Eagles on my left and herons to my right; I wasn’t alone as I drove down the Semiahmoo Spit en route to Semiahmoo Resort. It’s low tide and I can see the majestic birds feasting on a plethora of clams and other sea bounty. It’s a fantastic sight.
As I approach the resort, I quickly realize it’s just as picturesque. Spanning the entire end of the spit, Semiahmoo has something for everybody. It’s the perfect spot for a private weekend getaway or an extensive vacation. Many locals don’t realize it’s also a great spot to hang out for a day of fun.
Located in the middle of Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay, the resort offers stunning views of the British Columbian city of White Rock and Peace Arch Historical State Park, which marks the border between Washington and British Columbia.
According to General Manager Nicole Newton, Semiahmoo’s versatility is what makes it so special. It isn’t just a place for retirees who want to golf or a place for families looking to take a break from home and work-life balance; it’s a place for both – a place for everybody.
The resort has many events and amenities open to the public. They host a Summer BBQ Series, which includes the Friday night Seaside Sizzle and Saturday night Seafood Boil. The Seaside Sizzle features live music, lawn games and traditional barbecue options, such as barbecue chicken, ribs and roasted corn on the cob. You can also partake in lawn games and enjoy live music at the Saturday night Seafood Boil, all while chowing down on delicious local fare. The Summer BBQ Series runs weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Barbecues are just one way to enjoy the outdoors at Semiahmoo. They also offer a vast array of amenities – whether you’re staying overnight or just visiting for the day. Paddleboard, kayak and bicycle rentals are popular in the summer. Many of the resort’s overnight guests take advantage of these opportunities, but Newton wants locals to know they can use the equipment, too. On July 4, the resort hosted a fireworks night paddle, taking a group out to the middle of Drayton Harbor to watch the fireworks display. It’s a spectacular sight.
Semiahmoo even has a $30 day-pass to gain access to its health club facilities, including a heated indoor/outdoor pool, Jacuzzis, indoor basketball/tennis/pickleball courts, a gym and track. Newton says many members of the greater Semiahmoo Spit and Blaine community are yearly health club members.
“We have a robust health club program and I think that’s why people like it so much,” Newton says. “We offer Zumba, TRX and other fitness classes.”
The addition of pickleball courts to the indoor recreation room is new. Newton came up with the idea after attending her weekly listening sessions with the Semiahmoo community. Attendees expressed interest in playing the rapidly-growing sport and the resort seemed the ideal location. They even host tournaments, where both overnight guests and day visitors can try their hand at achieving pickleball glory.
Not into pickleball? Is golf your game? Golf is second nature at Semiahmoo, with two wonderful courses you can reach by car or shuttle. The Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club and Loomis Trail Golf Club serve up stunning views and were ranked in the top ten “Best Courses You Can Play” in Washington by GolfWeek for five consecutive years.
Overnight guests who want to hit the green but don’t know what to do with the kids can let them enjoy the pool, bike rentals and indoor sports courts. Semiahmoo also offers a Kids Club every Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The kids will love group beachcombing and arts and crafts at the Kids Club.
Semiahmoo’s spa offers a full menu of wellness treatments, including massage, facials and body treatments. They also offer salon services, including everything from haircuts and color treatments to complete bridal party prep.
Adding to its versatility, Semiahmoo is hands-down one of the best spots in the Pacific Northwest to hold a wedding. The resort is booked solid this summer, hosting 40 weddings between July and September. Newton loves hosting weddings and has worked in every facet of hospitality.
In fact, she regularly worked with weddings in Semiahmoo’s Events and Catering department 17 years ago. It’s only been eight months since she returned to the resort in her new role of general manager, but she has encountered a few interesting situations.
“People have been remembering me,” she says. “Guests who I helped with their wedding 17 years ago have walked by and said hello – and that’s a great feeling.”
These individuals have been repeat Semiahmoo guests since their special day, and now return with their children and extended family. For Newton, that’s what it’s all about: putting smiles on guests’ faces and creating a place families choose to visit for generations.
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