Located in beautiful Port Ludlow, Wash., in the Pacific Northwest, The Resort At Port Ludlow is a quick escape from Seattle or nearby Port Townsend. Overlooking the Olympic Mountains from the harbors of the Northern Puget Sound, the resort reflects the colorful marine history of this port-side town. Ideally situated in the West Sound area in a virtual "rain shadow," the Resort at Port Ludlow offers an abundance of sunny opportunities for the entire family.

A central port for boaters traveling to and from the San Juan Islands, Canada and South Puget Sound, the resort's Port Ludlow Marina is a full-service marina at the mouth of Hood Canal, with more than 300 slips for both permanent and guest boaters with boats up to 200 feet. The marina offers powerboat, kayak and bike rentals, Internet access, fresh water, shore power of 30 and 50 amps, and free showers for overnight guests.

Inspired by New England's classic coastal summer homes, the veranda-wrapped Inn at Port Ludlow features rose and herb gardens, guest rooms with classic mission-style furnishings, private balconies, fireplaces with sitting areas, and oversized jetted tubs. The resort also features The Pintail House, a one-of-a-kind accommodation located in a secluded cove, which faces the Olympic Peninsula. The resort provides in-room spa services for all guests in the privacy of their rooms, with treatments ranging from aromatherapy facials to full-body massages.

The restaurants at The Resort At Port Ludlow are a tribute to the local fare and fresh seafood. Known for its upscale Northwest cuisine and warm atmosphere, The Fireside Restaurant offers seating around the hearth of the fireplace or an outdoor veranda with views of the Olympic Range. The Harbormaster waterfront restaurant, a local favorite for more than 20 years, has a variety of dishes including signature salads, homemade desserts and Pacific Northwest wines.

For golf enthusiasts, discount rates are available to guests, along with lessons and access to the three "nines" at the Port Ludlow Golf Club. Only one of eight courses in Washington with the designation of Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the 27-hole championship golf course is consistently rated one of the best and most scenic resort golf courses in the world.

With a half mile of rocky beach and accessibility to a variety of outdoor activities, Port Ludlow is an ideal family retreat. Kayaks or small boats are available for rent at the marina, as well as bikes with helmets and maps for biking trails. There's also shopping in nearby Port Townsend, and many local and year-round events on the Olympic Peninsula.

The Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula is a convenient excursion, well known for Hurricane Ridge, a popular wintertime ski destination. The many summertime hiking trails in the park lead to various locations, including Olympic Hot Springs and other local ports. Port Angeles, the entrance to Hurricane Ridge, is also the location to catch the ferry to Victoria, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island.

For more day trips, Port Ludlow is conveniently located between two national historic sites. The Victorian seaport of Port Townsend has 70 buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places and was the setting for the feature films An Officer and a Gentleman and Message in a Bottle. Reminiscent of New England in the 1850s, nearby Port Gamble was home to the oldest continuously operating sawmill in North America until it closed in 1995.

Affectionately know as the "banana belt" because of its plentiful sunshine, The Resort At Port Ludlow is a family treasure and unique vacation destination that will make even the rainy days feel spectacular.


At A Glance

Location: The Resort At Port Ludlow
is just a half-hour ferry ride and 28 driving miles from downtown Seattle, or 90 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Rental car, bus charter, taxi service and float planes are available. 

Prices: Standard guest rooms range from $149 to $249 per night with seasonal specials available. Overnight moorage rates are 90 cents per foot October through May, and $1 per foot May through September.

FOR THE FAMILY: Families can enjoy a variety of activities including sailing, fishing, hiking, biking or exploring nearby Olympic National Park and historic towns. Kids 6 years old and under eat free at the resort's Harbormaster restaurant.

Contact: 1 Heron Road, Port Ludlow, WA 98365; (877) 805-0868.