Tetherow Golf Resort in the Heart of Central Oregon

Not your grandpa’s golf club, Tetherow is anything but stuffy. You’ll pick up the laid back vibe right away when you open the wood and glass framed door to the stone-fronted Tetherow Golf Club. That same relaxed feeling follows guests into Tetherow Lodges where you’ll check in for your high desert holiday in one of Bend’s newest hotels. The 50 room Tetherow Lodges was built in 2014 to serve as a luxury basecamp for all things outdoor. We’re talking golf, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, swimming, skiing and relaxing in Central Oregon’s lap of luxury.

The recently built boutique hotel is 50 rooms, with possible plans for expansion on the 700 acre property that is steps from the Deschutes National Forest. I loved the earth toned colors in the entry ways and the many personal touches in the guest rooms from the local Sisters Coffee next to the coffee maker and hand-crafted soaps in the bathroom, to the Metolious Teas and Goodies Chocolates left in the room. After a day of fly fishing on East Lake with guide services from The Hook Fly Shop, what’s better than to sit out on the porch with a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir and watch the sky light up with pink and orange hues as it fades deep into the Cascade Mountain range.

The focus at Tetherow is the 18 hole David McLay Kidd designed links golf course, but you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy Tetherow. Walk along the trails that surround the course and you’ll see views of Mt. Bachelor, the Three Sisters and Mt. Jefferson. If you are here for a family reunion, wedding or business meetings, seven vacation homes are available for rent with larger occupancy capabilities and southern Paulina views.

Golfers will want to try the Golfboard, a combination snowboard and skateboard experience that will speed up your golf game or simply lighten your load when it carries you and your clubs around the course. If I can master this high tech play toy, you can, too! But as I mentioned earlier, Tetherow is not all about chasing little white balls around in the desert. The resort recently opened a new swimming pool, complete with private cabanas, a hot tub, pool service, lap swimming and firepits to keep you warm while you take in the views surrounding you on the hilltop.

What’s a resort without fine cuisine? This place has you covered for casual dining, quick breakfast and lunch items for grab and go convenience at The Row or there’s The Grill for more upscale dining; both restaurants are overseen by Chef Zac Hoffman. If you love a good hamburger, the Bleu Diamond Burger with Rogue Creamery Bleu cheese, fried sweet potatoes, bacon and aioli will knock your socks off – big enough for two people to share!

Tetherow offers a shuttle service from Redmond Airport to the resort ($45 each way at time of writing) as well as complimentary shuttle service to downtown – less than 10 minutes from the property. Gas fireplaces are available in deluxe rooms and suites. Some of the rooms are pet-friendly ($50 non-refundable fee) all offer wireless high-speed internet access. For those guests who feel more comfortable working out at the gym, Tetherow offers complimentary passes to the Athletic Club of Bend. Rooms rates range from $200 to $400 with the value season offered between late February to March. Check rates at the hotel website. You can also compare rates and book through Booking.com or Expedia.

Resort review and photography by San Francisco Bay Area based travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Tetherow while researching Central Oregon story ideas. As always, all opinions are my own.