Imagine sitting down after a trip and writing down all of the things you disliked about the hotel and spa experience—resort fees, paying for valet parking, unwelcoming staff, etc. Then, with the list of things that don’t suit well, you set out to create a new place, one that offers everything opposite of what doesn’t work, almost like a utopia. Is there such a place? One that caters to the guests’ needs with such care and detail that there is nothing left to do but relax into full serenity and peace of mind? The Answer: Yes. The Allison Inn & Spa.
Voila! Welcome to The Allison Inn & Spa, a luxury getaway in the Pacific Northwest that is proud to beat to a new rhythm, one of its own drum.
Here you will find no resort fees, no hidden prices, or surprise changes. In fact, quite the opposite. Upon arrival I am welcomed with open arms and escorted to my guest suite. As I enter the state-of-the-art Grand Deluxe King room I am swept into 530 square feet of serenity. Equipped with a gas fireplace, balcony, bay window seat and throw, I feel at peace. The walls are a chocolate espresso balanced with cream tan accents, European in tone but paying respect to the gorgeous colors of the Pacific Northwest. The windows are expansive, welcoming in the views of the large evergreens of Newberg and the Oregon wine valley.
Guestrooms at The Allison seem to be iconic to the Willamette Valley, with accommodations that reflect the beauty of wine country in the details and decor. Each room contains a bespoke table expertly crafted from Oregon walnut. The polished wood and a natural color palette were inspired by local produce harvests. The overall contemporary design, careful craftsmanship, and luxurious finishes create a comfortable ambience that evokes the natural surroundings while embracing the relaxed wine country lifestyle.
The butler tells me there is complimentary internet; the basket of snacks is complimentary as well as the bottled water. He smiles at me and says, “Welcome home. Our home is your home; enjoy your stay.” I open the window to invite in the crisp air. It has just rained in Oregon; the dew sits on the deck and smells fresh, piney, and clean.
I open the welcome basket to see local chocolate-covered hazelnuts, energy bars, and potato chips; I am pleased to see that all of the products are from local Oregon companies. I walk into the bathroom and the smell of lemongrass invites me to linger. I draw a bath in the oversize sox-foot soaking tub and use the bath salts from a local soap maker.
Everything about The Allison Inn & Spa is welcoming. I feel at home; perhaps the signature Pacific Northwest vibe is the cornerstone to this property. Although laidback in nature, there is an appreciation for detail and sophistication. It’s luxurious but not pretentious. I feel special, like an honored guest. I’ve never meet the staff before, but somehow they make me feel as if we are long-lost friends. Kind, approachable, and warm, there is great pride in the details here.
One of the most unique aspects of this location is perhaps its nod to wine. In Oregon’s premier wine country wine grapes have played a central role in shaping the guest experience, including the spa and menu offerings.
The Allison Inn & Spa rests on 35 lush hillside acres, with a total of 85 rooms.
It has been recognized as the #2 resort in the Pacific Northwest by Condé Nast Traveler 2014, 10 Best Green Hotels across America 2014, Reader’s Choice Awards, and #4 hotel in the country in U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 Best Hotels ranking. The Allison has also maintained its Forbes Travel Guide four-star rating, along with its world-class Allison Spa and signature restaurant, JORY.
If you are looking for a great escape and want to pamper your taste buds, body and mind, explore The Allison Inn & Spa. Here are 12 reasons why you should visit:
1. Oregon wine country
The Allison Inn & Spa will celebrate six years as the premier luxury destination resort in Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country this fall, an area known for i’s acclaimed Pinot Noirs. The area continues to emerge as one of the most exciting wine destinations to discover, with international recognition for its acclaimed Pinot Noir and other fine varietals. The preeminent property in this wine region, the luxury destination resort is surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and rich, agricultural farmland. More than 200 wineries are nearby, many with tasting rooms.
2. Wine tasting on property (need we say more?)
The award-winning on-property restaurant JORY has more than 800 labels, 65 percent Northwest wines. Even more exciting is its commitment to showcasing local wineries. Every Thursday different wine makers from the Oregon region come and pour tasters for guests. Complimentary wine tasting is open to the public and enjoyed by guests alike.
3. Live jazz music
Friday and Saturday local jazz musicians come to perform and serenade guests. A live concert makes sipping the wine a full body experience.
4. Lexus test drives
The Allison Inn & Spa has partnered with Lexus to provide guests with complimentary test drives. You can tour Oregon’s beautiful countryside, venturing into Dundee and Newberg in a brand new Lexus, complimentary up to four hours.
5. Garden-to-table seasonal offerings
JORY is the signature restaurant at The Allison Inn & Spa. Their creative fine dining menus accentuate the native flavors of the valley with a strong influence on seasonal, farm-to-table agriculture.
Executive Chef Sunny Jin, whose pedigree includes stints at The French Laundry and El Bulli, lends even more creative license to integrate the flavors of the Willamette Valley into JORY’s locavore menu. From private dining at the chef’s table and al fresco dining on the terrace to luxury in-room and bar dining options, the resort offers an array of culinary experiences.
The 1.5-acre garden and greenhouse has truly elevated the valley’s food scene, allowing Chef Jin to take an inventive twist with his exceptional garden-to- table menu. This spring Sunny will be experimenting in the garden with asparagus, peas, salsify, and loofahs.
6. Art at The Allison
Passion for local public art is a family affair. The inn features a private art collection of more than 500 pieces, showcasing more than 100 Oregon artists. Curated by the late Joan Austin, who was a lover and great supporter of the local art community, her daughter, Loni Parrish, and son Ken and his wife Celia, the art collection includes commissioned works along with pieces purchased directly from the artists. A stroll through the resort feels like a gallery walk, seeking and discovering new artists and gorgeous expressions of creativity.
7. The Allison Spa
The Allison Spa, like the Inn, is a philosophy. A series of philosophies, actually – organic, evolving, emerging as friendly, sometimes serious, sometimes playful guides for our practices and promises. Their treatments are designed to rejuvenate and indulge you – the whole of you. Your senses. Smell, touch, feel.
With signature Northwest elements in the architecture and style, all is in harmony with the natural beauty of Oregon wine country. The Allison Spa aims to nurture your entire being. The extensive spa menu blends living energies from the ecological elements of the Willamette Valley including fruit, herbs, flowers, water, and, of course, their renowned Pinot Noir grapes.
The Allison Spa continues to expand on integrating elements from the Pacific Northwest into its spa menu with a new offering this summer: a lavender currant body polish, which includes a 60-body polish inclusive of a 20-minute massage and moisturizer application.
Guests will take home a complimentary lavender currant moisturizing body candle, L which melts into a warm massage oil when lit. The spa uses organic and local products and is uniquely known for its “pinotherapy” treatment—a Pinot-inspired botanical and biological therapy produced by wine and grape seed extracts derived from the property’s vineyard.
8. Spa light fare menu
Guests can re-energize with chilled quinoa salad and antioxidant smoothies on the spa’s light fare menu and enjoy the eucalyptus-infused steam room, dry sauna, and lounge rooms complete with complimentary warm neck wraps, healthy snacks, and hot tea service.
9. Yoga in the garden
Relaxation continues with yoga in the garden offered at the resort, starting in July through summer.
10. Infinity edge pool and sun terrace
Oregon is known for its great outdoors, and The Allison Spa captures the natural beauty of its surroundings. Its vanishing edge swimming pool is flooded with daylight from the large skylight. An inviting whirlpool provides landscape views as you soothe sore muscles. With warm, sunny days, sliding glass doors open to cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas on the sun terrace—a comfortable place to read, unwind after a day of wine tasting, or a business meeting. In true Allison fashion, even the walls of the spa are adorned with dramatic art pieces from their private collection.
11. Advanced fitness technology
The fitness studio was the first to introduce an innovative piece of equipment to the Pacific Northwest. The Kinesis Omega-Duo system, a one-of-a-kind device, guides you through 150 full body exercises. By using a touch-screen video component, an exercise demonstration is viewable to assist with customized workouts.
12. Sculptures in the garden
A new addition to the Art at The Allison Collection, the sculpture garden showcases large-scale works created by local artists. Originally envisioned by the late hotelier, philanthropist, and art-lover Joan Austin, the sculptures punctuate the property’s 35 tranquil, hillside acres. This impressive outdoor exhibition is both diverse and yet “very Oregon” in its statement.
Want to Go:
2525 Allison Lane Newberg, (Willamette Valley) Oregon 97132
http://www.theallison.com/
Photos from The Allison Inn & Spa
She is best-selling author of three books about happiness, including Find Your Happy and Adventures for Your Soul. She appears regularly as a happiness expert on AM Northwest and Huff Post Live, and was named among the “Top 100 Women to Watch in Wellness” by the Mind Body Green. Shannon's the founder of Playwiththeworld.com, an award-winning self-help and personal development website. She's an author, international life coach, teacher, travel writer and inspirational speaker who left her job in advertising several years ago to follow her heart and become a writer.
Her work has been recognized in media outlets across the globe such as HuffPost Live, Health Magazine, Australian Vogue, Women’s Health, Spirituality & Health and Entrepreneur magazine. Everything Shannon does is to help you connect to your true self and unapologetically live your authentic purpose.
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