SUNTIMES
A Letter From Mark
As 2025 draws to a close, Suncadia is preparing to celebrate an exciting time of unprecedented expansion. For the past three years, we’ve made a significant and ambitious investment of over $40 million dollars in the community, with an eye toward giving our residents and guests even more options for adventure and exploration.
The highlights of these projects include a sweeping transformation of The Lodge at Suncadia, the longtime pulse of the community. We recently expanded and re-imagined the entire first floor and revitalization of the full-service guest suites and penthouses is currently underway. We’ve also just completed a
total refresh of the outdoor amenities at Glade Spring Spa & Wellness, including the highlight of the spa’s rejuvenation, a thorough restoration of the soaks, as well as renewed landscaping and expanded areas for reflection or relaxed socializing. A short stroll from The Lodge is the centerpiece of this exciting
new chapter in the community, Suncadia Social, a vibrant retail and social hub slated to open in spring of 2026.
The past few years have seen the most significant level of development and investment in the community since the Suncadia story began 25 years
ago. As we head into the New Year, our top priority will be to proactively and strategically amplify these recent and future accomplishments as a way to “relaunch” the community in a thoughtful and intentional manner. The completion of these projects will usher in a new era of growth of both Suncadia and Tumble Creek, ultimately showcasing why we are the premier all-seasons mountain resort in the Pacific Northwest. While the holidays are a time of hustle and bustle, I hope you are also able to find moments of connection and reflection throughout the season. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season and here’s to an extraordinary 2026 at Suncadia.
Sincerely,
Mark Thorne Suncadia Managing Director
A New Wellness Journey: Explore the Spa at Suncadia
A renewed sense of tranquility is swirling in the air at Glade Spring Spa & Wellness, as our outdoor soaking experience recently received a sweeping restoration focused on enhancing serenity and wellness inspired by the picturesque beauty of the Cascade Mountains.
As one of Suncadia’s most soughtafter experiences, Glade Spring Spa & Wellness offers guests the opportunity to hit the reset button and embark on a unique and restorative wellness journey. From massages to facials, skincare to saunas, and the signature Vichy Water Experience, the curative treatments at the spa allows for a total revitalization of mind and spirit in an oasis of calm.
To continue our mission of enriching and supporting the wellbeing of our guests and residents, in late August, Glade Spring Spa & Wellness launched a ground-up rejuvenation, with a renewed focus on holistic healing inspired by the soothing properties of water. The natural,
uninterrupted flow of water is renowned for its ability to spark the body’s instinct for rest and respite, making it an essential part of any self-care exploration. Inspired by the rustic charm and beauty of the surrounding landscape, the warm tones of amber and pine throughout the space are an invitation to take refuge and reconnect with mind, body, and spirit.
Guests and residents can also expect an overhaul of one of its most popular features, the outdoor spa soaks.
According to Patti Gomes, director of spa and wellness for Glade Spring Spa & Wellness, as Suncadia continues to grow, including the addition of Suncadia Social, which will be adjacent to the spa, the time was right to revitalize the space.
“The words we live by here is that ‘time just feels different when you’re in this space,” said Gomes. “Between our location, the amenities we offer and the peaceful, calming feeling
of being in nature, our guests are able to reconnect to themselves. This refresh allows us to both enhance our existing services and elevate an already special experience into something truly magical.”
On the co-ed side, the refresh will expand the number of soaks from two to three exquisitely rejuvenated pools, including total restoration of one of the original soaks. The area will also be expanded to incorporate additional space with comfortable furniture and nook areas that invite moments of tranquility and reflection or relaxed camaraderie with friends and family. Guests of the spa can also expect new pathways, sun-warmed decking, and lush landscaping against the backdrop of warm steam, invigorating mountain air, and the soothing soundtrack of nature.
On the women’s-only side, the outdoor soaking area will receive a refresh of its
soak, along with renewed landscaping and comfortable seating areas, creating a serene, private retreat for restoration and connection.
Gomes recommends guests arrive at least thirty minutes before an appointment to get the full benefit of the restorative properties of a soak. Soaks incorporate aspects of hydrotherapy, which uses water in varying temperatures to promote healing, relaxation, or stimulation for the skin and body. The soaks will consist of a hot spring, a middle spring, and a cooler spring to encourage circulation, a rejuvenating enhancement to any treatment.
Glade Spring Spa & Wellness completed its exciting transition earlier this month and is now available for use by guests and residents.
Tumble Creek Traditions: Tom Doak’s Legacy and Tournament Spirit
When the time came to design the Tumble Creek Club Golf Course back in 2005, Suncadia tapped the talents of an emerging golf architect to design a course that seamlessly integrated the natural beauty and artistry of the mountains, serenity of the water, and the soaring fir and pine trees.
Indeed, Tom Doak did more than merely design a golf course. Rather, he “found” it, moving as little of the earth as possible to reveal an exceptional 18-hole masterpiece that would eventually be renowned as one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier private golf experiences and named one of the top private courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest.
With six courses ranked on the list of the “Top 100 Courses in the World” by Golf Magazine, Doak built his legendary career on being a minimalist, a design philosophy that embraces a site’s intrinsic landscape rather than introducing artificial elements. Lauded for his emphasis on course design that focuses equally on environmental beauty and strategic challenge, Doak’s most successful courses have been built on sand dunes, meant to take advantage of the sandy soil for drainage purposes, while also incorporating native elements.
According to Mark Chitwood, vice president of clubs at Suncadia and Tumble Creek, he believes the stunning Pacific Northwest setting served as a powerful inspiration for Doak’s design.
“You walk out onto some golf courses, and you just say to yourself, ‘this was meant to be
a golf course,’ ”said Chitwood. “The land just lays out perfectly. It speaks to you as a course design.”
Chitwood added, “Doak is very much a supporter of natural habitats and natural environments, and he really tries to match the personality of the golf course to the personality of the land and taking advantage of what the land has to give him. The natural aesthetic beauty of this part of the country must be very intoxicating, I would think, for course design.”
As Chitwood noted, Doak takes a thoughtful and intentional approach to course design and is highly selective in where he chooses to design courses. Tumble Creek has the incredible prestige
of being the only Doak-designed course in Washington state.
“Because he [Doak] is so discerning about where he chooses to design, it gives Tumble Creek a really nice distinction among elite private courses and is a very nice feather in our cap,” Chitwood said.
In September of 2025, the Tumble Creek Club Golf Course also had the honor of hosting the annual Doak Cup for the first time. This inter-club match between the members of various private courses from around the globe designed by Doak, featured 14 teams for this year’s play.
While the two Tumble Creek teams came in second and third, for Chitwood, the Doak Cup was primarily an opportunity to highlight the charm of Tumble Creek. He
shared that one of the most memorable— and magical—moments during the weekend occurred during the dinner and reception when a herd of elk gathered on the golf course to the delight and surprise of guests mingling on the club patio.
“The Doak Cup offers amazing fellowship and camaraderie among all of the Doak courses and it was such a privilege to be the host site this year,” Chitwood said. “It was wonderful to be able to showcase how gorgeous the Pacific Northwest and Suncadia truly are, which I think was a wonderful surprise for so many of our guests. It really was a spectacular experience for all of us.”
Suncadia Artist in Residence: Meet the Artist
Join us for a Meet the Artist Reception that blends creativity with connection. Get a first look at the featured collection in Artist Passage, hear the artist’s story firsthand, and enjoy light bites and refreshments in a relaxed, art-filled setting.
Across 2026, we’ll spotlight five creators, each with their work on display at The Lodge for a dedicated season. Whether you join us at the reception or stop by during their exhibition window, you’ll have a chance to experience the talent shaping our local arts community.
At our December Meet the Artist Reception, discover Kevin Nolan’s captivating artistry and hear the stories behind his work as he shares his creative journey. Wednesday, December 17th | 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Lodge, Sentinel Room.
Artist Passage Display Dates : The Lodge at Suncadia
Kevin Nolan
10/6/2025 - 1/5/2026
Ryan Johnson
7/7/26 – 10/3/26
Erin Oostra
1/6/26 – 4/6/26
Jules Frazier
4/7/26 – 7/6/26
Justin Gibbens & Renee Adams
10/4/26 – 1/3/27
Building Homes, Building Community: The Local Builders Making a Difference
As the story of Suncadia has unfolded through the years, we’ve thoughtfully forged partnerships with a premier group of local builders who share our commitment to developing a community built on the spirit of adventure, collaboration, and connection. For the home builders at Suncadia, community lies at the heart of what they do, from building our community to supporting the Upper Kittitas County communityat-large, by being both responsible stewards of the land and a good neighbor.
“There is a vibrant community outside of Suncadia that is supportive of what is happening here and it’s important to us that we put our resources into being a part of the fabric of this community in order to help build a lasting legacy for the generations to come,” said Brian Gentry, president of Landed Gentry, a second-generation family-owned and operated home builder.
According to Brian, building community has always been a core principle at Landed Gentry. The company supports the annual Owners Picnic and the Harvest Festival. That helping hand also extends to the Roslyn Downtown Association and Young Life, which conducts outreach to middle, high
school, and college students, providing mentorship, service and networking opportunities.
Customization has been key to Landed Gentry’s success according to Executive Vice President, Kendra Gentry-Decker. The company brought its “just right,” style of signature, semi-custom homes to Suncadia via the Uplands 55+ Collection, which encompasses an empty nester concept.
“For our homeowners, this may be their third home, which means a five thousand square foot house might not meet their needs,” Kendra explained. “They are empty nesters with grandkids, and they’re also adventurous and active, so we enhanced the plans we knew people loved, to build a home designed for how the owners live.”
As a featured home builder within Suncadia and Tumble Creek, Merle Homes has built its reputation on the foundation of genuine relationships and the ability to customize a home to a client’s specific needs. This approach has been an asset in the company’s partnership with Sweet Tea Connections
Foundation, founded by the Fettig family, whose ten-year-old daughter, Teagan, lives with a rare form of brain cancer. Last November, on behalf of the organization, the company broke ground on an accessible vacation home at Suncadia. The home is meant to provide children with disabilities and their families with a tranquil getaway for rejuvenation, connection and rest. This custom vacation home is available exclusively through Sweet Tea Connections. Guests with accessibility needs can connect directly at www.sweetteaconnections.org to arrange a stay designed with care and comfort in mind.
For Tatum Fettig, founder and president of Sweet Tea Connections Foundation, Merle has been the perfect partner in realizing her vision for the home.
“Merle is incredibly loyal to the community and its dedication to helping us bring our dream of a restful retreat for families to life has been extraordinary. The process has been so smooth and we are so grateful to them and to Suncadia for working with us so diligently to make this very big dream of ours a reality.”
Cliff Melby, owner and president of WoodRidge Custom Homes, a Suncadia featured builder, loyalty to the community has also been a hallmark of its mission, calling the work it does with Life Support, a volunteer organization dedicated to raising funds to strengthen Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) within Upper Kittitas County, the company’s “pride and joy.” WoodRidge participates in Life Support’s annual auction and many of its community initiatives, helping to raise millions of dollars over the years. The company also lends its support to the Cle Elum Downtown Association, the Roslyn Downtown Association as well as local baseball and volleyball teams and rotary clubs.
For WoodRidge, “Mountain Modern,” has been the driving force behind the creative vision for the homes it builds at Suncadia. From incorporating flat shed roofs, high open ceilings, large picture windows, and a mix of wood, metal, stone, glass and CALI bamboo, Cliff says the intention was to bring a contemporary, high-end look and feel to the traditional rustic mountain cabin. He also notes that being a good neighbor goes hand-in-hand with being an exceptional home builder.
“Respecting the community and the people who live here is always our goal,” he said. “Just like we hang our hat on being a prestigious custom homebuilder, we are grateful to have the opportunity to support the community we love so much.”
Did You Know? Stories That Shaped Our Community
A Place Where Community and Heritage Meet
At the intersection of community spirit and rich heritage lies the true heart of Suncadia, the historic Nelson Farm.
Comprised of a series of buildings hearkening back to the 1800’s, the 127-acre Nelson Farm includes a two-story farmhouse, barn, various outbuildings, and a log cabin that was added to the property in the 1970s. Surrounded by lush, wide open pastures and panoramic ridge-top views of the Cascades, Nelson Farm serves as a warm welcome for year-round family fun at Suncadia, including outdoor concerts, movies under the stars and interactive performances.
From Montague Dairy to Nelson Farm
While Nelson Farm currently serves as the modern backdrop for charming and rustic adventures, it began life in the late 1890s as the Montague Dairy, when it was homesteaded by Mr. and Mrs. Bob Montague. While little is known about the Montagues, their farm joined the burgeoning dairy industry of Washington state, which began in the 1820s when the first significant herd of cattle arrived at Fort Vancouver from Fort George at Astoria in Oregon.
Dairy’s Role in a Mining Town
While coal mining was the region’s most prominent economic engine, dairy farming soon proved to be a major contributor to the community’s fortunes. Washington’s fertile soils and unique climate coupled with the increase of settlers hailing from such regions as Italy, Croatia, and Scotland proved a boon for dairy farming in Cle Elum and Roslyn. Dutch and Norwegian settlers would eventually introduce the Holstein cow to the region’s dairies, which would become the dominant breed for dairy production. Fresh, cold bottles of milk were delivered door-to-door each day in covered wagons or horse drawn carriages.
Farm Life in the Early Days
Dairies, like most farms, were a family affair, with many children getting up at five in the morning to milk the cows before helping to deliver milk before school and collecting money from
customers. Many children even learned how to churn butter and make cheese for sale. Farms were also the center of family life, with gardening, spinning, soap making—even wine making— being common activities that everyone participated in.
The Rise and Fall of Nelson Dairy
Like many of the dairy farms in the region, ownership of Montague Dairy changed over time, and the small farm was later renamed the Nelson Dairy. The 1930’s was a prosperous time for Nelson Dairy, as demand for milk, butter, and cheese grew exponentially. At its peak, Nelson Dairy operated its farm with up to 120 cows. During that time, wages were approximately $.30 an hour, with a quart of milk costing $.08, a loaf of bread around $.05 and meat ranging from $.10 to $.30 a pound.
The Great Depression, coupled with the advent of World War II and forced wartime rations of dairy products, caused local farms to consolidate or go out of business, with many farmers turning to the mines for work. Mimicking the fates of other dairies in the area, Nelson Farm saw its own fortunes decline in the 1940s, eventually ceasing operations.
A New Chapter Under the Suncadia Vision
Nelson Farm received a new lease on life when it became a part of the Suncadia vision for building a new spirit of community that pays tribute to the rich history of yesteryear. As a further homage to the past, Hay Creek Garden, a vibrant and welcoming destination at Nelson Farm, provides hands-on workshops, while the community garden allows visitors to cultivate their inner farmer or florist.
To further enhance the farm’s spirit of adventure, a member-only leisure pool and splash pad was added in 2018 and the 2024 addition of the Playground and Pump Track by Velosolutions, has proven to be a popular destination for thrill-seekers of all ages. Another highlight of this landmark location is the signature Harvest Festival, a twoweekend extravaganza for families, brimming with tasty treats, a pumpkin patch, a bustling fall market, and pony rides.
EASTER AT SUNCADIA
SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH
SATURDAY, MAY 23RD
JULY 3RD - 5TH
FRIDAYS JULY 10TH - SEPTEMBER 5TH
SATURDAYS JULY 11TH - SEPTEMBER 5TH
AUGUST 8TH OCTOBER 3RD-4TH & 10TH-11TH
THANKSGIVINGNEW YEARS DAY
A Sense of Place: The Lodge’s Evolution & Guestroom Refresh
There are infinite ways to experience the splendor of Suncadia and at the breathtaking center of it all is The Lodge at Suncadia, the magnificent centerpiece for a relaxing mountain retreat. Inspired by the majestic beauty of the Cascade Mountains, The Lodge is the vibrant pulse of the community, where first-time visitors and family traditions alike have an inviting home to forge connections and make lasting memories.
To ensure The Lodge remains an unparalleled destination for years to come, Suncadia recently launched a sweeping transformation of the space. As part of an ambitious $40 million growth and development plan for the community, in May of 2024, Suncadia unveiled the first chapter in a $4 million plan to expand and re-imagine more
than 10,000 square feet of The Lodge’s amenities by revitalizing the entire first floor, including the lobby, Great Room, a new dining concept, and den space, allowing for a mix of warm cheer and easy relaxation.
As the touchstone of connection within the Suncadia community, the newly reinvigorated Lodge invites guests and residents to experience the space in a fresh and exciting way, with its lively, open-concept lounge providing expanded indoor and outdoor seating perfect for socializing or reveling in the stunning mountain views. Guests can pop into the Source Mercantile, a coffee shop and market for delicious on-thego bites or go on a culinary adventure throughout the day at The Source Plates and Pours, a warm and inviting
gathering place featuring innovative shared plates that showcase the fresh, local ingredients that are hallmarks of Pacific Northwest cuisine.
With the renovation of the first floor now complete, transformation of The Lodge’s full-service guest suites and penthouses, a renovation made possible by a generous endowment from the owners of the individual suites, is currently underway.
Inspired by the inviting warmth of the first floor, each room is a thoughtful and seamless blend of contemporary sophistication with the elegant and timeless style of the Pacific Northwest. With a focus on combining modern, world-class amenities with the classic Suncadia sense of ease, the updated guest rooms at The Lodge offer the
Suncadia Real Estate Market Update
With the imminent debut of Suncadia Social, a total transformation of The Lodge at Suncadia and a ground-up renewal of Glade Spring Spa & Wellness, part of an ambitious $40 million investment in the community, 2026 promises to be a phenomenal time of excitement at Suncadia.
As the community continues to evolve, Suncadia has restructured brokerage operations to shift its focus to featured builder home sales in the New Year. As part of this transition, Suncadia Real Estate Company (SREC) will no longer operate as a public-facing brokerage, nor will resale listings continue to be managed within our operations. To facilitate the seamless transfer of all resale listings to external brokerages, we will partner with our current SREC brokers in order to enable them to continue their professional practice and represent your best interests as the seller.
The current brokerage team will complete its transition off property sometime in January 2026.
According to Mark Thorne, Suncadia managing director, this is a common
strategy for comparable communities throughout the industry. He notes that this strategic shift not only positions the community for sustained, longterm success, it creates innovative opportunities for growth, accelerates sales, strengthens relationships with builders and third-party brokerages and, above all, enhances the Suncadia experience for current and future residents.
“This new direction opens up amazing opportunities for the community at every level,” said Thorne. “The establishment of this new real estate group will allow us to work with brokers who already know the community, as well as tap into the dynamic expertise of real estate agents from across the Pacific Northwest to be our ambassadors in selling the Suncadia brand with passion and purpose, showcasing why we are, and will continue to be, an elite destination for many years to come.”
perfect retreat after a day of endless exploration. Guest rooms feature locally sourced art and materials crafted by Northwest artisans, resulting in serene luxury that incorporates the spectacular beauty and grandeur of the mountains and the Cle Elum River.
Whether you’re a guest who comes for the weekend or you call Suncadia home, each experience at The Lodge is incomparable and memorable–from starting the day with a breathtaking sunset view from the cozy comfort of your room, to the infinite culinary journeys you can go on, or if you just want to revel in the simple beauty of it all, we invite you to come along with us as this exciting new chapter of The Lodge unfolds, and reserve your guest room or suite today.
A Fresh Perspective: Meet Our New Chef and His Food Philosophy
Something delicious is brewing at Suncadia courtesy of the creative vision of our award-winning new Executive Chef, Snoqualmie Valley native Micah Wyndham. Drawing on decades of experience in professional kitchens across the United States, Europe and Asia, Chef Michah brings an extensive vocabulary in classical cuisine, modern technique, wine service, and herbalism. He’s excited to combine his vast knowledge with the unique flavors of the region for an exceptional Suncadia culinary experience.
Kitchen Memories:
My earliest kitchen memories were learning to cook with my mother out of her favorite cookbooks, including Betty Crocker, Julia Child and the Joy of Cooking. She wasn’t allowed in the kitchen as a young girl, and she was determined that I would have a different experience. She would always say, “Micah, when you go out in the world, I want you to know how to make food for yourself and others, if that’s what you want.” My mom’s passion for cooking was my first lesson in ‘food is love.’ It’s a lesson I carry with me to this day.
Culinary Vision for Suncadia:
Suncadia’s location in the heart of The Cascades means it is central to some of the state’s finest ingredients. We truly have the best basket here with some of the richest soil, bountiful harvests, and premium quality seafood, meat, and produce. Our mission is to continue connecting in an authentic way with each farm, fishery, ranch, and supplier of fine foods in the region. It is truly my pleasure to bring this to the table for residents and guests of Suncadia to enjoy.
The Best in the Business: Why Our Property Management Stands Out
Life at Suncadia is about exploration and adventure and that Suncadia state of mind extends to our outstanding property management team and its focus on taking the sometimes challenging details of home ownership off your shoulders.
As the largest, most seasoned property management company in the area, Suncadia Property Management expertly takes every detail in hand when it comes to managing our homeowners’ properties, treating each home with the
utmost of care. Our onsite guest services team is available 24/7 to provide everything from basic and preventative maintenance to programs tailored to the specific needs of your home. In addition, we offer high-quality linens and towels, meaning less wear and tear on your personal machines and will even keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
According to Nicole Madison, director of property management, what sets the team apart is the depth of its experience.
“Perhaps the biggest differentiator is how incredibly knowledgeable our team is about the community and how connected we are to it,” Madison said. “From sales to our front desk to housekeeping, everyone is dedicated to ensuring your property is more than just a place to stay, but that it feels like a home away from home for you and resort guests.”
Favorite Dish to Make?
It is always hard to pick a favorite dish, but one that often comes to mind is my take on a Northwest-style Cannoli featuring foraged huckleberries, ricotta, the dough for the shell scented with a Boston Madeira and lemon zest, topped off with a touch of rich Belgian chocolate. Honestly though? Anything I make with my kids is always my favorite.
What Makes Suncadia Special to You?
Suncadia is truly stunning and its natural beauty is an eternal source of inspiration in the kitchen. To have the opportunity to nourish the soul and body with the bold flavors and amazing food in our region is just pure joy.
A major perk for owners who wish to rent out their property is access to the expertise of the Suncadia Property Management Team, including how to maximize earnings for sustained revenue. The team manages every aspect of the process, from developing unique marketing plans and visibility strategies for each property, to creating and managing listings for Air BnB, VRBO, and Coral Tree Hospitality. In addition, Suncadia has access to 16 million World of Hyatt members, which offers owners elevated status when a guest books through the Hyatt system. As Madison notes, these partnerships, coupled with the team’s use of cutting-edge technology, is a winning combination.
“We are continually using data to evaluate the trends in the market in order to position our owners’ properties in such a way that benefits both guests and owners, from a premier hotel experience to short-term rentals,” Madison commented. “Having these tools and resources at our fingertips allows us to create one-of-a-kind guest experiences that showcase the beauty of Suncadia, while delivering exceptional value to our owners. As I like to say, let us do the heavy lifting.”