Email: thornewood@mindspring.com
http://www.thornewoodcastle.com
Salish
Lodge & Spa
 Snoqualmie Falls plummet two hundred and sixty-eight feet from the steep
precipice where the magnificent Salish Lodge and Spa makes its home. And
although the raging froth provides a spectacular outlook from many view
boasting windows, it’s just one of the factors that has attributed to
this lodge’s nationwide acclaim. Just a thirty minute drive from
Seattle, this Pacific Northwest destination at the foothills of the
Cascades feels as if it’s a world away.
All ninety-one
romantically appointed guest rooms and suites tug at heartstrings with
their oversized whirlpool tubs, wood burning fireplaces and voluptuous
feather beds. Cherry wood accents heighten their glamour and large
picture windows frame the infamous waterfall from a number of these
retreats.
The same visual
entertainment is provided from the Salish Lodge Dining Room and Attic,
where gastronomic Northwest creations unite with unparalleled wines to
create an award winning combination. The five-course bountiful
breakfasts have become a regional favorite as well, and have been
available at this location since 1916.
Although the dining
choices are decadent, there are ways to offset those unwanted calories
in the full fitness centre. While some work up a sweat, others may
choose to lap up a bit more luxury with the spa’s sensuous offerings.
From therapeutic soaking pools, to skin and body therapies, these perks
will undoubtedly regenerate any soul!
Although the
fastidious elegance flows through to meeting rooms hosting business
retreats and weddings celebrations, there are still lots of cozy areas
where couples can cuddle to enjoy The Falls.
Salish
Lodge & Spa
PO box 1109
Snoqualmie, Washington 98065-1109
Ph: 425-888-2556 Toll free - 800 826 6124
Fax: 425-888-2533
Email: salish@salishlodge.com
http://www.salishlodge.com/
The
Wild Iris Inn
 What words come to mind when dreaming of a romantic getaway? How about
peaceful, picturesque and pampering? Well, you’ll find all three at
this award-winning Inn that snuggles close to spring tulip fields and
year-round artsy shops in the quaint village of LaConner. Although just
a short drive from both Seattle and Vancouver, The Wild Iris Inn has
been quoted as feeling “miles away” from the bustle of everyday
life.
The vibes of promised
relaxation are evident from the moment you step beyond its welcoming
verandah into well-appointed interiors. Cozy fireside settings extend
from the intimate guest lounge to all twelve sumptuous suites, where
thirsty plush robes wait patiently to embrace after a jetted Jacuzzi
massage. As well as these heavenly havens, seven spacious guestrooms
also boast accents of wicker, eiderdown-draped beds and windows that
view snow-tipped Cascades.
Savory delights
extend to Le Jardin, the Inn’s intimate and elegant dining room where
talented Chef, Drew Jackson has the ability to appease the most
discerning palate with his fresh bounty of Northwest Fare. His culinary
magic is attributed to the use of fresh organics that he hand picks from
neighboring farms. A selection of fine vintages are also offered from
their wine cellar.
“We’re striving
to make The Wild Iris Inn a relaxing and romantic place for couples to
get away to,” states new owners, Jill and David Britt. And by the
sounds of the rave reviews, since their purchase just three months ago,
they have already successfully mastered this task.
The
Wild Iris Inn
121 Maple Avenue
P.O. Box 696
La Conner, WA 98257 USA
Phone: 360-466-1400
e-mail:info@wildiris.com
http://www.wildiris.com
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