I'm looking for a resort destination in the western US to go and celebrate a 10 yr anniversary. We live in the bay area and I have a companion pass on Southwest somewhere they fly is preferable. We're looking out of California and we want somewhere nice to relax, do some exploring, and chill out by a pool or lake/river. I have no idea, so any suggestions are appreciated.

It would help to know if your anniversary is in a summer or winter month.

very good point - we'll be traveling this summer

For an awesome anniversary, if you could stretch your traveling radius a little, I would recommend Hawaii, Victoria, Lake Louise, or Banff. All four are very special destinations and very romantic.

What about Santa Fe or somewhere in the Colorado mountains.

Tu Tu Tun Lodge in Oregon or Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ.

www.tututun.com
www.enchantmentresort.com

I like the idea of Banff or Jasper.

If you don't want to go that far, you might be happy at Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach, Oregon, or at Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, Washington.

Cannon Beach, on the beautiful Oregon coast, is about a two-hour drive from the Portland Airport.

It would be a very easy trip on Southwest to Salt Lake City airport, and in 30 minutes from there you could be up at Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort.

http://www.snowbird.com/spa/poolsnhottubs.html

We spend a week here almost every summer. The Cliff Club there has two lovely saline pools, one large one and a smaller, adults-only one on the roof---great for relaxing after a day of hiking. The spa offers all the usual services, as well as yoga classes. There is fine dining at the various lodges, and great hiking during the day (ride the tram up and hike down if you'd rather not ascend at altitude). A river flows through the complex, and there are lakes nearby (to hike to).

Go the third week in July for the most amazing wildflower displays, but skip the weekends if you can---they usually have festivals going on and it can be noisy rather than peaceful.

You wouldn't need a car unless you wanted to explore adjact areas like Park City or Sundance.

I would Second and highly recommend 5* Stephani Inn right on the PAcific ocean beach Oregon coast about a 1 hr car drive from Portland OR.
You would not regret it...the location on a beautiful section of flat sand Oregon Pacific Ocean beach with a 2nd Floor balcony and a 4* dining room can not be beat.
Southwest to Portland, stay a night if you want in the city, then on to Stephani Inn.
If you want, you could also do a day trip winery tour or catch a winery on the trip back to Portland...small little town will give you dining and artsy shopping choices.
We've traveled extensively on the West Coast & by far it is our best choice for romantic celebrations...

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs. www.broadmoor.com

Thanks for the great tips, the Stephanie Inn looks really cool!

If we spend two days at the Stephanie Inn and a day near Portland (three days at the Inn are a bit pricey) are there any recommendations (B&B maybe)? We've visited Portland before and don't need to be in the city. Any pretty outlying areas that are worth seeing or must be hiked? We'll probably go in July. thanks!