Wednesday 4 March 2020

7 of the best: luxury summer escapades

Selecting a luxury escape in western Canada comes with a delicious dilemma. Do you go with ocean-front opulence or a lavish mountain hideaway? Whether you’re seeking rugged coastlines and ancient forests or glittering lakes and tranquil wine country, British Columbia’s got you covered. With state-of-the-art spas, world-class golf courses and unforgettable wilderness adventures, BC’s extravagant escapes are as beautiful as the dramatic landscapes that frame them. Read on for 7 of the best.

1) Wickanninish Inn
While most of Canada lives winter under a blanket of white, the west coast of Vancouver Island grows green, green, green as it witnesses the fury of howling gales, 20-foot breakers, and enough rainfall to keep the pristine temperate rainforest alive and well. The ensuing natural furore is a spectacular sight and, since 1996, the enchanting Wickanninish Inn in Tofino has long been known as the original winter storm watching destination of British Columbia.

The Inn is designed so that every single room, suite and pubic space allows for a view of the ocean. Better yet, don your Wickanninish Inn raincoat and venture out for your own taste of the storm season.

2) Sonora Resort
Watch some grizzlies, try your hand at fly fishing, jump on a kayak, take a heli tour, and finish your day in Sonora Resort, a shining jewel of British Columbia’s stunning cluster of Discover Islands. Accessible by seaplane or helicopter, this exclusive wilderness spa is as peaceful as it is luxurious, with inviting hot tubs and tranquil meditation areas set amongst ancient forests. Select from the five-star spa service and emerge refreshed, relaxed and ready to savour the sunset over a chilled glass of chardonnay from an extensive wine cellar.

3) Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort takes glamping to the next level. We’re talking infinitely comfortable white canvas prospector tents perched on the edge of glorious wilderness in the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve. Working closely with the Ahousaht First Nation, Clayoquot offers guests guided whale and bear watching, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, yoga and heli-adventures. With so many unforgettable outdoor experiences, it could be easy to overlook the outstanding culinary offering. You’ll be savouring every morsel of locally caught crabs, scallops and halibut, combined with fresh organic produce sourced from Vancouver Island farms like the Tatlo Road Farm in nearby Crofton. Best of all? The dedicated, personalised service will have you feeling like royalty, from the moment you step off the floatplane until you wave goodbye from the horse-drawn wagon that takes you back to the dock.

4) Echo Valley Ranch and Spa
Deep in ‘cowboy country’ above the Fraser River in the Cariboo region of British Columbia Echo Valley Ranch & Spa combines restorative comfort with high-octane fun. Fly into the ranch’s private runway and begin a getaway filled with horse riding, hiking, gold panning, rafting, 4WD safaris and fly fishing. In cooler weather, stay indoors for yoga classes and swimming in the heated indoor pool, and make the most of the two full-service spas. Welcoming only 40 guests at a time, there’s a feeling of intimacy and exclusivity to your stay, and the lack of cellular service means you’re in for a much-needed digital detox.

5) Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria
The historic Empress smiles down upon the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island from her imposing throne on the harbour-front, where she has watched over her subjects since the early 20th century when the hotel was built as a tribute to Queen Victoria. High tea at the Empress is mandatory, a timeless experience taken up by more than 80,000 guests annually. Sip on ethically-sourced tea and nibble on freshly baked scones topped with honey from the bee-hives and lavender cultivated on the rooftop garden. A stay at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is everything you would expect from this regal establishment – stately rooms, magnificent cuisine and sparkling views of the picturesque harbour.

6) Sparkling Hill ResortNothing says luxury like the 3.5 million Swarovski crystals adorning the foyer of Sparkling Hill Resort. Perched atop a granite bluff overlooking the Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia, this high-end spa spares no expense to create the ultimate in holistic wellness experiences. Choose from more than 100 different healing and pampering treatments, including its signature Cryo Cold Chamber. Brace yourself for three minutes in minus 110 degrees Celsius where your nervous and circulatory systems will undergo a boost like no other. Take in the sweeping landscapes that surround the resort and feast on locally-sourced farm-to-table creations at the PeakFine Restaurant.

7) Nimmo Bay Resort
Nimmo Bay Resort was built on the dream to live amongst and respect nature, and to create a space for visitors to experience the vast beauty and true magic that exists in this special corner of Canada. Located in the Southern Great Bear Rainforest, the resort can only be reached by helicopter, float plane or boat. Experience the Resort’s unique heli-adventures, where your private heli-guide will escort you to glaciers, mountain tops, old growth forests, white sand beaches, pristine lakes, hot springs and isolated rivers. At each location you may find yourself hiking, swimming, rafting, drifting, fishing, taking photos, or wildlife viewing. Your exclusive adventure is tailor-made to your specific desires – the possibilities are truly endless.

Destination Canada
https://www.destinationcanada.com/en

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