Holiday getaway: Resort on Hood Canal caters to the Christmas crowd with special packages

It’s still early enough in the holiday season to map out festivities and arrange a relaxing getaway.

Alderbrook Resort and Spa, a Hood Canal resort in Union is the perfect place for a trip for romance, family or just to get away from the holiday mayhem.

The sounds of carolers, sweet smells of gingerbread and glimpses of Santa greet guests who want to relax and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season.

How about great accommodations? And a beautiful, quality spa with excellent staff?

You got it.

We packed the car, grabbed the Christmas CDs, scarves and gloves, and headed for the ferry to spend a night at Alderbrook during their Winter Wonderland: a short journey to a magical destination.

Guests stay in one of 77 guest rooms, many of which have views of the Olympic Mountains and the Hood Canal, or one of 16 cottages with their own kitchenettes, living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms.

After the kids’ 14th rendition of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," we arrived. That’s how we measure a two-hour trip from Seattle.

We entered the main foyer to check in. We would have been happy to be put up in the lobby.

A lovely fire welcomes guests to a lobby decorated in stone and wood. The kids checked out the Christmas trees and the gingerbread houses submitted by local schools that were on display and ready for guests’ votes.

Once we dragged ourselves away from the comfortable couches and inviting fire, we headed for our cottage.

The kids ran in and chose their roomy bedroom. Then explored the kitchen and bathroom and hauled out their blankies to snuggle on the couch in front of the fire by the Christmas tree. Alderbrook offers DVD players in the cottages and stocks a library of films to check out at the front desk.

Outside the rain was falling; a trip to the spa seemed in order.

Beautiful stone and high ceilings decorate the spa. Comfortable lounges and peaceful treatment rooms help clients drift into relaxation during a massage or body treatment.

Alderbrook also offers a fitness center and pool, which looks out onto Hood Canal. Swimming in heated water in chilly weather is another winter treat.

The Winter Wonderland theme at Alderbrook includes who else, Santa. He lends an ear to kids and adults who just can’t wait to ask him for the latest toy.

A walk around the Alderbrook grounds charms at any time of year. But the holidays bring a special appeal. More than seven miles of lights adorn the property and strolling carolers can be seen and heard throughout the season. Local choirs perform at the resort and a 50-foot noble fir tree stands on the waterfront lawn.

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is Friday. Forget the sleigh; Santa arrives on a boat.

A four-course Christmas dinner will be served Dec. 24 at the resort and a New Year’s dinner and dance will be Dec. 31.

Alderbrook Resort offers holiday packages such as "Under the Mistletoe," a romantic experience available until Dec. 30. The package, starting at $159, includes accommodations in a room overlooking the mountains and Hood Canal, a bottle of wine and credit for a dinner at The Restaurant at Alderbrook.

Families can enjoy "Visions of Sugar Plums" starting at $199 for two adults and two children, through Dec. 30. The two-bedroom cottages overlook the mountains and Hood Canal and are festively decorated complete with stockings hung on the mantle. It includes a $50 dining credit for The Restaurant.

We ate dinner and walked around the resort and checked out the Christmas trees both inside and out before heading back to our cozy cottage.

As we snuggled up in front of the fire we popped in a movie for the kids who already had that look of holiday delight. That lasted two minutes before they drifted off with dreams of cookies, presents and Santa.

Outside it was cold and raining but the twinkling lights of Alderbrook made memories we’ll talk about for years.

IF YOU GO…

Alderbrook Resort and Spa 10 East Alderbrook Drive Union, WA 98592 800-622-9370 www.alderbrookresort.com