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SageCliffe resort to feature yurts
Doug Flanagan/reporter@qvpr.com
Chiwana Village consists of 25 yurts at SageCliffe Resort.
When Vince and Carol Bryan, owners of SageCliffe Resort and Cave B Winery and Inn, decided to expand the resort’s lodging options, they remembered something they saw during a recent trip to California that captured their attention.
“When we were in Santa Barbara, we saw a lot of yurts,” said Carol Bryan. “Movie stars were staying in them, and they were just wonderful. The ocean view was lovely. That’s what got us thinking about offering something similar here.”
The resort is now offering 25 new luxury yurts to guests. Chiwana Village at SageCliffe opened for bookings earlier this month.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer our guests this fun, new lodging option,” said John Mark, general manager of the SageCliffe Resort. “Yurts offer the best of both worlds for people who like to be close to nature, while maintaining a certain level of comfort and access to all of the SageCliffe amenities.”
Named after the Wanapum tribe’s name for the Columbia River, Chiwana Village is nestled within the vineyards of the Cave B Estate Winery, perched 900 feet above the Columbia River Gorge. Each Chiwana Village yurt features a king-size bed, seating area, private bath, refrigerator, iPod docking station, sky-dome and patio. A few yurts are wheelchair accessible and some will offer wi-fi access.
With environmental sensitivity a paramount factor, the yurts are manufactured by Seattle’s Rainier Industries, which has achieved the premier certification for environmental stewardship. All yurt framework is made from sustainable Douglas fir. Low-flow toilets and showerheads, as well as linen service, are also in place to reduce water waste
“This option gives guests the opportunity to unplug a little bit,” said Carol Bryan, who noted the lack of televisions in the yurts. “We hope it will attract a slightly younger crowd. It’s a less expensive option, but it’s adventurous. Also, we think people are going to be attracted to the sustainability aspect of this as well.”
The yurts allow guests to sleep under starry skies, smell the nearby sage and enjoy the sounds of nature, while not straying too far from accustomed creature comforts, according to Carol Bryan. Guests staying in the Chiwana Village yurts will enjoy full access to the resort amenities found on property, including outdoor pool, wine tasting room, full-service restaurant, the Spa at SageCliffe and hiking trails. Chiwana Village guests will also enjoy a bocce ball court, the use of complimentary mountain bikes, a horseshoe pit and picnic grounds in the Chiwana Village area.
Rates for a Chiwana Village yurt start at $175, based on double occupancy. This season ends in October, and starting next year the yurts will be open from May through October. To make reservations or for more information, visit sagecliffe.com/chiwana_village.htm, call 785-3291 or e-mail chiwana@sagecliffe.com.
