Destination Discovery: Seattle

While known for its forecast, Seattle’s showering us with way more than rain (there’s also grunge, technology, coffee, exquisite Pacific Northwest landscape…shall we continue?). Plus, there are some extremely hip places to stay, spa, and snack in the Emerald City.

Where to Stay
Palladian, a Kimpton Hotel, is a fine fit for downtown Seattle and the city’s eclectic yet historic vibe. An edgy, sophisticated design blends vintage decor (find claw-foot tubs in guest rooms) with glam elements like Shaker & Spear restaurant and Pennyroyal bar. Yoga mats are available in all accommodations, and a selection of spa treatments can be taken in room. Complimentary evening wine hour and PUBLIC bikes are provided.

Music fans may want to lay their heads at The Edgewater—this downtown waterfront hotel on Pier 67 has hosted The Beatles and Blondie, the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. Amenities in Pacific Northwest-style guest rooms range from lavish to quirky; here you’ll find everything from gas fireplaces to rubber duckies in the bathrooms. And while the AAA Four Diamond hotel does have a 24-hour fitness center, it does not have a spa.

Where to Spa
The green-friendly Elaia Spa embraces the philosophy of its residence, Hyatt at Olive 8, the city’s first LEED-certified hotel. Eco-conscious elements such as the signature Market Fresh treatments (which use regional ingredients) combine with high-end luxuries, including an indoor saline lap pool, hot tub, locker rooms with steam and sauna areas, and Life Fitness-equipped gym.

At Fairmont Olympic Hotel, the Penelope and the Beauty Bar sets itself apart with a lengthy lineup of beauty and pampering services. Body treatments (The Skinny Minnie, Ion Magnum, Decleor Intense Firming Body Wrap, etc.) showcase European-designed slimming machines, and facial-toning gadgets enhance skin-care therapies like the Non-Surgical Facelift, Micro-Puncture Lab Treatment, and Biologique Recherche CVS Lift Facial. Makeup applications and hair care offerings are performed at the style bar, among the amenities at this 3,000-square-foot establishment. Mink and silk lash extensions, waxing and sugaring services, and spa memberships are available as well.

Where to Snack
Adjacent to the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle lobby, foodies can find the latest from Chef Ethan Stowell: Goldfinch Tavern takes an upscale-tavern-meets-maritime-like approach in terms of design esthetic, while the menu is accessible Pacific Northwest cuisine (dishes include Penn Cove Mussels, Wild King Salmon, and Garlic-Crusted Alaskan Halibut).

What to See
The Space Needle is Seattle’s most famous landmark, but we also suggest scoping out the Seattle Art Museum’s outdoor Olympic Sculpture Park or the historic Pike Place Market. And take time out for a scenic ferry ride around Puget Sound, or a trip high above the city, Olympic Mountains, and water via the 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel.

Where to Sweat
Self-guided or guided bicycling options—including the six-mile Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop—abound, as do kayaking opportunities. Additionally, gym buffs can search for various fitness locations here.