When I want a solo wellness getaway, I drive to Leavenworth, Washington, and stay at the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort. The moment I drive onto the property, I feel my cares slip away. Formerly a Civilian Conservation Corps camp and then a Catholic Youth summer camp, the owner has transformed the rustic original buildings, along with new additions, into a luxury resort.
It’s easy to see why the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort has so many repeat visitors who want to unplug.
Highlights:
- Get Your Wellness On: Experience the Aspen Leaf Day Spa, hot soaks and cold plunges at the resort pool and art walks through the resort.
- The Spirit of Harriet Bullitt: A hands-on owner known for ziplining across Icicle Creek in her 80s.
- A Solo Traveler’s Logistics: Expert tips on navigating the resort, choosing your room and exploring nearby Leavenworth.
- Close to Seattle: It takes a little over two hours to drive here, and the route through Snoqualmie Pass is gorgeous.
Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.
The History and Heart of Sleeping Lady: Harriet Bullitt’s Legacy
SheBuysTravel focuses on women, and I personally love it when I come across amazing women who have made a difference and are relatively unknown. Philanthropist Harriet Bullitt’s gifts focused on the environment and the arts. She purchased the Sleeping Lady property in 1992 to ensure this beautiful retreat did not fall into the hands of developers. Bullitt opened the property to the public as a resort in 1995 as a place for people and families to unplug and reconnect. She was a hands-on owner known for ziplining across Icicle Creek from her home on the adjacent property well into her 80’s.
- Icicle Fund: Bullitt established it as her primary philanthropic organization
- Icicle Creek Center for the Arts: Located adjacent to the resort, it is dedicated to excellence in the performing arts and synergy between the arts and the environment, two of Bullitt’s loves.
- Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort: Bullitt donated the property to the Icicle Fund in 2019, ensuring a source of income for the nonprofit.
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Staying at Sleeping Lady: Rustic Luxury and Scenic Views
I love this rustic sanctuary with views of the Cascade Mountains and the rushing sounds of Icicle Creek. The resort retained the camp’s original layout, with buildings arranged in clusters across the property. So many sizes and options to choose from. I stayed in a standard Alcove room with a hand-hewn log bed, crisp premium sheets and cozy down comforters. Lots of amenities, including a heated towel rack, a luxury I didn’t know I needed until now. My room also had a cute little desk, perfect for catching up on my writing. Did I mention the soft, fluffy robes?
- Rooms: Quite a variety of sizes, including those with bunk beds for families
- Osprey’s Nest: Splurge and rent Harriet’s former home for the perfect girls’ getaway
- Plan to Walk: The resort prohibits parking near guest rooms and cabins. I pulled up, checked in and then had to walk on a paved path with my bags to my room. The resort provides push carts, and golf carts are available for those who need assistance. Some rooms and cabins are quite a distance from the check-in area.
SheBuysTravel Tip: When not used for visiting artists, musicians and conferences, the eight cabins at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts are available to the public to book. Guests have access to all the amenities at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort & Spa.
Rejuvenation at the Sleeping Lady: A Premier Leavenworth, Washington Wellness Experience
During the off-season and weekdays, the Sleeping Lady Resort and Spa oozes quiet relaxation. Stroll the gorgeous property, explore the trails and beautifully landscaped gardens. Embrace the quiet sounds of nature. There are no TVs in the rooms because the founder, Harritt Bullitt, wanted guests to get outside and find peace.
Here are some of the wellness activities I took part in during my visit.
Aspen Leaf Day Spa
I highly recommend the Signature Jade Stone Sole 2 Soul Foot Treatment. During this 60-minute treatment, the therapist soaked, exfoliated, wrapped, massaged and moisturized my feet. The warm Jade stone massage was a nice touch. The Aspen Leaf Day Spa specializes in signature jade treatments. Jade offers healing, balancing and harmonizing properties. All I know is that my legs felt rejuvenated.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Purchase the Enhancement Package add-on to any service. I loved the foot soak with my choice of essential oils while sipping a glass of champagne and nibbling on a decadent chocolate bar. I am still enjoying the lavender sachet made from lavender harvested from the organic garden.
Pool and Spa
Wow, I had this whole gorgeous pool to myself. It just opened for the season, and probably too chilly for most people. I did a wellness routine of hot and cold plunges, and my hot ones were definitely longer. Then I wrapped up and enjoyed the sun and the incredible views. I loved the natural rocks and foliage surrounding the pool deck.
Enjoy the Arts
An important feature of the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort is the incredible art collection. Founder Harriet Bullitt loved the natural environment and felt the only enhancement humans could add was art. Take an Art Walk around the property and discover how this natural setting inspires artists, and see their works woven into the Sleeping Lady experience. Don’t miss Dale Chihuly’s Icicles. Harriett Bullitt originally commissioned the piece as a chandelier, but Chihuly felt it needed to be outside. It was his first permanent outdoor artwork and consists of 1,060 icicle-shaped pieces. It is stunning, and I checked it out numerous times during my visit in different lighting conditions.
The Arts
- Artist in Residence: Purchase Heather Murphy’s beautiful works in the gift shop. She is known for her lovely notecards and journals. I can’t resist a pretty notebook.
- Performing Arts: Located on the property, the Icicle Center for the Arts hosts year-round performances. I love that you can just walk to a performance from your room.
Dining at the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort & Spa
Wellness for me includes delicious food and a glass of wine. The Kingfisher delivers fresh, hearty meals crafted from local ingredients. A great meal needs a perfect setting. The Kingfisher resembles a national park lodge with exposed wood beams, river rock and a massive stone fireplace. Large windows provide views of Icicle Canyon and Dale Chihuly’s Icicles glass art sculpture. FYI, that fruit tart still haunts my dreams. It was that good! Such a huge portion, I took half back to my room and enjoyed it for breakfast the next morning.
Wellness Beyond the Resort: My Favorite Stops in Leavenworth
On my way to the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort & Spa, I stopped in Leavenworth, the cutest faux German town, for a little shopping before check-in. Remedy Forest and Home, one of my favorite shops, offers a variety of skincare products, books, journals and much more, making it perfect for a wellness trip. I love to pick up a few treats for myself. Leavenworth’s main street offers a variety of shops and restaurants and is pedestrian-only. I lived in Germany for two years, and Leavenworth really feels like an alpine village.
A few of my favorite stops:
- Prey’s Fruit Barn: I stop on my way into town to purchase fresh local apples as well as treats and snacks. Prey’s also has yarn and pottery next door. Call to schedule a knitting class for a relaxing wellness activity you can do at home.
- Schocolat: You had me at Schocolat. I love these small-batch European-style, decadent chocolate treats.
- The Hat Shop: I love a good hat shop. A Leavenworth staple for almost 40 years, offering a great selection.
Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort & Spa FAQ
It is a 10-minute drive from Leavenworth and about a two-hour drive from Seattle.
The Aspen Leaf Day Spa is on-site and offers appointments for resort guests and day visitors.
The resort offers a yoga class on Saturday mornings for a fee. Resort guests receive a discount.
A rock formation visible from the property overlooks the valley and resembles a “Sleeping Lady”.
In addition to all the resort amenities, guests can explore the nearby Bavarian village of Leavenworth, go hiking and explore the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. The Leavenworth Visitor Center on Front St. has maps, brochures and friendly experts to help with your trip.
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