Colette's Bed & Breakfast

Perched on a high bank overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Colette's is a ten-acre estate nestled between the majestic Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Every guest suite offers a sweeping panoramic ocean view of British Columbia, the San Juan Islands and Mount Baker. The magnificent oceanfront setting combined with luxurious accommodations makes this secluded hideaway an ultimate romantic retreat.

The Casual Elegance of the Northwest

Hosts Lynda and Peter Clark have been entertaining guests in the Pacific Northwest for over 15 years. Their enthusiasm for the Northwest is complimented by the contemporary design of the inn and accented by Colette's collection of exceptional artwork by Pacific Northwest artists.

Built in 2000, this inn features a handsome great room and dining area illuminated by a 40-foot wall of windows with stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the San Juan Islands. The handcrafted stone fireplace offers wonderful warmth and romantic firelight by day or night.

Mardi's and my favorite spot is on the main patio. It is a ritual of ours to relax there after a day of sightseeing at Hurricane Ridge (in nearby Olympic National Park). Feeling the glow of the outdoor fireplace as you watch the lights of Victoria, British Columbia sparkle across the water is a simple but romantic moment you'll remember forever.

Colette's Outdoor Sanctuary

The inn is a recent addition to the property, which, for over 55 years, has matured into lush gardens among the ancient cedar tree forests. With thousands of multi-colored vibrant flowering plants, and indigenous species paired with the exotic, this is simply a gardener's paradise. While we both enjoy gardening, we know these gardens are truly a labor of love on a very grand scale.

All the Elements: Fire, Water and Privacy

The suites are as wonderful as the gardens. All offer luxurious king beds, fireplaces, and Jacuzzi spas for two (situated to take in the ocean view). I especially appreciate the private patio which lets us go outside in the morning in our bathrobes to read the newspaper or sip a cup of coffee as we plan our day.

Colette's most private rooms are the Spruce Suite and Cedar Suite. Located right on the edge of an evergreen forest, you arrive there by following the meandering flagstone pathway through the fragrant fountain courtyard.

Breakfast and Beyond

Breakfast is a multi-course gourmet affair that combines regional flavors with healthy cooking techniques, emphasizing organic seasonal produce when possible. Our favorite is the Northwest Eggs Benedict with rosemary-infused hollandaise and smoked wild salmon. (The orange currant scones with lavender-infused syrup are excellent to take along if you go hiking in the Ho Rain Forest in Olympic National Park.)

Every evening (from 4:00-6:00 p.m.) hors d'oeuvres are served along with wines from across Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. We find this is the ideal time to perfect our technique in Colette's most popular on-site activity: the art of relaxation.

This is a wonderful place to come, unplug the cell phone, leave the computer in the car and sink into the large leather chair and relax for a few days.