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Coeur d’Alene Casino’s new hotel, spa and restaurant are in the heart of one of the Inland Northwest’s most popular destinations. If you tend to think of our local tribe’s casino as your destination for entertainment and a little gaming fun, it’s time to start thinking of it for many other reasons as well. My recent experience at the Spa Ssakwa’q’n [SOCK-wah-kin], the new hotel and restaurant, I was witness to beautiful tribal expressions of art and the integration of nature and modern amenities that will woo any world traveler and cause the locals to become very fond of their retreat time spent here.
Entering the hotel, the Skycatcher Welcome Lobby immediately draws your attention gently in as Lake Coeur d’Alene and its entire watershed are displayed in breathtaking light sculpture form that hangs from the ceiling pointing to the floor inlaid with the outline of the lake and rivers that have always been the lifeblood of the Coeur d’Alene people. It’s a connection that threads throughout the thoughtful design of the hotel, intertwining historical tribal life, modern amenities and natural surroundings; the importance of nature and connection of the people within to enjoy each other’s company.
In keeping with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s welcoming spirit, the design incorporates indoor and outdoor gathering places to socialize, relax and share in the beautiful presentation that integrates the natural surroundings of the Palouse. Names reflect the nature of the new eating establishments, each one a distinctive experience:
Ts’elusm [tsell-OOS-m] is a term
that translates as
‘It (or they) stand(s) before the fire.’ This is the premier restaurant of the house, serving the finest dry-aged prime and Wagyu beef, and offering an extensive wine list. The Horse Silhouette at Ts’elusm Steakhouse uses the imagery of the horse to represent the independence and freedom that the Coeur d’Alene people have always exhibited throughout their history. Chef Adam Hegsted is well known as one of the Inland Northwest’s most awarded chefs, bringing a new and constantly evolving menu to the table that one can trust will not disappoint no matter what the season.
Hn’ya’(pqi’n’n [hin-yawp-KEEN-n] refers to a place for assembly, and that’s exactly what you feel here in the very social sports bar and café. This gathering place offers more casual fare and great selection of beer, wine and spirits to delight.
Welukws [weh-LUKES] is the quiet bar to enjoy conversation and relax indoors or in the open air by the fireplace.
The beautiful new Spa
SSAKWA’Q’N
[SOCK-wah-kin,
root meaning water] greets you with open space wafting with instantly soothing fragrances and sounds, a cascading waterfall, warming fireplace and window walls displaying the surrounding Ethno-botanical Walk. This walkway displays only plants indigenous to the area that have cultural and historic significance to the tribe. It provides an interpretive tour of roots, berries, bark and bulbs that are utilized even today. The spa environment is a very chic atmosphere with full view of the outdoors, open air above pool areas and cozy private rooms for massage, facial and body treatments. The expert technicians massage, pamper and sooth with treatments using natural and organic products that enliven and reconnect you with nature. It’s all designed to make you decelerate completely, yet leave you craving more.
Throughout the resort hotel, spa and restaurants are thoughtful artwork installations that were commissioned to celebrate modern and traditional Coeur d’Alene tribal culture. From Dave LaSarte-Meeks, "Each piece of art was uniquely created to stand seamlessly within the greater landscape or to adorn the resort’s interior. Taken together, these images, sculpture and installations weave a luminous essay about our people, our history and our relationship with the Palouse and Bitterroot landscapes.” Each lobby, corridor, elevator, restaurant, spa and in each of the rooms, is an opportunity to learn about tribal history and culture through their art.
This expansion of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort is a pleasurable addition to the already fun casino and events, and the outstanding golf course. With its proximity to Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, I think a mini-vacation is in order whenever the occasion presents itself.
Getting There:
US Hwy 95, Worley, Idaho (800) 523-2464
CdACasino.com