For savvy Seattleites, the secret is out: Winter snowbirds in search of sunshine don’t have to fly south in winter — they can also drive east. A quick trip over Snoqualmie Pass opens a world of possibilities for vitamin D-deprived city dwellers, from Suncadia to Spokane. For turnkey sun and relaxation just two-and-a-half hours away, turn left after you cross the Columbia River, and check into Sagecliffe Resort and Spa.

The peaceful, idyllic surroundings make a blissful retreat for writers, remote workers, road trippers or wanderers wanting to get away for a few days. Commune with nature or with that special someone. Put morning coffee and sunset wine on the schedule — the overwhelming calm is incredibly powerful. Otherwise allow yourself to roam, read and snuggle as much as you desire. 

With jaw-dropping views of the Columbia River Gorge and tucked next to Cave B Estate Winery, Sagecliffe Resort and Spa was formerly known as Cave B Inn & Spa. The entire complex was the brainchild of founders Vince and Carol Bryan, who built it amongst their vines above the Gorge Amphitheater, which they also created. The spirit of music permeates the current property as well, with a lounge that hangs album covers as art, and musicians that perform live every weekend in the lobby

Many years after selling the concert venue, the couple sold the hotel in 2020 to Vince Coluccio, a frequent summer visitor to Quincy Valley as a child. Coluccio added $2.5 million in post-pandemic renovations. Future plans include an on-site tasting room featuring house-made wine from the local vineyards. For now, order a glass of vino at the bar or walk to Cave B Estate Winery for a tasting or bottle purchase.

Visitors can choose from Cliffehouses with unobstructed views, desert yurts or cavern rooms with basalt “wine cave” entrances. The Cliffehouses evoke Scandinavia as well as modern ranch. Think soft woods, slab granite and white spaces, designed for total koselig. Each has a private patio for spectacular gorge and sunset views — cue your inner poet. All the hunker-down amenities are on offer: fireplace, flat screen, coffee, refrigerator and deep, soaking tub. 

The heated yurts have been designed for maximum escape with no phones, no TVs and private decks. A skylight above the bed for stargazing completes the experience.

The revamped spa offers soothing massage treatments, including Swedish, deep tissue and hot stone. This is a full-service menu, with hot stones, cupping, foot exfoliation, even a sugar/salt rub with body wrap, and lash tinting.

As befits a luxury wine and farm-adjacent resort, Sagecliffe embraces sustainable and green initiatives. Morning coffee comes from compostable sachets; water arrives in plant-based cartons and reusable bottles.  The resort partnered with global restoration group One Tree Planted to keep the gorge green. A tree is planted for every booking made at the property.

On-site restaurant Tendrils tempts with field-to-fork bounty from the local farms. For a casual option, an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven churns out hot, satisfying pies Thursday through Mondays, to eat on the outdoor patio or take back to the room. 

The great outdoors is your playground, with bocce ball, badminton and horseshoes on site. Check ahead, as Sagecliffe often provides free guided hikes with expert guides around the property to visit the river and amphitheater. Bring the mountain bikes, as the resort has access to miles of trails with 154 acres recently added along the river. There are also three golf courses within a 40-minute drive of the property.

Or simply slip into the outdoor swimming pool, heated to 80 degrees, and let your cares float away. Enjoy the river views, clean air and with a little luck, welcome rays of sunshine.