Eagles on my left and herons to my right; I wasn’t alone as I drove down the Semiahmoo Spit in Washington State’s northernmost county, en route to Semiahmoo Resort. It’s low tide and I can see the majestic birds feasting on a plethora of clams and other sea bounty. It’s a fantastic sight.
As I approach the resort, I quickly realize it’s just as picturesque. Spanning the entire end of the spit, Semiahmoo is quite a sight. And it has something fun for everyone. It’s the perfect spot for a private weekend getaway or an extensive vacation.
Located in the middle of Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay, the resort offers stunning views of the British Columbian city of White Rock and Peace Arch Historical State Park, which marks the border between Washington and British Columbia.
According to General Manager Nicole Newton, Semiahmoo’s versatility is what makes it so special. It isn’t just a place for retirees who want to golf or a place for families looking to take a break from home and work-life balance; it’s a place for both – a place for everyone.
Semiahmoo offers a vast array of amenities – whether you’re staying overnight or just visiting for the day. Paddleboard, kayak and bicycle rentals are popular in the summer and well into the fall. Semiahmoo’s many health club facilities are available year-round, including a heated indoor/outdoor pool, Jacuzzis, indoor basketball/tennis/pickleball courts, a gym and track.
And the resort hosts many fun events, in addition to their wide array of amenities. Their Summer BBQ Series includes the Friday night Seaside Sizzle and Saturday night Seafood Boil. The Seaside Sizzle features live music, lawn games and traditional barbecue options, such as barbecue chicken, ribs and roasted corn on the cob. You can also partake in lawn games and enjoy live music at the Saturday night Seafood Boil, all while chowing down on delicious local fare. The Summer BBQ Series runs weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
New additions to Semiahmoo’s facilities happen all the time, such as their recently added pickleball courts. They even host tournaments, where guests can try their hand at achieving pickleball glory.
Not into pickleball? Is golf your game? Golf is second nature at Semiahmoo, with two wonderful courses you can reach by car or shuttle. The Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club and Loomis Trail Golf Club serve up stunning views and were both ranked in the top ten “Best Courses You Can Play” in Washington by GolfWeek for five consecutive years.
Want to hit the green but don’t know what to do with the kids? Let them enjoy the pool, bike rentals and indoor sports courts! Or drop them off at Semiahmoo’s Kids Club every Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Here they’ll enjoy group beachcombing and arts and crafts.
Semiahmoo’s spa offers a full menu of wellness options, including massage, facials and body treatments. They also offer salon services, including everything from haircuts and color to complete bridal party prep.
Adding to its versatility, Semiahmoo is hands-down one of the best spots in the Pacific Northwest to hold a wedding. The resort is booked solid this summer, hosting 40 weddings between July and September. Fortunately, there’s still room next year.
Newton loves hosting weddings and has worked in every facet of hospitality. In fact, she regularly worked with weddings in Semiahmoo’s Events and Catering department 17 years ago. She returned to the resort eight months ago in her new role of general manager, but it’s as if she never left.
“People have been remembering me,” she says. “Guests who I helped with their wedding 17 years ago have walked by and said hello – and that’s a great feeling.”
These individuals have been repeat Semiahmoo guests since their special day and now return with their children and extended family. For Newton, that’s what it’s all about: putting smiles on guests’ faces and creating a place families choose to visit for generations.
Semiahmoo resort is located at 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway in Blaine, Washington. The resort is open year-round, so you can create memorable experiences no matter the season. For more information, visit their website.
