Start the Year Off Right

Does the hustle and bustle of the holidays leave you tired and stressed? Well maybe a weekend away is exactly what you need. I think I found you just the place. This past weekend I checked out the award-winning Alderbrook Resort and Spa.

This resort is located in Union, WA, so it is only about an hour away. It is far enough away to make you feel like you went somewhere, yet still close enough that you can easily sneak away for a night or 2, if you are lucky! It is right on the Hood Canal.

The resort itself is rustic looking, but very luxurious! Pulling into the resort, one of the first things you will notice is you are offered free valet parking. This was extremely nice as it was quite cold and there was still a bit of snow on the ground. The staff were very helpful and the check-in was easy.

Next it was off to our room. We had a waterfront room on the 3rd floor. The elevator whisks you up to your floor and then you walk outside to get the room. As I mentioned, it was COLD outside, however a nice warm cozy room greeted us. I loved the simplicity, yet elegance of the decor. Everywhere you looked there were upgrades. A bottle of wine, snacks, Molton Brown toiletry items, luxurious bathrobes, premium bedding, pretty much everything said, relax and just enjoy!

My next stop was a true gift. I was treated to an hour massage including hot stones. Oh my! It was wonderful. The technician used the Aquatic Algae massage oil. It smelled so amazing! When she finished I felt so relaxed and my skin had never felt so soft! I think I am hooked! I then had choices about whether I wanted to go back to the relaxation room where you can just chill and drink warm tea or sit in the dry or steam sauna. Actually, I could have done all 3, but I did have the Seahawks game to watch, so I just chose to hang out in the dry Sauna for a little while.

Then it was off to the bar to watch the game. The bar had several big screen TVs, ample seating, and many drink choices. Of course we were celebrating so it was champagne for me this time. We met several interesting people, had great service and the appetizers were delish! We had the Washington Clams and the Calamari. Of course, the Seahawks won so that only improved the whole evening!

Both the bar and the restaurant offer views of the beautiful Hood Canal. It was beautiful watching the sun set! Finally it was off to dinner. Since we we had been sipping and snacking, we were not really super hungry. We had to sample, so we ordered their clam chowder which didn't disappoint. Next was a arugula salad that was served with winter squash, manchego, puffed barley, and a yummy citrus vinaigrette. Then there was the Duck Confit -winter “root hash”, parsley salad, fig & foie butter sauce. It was absolutely succulent! To top off our dinner, we had vanilla bean crème brûlée. It was done to perfection! A quick night cap and it was back to our room to relax.

Looking our from our room we could see a campfire going on down by the beach and the twinkling of the lights on the dock. The sound of the water was soothing. Everything was just so peaceful. Perfect end to a wonderful day!

We woke up to a blustery cold PNW day, thankfully only rain and no snow. They have Keurigs in the rooms, so we had a cup of coffee while enjoying the view from our room. Then it was off to have my favorite meal of the day- BRUNCH!!! The Dungenness Benedict was to die for and they were served with some tasty red potatoes!! A mimosa to say our final farewell and we were on our way home.