Give yourself, your loved ones or your pooches a festive holiday getaway

This holiday season, consider giving your family, your partner, your dog or your friends the gift of quality time with you. Instead of piling packages under the tree, start a new tradition by packing a bag and heading to one of Washington's romantic, relaxing, kid-tested or canine-friendly resorts. Most offer special holiday packages, meals or events, so you can leave home without leaving behind the festive spirit of the season.

Alderbrook Resort & Spa, Union
Perched on the shores of Hood Canal, Alderbrook Resort & Spa somehow manages to offer just the right thing for every visitor. There's a serene spa for the weary, a dog-friendly beach for pet lovers, romantic rooms for couples and an indoor pool for kids who've been cooped up in classrooms. The resort's spacious cottages can accommodate the whole family. Through December, Alderbrook will celebrate the season with miles of lights, strolling carolers, choir performances, a gingerbread house competition and photos with Santa.
Features: Dog-friendly, kid-friendly, mountain view, romantic, spa, water view
Holiday packages: The resort offers two holiday packages through Dec. 30. "Visions of Sugar Plums" (starting at $199/night) includes overnight accommodations in a two-bedroom cottage, in-room holiday decorations (including stockings hung on the mantle), a $25 gift card to Home Depot for purchasing holiday equipment and a $50 dining credit at The Restaurant at Alderbrook. "Under the Mistletoe" (starting at $159/night) includes overnight accommodations in an Olympic King View or Canal King View guestroom, a bottle of wine and a credit for an intimate dinner.
Travel scoop: Alderbrook is about an hour and 45 minutes by car from Seattle. You can also get there via ferry from downtown Seattle, West Seattle or Edmonds, or by seaplane from Lake Union or Tacoma Narrows Airport.
Reservations: Book online or call 1-800-622-9370.

Cave B Inn at SageCliffe, Quincy
One of the state's newest and most magnificent resorts, Cave B attracts enthusiasts of wine, romance and memorable cuisine. High above the Columbia River, the SageCliffe grounds are home to the luxurious Cave B Inn, as well as Cave B Estate Winery and Tendrils Restaurant, which specializes in regional, seasonal wine-country fare. Tour local wineries, take your dog for a stroll or treat yourself to a tandem massage at the spa.
Features: Dog-friendly, earth friendly, romantic, snow sports, spa, water view, wine country
Holiday events and packages: Cave B will celebrate New Year's Eve with a wine-tasting challenge and winemaker's dinner ($250 per couple), and a bash ($25 per person) at the inn that features music, dancing and a midnight toast. The New Year's Eve Package (starting at $575 per couple) includes a one-night stay, the wine-tasting challenge, the winemaker's dinner and the party. Guests can stay a second night for as low as $100.
Travel scoop: It takes about two hours and 15 minutes to reach Cave B by car from Seattle, via I-90.
Reservations: Book online or call 1-888-785-2283.

Hotel Bellwether, Bellingham
If you haven't spent much time in Bellingham, it's high time you paid a visit. The region is rich with arts and cultural pursuits, and nearby Mount Baker provides numerous opportunities for snow-sports enthusiasts. (Outside magazine once named the diverse college town one of the country's top 10 "dream towns" for its wealth of recreational opportunities.) Spend your days tearing up the slopes or visiting the city's art galleries, then make time for relaxation and romance at delightful Hotel Bellwether, a waterfront haven that features 66 guest rooms, including the ridiculously romantic 900-square-foot Lighthouse Condominium with private 360-degree observation deck.
Features: Dog-friendly, golf, romantic, spa, water view
Holiday packages: Hotel Bellwether offers the "Escape the Pace" holiday package (starting at $299), which includes a one-night stay; two holiday cocktails in the hotel's restaurant, The Harborside Bistro; a $100 credit to the Zazen Spa; and $50 in "downtown dollars," which can be spent at a variety of restaurants, shops and museums in downtown Bellingham.
Travel scoop: Hotel Bellwether is 90 miles north of Seattle, and accessible by car via I-5, plane, ferry, private boat or Amtrak.
Reservations: Book online or call 1-877-411-1200.

Inn at Langley, Langley
Inn at Langley will have you at "oversized jetted tub." But then they'll throw in a spectacular view of the Saratoga Passage, a wood-burning fireplace, an on-site spa and a cozy gourmet chef's kitchen, and they'll have you for life. The serene inn on Whidbey Island is the kind of place you return to again and again for special occasions or no reason at all. Soak in rich bubbles, wrap yourself in a blanket and a good book, stroll Langley's quaint streets, take your mutt to the Island's dog-friendly beach or have the holiday stress rubbed right away.
Features: Romantic, spa, water view
Travel scoop: Take a Washington State Ferry from Mukilteo, approximately 26 miles north of Seattle, to Clinton on Whidbey Island, then travel about six miles north to the Inn at Langley.
Reservations: Book online or call 360-221-3033.

Seabrook, Pacific Beach
The Washington coast in winter is wild and wonderful. The storms are dramatic, the beaches are free of crowds, and there is no place cozier than a cottage at Seabrook. Though parts of the new coastal community are still under construction, there are numerous charming cottages for rent ($99-$310); all are kid-friendly and many welcome dogs. Amenities are plentiful, including a wood stove, a fully appointed kitchen and everything you need to assemble s'mores in your living room. In a stroke of genius, Seabrook has provided each cottage with beach cruisers, inviting guests to pedal through the neighborhood and admire the display of colored lights and holiday cheer. A tree-lighting celebration takes place Dec. 6.
Features: Dog-friendly, kid-friendly, water view
Travel scoop: Seabrook is about two and a half hours from Seattle, via I-5, US 101 and SR 109.
Reservations: Book online or call 1-877-779-9990.

Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat, Leavenworth
No Washington town does Christmas the way Leavenworth does Christmas. Jolly all year round, the Bavarian-themed village is downright jubilant during the holidays. In fact, Leavenworth is home to so many recreational opportunities, shops and restaurants that you'll want to balance your trip with plenty of down time. And the perfect place to do just that is the Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat, a beautiful resort that specializes in comfort, relaxation and conservation. Perfect for group gatherings, rooms are clustered in groups of 10 around central courtyards, and feature rustic log beds and desks -- but not a single television.
Features: Earth friendly, mountain view, snow sports
Holiday packages: Sleeping Lady is offering numerous holiday packages, including the Ultimate Christmas Lighting Festival Package ($260 per person, double occupancy, $64 each for kids 5-12, free for kids 4 and younger); A Holiday Evening with Tingstad and Rumbel ($160 per person, double occupancy, $50 each for kids 5-12, free for kids 4 and younger); the Christmas Holiday Package ($593 per person, double occupancy, $175 each for kids 5-12, free for kids 4 and younger); and the Havana Nights II - New Year's Eve Package ($200 per person, double occupancy, $100 each for kids 5-12, free for kids 4 and younger).
Travel scoop: Sleeping Lady is about a two-hour drive from Seattle via I-405, Highway 522 and Highway 2; or via I-90, SR 970, Highway 97 and Highway 2.
Reservations: Call 1-800-574-2123 or send an email to info@sleepinglady.com.  

Willows Lodge, Woodinville
For a getaway that's close to home but a world away, point your sleigh in the direction of Woodinville wine country and the Willows Lodge. The convivial resort is home to two stellar restaurants -- Barking Frog and the legendary Herbfarm Restaurant -- as well as a luxurious spa. Award winning wineries, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, are just a few steps or a short drive away. Official dog lodge Ruthie is on hand to greet your pooch, who is not only welcome, but showered with goodies. Wednesdays (4:30-6:30 p.m.) in December, Willows Lodge will host Holiday Boot Camp, a series of free classes to help novices navigate holiday entertaining.
Feaures: Pet-friendly, romantic, spa, wine country
Travel scoop: Woodinville is just 20 miles from Seattle via I-90 or SR 520.
Reservations: Book online or call 1-877-424-3930.

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