Far from the crowded city, deep in the mountains at the heart of Suncadia, lies a treasure trove of indulgences like no other. This is Glade Spring Spa, a place dedicated to rejuvenating mind, body and soul. 

With the cooler months upon us, there are more reasons to stay indoors, and what better way to pass the time than to embark on a journey to relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal? Step into a serene environment, and melt your stress away with a soothing massage or facial treatment customized to address the specific concerns of your body, skin and overall wellness. What’s more, you can also enjoy a refreshing dip in the spa’s incredible mineral pools, which have been recently reopened. 

Kourtney Pugel, Spa Director says. “We are so excited to offer our soaking tubs for use after guests enjoy a treatment! What’s more, our showers and locker rooms are available for guest use as well.” 

Of course, with the current pandemic-related conditions, the health and safety of guests and colleagues are a top priority, which is why the venue has altered spa operations, increased cleaning and sanitization and are offering a limited spa services menu. Another consideration they are offering guests is that although spas are a place to experience and feel healing through touch, during this time, therapists will minimize personal touches during treatments. In compliance with Kittitas County regulations, all guests are also required to wear masks while in the spa.

Make the most of the season and pamper yourself the way you deserve to be. Book your reservation at Glade Spring Spa by calling 509-649-6470 or reserve your treatment online.

On the sunny side of the Cascades, 80 miles from downtown Seattle, Suncadia enjoys a well-established and cherished legacy as a unique mountain resort community. We recently caught up with Jeff Rau, named Suncadia’s top broker, to get a sense of what really makes the community so irresistible—and he had a lot to say!

Who would you say is the Suncadia community ideal for? 

I would say the majority of our buyers are young families looking for a second home they can just drive to. We also get older buyers looking for larger homes, where their adult kids and grandkids have enough room to enjoy. Of course, with the pandemic, we’re seeing a lot more families coming this way looking for a full-time residence—now that virtual learning and working from home are the norm, families would rather spend more time here with a bit more space and fresh air than they would being back home in Seattle (where most of our owners are from.)

Which of the neighborhoods do you think is the most popular? What do you think are the draws of these neighborhoods?

I wish I could name one or two as most popular, but in my opinion, there is a neighborhood just about for everyone. If you like to be close in to the amenities and be walkable to them, we have it. If you like action and to be more social you can purchase in some of the higher-density areas. If you want more elbow room and space we also have those areas. Many homesites back up to our 1200 acre conservancy so you feel like you’re on 5-10 acres even though it’s a ½ acre site. 

Even though the homes are all individual designs, what is the common thread that is consistent throughout all homes?

Having an open floor plan where you can entertain family and friends, plus great outdoor living spaces is kind of a running theme in most homes. I also feel having a home with ensuite bedrooms is very common—more so with the newer builds. 

What is the advantage of buying a homesite in the community?

A definite advantage is you get what you want. We have so many quality builders in here and are up and current with the trends. They also work well with the clients and have homes they can take them around to for ideas. I work with 7 or 8 builders and they all have relationships with their clients. They’re also so gracious; the’re open to inviting prospective buyers into their homes…that’s huge as many clients gather ideas from existing homes and incorporate those ideas into their homes.

Finally, tell us a little about your journey with Suncadia and your experience with the community.

I got here in August of 2005. I was a golf professional at a private golf course community in Northern California when I came up and interviewed for the job. Never thought I’d move to Washington as I had never been to the state and only heard that it’s always raining here. I flew into SeaTac on June 15^th and it was a gloomy, misty day about 55 degrees in Seattle. I jumped in my rental car and drove over Snoqualmie Pass; it was when I was near exit 70 (10 miles from Suncadia) that blue skies appeared and it was about 70 degrees. The sales manager at the time, Tom McMenemon, showed me around the community for about 4 hours. After the tour I really felt I was done being a golf professional—15 years later I look back at that as one of the best decisions I’ve made. My wife and I own a condo at The Lodge and a townhome here; many of my owners have become dear friends. It’s such a great community and the social aspect keeps getting better. 

Where would you go to relax in the community?

I have a huge passion for Tumble Creek. The golf course is absolutely spectacular. One evening this Spring we went over to Tumble Creek with my brother Mark (also a Broker at Suncadia) and our families—armed with 4 golf carts, 4 sets of clubs, a fishing pole, and a frisbee. All day, we played around, on the course and with the kids—it was pretty magical, and I love to share that feeling with everyone!

How does being named Suncadia’s top broker feel? What’s next in your plans?

I really don’t feel like I’m the top broker—we have so many good agents in our office and we have built a good team. I’m very fortunate that I have a great ownership base that refer a lot of friends; I’m thankful for their support but I’ve also been pretty lucky! I have a great assistant as well that helps me with my business and keeping me in line with all the transactions. I’m also fortunate to work alongside my brother Mark who is one of the best relationship builders I’ve ever met. I hope to always have a presence at Suncadia and continue to work for many years as it just keeps getting better and better!

Curious about the community? Get in touch with Jeff and the experts at Suncadia Real Estate to find the perfect homesite that best fits your lifestyle. 

Residents of the exceptional private community of Tumble Creek are in for a real treat, as the community’s gathering place, The Great House races towards completion. One of the most anticipated venues within the clubhouse is the signature restaurant, which will serve up everything from champagne brunches, lazy lunches to lively evening get-togethers, all looking out over the undulating greens of the Tom Doak-designed golf course. We recently caught up with Chad Storm’s, who is pulling double duty as Tumble Creek’s Food and Beverage Manager as well as the Executive Chef for the restaurant, to talk about his journey, and his plans for Tumble Creek diners.

When did you first realise your passion was for food? What is it that keeps you going?

To be honest, I wasn’t really passionate about food until I started cooking at the resort—I was in construction for many years leading up to it and a culinary job just kind of fell in my lap. The rest, as they say, is history—I really fell in love with the vocation, and what really fuelled me was the hard work, comradery, and heart that goes into creating an experience for our members and guests. What keeps me going is the relationships I’ve built with our members over the years, as well as all the new excitement we are constantly seeing in the club. 

Tell us a little about your experience in the culinary world and your journey with Tumble Creek.

I started in the main lodge in 2010 as a banquet prep cook. On day one, I saw someone with their name embroidered on their coat and I felt the drive to earn that on mine. Working my way up over the next couple of years, I earned the title of Chef de Cuisine for banquets; then in April of 2014 I was approached to see if I had any interest in joining the Tumble Creek team. I must say, it has been a very welcome change as over time, I have learned the intricacies of the culinary world both in the kitchen, and at the front of house. 

What is the concept for the menu at the restaurant?

The Great House is meant to be a one-of-a-kind, authentic space in Tumble Creek, so for the concept of the restaurant, we aim to embrace and showcase the essence of the Northwest in our food and seasonal beverages. We also want to feature some of our local farmers with locally raised cattle and poultry. The ambiance for breakfast and lunch will remain more casual, with golfer-friendly dining options—but the evenings are all about intimacy, with full dinner options and weekly specials. 

What do you think makes this place special? What feelings do you want to evoke through your food?

Honestly? It’s hard to choose, because everything about Tumble Creek is special! It’s like the moment you drive through the gate, you feel the stress of the city melt away, and you just feel a sense of oneness with the surroundings—the only traffic you may come across is a herd of about 50 elk! And The Great House welcomes you like an old friend; as soon as you arrive you’re greeted by name and we know what cocktail or entrée is your favorite. The feeling I want diners to enjoy through our food is comfort—not in the general sense of comfort food but comfort in a way that says, “I’ve arrived home”. Think about it— no worries, no cares. Just great food, great drinks, and great company in one of the most beautiful places imaginable.

How does the design, ambience and setting of the venue all come together to enhance the dining experience? 

The views from all dining areas speak for themselves; they’re enhanced by the interior design touches, like the vaulted ceilings in the lounge and dining room accompanied by the large statement fireplace. Add to that a location in the mountains complemented by food that says home—I think that’s a real winner, don’t you? 

Are there any signature creations that you would encourage diners to try?

There will be a couple signature dishes to look out for, one in particular called “The Brand”. But I can’t give away too much just yet—I’d like the members to come in, explore our offerings and discover their favourites for themselves!

Construction on The Great House is well underway, and we look forward to welcoming you to a grand opening celebration in the new year. In the meantime, we invite you to find out what else is on Tumble Creek’s menu of membership perks. Schedule a tour today and #findyourspotinthesun