The first thing that came to mind when I visited Alderbrook Resort & Spa was a dearly loved poem by Robert Frost: “The Road Not Taken.” Two roads diverged in a yellow wood… begins the famous poem. Only this particular wood is green and lies along the Hood Canal, and it led us to Alderbrook.
The charm of nature is unparalleled, and evident in every detail at this resort, from the cozy cottages, to the stately pines reaching for a benevolent sky, to the tranquil waters of the Hood Canal that simply took my breath away. I am a city girl, not by choice but by necessity, and this place struck a deep chord. I have always preferred remote locations especially by the water, and reveled in the symphony of silence, and Alderbrook certainly was a treat. It has the best of modern luxuries while being tucked away in one of the Northwest’s most magnificent settings. Can you ask for anything more?
ACCOMMODATIONS
The resort has 77 guest rooms and 16 cottages, each with complimentary Wi-Fi, Keurig single cup coffee and tea selections, plush linens, sumptuous bath products, and attention to detail which leaves one rested and rejuvenated.
We stayed in one of the charming cottages nestled on the picturesque shores of the Hood Canal, and surrounded by trees and breathtaking beauty. The spacious cottages come with one or two bedrooms, separate living rooms, fully-furnished kitchens, and fireplaces which would be perfect for the cooler months. They have the cozy feel of a beach or lake house with gorgeous views of the Hood Canal and Olympic Mountains.
AMENITIES
The resort boasts a full-service spa, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, steam room and sauna, first-class restaurant and bar, an 18-hole PGA golf course, tennis courts, 1500 linear-foot dock with guest moorage and boat rentals, water sports, and miles of groomed nature trails for hiking.
The hiking trails were a favorite. I like imagining I am wandering through the primeval wood. It is easy to do so with the moss-draped trees, lush ferns and foliage, and the sound of a creek winding below the undergrowth. I felt like I was in another place and time, far away from civilization.
Some water sports we enjoyed were kayaking, paddle boating, and hydro cycling. The canal waters are calm and perfect for this.
Strolling out on the dock at dusk, just after the sun has dipped below the horizon, and an enchanting stillness claims the air is sublime. The breeze picks up then, carrying the sweet and briny tang of the saltwater which fills the senses with a kind of bliss.
DINING
Dining at the resort was always excellent. The Restaurant at Alderbrook offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it very convenient for guests of the resort. It also boasts gorgeous views of the Hood Canal, and a wonderful variety of wines and freshly prepared cuisine to suit even the most discriminating palate.
Things like grand marnier prawns, clams in a white wine butter sauce, clam chowder, fish and chips, caesar salad, risotto, salmon, berkshire pork chop and duck confit are savory and satisfying.
Their desserts are tempting as well, including such fare as chocolate napoleon and vanilla bean creme brulee. There is also outdoor dining on the Patio, complete with live music Wednesday through Sunday evenings.
The resort has a gift shop, complimentary electric vehicle charging station, pet-friendly rooms, a “Gamers’ Hideaway” with Xbox, nine 37” TVs, and one 55” TV, each with individual Xbox and Turtle Beach headset. There are ballrooms and conference centers for private events as well. The resort’s own Lady Alderbrook—a 54-foot boat—is available for scenic sunset cruises, private events, and more.
This idyllic escape is only about two hours west of Seattle and north of Portland, and located on 88 verdant acres with panoramic views of the tranquil canal and Olympic Mountains, yet it’s truly a haven when you want to get away from it all.
Borrowing Robert Frost’s words,
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one to Alderbrook, And that has made all the difference.
AUTHOR: Jocelyn Murray
