Not far from touristy, ever-popular Leavenworth, Sleeping Lady is more "aahhhh... " than oom-pah-pah; more eco-resort than Bavarian motel. Not that there's anything wrong with those things, but sometimes you need luxurious cabins, farm-to-table food, and, most of all, peace and quiet.
Dating back to the 1930s, the resort has been a Civilian Conservation Corps base, a guest ranch and a Catholic youth retreat. In 1991, Harriet Bullitt, whose family owned the adjacent property, purchased the land. A daughter of Seattle's prosperous Bullitt family, celebrated for their philanthropy and support of the arts, Harriet set about creating a retreat that would embody her love of the valley and belief that sharing nature is the best way to preserve it.
She's done a fine job. Low-profile cabins fitted with hand-hewn log beds, heated towel racks and down comforters are scattered around the property, connected with gravel paths that meander past water features, imaginative sculptures and natural landscaping.
Getting out and enjoying the snow-blanketed valley is as easy as strapping on a pair of cross country skis and schussing along the 8 kilometers of groomed trails just outside the resort's main lodge. Tubing and sleigh rides can be arranged, and many guests use Sleeping Lady as their base for skiing at Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge, both about 40 miles away.
If the snow doesn't fly, Sleeping Lady can keep you moving with hiking trails, the Sculpture Walk and the indoor Play Barn, where you can shoot pool and play table tennis. The Aspen Leaf Spa has a complete menu of massage options.
Sleeping Lady is family- and dog-friendly. Roki, an Icelandic shepherd and resident canine ambassador, will probably be on hand to sniff hello. Winter packages start at $276.
sleepinglady.com, 800-574-2123
