The Pacific Northwest has a bounty of luxury resorts that are destinations in themselves. This area of the country is known for its natural beauty, from the old-growth forests to the rugged coastlines and the awe-inspiring Cascade Mountains.
I’ve stayed in each of these Pacific Northwest luxury resorts. They’re ideal destinations for those seeking luxurious relaxation in beautiful natural settings. All of the resorts listed here are within driving distance or a ferry ride of either Seattle, Washington, or Portland, Oregon, both of which have major airports. I’ve also included a few in British Columbia, Canada, which is also considered the Pacific Northwest.
SheBuysTravel Tip: All of these resorts are open year-round, but amenities vary based on the season. The Pacific Northwest is known for its rain but we locals know that you just need a good rain jacket. Most activities take place rain or shine.
Brasada Ranch, Powell Butte, Oregon
The Brasada Ranch is one of my favorite resorts because it combines luxury accommodations with stunning natural beauty. It is located near Bend, a popular destination in central Oregon, and about a three-hour drive from Portland, Oregon.
The resort offers everything you need, so there is no need to leave once you check in. There is something special about the Brasada Ranch that just lends itself to relaxation.
Outdoor pools, onsite golf courses, restaurants, and a spa are some of the many amenities. Horseback riding is a popular activity, as is biking. The fitness center is over-the-top and even has Peloton bikes.
It is a family and pet-friendly destination. I loved the brand new adult-only accommodations with easy access to the adults-only swimming pool.
My favorite thing to do was enjoy s’mores around the fire pit at the Range Restaurant and watch the unbelievably beautiful sunsets. Panoramic views include Mount Hood and the Three Sisters mountains.
Why did Brasada Ranch make my list of the Best Pacific Northwest Luxury Resorts?
- Adult-only Cascade Bungalows
- Destination resort
- Farm-to-table Pacific Northwest cuisine
- Hike to Spirit Rock
- Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2023
SurfSand Resort, Cannon Beach, Oregon
The SurfSand Resort overlooks Cannon Beach and many rooms have views of the iconic Haystack Rock.
I love this resort due to its location. It is the ideal base to explore the North Oregon Coast. It is just an hour and a half drive from Portland, Oregon, which makes it a popular weekend getaway.
You can walk to many of the shops and restaurants in town. Head out of the hotel and stroll the beach. Make sure to plan for low tide to enjoy the tide pools around Haystack Rock.
The Wayfarer is the hotel restaurant and I am so glad I had the opportunity to eat here. It is popular, so make sure you have reservations. Watching the sun descend over the Pacific Ocean and Haystack Rock from the picture windows just adds to the ambiance of this cozy restaurant. The menu is seasonal and highlights the best of local seafood. Make sure to try the Dungeness Crab Cocktail.
Note that online reviews of this resort are mixed due to the fact it is an older hotel. Read the positive reviews and you’ll see why I love it. Upcoming extensive renovations including the addition of air conditioning in each room will hopefully resolve these issues.
Why did SurfSand Resort make my list of the Best Pacific Northwest Luxury Resorts?
- Fresh cookies every afternoon
- Stunning sunsets
- Haystack Rock views
- Private entrance to the beach
Sunriver Resort
The Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon, is the quintessential family resort with vacation rentals as well as guest rooms in the River Lodge, a luxury hotel. Considered one of the best resorts in Oregon, generations of families have vacationed here.
Sunriver has tons of amenities and the resort offers everything you need to enjoy an adventurous outdoor vacation. Sunriver is the perfect destination for both a summer or winter vacation with its proximity to the Deschutes River and Mount Bachelor.
Kayak on the river in the summer and ski the mountain in the winter.
Why did Sunriver make my list of the Best Pacific Northwest Luxury Resorts?
- Vacation rental homes
- Watersports on the Deschutes River
- Family- and pet-friendly
- Winter and summer resort
Salish Lodge and Spa, Snoqualmie, Washington
The gorgeous Salish Lodge & Spa is where residents of Washington State go for a romantic getaway. It is less than an hour’s drive from downtown Seattle.
As you enter the property, you’ll hear the roar of Snoqualmie Falls, one of the crown jewels of the Pacific Northwest. This 268-foot waterfall has a powerful flow all year round.
I like to describe the lodge as upscale rustic with lots of stone and wood. Book a Spa Level Riverside guest room for access to the luxurious onsite spa. Amenities include a waterfall pool, sauna, and steam room. Due to its proximity to Seattle, it is a popular destination for a spa day.
A romantic meal overlooking Snoqualmie Falls also is a must. For a special meal, order the Chateaubriand for two. It’s served with a tableside-prepared sauce flamed with brandy for a dramatic presentation.
Why did Salish Lodge and Spa make my list of the Best Pacific Northwest Luxury Resorts?
- Honey from their own beehives
- Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 50 Hotel Spas in the United States”
- Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement
- Club 268 is an elevated luxury experience
Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, Washington
If you ever want to stay at an iconic national park lodge like Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn, then the Skamania Lodge is for you.
Located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the lodge has the soaring ceilings, dramatic stone fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows you would expect at a national park or mountain lodge.
While the Skamania Lodge resembles a historic property, it shines as a modern up-to-date lodge with luxury rooms and amenities.
This is a quintessential Pacific Northwest lodge that has some of the most dramatic views I have ever seen. The Columbia River Gorge is just stunning and Skamania is situated above it for stellar views.
Onsite activities include golf, a zipline course, an aerial park, and three hiking trails. The location is great for exploring Washington wine country.
Why did Skamania Lodge make my list of the Best Pacific Northwest Luxury Resorts?
- Luxurious outdoor hot tub
- Treehouse lodging
- Location in the Columbia River Gorge
- Adirondack chairs with views of the gorge
Alderbrook Resort and Spa, Union, Washington
The Alderbrook Resort and Spa overlooks the Hood Canal on the Olympic Peninsula. On a clear day, you can see the Olympic Mountains.
This beautiful resort is nestled among lush trees with a bubbling brook flowing through the property. I have stayed here numerous times over the years and just love getting away from the hustle and bustle of life.
I became a forever fan, however, when I discovered that the owners continued to pay their employees during the COVID-19 shutdown.
A popular activity is Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing. That simply means communing with nature, which is easy to do while walking the resort’s trails through an old-growth forest.
The onsite spa promotes wellness and relaxation with a variety of treatments and a Finnish sauna, steam room, and therapy pool.
The resort has so many activities and amenities but one of my favorites is to lounge in an Adirondack chair and enjoy the waterfront views. The natural beauty of this resort brings back guests year after year.
Why did Alderbrook Resort and Spa make my list of the Best Pacific Northwest Luxury Resorts?
- Indoor heated pool with views of the Hood Canal
- Old growth forest
- Arrive by seaplane with Kenmore Air
- Culinary Adventures
Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia
The Fairmont Empress is an iconic hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. Overlooking the inner harbor, it is known as Canada’s “castle by the sea.”
Its immense presence does look like a castle and the opulent interior adds to the effect. Since its inception, this hotel has had a reputation for excellence and outstanding service. Many employees are second or third-generation to work at the hotel and you’ll often find people with more than 20 years of service.
The Empress recently went through a multi-million-dollar renovation. The rooms have accents of royal purple and are the epitome of luxury with classic styling and modern amenities.
It is worth the splurge for a suite on the Gold Floor. This is a hotel within a hotel that ups the amenities even more. The Gold Lounge offers food and beverages throughout the day with a well-designed outdoor space with fire pits that overlooks Victoria’s waterfront.
The sunsets are stunning.
Why did the Fairmont Empress make my list of the Best Pacific Northwest Luxury Resorts?
- Iconic afternoon tea
- Luxurious Willow Stream Spa
- Q at the Empress restaurant
- Opulent suites and the Gold Floor
Westin Resort and Spa, Whistler, British Columbia
The Westin Resort and Spa in Whistler does not feel like a chain hotel, which is why it made my list. Nestled in the village of Whistler and tucked away in the Coast Mountains, this is one special resort.
Winter and summer, Whistler is known for its outdoor activities. The ski valet is a popular amenity in the winter. In the summer guests enjoy the outdoor pool.
The rooms are luxurious without being pretentious. Enjoy curling up on a comfy sofa enjoying the gentle heat from the gas fireplace. The resort has an area with independent shops and a sushi restaurant.
Why did the Fairmont Empress make my list of the Best Pacific Northwest Luxury Resorts?
- Located in Whistler Village
- Luxurious rooms with kitchens
- Close to outdoor activities
- Ski valet in winter
A Few More Luxury Pacific Northwest Resorts
I haven’t visited these resorts yet but they are definitely on my list to visit in the future:
Wine lovers will enjoy a stay at the Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Washington. There are more than 130 wineries and tasting rooms in the town which is a 30-minute drive from Seattle.
Those looking for a mountain lodge experience will love the Timberline Lodge in Government Camp, Oregon. It is famed for the movie “The Shining.”
Pinot Noir lovers will enjoy a stay at the Allison Inn & Spa in Newburg, Oregon.
How to Get a Deal on a Pacific Northwest Luxury Resort
I’ve stayed at all of these PNW luxury resorts and it is too hard to pick a favorite. They are all the best. A luxury stay is a splurge but there are ways to get better rates on the cost of the room. Check hotel booking sites for last-minute deals. Travel during the off-season when hotels and resorts often offer discounted rates or stay two nights and get the third night free.
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