Central Oregon Bliss! A Visit to Sunriver Resort, Terranea’s Sister Property By Writer and Contributor Amy Bergant
Nestled in a meadow south of Bend, Oregon, lies Sunriver Resort, a year-round vacation destination for those who enjoy all the luxuries of an award-winning resort, but also a casual, family-friendly vibe. I recently visited the resort with my family after seeing an Instagram post from Terranea, highlighting their sister property, and introducing the latest development, Caldera Springs.
The flight from LAX to Redmond Municipal Airport is a short 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the drive to the resort is easy, with many beautiful views of the Deschutes National Forest. Communication with the resort staff was efficient and helpful; they provided check-in procedures, places to shop, things to do and see.
All accommodations, from guest rooms at River Lodge and Lodge Village to luxurious vacation homes situated across Sunriver Resort, including Caldera Springs and Crosswater, are beautifully appointed and connected to nature. Caldera Springs is the newest Sunriver community, a gated complex with stunning homes that range from 2 bedrooms to upwards of 6, for families and friends to spend time together. It also boasts 2 pools, The Quarry, with an infinity pool overlooking Obsidian Lake and Forest House, newly opened with a lazy river, waterslide, fitness center, and duckpin bowling. We spent most of our pool time at Forest House, as it was close to our rental home; we always found a perfect spot to sit, and even though there were many people there, the feel was relaxing, encouraging guests to do as little or as much as they wanted, all while looking at forest and the top of Mt. Bachelor, a popular ski destination 20 miles to the south.
Sunriver opened in 1968, and it’s clear why it has stood the test of time. Lindsay Borokowski, Sale and Marketing Director, told me, “With 300 days of sunshine and endless year-round adventure, Sunriver Resort offers a one-of-a-kind setting in the foothills of the Cascade Range. Encompassing 3,300+ acres of stunning natural beauty minutes from Bend, Oregon and Mount Bachelor, Sunriver Resort is the Pacific Northwest’s treasured outpost for adventure, wellness, recreation and relaxation. Guests of all ages enjoy unrivaled access to an extraordinary array of amenities and experiences deeply rooted in the land.”
The property is also home to 4 award-winning golf courses, where enthusiasts come from around the world to tee off on Sunriver Resorts Crosswater Course, hailed one of "America's 100 Greatest Courses” by Golf Digest. In fact, Sunriver will host the PGA Cup, Women’s PGA Cup and Senior PGA Professional Championship in September. For those seeking relaxation, Borkowski said, ‘The Spa at Sunriver Resort offers rejuvenating treatments inspired by the surrounding environment, plus a state-of-the-art fitness center. Food lovers indulge in culinary delights at the resort's 10+ restaurants and cafes, each offering locally-sourced ingredients and innovative menus.”
We dined at The Owls Nest and Caldera Springs Lake House, along with poolside meals at Piney’s and were impressed with the quality of ingredients and care that went into each meal. Shout out to our server at Piney’s, Olivia, who went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed, all with a smile on her face. She even acted as tour guide when asked about the best local waterfalls.
A week really doesnt seem long enough to take advantage of all Sunriver Resort's adventure experiences, which “appeal to all ages and interests, whether setting off from the Marina to explore the Deschutes River by kayak, saddling-up for an unforgettable trail ride from the Sunriver Stables, traversing 40+ miles of paved trails by bike from the Bike Barn, hitting the courts of the most expansive pickleball complex of any resort in the region” said Lindsay. Sunriver is also a popular winter destination, with skiing at Mt. Bachelor, snowshoe tours, Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, tubing, sledding and sleighrides at the stables (all near or on the resort) when it snows at 4,160 feet.
The resort has hosted some families since it opened, making it a multi-generational destination. “We have families that have been coming since 1968. They came when they were children and now they are bringing their own children and grandchildren back to Sunriver resort. We have a lot of generational travel here because there is something for everyone to enjoy”.
As time goes on, so does the need for updates, “ We foresee continued improvements, renovations, and just overall innovation. We are always striving to be sure we are relevant in our marketplace so that the guests who are coming back year over year are always surprised and delighted by something new or different. Our next project coming down the pipe is the renovation of The Spa at Sunriver Resort. That is slated to begin and be completed in 2025”.
We had a little time before our flight departed, so we visited The High Desert Museum, which has beautiful artwork, displays and local animal interactions High Desert Museum | Things to do in Bend Oregon
And of course we had to take a step back in time to check out The Last Blockbuster in Bend. Our kids couldn’t believe what our Friday nights were like! Home - Blockbuster (bendblockbuster.com)
Sunriver is truly a special place for all, and we will be back. You can learn more about the resort, including more of it’s history and to book accommodations, at Sunriver Resort™ | A Luxury Oregon Getaway & Vacation Rentals In Bend Oregon | Sunriver Resort
Amy (Barber) Bergant grew up in Rancho Palos Verdes. She attended the University of Southern California, getting her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The Annenberg School for Journalism, where she was also a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She currently lives in South Redondo Beach with her husband of almost 25 years, twin 14 year old daughters, and their 2 cats, George and Henry. When not chauffering her kids around, she enjoys hanging out with friends, eating good food, listening to great music, watching ridiculous television shows and going to the beach.