A Retreat For The Body & Mind ~ Suncadia Resort
Suncadia feels far removed from the city, and yet it is just 80 miles southeast of Seattle. The resort, set amidst 6,400 acres, was planned to blend well with its natural environment. Overlooking the Cle Elum River valley, it offers sweeping views of Mount Baldy, Domerie Peak and the Cascade Mountains. The complex includes the Lodge and the smaller Inn, with a total of 254 rooms, and boasts a winery, a full-service spa, Suncadia Village (with residences), two golf courses and a large aquatic center.
Washington has emerged as a major wine producer; the state’s registered wineries have jumped from under 100 a decade ago to over 700 in 2011. This growth is evident here with the presence of Swiftwater Cellars, which opened in 2010. The picturesque tasting room and restaurant invite you to linger as well as learn about the area’s local history and, of course, wine! On a lovely walk in the nearby forest, we saw several deer amongst the trees—all adding to the picturesque setting.
The benefits of vinotherapy
The wine theme is carried through at the Glade Spring Spa, which is just under 10,000 square feet. However, the outdoor sauna and forest “glades” double the space to 20,000 square feet, making it as much about being outdoors as indoors. I experienced the vinotherapy massage and learned that while red wine is great for your heart, chardonnay grapes are found to have anti-aging properties for the skin.
According to the website of the Olavie company, the product line used in the massage, polyphenol forms a protective layer on skin and stimulates the renewal of cells and collagen. Pholyphenol also clears up free radicals, which damage and age cells.
Anti-aging facial also features grapes
Part of the Olavie line, the chardonnay body oil smelled delicious and fruity. Immediately following my massage, I experienced the anti-aging facial, again featuring grapes and Le Vin products, the “antioxidant wine therapy” skin care line started by the makers of Olavie body products.
In this facial, two masks, featuring natural ingredients like pineapple, grape and papaya as well as an anti-inflammatory, willow bark, feed the skin. The treat of a glass of Chardonnay or sparkling wine post treatment topped off the experience, as I sat enjoying the cozy fire in the inviting lounge—a perfect way to dream away what happened to be a rainy day.
The spa’s design includes large floor-to-ceiling windows and warm-colored woods that bring the outdoor light in. Steps away, an outdoor sauna, flowing water and heated pools feel part of the natural environment. Guests stay warm in the sauna or pools while the snow falls—or bask in the sun. The spa’s pool area opened in 2008, and its trees and plantings have matured, making the landscape feel organic and natural.
Suncadia is a real retreat for the body and mind, so close and yet a world away.
Glade Spring Spa, Suncadia Resort
