The Travel Blog

The Coeur d'Alene Resort makes a great destination-staycation for a romantic weekend getaway for couples living in the PNW. Located on the North end of Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, 40 miles east of Spokane and within an hour drive of several ski areas and championship golf courses, the Resort is particularly convenient for couples living in Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Boise, Missoula, or Calgary. 

We recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary by staying two nights and took advantage of two of their Stay-and-Play Packages which include discounts on rooms and activities. Our first night was a beautiful sunset dinner of cedar plank salmon at the floating restaurant, Cedars right on the lake. The next day, our "Play" package included a couple's massage at the Spa after lounging for a few hours at the infinity pool. To get to the infinity pool or the golf course, you take the complimentary wooden boat taxis that run across the bay every 30 minutes. Feeling like jello after our couple's massage and after an early evening nap, we had our anniversary dinner in the tower restaurant, Beverly's.

The Seafood Tower for Two appetizer was a beautiful presentation of fresh shrimp, crab legs, and oysters which was followed up by perfectly prepared Filet Oscars which we paired with a 2011 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla. The sunset view of the lake, the food, the wine . . . . and the company made for a very special evening.

The next day, our "Play" package included a couple's tee-time at the championship, floating green Couer d'Alene Resort Golf Course. The course is challenging, but not punitive, unless you count the ball-eating junipers that line many of the holes. The round of golf includes a Forecaddie who walks alongside and ahead of the players to help find those wayward balls and give assistance in raking bunkers and advice on best tee and green placements. The gem of the course is the iconic 14th hole floating green. This green literally floats. It's not an island. It floats and can be moved via rail and cable system to change the tee distance daily. After your tee shot (147 yards men/98 yards women the day we played) you take a ferry, to the green to finish the hole. Yes, there is a designated drop area on the green if you have an indiscretion and donate your ball to the lake gods. If you score par or better, you get a certificate of achievement from the ferry captain, or so we were told.

After our round of golf, we ate a late lunch in the club house overlooking the lake and drove home. The Coeur d'Alene Resort delivered on a fabulous romantic getaway long weekend to celebrate our special occasion. 

Phil & Diane

www.opendoortravelers.com 

[Disclosure: We received a modest dining gift certificate in exchange for featuring the Coeur d'Alene Resort in our social media]