Get in Touch with Nature and Wine at the Spa at The Allison

The best spas are havens of relaxation. As soon as you step inside, you'll feel your worries melt away as you prepare to be pampered. And The Allison Inn & Spa is no exception to that rule. This Oregon property just outside of Portland is home to a spa that helps bring the outdoors in. From the pool with stunning outside views and the stream flowing underneath the walkway leading to the spa or the lounges complete with doors that let the light in, the entire space is designed to help you connect with nature.

 

The dreamy pool. 

I think earth tones can be a bit drab, but the beige tones throughout this spa proved to be soothing. And like most, I can always appreciate a comfy lounge chair that you literally sink into.

The spa menu features body treatments, facials, massages and even some salon services too. Seeing as The Allison is in the heart of Oregon's wine-producing Willamette Valley --known for its tasty Pinot Noir--many treatments incorporate wine into the mix. The signature Divine Wine facials includes a honey and wine masque, antioxidant serum and finishes off with a grapeseed moisturizer. Sounds nourishing, huh?

The treatment rooms are designed to remind guests of their beautiful surroundings too. I enjoyed my tension-melting massage as the light streamed in through the windows. Afterwards, I basked in the sun on a lounge chair with two other women on my press trip as I enjoyed salmon (a must-try in the Pacific Northwest) and some green juice. I could have easily spent all afternoon unwinding here. 

When you check out at the front desk, expect a tiny truffle to conclude your visit. The sweet surprise provided the perfect ending to a soothing and nature-filled spa retreat.

Oregon's Stoller Winery: The Views Alone Make This Place Worth It

A year ago this week, I landed in Portland, Oregon, and began a fantastic 10-day trip throughout the Pacific Northwest. The highlight of my trip was visiting The Allison Inn & Spa--which is in the heart of Oregon wine country in the Willamette Valley. And one of my most memorable visits out there was to Stoller Family Estate. It's about an hour outside of Portland (the coolest city in the country right now), and the views alone are worth it.

From the 100-percent solar-powered tasting room, you'll see these straight-out-of-a-painting rolling hills. I mean, just look at the photos. 

Check out that tasting room.

Can't you just imagine spending an entire afternoon here?

Sip vino indoors in the sustainable tasting room or grab a glass and take it outside. Either way, you'll enjoy a great view and delicious wines. I took home a crisp Chardonnay and fell in love with a Pinot Reserve during our tasting. I was with two other women, and we all enjoyed our wine in the sunshine by the idyllic tire swing. My one regret from the trip is not buying any Pinot in Oregon. Be sure to stock up before you head home. 

Oregon's Willamette Valley is filled with wineries that compete for your time and attention. But you'll want to put Stoller on your list if you love a killer vista and a great Pinot. Cheers!

Hotels I Love: Seattle's Hotel Vintage

Kimpton rules. And that's a fact. This boutique hotel chain is the a food-loving travelers' dream come true. I've had some fantastic fried green tomatoes at Alexandria's Jackson 20 and enjoyed some great sushi at D.C.'s Zentan. But last May I was fortunate enough to stay at Seattle's Hotel Vintage.

 Exterior shot of the hotel.

The hotel's theme incorporates wines hailing from Washington state, and each room is named after a winery. You'll find wine maps throughout the halls and a free happy hour in the lobby. Vintners will occasionally drop by the talk about their wares. 

But besides all wine everywhere, what I really fell in love with was this hotel's lush rooms. The adorable headboard is made up of wine corks. I couldn't get enough of this plush purple couch in my room. It was just so regal and comfy. I wish I owned one. 

Wine cork headboard, FTW.

The lush purple couch that I wish was mine. Reminds you of red wine, doesn't it? 

The hotel staff was kind enough to leave me wine from Washington, a cupcake and fruit from Pike Place Market. I ate this instead of dinner one night. Classy.

My room overlooked Seattle's Public Library and was conveniently located within walking distance to historic Pioneer Square, iconic Pike Place Market, the Columbia Tower (insider tip: the views here are better than the ones from the Space Needle. Although you must visit the Needle.) and this nifty monorail that will take you to the Needle. 

Lastly, you'll want to head to the on-site restaurant Tulio. And you must have wine (from Washington, of course), the heart sweet potato gnocchi and sweet semifreddo. Kimpton is great about always making a few signature dishes and these are some of the best ones. 

A must-try dish: the sweet potato gnocchi.

The delicious semifreddo. According to the chefs, it's never been sent back.

Please note: My hotel stay was covered by Hotel Vintage. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wineries That Wow: Virginia's Early Mountain Vineyards

My home state's expanding role as a wine producer (Virginia is one of the top five states in the country for wine right now) means more and more wineries are starting to pop up everywhere. I've been to plenty on press trips, and one of my favorite was Early Mountain Vineyards. Located in Madison, Virginia--about 40 minutes from Charlottesville--this winery's stunning scenery and tasty wine makes it worth the trip.

Gorgeous wine, isn't it? 

Even if you don't like wine, chances are you'll fall in love with the place as soon as you set foot on the property. Check out those gorgeous hills below for proof. With this wicked winter, it's hard to believe it will ever be that warm again. But when spring finally does come around, be sure to visit Early Mountain to see what it's all about. The large tasting room is the kind of place you could spend all day. Down some white wine--my personal favorite here--and enjoy small bites like pretzels, cheese and delicious creamed honey. Drink up! 

Looks mouthwatering, huh?

The stunning entrance. Just look at that sky.

All photos by Sarah Hauser, Virginia Tourism Corporation

The Salamander Resort & Spa: Get in Touch with Virginia's Wine Country

The Salamander Resort & Spa is a luxurious property in Middleburg, Virginia, that's designed to capture the true spirit of the state's wine and horse country. The resort is beautiful, and the crown jewel of the entire spot is its spa. Even if you'd prefer not to stay overnight, the spa is a must-visit if it's in your budget. After walking down an illuminated hallway that's flanked by a small fountain, you'll be whisked away to the magical world that is the Salamander's spa. Highlights include gorgeous, cream-colored lounges--perfect for resting on pre- or post-treatment and an infinity pool showcasing the stunning scenery of the area.

The spa's dedication to nature is also evident in the treatments. The essential oils here are created out of herbs from the hotel's garden. Some rooms even have sliding glass doors that open to the outside world. Little touches like that go a long way. And I always love hearing rain fall or birds chirping as I relax on a table. Don't you?

Read my feature story on the Salamander's commitment to wellness over at The Daily Meal.