The Spa at Salish Lodge

It should came as no surprise to many when Travel + Leisure magazine announced the results of the 2004 World's Best Awards.

Readers overwhelmingly cast their vote for Salish Lodge & Spa -- coming in as the only Washington hotel featured on an impressive list. Taking the #56 honors, on the list of "Top 100 Continental US and Canada Hotels" wasn't too shabby either.

When such accolades abound -- I quickly packed my bags!

What I discovered was the most unforgettable experience this side of the Cascade Mountains. With Chef Roy Breima at the helm, whipping up "Snoqualmie River Hot Rocks" and the 268-foot views of Snoqualmie Falls, it quickly became clear why this joint is consistently ranked among the best small resorts in the world (with AAA status).

Settled into one of 91 guest rooms, my wife and I marveled at the wood-burning fireplace, goosedown comforters, feather bed, and balcony views. Just 35 minutes east of downtown Seattle, we were tempted, but opted to stay put the entire time – feasting on the resort’s impressive cuisine (see dinning section) and award-winning spa services.

Quick Tips:

Don't miss "Snoqualmie River Hot Rocks."

Chef Roy actually wades into the Snoqualmie River to select river stones, takes them to a local stonecutter, and has them cut in half. Heated in the oven for 90 minutes, the stones are then brought to your table with fresh seafood selections and cooked right at the table on the heated stones.

Ask for "The Crest of The Falls Outdoor Massage," which will be featured more regularly this fall (2004. If you're lucky, they'll arrange for this session to take place in an outdoor tent alongside the Snoqualmie Falls. Pay close attention to the rhythm of the Snoqualmie as it plunges 268 feet to the riverbed below.

Also, don't forget to try one of thir new duet massage treatment rooms. Expect a real tatami Thai massage setting, and a "couples fireside" option.

Best Way To Get Around:

The resort is located 35 minutes east of downtown Seattle and the Snoqualmie Pass summit, within 40 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and three hours from Vancouver, B.C. and Portland, Oregon.

There is certainly the option to explore, but why leave? Salish has everything you'd ever need (and more).

Whether you’re a first timer, or a returning visitor, the spa’s menu is first rate. Take some time upon arrival to relax in your room and browse the options: Snoqualmie Falls Foot Revitalizer, Essential Salish Facial, Alpine Purification Body Polish, the Earth Cocoon and Heated River Rock Massage.

Accommodations, with over 90 rooms, are superb as wood-burning fireplaces, feather beds, and large whirlpool tubs are standard at Salish Lodge. With such sophisticated accommodations expect service to match. For example, if you don’t like your pillow, the polite team of staff will offer a selection of 15 other varieties for choosing. Lavender scented bath salts and chocolates on your pillow just scratch the surface of what you’ll come to expect as mere everyday service at this mountain hideaway.

The accommodations ooze uniqueness, much of which can be attributed to the fact that the lodge is built on sacred ground. The word "salish," meaning moon, reflects the Coast Salish Tribe which once occupied the grounds and were known as the "people of the moon."

Between relaxing in your room and learning of such local character, make sure to save time for "Fireside Fridays," a great way to get an even better feel for the unique lay of the land. From presentations from local artists and musicians, to chats with various chefs, writers, and explorers - you'll leave Salish not only revitalized, but also well-informed and thirsting for more.

Note: If you’re a returning guest you’ll note upon first arrival that the reception area has been moved to a new location – now located off the entrance to the fourth floor. With renovations abound, you’ll want to check out the new treatment rooms as well.

Think fine wine and artisan cheese, and you might come close to imagining the Dining Room at Salish. However, it's even more....

With an original 1907 fireplace as the central focus, the Dining Room combines Northwest character and casual elegance. However, even more than the setting is the "personalized tableside service." Be it a romantic dinner for two or a party of ten, the wait staff are impeccable and "Chef Roy" at the top of his game.

The "Snoqualmie River Hot Rocks" are the real draw here, as the Chef is known to wade the river below to hand-pick hundreds of river rocks that are later cut in half and used to heat your meal tableside! Now that's service.

With seasonal inspired entrees, expect to find the likes of heirloom tomatoes, tomato basil sorbet, "Fresh Chèvre," seared diver sea scallops, black truffles, and my personal favorite smoked Maine Lobster "Thermidor."

Keep in mind Chef Roy was previously named one of PBS's "Rising Star Chefs," so you'll want to stay long enough to sample as many of his creations as possible.