Smugglers Villa Resort on Orcas Island, Washington (Reviews)

Are you looking for a relaxing and memorable vacation on one of the most beautiful islands in Washington State? Do you want to enjoy stunning sunsets, cozy waterfront condos, and plenty of outdoor activities? If so, you should consider staying at Smugglers Villa Resort on Orcas Island. In this beginner’s guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about this charming resort, including its address, facility, price, nearby points of interest, tips, and frequently asked questions. By the end of this post, you will be ready to book your stay and experience the magic of Smugglers Villa Resort.

Smugglers Villa Resort

What is Smugglers Villa Resort?

Smugglers Villa Resort is a collection of 20 two-bedroom waterfront condo-homes that are perfect for young families and old friends. The resort is located on the north shore of Orcas Island, the largest and most scenic of the San Juan Islands. The resort offers incredible views of the ocean, the neighboring islands, and the Olympic Mountains. Smugglers Villa Resort is the ideal place to savor the natural beauty and relaxed pace of the San Juan Islands.

What are the facilities at Smugglers Villa Resort?

Smugglers Villa Resort has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Each condo-home has a full bath, a kitchen, a washer and dryer, a fireplace, a Dish TV, and free WiFi. You also have your own spacious deck with a BBQ and lounge chairs. The resort also has a heated and gardened waterfront swimming pool, hot tubs, a sauna, a playground, a tennis/basketball court, a guest marina, and a pebble beach. You can also join kayaking and whale watching tours that depart from the resort’s dock. In the evening, you can gather around the nightly beach fire and watch the amazing sunsets.

Smugglers Villa Resort

Smugglers Villa Resort

How much does it cost to stay at Smugglers Villa Resort?

The price of staying at Smugglers Villa Resort depends on the season and the type of condo-home you choose. There are three types of condo-homes: cozy ramblers, comfy townhouses, and deluxe townhouses. The cozy ramblers are 900 square feet and have two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a queen-size bed in the master bedroom. The comfy townhouses are 1,200 square feet and have two bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, and a queen-size bed in the master bedroom and the dorm-size bedroom. The deluxe townhouses are also 1,200 square feet and have two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a queen-size bed in the master bedroom and three beds in the second large bedroom. The prices for each type of condo-home are as follows:
  • Cozy Ramblers: $245/night from January 1 to March 31 and from September 18 to December 31; $355/night from June 20 to September 17; $1565/week from January 1 to June 19 and from September 18 to December 31; $2335/week from June 20 to September 17.
  • Comfy Townhouses: $275/night from January 1 to March 31 and from September 18 to December 31; $375/night from June 20 to September 17; $1775/week from January 1 to June 19 and from September 18 to December 31; $2475/week from June 20 to September 17.
  • Deluxe Townhouses: $295/night from January 1 to March 31 and from September 18 to December 31; $395/night from June 20 to September 17; $1915/week from January 1 to June 19 and from September 18 to December 31; $2615/week from June 20 to September 17.
There is also a one-time cleaning fee of $95 for the cozy ramblers and $115 for the townhouses, plus a 10.4% tax. You can check the availability and make reservations on the resort’s website.

Read Also : Howard’s LakeShore Inn

What are the nearby points of interest on Orcas Island?

Orcas Island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. There are so many things to do and see on the island, you will never get bored. Here are some of the nearby points of interest that you can explore during your stay at Smugglers Villa Resort:

Moran State Park

This is the largest and most popular park on Orcas Island, covering over 5,000 acres of land and water. The park has diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park’s main attraction is Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands, Canada, and Mount Baker. You can drive, bike, or hike to the top of the mountain, where you will find a stone observation tower and a picnic area.

Orcas Island Pottery

This is the oldest pottery studio in the Pacific Northwest, founded in 1945. The studio is located in a wooded setting overlooking the ocean, and features a large collection of handmade pottery by local artists. You can browse the gallery, watch the potters at work, or even take a pottery class. The studio also has a treehouse, a playground, and a picnic area for visitors to enjoy.

Buck Bay Shellfish Farm

This is a scenic seafood dining spot that offers fresh, locally-sourced shellfish dishes, including Dungeness crab and oysters. You can also buy live or cooked shellfish to take home or to your condo. The farm has a beautiful view of the bay and the mountains, and is a great place to relax and savor the island’s bounty.

Orcas Island Historical Museum

This is a small but informative museum that showcases the history and culture of Orcas Island and the San Juan Islands. The museum consists of six original homestead cabins that date back to the 1870s, each displaying artifacts, photos, and stories from different eras and themes. You can learn about the Native American, pioneer, fishing, farming, and tourism heritage of the island, as well as the natural history and ecology of the region.

What are some tips for visiting Orcas Island and Smugglers Villa Resort?

To make the most of your trip to Orcas Island and Smugglers Villa Resort, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
  1. Plan ahead and make ferry reservations: Orcas Island is accessible by ferry from Anacortes, which is about a two-hour drive from Seattle. The ferry ride takes about an hour, but you should arrive at least an hour before your departure time to secure your spot. The ferry can get very busy during the summer and holiday seasons, so it is highly recommended that you make reservations in advance on the Washington State Ferries website. You can also check the ferry schedule and status on the same website.
  2. Pack comfortable walking shoes and layers: Orcas Island has a mild and temperate climate, but the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly. It can also get chilly at night, especially near the water. Therefore, you should pack comfortable walking shoes and layers of clothing that you can adjust according to the temperature and the activity. You should also bring a rain jacket, a hat, and sunscreen for protection from the elements.
  3. Rent a bike or a kayak to explore the island: Orcas Island has many scenic roads and trails that are perfect for biking. You can rent a bike from Orcas Island Bikes or Wildlife Cycles, which are both located in Eastsound, the main town on the island. You can also rent a kayak from Shearwater Kayak Tours or Orcas Outdoors, which are both located at Smugglers Villa Resort. Kayaking is a great way to see the island from a different perspective and get close to the wildlife, such as seals, otters, eagles, and whales.
  4. Join a whale watching tour for a chance to see orcas: Orcas Island is named after the orcas, or killer whales, that frequent the waters around the island. The best time to see orcas is from April to October, when they come to feed on the salmon that migrate through the area. You can join a whale watching tour from Smugglers Villa Resort, which offers a guaranteed whale sighting or your money back. You can also see other marine mammals, such as humpback whales, minke whales, porpoises, and dolphins, as well as seabirds and other wildlife.
What are some frequently asked questions about Smugglers Villa Resort?

Here are some of the most common questions that visitors have about Smugglers Villa Resort, and the answers to them:

Q : Is Smugglers Villa Resort pet-friendly? 

No, Smugglers Villa Resort is a non-smoking and no pets property, inside and out, with no exceptions. If you bring a pet, you will be asked to leave and forfeit your payment.

Q : Is Smugglers Villa Resort wheelchair-accessible? 

Yes, Smugglers Villa Resort has two condo-homes that are wheelchair-accessible, with ramps, wide doors, and grab bars. They are condo #7A and condo #16A, which are both deluxe townhouses. You can request these condos when you make your reservation, subject to availability.

Q : Is Smugglers Villa Resort suitable for children? 

Yes, Smugglers Villa Resort is very family-friendly, and has many amenities and activities for children, such as a playground, a pool, a beach, a fire pit, and a treehouse. The resort also provides cribs, high chairs, and toys upon request.

Q : Does Smugglers Villa Resort have a restaurant or a grocery store? 

No, Smugglers Villa Resort does not have a restaurant or a grocery store on site, but there are several options nearby. You can order pizza, sandwiches, salads, and drinks from the Smugglers Cove Cafe, which is located next to the resort’s office and delivers to your condo. You can also dine at the Doe Bay Cafe, which is a 10-minute drive from the resort and serves organic and locally-sourced food. For groceries, you can shop at the Orcas Island Market, which is a 15-minute drive from the resort and has a wide selection of products, including fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery, deli, and beer and wine.

How to get to Smugglers Villa Resort?

Smugglers Villa Resort is located at 54 Hunt Road, Eastsound, WA 98245. The resort is about a 25-minute drive from the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal, which is the main point of entry to the island. Here are the directions to get to the resort from the ferry terminal:
  • After exiting the ferry, turn left onto Orcas Road and follow it for about 9 miles.
  • Turn right onto Main Street and continue for about 2 miles.
  • Turn left onto North Beach Road and follow it for about 3 miles.
  • Turn right onto Hunt Road and follow it for about 0.5 miles.
  • Smugglers Villa Resort will be on your left.
You can also use Google Maps or other navigation apps to find the best route to the resort.

Conclusion

Smugglers Villa Resort is a wonderful place to stay if you want to experience the beauty and tranquility of Orcas Island. The resort has cozy and spacious waterfront condo-homes, a heated pool, hot tubs, a sauna, a playground, a tennis court, a guest marina, and a pebble beach. You can also enjoy kayaking, whale watching, hiking, biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities on the island. Smugglers Villa Resort is the perfect destination for families, friends, couples, and solo travelers who are looking for a relaxing and memorable vacation.