BLAINE, WA: Semiahmoo Resort

I lived in the Seattle area when this former salmon cannery was turned into a resort in 1987. I never made it up to this corner of the state until now, and I'm sorry I waited so long.

Our guest room, complete with fireplace
Located about 30 minutes north of Bellingham, Washington, the Semiahmoo Resort has a lot to offer - not least of which are stunning views of Semiahmoo Bay and White Rock, British Columbia on the other side of the water.

While Semiahmoo is truly a "destination" resort, they clearly don't take that fact for granted. Service at the Inn where we stayed is excellent, from the bell person (ours was a young lady) to the desk staff that happily found me a great rate for a last-minute stay.

Other staff members, from the servers in the restaurant to the attendants in the pro shop, were equally top-notch. What they apparently do best is make guests feel at home. It certainly worked for us.

Despite the great rate we received for our one night at the Inn, we were given an upgraded room with a wood-burning fireplace! When we entered, we found a gentleman from maintenance lighting a log for us so we could enjoy our surroundings immediately. The bed was comfy indeed, and the bath was equipped with a large soaking tub and high-end amenities.

Ample bathroom
Our room had a courtyard view; rooms with ocean views are also available. Some have balconies, while others do not. Ask what's available and choose they type that most suits your liking.

After a pleasant evening sipping wine by the fire, then sleeping late the next morning, we headed to the restaurant for a late breakfast (served until 11:30) overlooking the water.

Following breakfast, we walked the beach, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells, including an array of local art.

On our way out of the property, we stopped at the pro shop where I picked up an Antigua golf shirt embroidered with the resort's logo. Golf shirts are among my favorite types of souvenir, as they both remind me of the experience and are something I actually use, day in and day out.

On-property art
Because the property is on the water at the end of Semiahmoo Spit between Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay, weather is mild year-round. The Inn periodically offers "winemaker dinners" which pair wines from the featured winery with each course. Though we didn't time our visit to coincide with one of these gastronomic events, there was still plenty to enjoy.

It's also a wonderful place to retreat from the city, play a little golf, visit a spa, eat a good meal, and take in the scenery. We can't wait to return!

Editor's note: Semiahmoo closed shortly after this post was written, and has since reopened under new ownership. TheTravelPro has not experienced the property under its current ownership and management.

Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.



Photos by Carl Dombek
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