Urban Hideaway with World-Class Athletic Facilities

In a split-second, a tennis player throws, twists, and nails the ball at the summit of its trajectory. As players rally nearby at five adjacent indoor courts, the pop of rackets echo like artillery. The facility carries the aura of a buzzing members-only athletic club; beyond, there are outdoor courts, multiple workout studios, two indoor swimming pools, and a gymnasium with an elevated track. But the expansive recreation center is just an accessory to Hotel Bellevue's sprawling campus—a AAA Four Diamond Resort—where plush, modern accommodations and a full-service spa balance the bustling tempo with a leisurely vibe.

Deluxe rooms come with a king bed or a pair of doubles, each bedecked with an ivory coverlet, a chestnut-colored sash, and a crown of overstuffed pillows. A wicker chaise with plump brocade cushions sits near french doors, which overlook the tennis courts, gardens, or courtyard fountain. Back in the room, striped, moss-toned carpet directs toes toward the marble and granite bathroom. In a deep-soaking tub or glass-enclosed shower, guests can feel free to let their bodies marinate.

A crackling stone fireplace warms up the atmosphere on the stone patio of Polaris Grill, a private restaurant that serves healthy, American-style fare. Lodgers can refuel at three other on-site restaurants or relinquish calories during co-ed group fitness classes such as yoga or kickboxing. Trained professionals stand by at The Spa at the Bellevue Club to indulge guests in therapeutic and beautifying services.

Bellevue, Washington: Active Retreat Near Seattle

Bellevue—which translates to "beautiful view" in French—sits near the Olympia and Cascade Mountains and 10 miles east of Seattle, positioning travelers to explore verdant wilderness, arts venues, and iconic attractions. The Bellevue Botanical Garden, just more than 1 mile northeast of the hotel, lays out 53 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Between November 26 and December 31, the Garden D'Lights Festival lines up a half-million light bulbs to compete for attention with constellations overhead. A rotating array of installations at the galleries of the Bellevue Arts Museum spotlight sculptures, paintings, and other contemporary works by local and internationally renowned artists.

About 12 miles west of Bellevue across Lake Washington, the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum exudes the essence of rock 'n' roll through interpretative and interactive exhibits that explore the genre's history and influence on rebellious grandfathers. Steps away, the iconic Space Needle sweeps visitors into the sky for panoramas of the metropolitan below.