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This Winter, Soak Your Stress Away On The Shores Of Washington’s Orcas Island At Doe Bay Resort & Retreat

Doe Bay Resort & Retreat on Orcas Island offers a blend of rustic and luxurious amenities, including outdoor soaking tubs with stunning views, making it a perfect year-round destination.

Published Jan 7, 2022

Written by 

Jessica Wick

Orcas Island is a horseshoe-shaped piece of paradise, also known as the "gem of the San Juans." And while you might think it's an ideal summertime destination, it's both beautiful and relaxing on a quiet winter weekend as well. And there's no better place to spend a winter weekend than Doe Bay Resort & Retreat, particularly in the outdoor soaking pools.

Doe Bay Resort & Retreat is located right on the shores on the bay, in the small town of Olga on Orcas Island.

A wooden house on stilts overlooking a rocky shoreline, surrounded by trees and mountains in the background.
Doe Bay Resort and Retreat / Facebook

This year-round destination blends rustic amenities with a luxurious spa, topped off with some incredible views.

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While Doe Bay typically has several options for accommodations, in the winter, it's the Deluxe Cabins and Group Cabins (Harbor House and Retreat House) that are available to rent.

A serene lakeside view featuring a green house surrounded by trees and water in the background.
Doe Bay

Conveniently, the Deluxe Cabins offer some of the best views on the property.

The Deluxe Cabins' sizes vary, but they all have private bathrooms, kitchens or kitchenettes, and all the comforts of home.

Cozy living room with a striped sofa, wooden coffee table, and large windows showcasing a scenic view.
Doe Bay

The minimum stay varies, but it doesn't matter, since you'll never want to leave.

The Doe Bay Cafe serves some of the tastiest food on the island, and plenty of menu ingredients come from the on-site organic garden.

A plate of poached eggs on greens with roasted potatoes and a red chili pepper garnish.
Doe Bay

Make a reservation for dinner, or order takeout for your cabin.

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But of course, as wonderful as the food and the views are, it's the outdoor soaking tubs that draw people in the most.

Two hot tubs on a wooden deck overlooking a serene lake, surrounded by trees and outdoor seating.
Doe Bay Resort and Retreat / Facebook

Not only do the tubs have perfect views, but they happen to be piping hot and perfectly clean.

To minimize exposure, the spa is only available for private reservations. The indoor sauna is temporarily closed.

Two hot tubs on a wooden deck surrounded by snow-covered trees, creating a cozy winter retreat.
Doe Bay Resort and Retreat / Facebook

The cost for the private spa rental is $200 for a 2-hour session, which isn't bad considering your group of up to eight will have the area to yourselves. The spa at Doe Bay also offers massages, although you'll have to book with your therapist in advance.

Come see why so many people claim that a stay at Doe Bay changed their lives.

A serene riverside scene featuring a house on stilts, surrounded by trees and rocky shores under a cloudy sky.
Doe Bay Resort and Retreat / Facebook

Come for a family reunion, a romantic retreat, or a getaway with friends and you'll see what we mean.

Have you ever enjoyed a stay at Doe Bay?

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Stays|Hotels & Resorts

Experience Old West Luxury at One of Washington’s Oldest Hotels

Do you want to experience Old West luxury? At The Bishop Hotel in Port Townsend, you'll stay in one of the oldest hotels in Washington!

Updated Oct 23, 2024

Written by 

Andrea Verschuyl

Somewhere between the advent of Airbnb and Instagram, vacationers began craving accommodations that provided them with more than beige, standardized interiors. Today's sightseers patronize businesses that deliver comfort while maintaining the local character guests couldn't find anywhere else. If a one-of-a-kind stay is on your wish list, you might want to stay in Port Townsend's Bishop Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Washington.

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Perched on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula with sweeping views of Puget Sound, Port Townsend is a famously picturesque town with a reputation for well-preserved Victorian architecture. The community's careful conservation of these structures is partly thanks to luck. While other Washington cities fell victim to fires that forced redevelopment, Port Townsend avoided these disasters.

Aerial view of a coastal town with a waterfront, docks, and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
Aerial panorama of the town of Port Townsend, a small and picturesque city on the Quimper Peninsula in the Puget Sound, Washington, with the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

With its stylish looks and oh-so-symmetrical architecture, there's something charmingly Wes Anderson about The Bishop Hotel. Walking up, it delivers visitors Old West luxury with a Victorian flair.

Historic brick building with multiple windows, featuring a restaurant and parked cars in front.
David Seibold/Flickr

A local man named William Bishop Sr. built the site in 1890. It became known as The Bishop Block, serving as the headquarters for the Owl Cigar Company well into the 1900s before being converted into temporary housing for WWII civilian workers in the 1940s. 1980 was the first year the building operated as a hotel, and it's been a tourist favorite since.

Current owners Jessica Jennings and Eric Wennberg purchased the building in 2020 and have done a remarkable job updating it while remaining sensitive to its storied past. You'll find their touch in modern details that imbue the hotel with timeless panache.

One of the things we love most about this boutique hotel in Port Townsend is that it sits just one block from the water, creating the perfect coastal escape. You can access the beach and water right from Water Street. And after your time outdoors, you can take a walk and browse the many local shops.

Though the downstairs Bottle Shop at The Bishop Hotel is open seven days a week for espresso, pastries, and adult beverages, and the beautiful courtyard is a must-visit year-round, some rooms are fitted with quaint kitchenettes, meaning you can luxuriate in bed as long as you'd like on a lazy vacation morning.

As well as being squeaky clean, the rooms are equally packed with character. As a lover of antiques, I relished the hotel's attention to detail. Here, guests enjoy all the atmosphere of a Victorian building while also benefiting from modern comforts. The combination makes for a delightful experience you'll want to repeat again and again.

This Old West hotel in Washington also offers weekly, private, and various pop-up events. These events typically take place in the Bishop Block Bottle Shop or Garden Courtyard and can include everything from live music nights to a weekly pasta night. We recommend you visit The Bishop Hotel’s website for upcoming events and activities.

You'll love your stay at one of the oldest hotels in Washington! The Bishop Hotel delivers Old West glamour in a decidedly Victorian package. Best of all, this boutique hotel is located within walking distance from Port Townsend's charming downtown. Book your vacation and make lasting memories in this stunning waterfront town! And, of course, if you have stayed at this Washington hotel in the past, let us know about your experience. Don't forget to include your favorite The Bishop Hotel photos!

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Take a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride, Then Stay in a Snow-Covered Lodge for a Holly Jolly Washington Adventure

Head off the beaten path to a picture-perfect winter resort in Washington with enough activities to last all season long.

Updated Oct 22, 2024

Written by 

Sherri Adams

If you’re looking for a winter getaway that’s sure to please, then head off the beaten path to the little, old Western town of Winthrop, Washington. Nestled in picturesque Okanogan County, you’ll find the Sun Mountain Lodge, a premier resort surrounded by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing trails, and even the option for a horse-drawn carriage ride in Washington. A holly jolly adventure awaits at the Sun Mountain Lodge.

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Sun Mountain Lodge is undeniably one of the most beautiful places to stay in Washington in the wintertime. The lodge sits perched high above the Methow Valley with panoramic views of the Cascade Mountain Range, an idyllic location for a variety of winter sports and activities.

Snow-capped mountains under a pink and purple sky, framed by evergreen trees in the foreground.
jaisril / Flickr

Here you’ll find the largest destination cross-country ski resort in the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned skier, or just starting out, Sun Mountain Lodge has the perfect cross-country skiing experience for everyone. Expertly groomed ski trails stretch across the valley with diverse terrain for all skill levels.

If you’re looking for a slightly slower-paced activity, Sun Mountain Lodge has you covered. Have you ever tried snowshoeing? This winter activity is a favorite pastime in the Methow Valley. You can rent snowshoes from the lodge and spend the day in the fresh, crisp air trekking through glistening snow and making memories you won’t soon forget.

A close-up of a snowshoe on a snowy trail, with a trekking pole beside it and trees in the background.
Mt. Seymour, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

A ride in a horse-drawn sleigh will delight the whole family. From mid-December through early March, depending on snow conditions, you can take an enchanting sleigh ride over snow-covered hills, led by magnificent draft horses. Snuggle under the provided quilt and breathe in the clean mountain air. Reservations are strongly recommended, as this is a popular family activity.

Speaking of reservations, don't forget to make some for award-winning cuisine in the dining room. So much winter activity in Washington is bound to work up an appetite, and fortunately, the on-site dining will not disappoint. With fresh, farm-to-table selections, and grand sweeping views, the dining room at Sun Mountain Lodge is a culinary experience not to be missed. The menu changes seasonally, offering guests a chance to enjoy the region's finest bounty, supplied by local farms whenever possible. And, those who appreciate fine wine will be impressed by the cellar's 3,000 bottles of local Washington wine.

Looking for a more casual dining experience? Check out the Wolf Creek Bar & Grill. With 180-degree views of the Methow Valley, delicious, locally and regionally sourced foods, and craft beers, the Wolf Creek Bar & Grill is a great place to bring the family for lunch. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available.

Well-appointed guest rooms await at the end of the day. After a long day of skiing and snowshoeing, you’ll want to snuggle up in a complimentary bathrobe and fall into bed for a restful night’s sleep in one of the lodge’s cozy guest rooms. Guests rave about the views, service, and top-notch quality of the accommodations.

Snow-covered mountains rise in the background, with trees and a cloudy sky creating a serene winter landscape.
ryan Bucci / Flickr

Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway for two, Sun Mountain Lodge has the winter adventure you’re looking for. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides are just a few of the fun winter activities at Sun Mountain Lodge. Hop on a snowmobile and glide across fresh powder through the 3,000 acres of wilderness. You can even sign up for lessons with an expert instructor and learn how to Alpine ski!

Your winter adventure awaits at the Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, Washington. Pristine snow, wilderness trails, fresh mountain air, and award-winning cuisine make for the perfect mountain getaway! Have you experienced the beauty and tranquility of Sun Mountain Lodge? What new Washington winter activities did you try?

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If you're looking for some more ideas for spending winter in Washington, check out what makes the village of Leavenworth so incredibly magical.

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