Looking for a luxury bed-and-breakfast escape on Camano Island? Then look no further than the charming Sea Mist Waterfront Inn with amazing sunset water views that will set your bar high on what a relaxing getaway can be.

The Sea Mist Waterfront Inn on Camano Island wasn’t supposed to happen. The glamorous waterfront property was never supposed to be the best Camano Island bed and breakfast. Owners Brenda and Tom Mueller never intended to run a luxury escape with a truly divine personal touch.

But sometimes life happens, and you figure out what your next step is. And that’s what happened with Brenda and Tom in 2015 after Tom, a popular and busy physician, had a massive stroke, putting an end to his practice with rehab and care eating into their savings. The next step, as it turned out, was to transform their beautiful home on the water where they raised their four children into an amazing Camano Island B&B.

A luxury Camano Island B&B escape

A stay at their Camano Island inn, which they call a “luxury bed and breakfast escape,” is not just a stay at a hotel where you pop in and out. You become part of the family, in many ways (if you want to, but please do since that’s the real pleasure of the Sea Mist Waterfront Inn). You hang out in the plush living room, have breakfast with other guests under the watchful eyes of longtime Camano residents Brenda and Tom, loiter in the beautifully manicured garden and waterfront backyard and, if you are a dog lover, you spend time sitting on the floor coaxing their shy little poodle named Emmie to come say hello. Of course, they are very particular about obliging by all the hotel safety protocols today.

What’s not to like about the Mueller’s Camano Island bed and breakfast, the one that was never supposed to happen? Camano Island may be so close geographically to the bustling Seattle metropolitan area, just as is Whidbey Island next door — yet you are so very far away in spirit on the island. Stay at the Sea Mist Inn, too, and you’ll write “relaxed” with a capital “R” – and become one of their many regulars.

Comfortable elegance at the Sea Mist Waterfront Inn

After the stroke, Brenda had to put aside her music and theater career to take care of Tom. Her background played well into transitioning the family home into the inn since, as she says, “I knew how to put on a production.” Although imparting an elegant yet homey feeling, this bed and breakfast is definitely a well-planned, fine-tuned production. All five rooms are meticulously thought out, with the largest Saratoga Grand Suite offering a tea cart for making your own English tea, a plushy king bed, and – the best part – floor-to-ceiling full-length glass doors and windows for non-stop water views. Oh, and let’s not forget the private deck. Yes, I was lucky enough to get this room for my stay.

The other rooms are equally magnificent in décor and with all the personal touches and amenities to make for a relaxing, elegant, yet still comfortable stay – the former kid’s rooms are of course smaller, but just as wonderfully refined. Of note is that the Salish Grand Suite has a private bath, but it is just outside the bedroom door, which is still very private at the end of the hall, but some may not find it ideal.

I loved staying in a home, being greeted by a pup when I walked in, and hanging out in the kitchen when Brenda and Tom perhaps unpacked groceries or made breakfast. The pristine backyard is yet another treat, with chairs and umbrellas, a beautifully maintained koi pond, and oh those west-facing water views. Trek down a flight of stairs from the back lawn and you’re on the water, where on a nice day you can hang out on a small patio, or even take a stroll down the rocky beach. Of course, you’ll want to explore some of the island, too.

Start the day with a decadent breakfast 

Now, about that breakfast…. Brenda plans a variety of full, hot, cooked breakfasts including juice, endless coffee or tea, baked goods, fruit, and a main course of perhaps a quiche, French toast, crepe or other equally yum goodie.

Breakfast is served as a joint, sit-down affair in the kitchen dining room or, when they are fully booked, also in the elegant front dining room.

So happens there was a short power outage while I was there and they were of course quick to provide a lantern. Other room/inn amenities include binoculars for looking for the whales that sometimes migrate past Camano Island, literature and books to read about the island, a complimentary bottle of sparkling apple cider, and a fan for those warmer days (there is no AC if you are sensitive to heat), as well as the of course Wi-Fi, robes, and a flat-screen TV.

“We’re aiming for a restful, relaxing, quiet, romantic experience,” says Brenda.  “I want to feel guests get luxury, that they get what they pay for … and more.”

And that about sums up the Sea Mist Waterfront Inn on Camano Island. Don’t miss it. And say “HI” to Brenda, Tom and Emmie for me.

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