Hood River's Sakura Ridge farm and lodge is a treat for the senses

It was late when we first arrived at Sakura Ridge, but Chef Lia was cheerful and happy to greet us, despite the hour. She promptly poured us a glass of their non-alcoholic D’Anjou Perry, grown from the very orchard the property sits on. She was eager to show us around and we quickly settled into our cozy, thoughtfully appointed River Room. We went to bed anticipating what Sakura Ridge would be like in daylight.

Set on 22 acres in the shadow of Oregon's Mt. Hood, Sakura Ridge is a five-room eco-luxury bed and breakfast, working farm and orchard, all-in-one! The inn is open to guests seasonally from April to October and is the source of fruit for Nashi's award-winning perry and ciders. Guests are encouraged to meander around the farm, gardens and orchards, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Hood River and soak in the blue sky days. With a maximum of 10 guests at any point, you are almost guaranteed to feel like you have the place to yourselves.

Early the next morning, sunshine streaked across our faces and prompted us to rise early and enjoy the tub with a view. It's not every day you can bathe while enjoying views of Mt. Hood, let alone appreciate the smell of roses wafting into your room on a warm summer breeze.

Since we had pre-ordered breakfast, we were excited to try our fresh farm omelet and biscuits and gravy. Surprisingly, it wasn't the fresh flowers on the table or the lively conversation that started my morning off on such a high note, but the wonderful grapefruit and turmeric juice shot that instantly gave me a bolt of energy and reminded me how the simplest things can make your day. Between the freshly picked marinated strawberries from the garden to the gorgeous pottery our food was plated on, no item was too small to not be worthy of meticulous selection.

And so our stay consisted of lovely surprises at every turn, from beautifully packaged tea bags and thoughtfully placed water bottles to minimal yet chic bedside sconces. At every turn and interaction at Sakura Ridge, it was a treat for the senses. From locally made and beautifully packaged bath bombs to luxuriously rich and aromatic Aesop products and plush towels and robes, we were reminded that everyday rituals like bathing should be a delight and not just reserved for when you are on vacation.

We started each morning of our stay with house-made baked goods, seasonal fruit, freshly squeezed juice and our choice of entree. During the day, you can request a cider and perry tasting or order a picnic to be enjoyed on the property, accompanied with a bottle of Nashi Orchards cider or perry to pair with delicious snacks.

In one weekend, you can barely scratch the surface of all the fun to be had around Hood River. You can visit a variety of farms like the Gorge White House, where you can sip cider and pick raspberries and cherries, go stand-up paddling on Lost Lake, go on a hike to Wahtum Lake, visit a waterfall or two, pop into a few fantastic stores downtown or dine at an innovative and flavorful restaurant like Henni's.

Sakura Ridge was an experience in heightening the everyday moments - from a glass of perry to a cup of tea, from a sit on the porch to a soak in the tub; we were reminded to take time to surround ourselves with beauty. We are all worthy of rest and rejuvenation and Sakura Ridge is our new favorite spot for both.

Sakura Ridge is conveniently located near the Fruit Loop, downtown Hood River, White Salmon and a variety of lakes, waterfalls and hikes.

Learn more about Sakura Ridge here.

Lisette Wolter-McKinney is a freelance writer for Seattle Refined. Follow more of her adventures here.

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