Travel Chic: The Resort at The Mountain

The Resort at the Mountain is a sprawling resort located about an hour outside Portland, OR. Nestled between Mt Hood and Salmon River, a stay at The Resort provides the perfect opportunity to intimately connect to nature without foregoing any luxuries.  Offering a full array of room options, including fireside rooms (where I was staying), 2-3 bedroom town houses (complete with conference rooms), dog friendly rooms and rooms that can be connected, which is perfect for bridal parties or family reunions. There are two restaurants on the grounds as well as a tennis court, a competitive putting course, 27 hole golf course, a full service spa, outdoor heated pool and whirlpool spa and fitness center. All of which I was determined to try out in my single night stay- which needless to say didn’t happen.

Cedarbrook Lodge (they are managed by the same company), but almost twice the size and includ a wood burning fireplace. A WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE! (Shut up! After snapping some photos and texting my mom-yep, the room was that good). I was off to explore the grounds.

Altitude, one of the two restaurants on campus, where the portion sizes were generous and delish. Anyone that has ever eaten with me will tell you of my very specific food tastes (that are often hard to work around), so I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself  trying to choose between a few dishes that caught my eye (The many steak cuts and the scallops). I finally settled on the Baseball Steak, that came out perfectly pink (as specified), with a side of Yukon mashed potatoes, all divine.  With my tummy full and my room calling, I retreated into my (still) very large room-awesome.

Banana Republic’s pretty casual chic  Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The muted palette and mixture of grays, khakis, browns and whites all played well together not only on the runway, but also in the room. The similarities didn’t end with the colors, the mixture of textures also harked back to BR’s collection- the rough texture of slate, combined with the smoothness of granite, softness of chenille and the sheen of treated leather  commingled  seamlessly like the silk, leather, linen and rattan, Simon Kneen used in the runway.

The spa facilities, which boasted a large relaxation room that overlooked a modern courtyard are located conveniently off the golf course. The blue, white and brown palette extended throughout the treatment rooms.  A unique feature of this spa is the horizontal shower that lives in the body wrap treatment room, allowing clients to be cleansed while still relaxing. I was told it was heavenly by someone that received a wrap. I however opted for a massage, which honestly felt a little rushed, but all was forgiven when I realized that the spa was newly opened and the staff was all new. I am sure they will find their groove after a little time has passed. To extend my relaxation time, I utilized the steam room located in the women’s locker room, the only downside was it only had seats, so you cannot lie down. After a quick shower and a last loving look at the grounds, I headed back to reality in Seattle.

I will definitely be staying at The Resort again, only next time, I am staying longer and bringing my snowboard and golf clubs!