Set in Northern Idaho, The Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort (ID) has been attracting guests to the Pacific Northwest since 1986, when it was first founded. Its idyllic location on Lake Coeur d’Alene, the second largest lake in the state, sets the stage for fun with various marine activities and outdoor adventure. With easy, walkable access to its namesake town, the resort is a great place from which to explore the downtown area and surrounding parks and trails.
I had the opportunity to visit last month with my partner as part of a trip to explore Idaho’s panhandle. While we had visited other parts of Idaho, such as popular Sun Valley and the stunning Teton Valley, in years past, this was our first foray into the state’s most northern reaches. We started off in Wallace, ID, a charming and somewhat quirky town located along the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River.
Surrounded by nature’s unrelenting beauty, it is the perfect place to take part in a host of healthy outdoor pursuits, including the Route of the Hiawatha, an incredible scenic 15-mile bike trail that travels through 10 train tunnels—one that is two miles long—and seven sky-high train trestles. This epic rail-to-trail adventure, in which the scenery takes center stage, is mostly downhill but still provides a heart-healthy workout that is fun for the entire family. Just be prepared to get good and dirty, as many of the tunnels involve a fair amount of mud that inevitably splashes up as you’re riding.
After spending a couple of days exploring Wallace, we were ready for all the comforts Coeur d’Alene promised. I was especially looking forward to my visit to Coeur d’Alene Resort Spa, which didn’t disappoint. A spacious 30,000-square-foot facility with 21 treatment rooms and a relaxing meditation room overlooking the picturesque lake, it is a popular highlight of the thriving destination. Before heading to the spa, we checked into the resort, which was pulsing with energy. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones excited to be traveling once again.
What We Love:
- The stunning lake views from our room and Beverly’s
- Within easy walking distance to downtown Coeur d’Alene and its many restaurants and shops
- The variety of water sports available on Lake Coeur d’Alene, such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and more
- Breakfast at Rustic in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
- A healthy meal at the off-property Cosmic Cowboy Grill, a fast and casual restaurant serving a host of fresh options, including vegetarian, vegan, low-carb options, as well as those made without gluten
What Not to Miss:
- Hiking Tubbs Hill, located adjacent to the resort and along the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene
- Riding the Route of the Hiawatha, an absolute highlight of a trip to Idaho’s Panhandle
- The Fragrant Forest (starting at $330, 3 hours) treatment, which includes a spruce and cedar exfoliation, a Natural Elements shower, a soothing soak, a Swedish massage, and a scalp massage
- A visit to nearby Sandpoint, where you can enjoy a cruise on Lake Pend Oreille, an E-bike Tour on Schweitzer Mountain, a quick and healthy bite to eat at City Beach Organics, and a dining experience to remember on the waterfront at Forty One South
Guest Rooms
Although the resort offers a variety of room types, we were fortunate to stay in a Lake Tower Lake View with Fireplace room. The well-appointed space featured a balcony with views of the marina and lake, a gas-lit fireplace, picture windows with remote-controlled curtains, and both an inviting tub and a separate shower. It also provided a comfortable place to work, which was especially welcome considering I was working remotely while there. It also proved to be the perfect retreat when we wanted a reprieve from the hordes of summer travelers, many whom seemed a bit more relaxed about COVID-19 than we were having come from New York City where restrictions are more common.
Cuisine
With 10 separate restaurants from which to choose at the resort, it’s easy to find healthy meals that nourish the body and keep you fueled for adventure. Of course, there are plenty of tempting and indulgent options, as well.
For a truly memorable meal, you’ll want to check out Beverly’s, the resort’s fine dining experience featuring distinctive Northwest flavors served in a stunning dining room with granite floors, copper ceilings, and an open-concept kitchen. With entrees from the land and from the sea, you’ll find plenty to savor as you take in the panoramic views of the lake. The restaurant is also home to the Pacific Northwest’s largest wine cellar.
Another popular choice is The Cedars Floating Restaurant, which opened in 1965. While the location as the region’s only floating restaurant is certainly a draw, so, too, are the seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients and offerings, such as fresh seafood and local beef. All entrees also include a choice of a visit to the 18-foot salad bar or a bowl of house-made New England clam chowder.
The spa also serves up a healthy menu for those looking to enjoy lunch in between services.
Spa and Fitness Facilities
Like the resort, the spa was buzzing when we arrived. Check-in was a smooth process, as we were swiftly taken to our respective locker rooms to change and prepare for our treatments. The spa itself is a relaxing haven accented with Pacific Northwest elements, such as water and stone. A waterfall in the lobby helps set the scene for relaxation as does the menu, which features inspired treatments like the Northwest Dream (starting at $480, 6 hours), including a scrub, natural elements shower, custom massage, facial, manicure and pedicure, and healthy lunch. The natural elements shower is a spa highlight with 18 showerheads that work six zones of the body. It’s included in the spa’s signature hydrotherapy packages, which also include a soothing soak in one of the spa’s flow-through tubs.
In need of an intense muscle-melting experience, I opted for a Deep Tissue Massage (starting at $140, 50 minutes; starting at $210, 75 minutes). I was a bit nervous about the relaxed attitude about COVID that many in the state seemed to have adopted, so I decided to ask my therapist straight up if he was vaccinated. I was immediately comforted when he reassured me he was and even thanked me for asking and sharing my own vaccinated status. With that out of the way, I soon found myself relaxing on the table while he worked my tense and tight muscles. Apparently, working from home wasn’t doing my body any favors.
Relying on products from Eminence Organic Skin Care, Kerstin Florian, and Sothys, the menu features a wide range of offerings, such as facials, massages, kurs, exfoliations and wraps, couples treatments, and more. The spa also features lakeview manicure and pedicure services, an exclusive salon, a private barber room, and clear infrared saunas in the men’s and women’s locker rooms.
Those looking to get in a good workout will also enjoy the fitness center, which comes complete with a Junior-Olympic-sized indoor pool and a cardiovascular workout center with Peloton bikes and two Jacuzzi tubs. Of course, most people will prefer to take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the area.
Various packages are available for those celebrating a babymoon, girls getaway, or romantic night away. The spa also offers Live Well Retreats, which are overnight packages involving one night of accommodation, a 50-minute service, complimentary continental breakfast, and a variety of activities, such as yoga, a sound healing meditation, and more. Some upcoming retreats include Autumn Renewal (starting at $195 per person) on October 17 to 18 and Soothed by Sound (starting at $195 per person) on November 5 to 6.
