Visit Sitka Magazine 2020-21 | Page 46

S TAY more beautiful than Napa, and Sitka is one of them,” says Duane. “THERE ARE FEW PLACES ON EARTH Owners Duane and Tracie Lambeth bring decades of experience in the lodging and accommodation industry, fishermen and experienced anglers. After a filling breakfast, join up with a knowledgeable fishing guide on one of the 34-foot to 39-foot state-of-the art oceangoing vessels. These boats are known for their comfort, speed, and safety. Depending on the boat, trips are capped at four to six people to ensure everyone has plenty of space to reel and they make it a priority to create peace, comfort, and in the next big one. relaxation for all of their guests. These excursions give guests an opportunity to land a Though they’ve owned Dove Island for quite some time, the massive halibut or hook a powerful king or silver salmon. guest experience is always changing. Most recently, Dove Island Lodge took on building a luxury on-site Himalayan salt spa. Duane says, “We’re always looking for more ways to serve our guests, and we wanted to add an amenity that goes beyond getting out on the water to fish.” Completed in 2019, after two years of construction, the luxury spa is built from 50 tons of 300-million-year-old heated Himalayan salt bricks sourced from the Punjab region of Pakistan. Imagine waking up surrounded by gorgeous Alaska views and slipping into the spa for a day of pampering and peacefulness. Guests of the lodge can now experience the many healing properties of this highly sought-after salt, including reduced inflammation, improved respiration and blood pressure, and help with sleep disorders. In addition to the salt spa, certified massage therapists and estheticians are available, offering numerous styles of massages, facials, and body wraps. Unwind in the meditation room, bask in the woodfired Finnish sauna, or enjoy yoga classes with trained yoga instructors, all without leaving the lodge’s private island. For more action during your Alaska retreat, Dove Island offers a world-class fishing experience to both novice If heading to a more secluded fishing spot for a fly-fishing trip, Duane serves as the chief pilot for the lodge and flies a seven-passenger Dehavilland Beaver float plane to take guests around the island. After you return to the lodge from Island Escapes a successful day on the water, the staff will custom process your fish so you can enjoy the bounty of your catch back home. Seafood is also on the menu at Dove Island Lodge. Enjoy their gourmet five-course dinners created by trained chefs, including spotted prawns and decadent Dungeness and king crab. It’s no surprise Duane says, “It’s hard to pick a favorite dish. Our chefs are incredible at what they do.” All the seafood is sourced from the waters of the Last Frontier, Your trip to Alaska will be the adventure of a lifetime, so why not make it even more memorable by renting an island? SITKA BOASTS MANY OPTIONS FOR PRIVATE ESCAPES, and island renters have a special opportunity to explore Sitka Sound via kayak, small boat, paddleboard, or private charter. With the help of Christine McGraw, owner of Sitka Travel, you can choose an island entirely to yourself. and the menu also offers a selection of fine prime rib, steak, lamb, and venison along with vegetarian options to Bart Island is hidden behind a grove of Sitka accommodate any dietary needs. spruce, hemlock, and huckleberry bushes The indulgence doesn’t stop with the food. Having owned just offshore of Sawmill Creek Rd. Rent the a vineyard and wine label for decades in Napa Valley, the main house or an additional sleeping cottage couple brings their knowledge of wine to Sitka with an and enjoy secluded, unobstructed views 8,000-bottle wine cellar, the largest of any lodge in Alaska. of the Sitka Sound from your balcony. The Dove Island prides itself as being the only lodge in Alaska property includes your own personal dock, that has been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of so one of our local fishing charters can pick Excellence. It also touts a palatial spirit list, including over you up outside your front door for an action- 200 types of scotch and bourbon. packed day on the water. To customize your Add some adventure to your trip with one of the many Eco rental, you can add options like a private chef, Tour options. Take an ATV tour ride on Chichagof Island catered meals, a fully stocked kitchen, and where wildlife abounds. Breeze over to nearby natural wildlife excursions. hot springs and soak in the steaming waters, head out on Another option for those who want a unique a Juneau glacier excursion, or explore the town of Sitka. island experience is the Sitka Lighthouse. The Take to the skies with Duane during a Dove Island Lodge lighthouse is located across Sitka Sound from flightseeing tour over Mt. Edgecumbe, Sitka’s extinct downtown Sitka and is available for guests, volcano. Duane takes pride in showing guests some of the meetings, or retreats. The newly renovated most scenic views of Southeast Alaska’s landscape. From thrilling experiences to true serenity and relaxation, there’s something for everyone at Dove Island Lodge. Book lighthouse includes a hot tub and fire ring outside, a third-floor glass perch, and no Wi-Fi Dove Island Lodge access so you really get away from it all. your stay at doveislandlodge.com. Stay V I S I T S I T K A M AG A Z I N E 44 V I S I T S I T K A .O R G SPONSORED CONTENT » Sitka Travel sitkatravel.com / Stone Lantern House sitkatravel.com/ property/39528 / Sitka Lighthouse sitkalighthouse.com V I S I T S I T KA M AG A Z I N E 4 5 V I S I T S I T KA .O R G