A review of the Salish Lodge & Spa: Only about 30 minutes east of Seattle, Washington is the town of Snoqualmie. Surrounded by lush forest and towering evergreens is perhaps the star of Snoqualmie, and what attracts the bulk of its visitors—the Snoqualmie Falls. And the Salish Lodge & Spa is a little piece of tranquility that’s perched right on top of those magnificent falls.
The Rooms at the Salish Lodge & Spa
You know that feeling you get when arrive home from a trip, and you’re sad that it’s over, but it’s also nice to be back in your own bed? This might have been the only time I didn’t feel this way. I’ve slept in a lot of beds (that doesn’t sound right, but you know what I mean), and this one might have perhaps been one of the most comfortable I’ve ever been in.
I was only at the Salish Lodge & Spa for one evening, but it was one of the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a while. We slept with the balcony door open (there’s a screen to keep the bugs out) and the sounds of the roaring falls, plus the warmth of the crackling fireplace at the foot of our bed, made for a very peaceful evening.
We had a room on the 4th floor spa level, which not only makes for convenient access to the spa, but also includes other great perks. Some of the notable benefits include wine and hors d’oeuvres daily from 4pm – 6pm, and extended use of the spa’s terrific soaking pools.
The Food and Wine
To me, a small part of a dining experience when you’re traveling is how good the food is—the main part is the ambiance. I’m OK with mediocre food if the setting is amazing. The Dining Room at the Salish Lodge & Spa excels in both.
Even if you do end up disappointed in what you order, you certainly won’t be disappointed by your surroundings. You get an amazing view of the Snoqualmie Falls, plus the general beauty of the Pacific Northwest, from just about anywhere in the restaurant.
I had the Chinook salmon with gnocchi, and I have to say that I’m normally not a fan of salmon (I’ve actually been avoiding meat, for the most part, for a while now) but it was quite good, especially with the honey glaze. The gnocchi, however, was probably my favorite part of the whole meal. I love gnocchi, but this might have been the best gnocchi I’ve ever had.
Joe had the confit and roasted pork belly as a starter, followed by the roasted duck.
And of course, I have to mention the wine, which was also great. They have their own private label Chardonnay, Red Blend, and Reserve Red. I didn’t get a chance to try the Chardonnay, but we both really enjoyed their reds.
Needless to say, everything is delish at the Salish.
The Spa
Absolutely make time for the spa if you stay here: there’s a reason why it was listed as one of Conde Nast Traveler’s favorite spas this year. They have a variety of treatments; in addition to massages and facials, they also offer unique body scrubs and wraps that utilize their own herbs from their garden, and honey from their bees. They also offer moonlight massages and yoga by the falls in a special room known as the Hidden Terrace, a serene space that offers an amazing view of the Snoqualmie Falls.
The Honey
In 2011, a four-hive, 120,000 honeybee apiary was installed onsite. A year later, the hives tripled to produce 2,4000 pounds of organic honey annually. This honey is used for so many different things on property—everything from beer and snacks, food, to spa treatments. Just look for a bee symbol next to select menu items.
I can’t say enough good things about this amazing place. I must’ve been to hundreds of hotels and this is easily one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever stayed at. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an amazing place for a wedding, a relaxing trip with friends or family, or a solo retreat, without a doubt this is the place to just tune out the rest of the world and rejuvenate.
Check out the Salish Lodge & Spa in our Washington video:
Essential Travel Information
Flights: You’ll fly to Seattle, and from there, it’s only about a half hour drive to Snoqualmie. There are a lot of options when choosing an airline, and depending on where you’re flying from, you may be able to fly direct. Virgin Atlantic Airways and Hawaiian Airlines are just some good options. You can also look up airfare on FlightHub.com to compare flights from the airport of your choice.
Hotel information: Learn more about the Salish Lodge & Spa, check rates, and book your stay on Expedia.
CityPASS: If you’ll be hanging out in Seattle at all, I highly recommend the Seattle CityPASS. For one low price, you can see a lot of the area’s top attractions. Learn more about Seattle CityPASS and purchase one on their website.
