The holidays were long behind us. The rain just kept… raining. Even in the mountains, there wasn’t much snow to enjoy a day trip for sledding or skiing at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, Washington. The kids were getting restless, and so were the parents.
My friend Molly was feeling the same. That’s when we devised the plan:
SUNCADIA. TOGETHER.
She had been to Suncadia Resort, but I had not. While they had enjoyed swimming and hiking with their son, a toddler meltdown derailed their plans for a nice dinner, and only one of them had gotten away to check out the wine tasting room.
But if we both went at the same time… Well, the possibilities were endless.
Why Suncadia Resort?
It’s an easy 80-mile drive, straight east from Seattle. We could leave at the end of the school- and workday on Friday, get back in plenty of time to get the kids to bed on Sunday, and still feel a world away.
Plus, in comparison to your typical family-activity resorts, this one prided itself on fun for the whole family and fun for just mom and dad (restaurants, spa, golf, wine, etc.).
Insider tip: You can bring your dog, saving a significant extra vacation expense. Plus, isn’t it nice to bring the whole family for a change? With all the outside activities—and pet-friendly touches like this bench of towels and dog treats—they’ll be in dog heaven.
When’s a good time to go to Suncadia?
Any time!
In the winter:
- Go tubing on fresh or Suncadia-made powder all winter long.
- Snow shoe practically straight out the hotel for miles. (Note: You’ll need to bring your own.)
- Ice skate on a well-maintained rink complete with all the equipment you need—and even plenty of spectator seating and a roaring fire to keep warm.
In the summer:
- Bike or hike on miles and miles of great family-friendly paths.
- Golf in ridiculously picturesque mountain splendor.
- Cool off in the stunning outdoor pool, cliff-side.
Any season:
- Kick back in one of the outdoor heated hot tubs.
- Take a dip in the indoor pool
- Water slide! Make that two water slides!
- Sweat it out in the poolside steam room, sauna, or fitness center.
- Try a fun workout class, offered daily.
- Enjoy free s’mores around the campfire.
And for the adults:
- Feed your inner foodie at the resorts fine restaurants—way beyond your typical vacation fare.
- Enjoy a decadent indoor-outdoor spa experience.
- Escape to your in-room soaking tub.
- Taste wines at Swiftwater Cellers in a cozy, dog-friendly atmosphere. You may even stumble upon live music and dancing, too.
- Experience a massage at the Glade Spring Spa located in the resort.
What room set up do you recommend for two groups?
We reserved a one-bedroom suite and an adjoining two-queen room. This allowed everyone in our party to share one kitchen, dining area, living room, and balcony.
Since the suites cost a decent amount more, it makes the trip a bit more budget friendly, while still giving everyone the comforts of home. It also helps save money because you can bring and cook your own food for a few meals.
Insider tip: Please note that the regular two-queen rooms don’t have a fridge. So if you don’t have a suite, bring a cooler to supplement restaurant meals with in-room breakfasts, lunches or snacks. Also, there’s not much space for eating in the two-queen-bed rooms. However, you can always use the cozy chairs and large, low tables in the lobby for leisurely meals. On warm days, find a table outside or bring a blanket for a picnic.
Grab the best rates and availability on the resort now!
Benefits of traveling in groups of two
Here’s a sample schedule to show you how you can divide and conquer, enjoying time both with your kids and without.
Friday
- 4:00pm – Leave Seattle
- 5:30pm – Arrive and check in
- 6:30pm – Dinner
- 8:00pm – Couple #1 puts kids to bed
- 8:00pm – Date night for Couple #2
Saturday
- 7:00am – Breakfast and lounging
- 9:00am – Hiking (including the dogs!)
- 10:30am – Ice skating
- 12:00pm – Lunch (room, lobby or restaurant)
- 1:00pm – Pool time
- 3:00pm – Changing, showers
- 3:30pm – Wives stay in with kids for downtime (e.g. naps, movie, reading, baths)
- 3:30pm – Husbands’ outing (e.g. tubing, golf, wine tasting)
- 6:00pm – Dinner
- 8:00pm – Couple #2 puts kids to bed
- 8:00pm – Date night for couple #1
Sunday
- 7:00am – Breakfast, lounging and packing
- 9:00am – Husbands take kids to the pool
- 9:00am – Wives’ outing (e.g. snowshoeing, biking, spa)
- 11:00am- Check out and pack cars
- 11:30am – Lunch (lobby or restaurant)
- 12:30pm – Tubing
- 2:00pm – Hot chocolate and snacks by the fire
- 2:30pm – Drive home
- 4:00pm – Back in plenty of time to figure out dinner and prepare for the coming week
My overall impression of Suncadia was that it was pricey, but well worth it. You can pack in so much fun in a short period of time, plus save money by bringing your dog and supplementing eating out with bringing your own food.
And with so many great activities for kids and parents, traveling in groups is a must to truly take advantage of all that Suncadia has to offer—which is a lot.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Many thanks to Suncadia Lodge for hosting Angela and her family for the purposes of this review. As always, my opinions are my own and that of the writers for Walking On Travels; when they aren’t you will be the first to know. Cold blue mountain lake via ShutterStock.com
Great post! Suncadia has been on my list for a long time and you just confirmed why. Such a cool looking destination and so much to do! Thanks!