A short 20-minute drive from Bend will take you to a whole other world. “It's interesting how topography changes as you get out of Bend,” says Lindsay Borkowski, director of sales and marketing at Sunriver Resort. “Here, you’re surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest and have completely unobstructed views of this beautiful area. We’re also situated in the middle of an adventurer’s paradise.”
The Bend community, she explains, views the resort as the perfect staycation destination. With its blend of luxury and casual comfort, Sunriver Resort truly does offer something for everyone. Outdoor activities vary with the season, but many visitors love to pick up a bike at the Bike Barn and ride the trails around the resort, while others may choose to float down the scenic and calm Deschutes River on paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and rafts. “You’ll see wildlife along the way and it’s total relaxation,” she remarks. Golf, of course, is also very popular in the warmer months.
“In the off season, we offer really great specials and packages to welcome locals down to Sunriver. We try to do something different every year for families, friends and couples. In the winter, people love cross country skiing and snowshoeing on our property, and during the holidays we offer festive sleigh rides.” Believe it or not, the pool is also a huge attraction. “Our guests love getting a room when it’s 30 degrees and snowing outside and relaxing in the warm water of our indoor pool.”
Sunriver also usually has a dining package, so locals can stay and dine at extremely reduced rates. The resort has 11 different food and beverage options during its peak season, but the Lodge Kitchen and Owl’s Nest, its two main restaurants, stay open year round, seven days a week and have some of the best views of the Cascade Range and wild meadows.
“Owl’s Nest is a casual, pub-style restaurant with great burgers and sandwiches with local beers on tap and really special infused cocktails,” Borkowski explains. “Lodge Kitchen offers three meals a day and has a very diverse menu. Our chef dry ages all of his own beef and the steaks are just phenomenal. On weekends people can enjoy a fabulous brunch with Bloody Mary and mimosa bars.” Its menu is all regionally and locally sourced, and changes seasonally.
Its indulgent Sage Springs Club & Spa is a great place for guests and locals to have an all-day spa experience. A variety of services such as massages, mani/pedis, an infrared sauna, facials and milk and honey treatments are available. One of the most requested and unique services are the CBD treatments, which are panaceas for muscle pain and soreness.
Many of the products used are organic, locally grown and hand-crafted. There’s also food and beverage service in the spa, so visitors can order lunch and a glass of champagne and hang out with friends for the day.
For those staying in the hotel, every single room accommodation has a stone fireplace for a home-like, cozy feel, and each room has a lovely view of the meadows and mountain vistas. There are beautiful wood beams and stonework throughout the entire resort, bringing nature indoors.
While its Cove Aquatic Center and Sage Springs Athletic Club are strictly for guests (or members when it comes to the club), its other facilities, including the spa, restaurants, marina for water sports and stables for horseback riding, are open to the public.
Sunriver also hosts many large meetings and events such as conferences and weddings. It even has its own convention center.
Whether staying for a week with family, a long weekend with your significant other, or the day with friends, you’ll always look forward to coming back. “We've got it all and I think that's what really attracts people to the destination,” Borkowski says.
SunriverResort.com