Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Spa Girl's continuing love affair with Vancouver Island

I adore Vancouver Island for so many reasons, and my bi-annualexcursion is about to get underway. Research is done, trip map (mostly) planned and several spas along the waywill be a very welcome R.R & R.

Most of my research took place on line at HelloBC.comhowever I also picked up a few really good guide books at CAA as I want this tobe the perfect holiday.

Vancouver Island is renowned for its warm, friendly,and I might add relaxed atmosphere. The stunningscenery ranges from pristine pacific north-west coastlines, a myriad oftranquil islands accessible by the BC ferry service , interior mountain vistaswith glacier and snow- capped peaks, forests (new and old growth), amazinghiking and biking trails, and my favourite, the tame and not so tame beachesthat can stretch for miles. And the food, well, equally outstanding--organicproduce and fresh sea food up and down the island with some of the west coast'smost exceptional chef's. In 2011 CondeNast Traveler named Vancouver Island the #1 Island in Canada.

Vancouver Island is less than 20 minutes by air fromeither Vancouver or Seattle and is a massive island, over 19,356 square miles(32,261 sq kilometres). It also boaststhe mildest climate in all of Canada.

On this trip one of my stops will be a visit to the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa, in Courtenay. "Home to the renownedPacific Mist Hydropath®. Unique to North America, the Pacific Mist Hydropath®features eight water therapy stations set in a recreated West Coast shorelineof sculpted caves and pools. The spa offers a full range of services."

http://specialplacesvi.com/luxury-resorts/kingfisher-oceanside-resort-spa/

Vancouver Island Food, Wine & Relaxation

"Saveur magazine, in 2006, named Vancouver Island the west coast's "newepicurean mecca," a well deserved title, given the region's countless farms, markets,fresh seafood docks, wineries,cideries,breweries,restaurants,and culinary schools.

Farmers markets overflow withfresh, local, and organic produce, freshly baked goods, and locally madeartisan cheeses. Island vineyards bear some of the world's most outstandingcool-climate grapes, and are winning rave reviews and critical awards. Diningon Vancouver Island is sublime. Local food is meticulously prepared by some ofthe continent's most innovative chefs and paired with award-winning wines fromisland wineries.

And to relax? There is a largeselection of wellness centresand spas on Vancouver Island, many of which feature stunning naturalviews and treatments with local ingredients, such as seaweed, wine, berries andcedar trees. For a hot springs escape, take a short boat tour to the remote Hot Springs Coveand soak next to the Pacific Ocean."

http://www.hellobc.com/vancouver-island/things-to-do/food-wine-relaxation.aspx

On my wish list is a west-coast facial, seaweed bath,massage and pedicure...enjoy your summer everyone.

Play safe!

Top Islands in Continental U.S. and Canada

RANK	'11	NAME	SCORE
1	2	Vancouver Island, British Columbia	87.48
2	-	Mount Desert Island, Maine	86.91
3	4	San Juan Islands, Washington	85.13
4	-	Florida Keys	84.02
5	-	Kiawah Island, South Carolina	82.93