Where can you go from Seattle that will make a weekend feel like a blissful forever and not have to travel a zillion miles to get there? The hubby and I had this remarkable conundrum this summer when my parents came to watch our guys and we had three days and two nights for a kid-free vacation for our anniversary. Suddenly we were Seattle parents who had time for a getaway and we had no idea where to go. We brainstormed a ton of ideas and ultimately ended up picking the Ojo Caliente Spa Resort in New Mexico, about a 2 and half hour flight from Seattle because it sounded luxurious and different than anywhere else we’ve ever been. But now I have a whole bunch of kid-free weekend getaway ideas from Seattle (just in case we get another opportunity) and maybe it will be helpful if you’re planning this kind of vacation too.
The Ojo Caliente Spa Resort in New Mexico is one of the oldest spa resorts in North America
The Ojo Caliente was a splurge for us and it was the most improbable and random choice of everything we brainstormed. We actually found it through its sister property, the Sunrise Springs Resort that is closer to Albuquerque Airport (a spa that has puppies, chickens and kittens too btw) but we became really intrigued when we read that the Ojo Caliente Spa was one of the oldest spa resorts in the country. I initially had my heart set on going to Palm Springs or Las Vegas (not really to Vegas but to the Antelope Canyon because of all the beautiful pics I’ve seen), but it was August and summer in those places can be really hot. New Mexico sounded like it would be about 10 degrees cooler but would still have the rugged landscape that I was looking for and we could even have our own mineral pool.
The closest direct flight to this area of New Mexico was through Albuquerque and after the two and a half our flight, the Ojo Caliente Resort is about a two hour drive. We rented a Mustang with a big engine and it ended up being a fun drive and a great way to get around. On the way to the resort we stopped for dinner in Albuquerque at Tomasitas where we tried the famous red and green chiles and the yummiest sopapillas.
We booked a Posi Suite at the Ojo Caliente Resort and it was just as clean and stylish in real life as it was on the website. We loved that resort guests had access to the pools before guests who just came for the day and while I was really curious about an arsenic pool, the mud pool is where we spent most of our time. (If you watch Suits, this is not the same kind of mudding that Lewis Litt does. This one you had to apply outside the tub in meticulous layers and then rinse off and it was a really cool experience.). The restaurant at the resort is easy if you don’t want to leave, but we also really enjoyed a breakfast about 30ish minutes away at El Parsol.
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm in Albequerque New Mexico
If you have ever seen someone eating something at a restaurant while you were eating and then decided that you needed to try that the next time, you know how I felt when we arrived at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm. I loved our stay at the Ojo Caliente, and it was perfect but it was over when we stopped at Los Poblanos for lunch. When I saw that Los Poblanos had alpacas and silos too, I didn’t want to leave. I noticed that there is a family room here that has a separate bunk room, so this one might be a place we’d even go back to with the kids. They even have a bike tour package that I think would be so fun. Hopefully one day we’ll make time to revisit-this area is so interesting to explore.
Ace Hotel Palm Springs or the Kimpton Rowan Hotel would be a perfect getaway for Seattle parents
Ever since I went to Palm Springs for Alt Summit, I’ve wanted to revisit and stay at the Ace Hotel or the Rowan Hotel. I had good food at the restaurants at both of these hotels. The cool vibe of the Ace Hotel and little outdoor fireplaces I saw in some of the rooms are really enticing. The location of the Rowan next to the Palm Springs Art Museum and tons of restaurants and shops means a car-free trip. Either of these places seemed like a great place for a couples retreat or a girlfriends’ getaway and Palm Springs is so fun to hang out in and photograph. The whole downtown area is pretty close to the airport as well and Phoenix is barely a two hour flight from Seattle. Easy-peasy.
Santa Cruz or Big Sur California
We ended up at the Dream Inn Santa Cruz last fall as an add on to a San Francisco work trip. This beach-themed resort on the water (the birthplace of O’neill surf) was a great contrast to the busyness and big city feel of downtown San Francisco and it has bike rentals and funky restaurants nearby. We walked the wooden pier and watched a sea otter eating its dinner below. We biked the area on free bikes from the hotel. We grabbed breakfast at the Companion Bakeshop and went looking for monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges State Park. The drive up the coast to San Francisco was absolutely stunning and I could do this trip over and over again. When we visit this way next time, I also want to check out the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur-it’s about an hour and a half from where we stayed at the Dream Inn Santa Cruz, but it’s adults only and the infinity pool there is something I’d like to see in real life. Again two hours flying time to SFO from Seattle makes it a great getaway for Seattle parents. Airplane travel is magical.
Four Seasons Resort in Whistler BC is another great getaway for parents in Seattle
And then there is the perfect no-brainer place to drive to from Seattle for a great kid-free vacation. The Four Seasons Resort in Whistler in the summer is such a dreamy trip from Seattle. The only reason we didn’t choose it this time was because I had recently stayed there by myself on a media trip and I wanted to keep that memory a little while longer before I made a new one there. The rooms are plush and comfortable (and I’ve heard they’re updating them this year too!) and the food in this hotel is exquisite.
I had a drink that came in a smoky box at the restaurant and it’s not the type of drink I usually drink but I loved it. You can also get “Tispy and non-Tipsy” snowmen in the winter time from the most adorable food trailer in the world. If you’ve never had one or if this description is the least bit enticing, you have enough reason to visit just for curiousity’s sake. Pairing a trip to the Four Seasons with a day at the spa (maybe the Scandinave because I’ve heard that’s divine) and Vallea Lumina is one we’re going to do in the next little while for sure. In the summer, taking a seaplane to Whistler from Vancouver BC or Richmond BC is another way to add a fun experience to the adventure too.
Cedarbrook Lodge and Spa, Tukwila, WA
Finding out about the Cedarbrook Lodge and spa was total kismet. I was finishing up my list on a media trip with Seattle Southside when we were introduced to a property right by Seatac Airport that I had no idea existed-the Cedarbrook Lodge and Spa. We had a meal with wine pairings here that was just spectacular-they even have vegetarian and vegan options too. It is in such a tucked away spot in a bustling area and so close to Seattle, I think this would be a great Seattle parent getaway. In comparison to the other ideas, this one is pretty reasonably priced and very close to Seattle. I thought I knew this area well but this is a truly hidden gem and the spa looks like it’s a good one-they have a sample of the salt scrub they use in one of the treatments in the woman’s restroom by the Copperleaf Restaurant and it’s beautiful.
We love bringing the kids on vacation but sometimes its good for parents to have a trip all to ourselves too. Do you have a favorite kid-free trip idea for parents in the Pacific Northwest?
Terumi Pong is a Seattle-based family travel writer and mom of twin teenage boys. She loves coffee and pastries, shopping local and looking for greener ways to live. She is also known as Scout’s mom (Scout is a 5ish pound little black yorkie-poo)
Love these photos — you look so relaxed! It’s amazing what a short vacation will do for busy parents. We often stay at Cedarbrook Lodge when we fly out of SEA. It’s a lovely hotel and the restaurant is fantastic.