 |
| A Relaxing Massage at the Spa1 |
|
A relaxing getaway awaits on scenic Vancouver Island. Here visitors will be able to find several accommodations with on-site spa services. These comfortable lodgings are linked by stretches of road that have become known as the “Spa Trail.” Beginning in Victoria, the trail heads north to Parksville, Courtenay, Malahat and Tofino. Stretches of Highways 1(Trans Canada), 19 and 4 make-up the Spa Trail.
Many offer fantastic views of the west coast's natural beauty including whales, eagles and other wildlife native to the area. Whether it's a lavish resort or popular hotel, the Spa Trail offers a variety of places to refresh, rejuvenate and relax.
The following helpful links from WorldWeb.com will help travellers make informed decisions concerning lodging options.
Accommodation Directory – This is a complete Vancouver Island accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, bed and breakfasts, luxury resorts, inns and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.
Secure Room Reservations – Check for room availability and then make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.
Maps – Vancouver Island maps can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.
TRANSPORTATION
Vancouver Island is conveniently accessible by air, land and sea. Several direct flights into Comox and Victoria are offered by major airlines such as WestJet, while BC Ferries provides access from mainland British Columbia to several of the Island's ports. Those looking for a bit of scenery, a train ride provided by Via Rail is another option. Making stops at Spa Trail cities such as Courtenay and Victoria, visitors may then continue their journey to the Spa Trail by car. Travellers won't find locating a place to rent a vehicle to difficult, as the Island offers many car rental options.
WHEN TO VISIT
Anytime of the year is great for experiencing a delightful health and wellness trip on Vancouver Island. The summer months of June to August is the busiest time of year and it is strongly recommended that visitors not only make accommodation reservations but are sure to make all the necessary appointments for any spa services. Vancouver Island's climate is quite mild throughout the year compared to mainland British Columbia. For those who choose to avoid the busy summer months, the rest of the year still has enjoyable weather. The Island is one of the few places where in the winter time people can spend the morning skiing and then play a round of golf in the afternoon.
| |
 |
| |
The Majestic Fairmont Empress Hotel2 |
ACCOMMODATIONS AND SPA SERVICES
Victoria
The Fairmont Empress Hotel – Willow Stream Spa
One of the Island's most popular hotels, The Fairmont Empress is an elegantly stylish hotel located on Victoria's amazing Inner Harbour. Bathed in turn-of-the-century beauty, guests of this 477 room hotel will find amenities such as fine dining in the Empress Room, a health club and a hair salon. Guest services include babysitting, bell staff and a concierge.
The Willow Stream Spa caters to both women and men and offers services that couples can indulge in together. Some services offered here include Balance Body, this is great for those seeking total relaxation and help in getting a good night's sleep. Using aromatherapy, this procedure begins with a footbath and exfoliation and culminates in a full body massage. Couples who are celebrating their honeymoon will enjoy the Hip Honeymooners service. Entailing the use of rose petals and oils, this romantic indulgence will leave newlyweds awash with the feeling of love after their side-by-side massage and full body wraps.
Several facial treatments, customized massage experiences and services just for men are also available. Procedures for men include the Post Game Face Treatment, ideal for active men and includes a shoulder and neck massage. The Power Pedicure will add extra spring to a man's walk, stimulating circulation and reviving weary feet. This is great not only for the feet but also aides in restoring energy to the whole body.
 |
| Englishman River Falls in Parksville3 |
|
Parksville
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Center – The Grotto Spa
Tigh-Na-Mara offers several accommodation options, including condominiums, log cottages and spa bungalows that are located around the resort's Grotto Spa. Bordered by 3 km (2 mi) of sandy beaches, Tigh-Na-Mara is also surrounded by 9 ha (22 acres) of forest, sure to please nature lovers. A full-service conference centre is located on-site and consists of 12 rooms. The resort also has an on-site lounge, tapas bar and an intimate restaurant serving fine West Coast cuisine.
The impressive Grotto Spa features cave-like surroundings and is an astounding 1858 sq m (20,000 sq ft) facility dedicated to providing spa goers an exceptionally blissful experience. Encompassing 17 treatment rooms, a must see at The Grotto is the 232 sq m (2500 sq ft) Mineral Bath. The bath's relaxing water streams down from a two-storey waterfall. Guests will have many treatments to choose from, including hydrotherapy, manicures, pedicures, massages, facials and body wraps.
Courtenay
Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa
Visitors will find the Kingfisher located in an old growth forest on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island. Stay in one of their 64 beachfront suites or ocean view rooms. The resort features well-kept gardens and from time to time, guests have been known to spot wildlife from their private balcony or patio. Local West Coast cuisine is served fresh at the on-site restaurant daily and those looking to stay fit need not worry as the Kingfisher provides a fitness room and the Starfish Yoga Studio.
The Kingfisher Spa offers the ultimate in relaxation. Depending on the selected type of spa treatment, spa devotees will have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular ocean views while they renew and restore their mind and body. Visitors should not miss the spa's unique feature, the Pacific Mist Hydropath. This path winds its way through a man-made West Coast shoreline, complete with sculpted caves and pools. Several treatments are available within the Hydropath such as a soothing massage rinse or indulge in a Sea Mineral Soak containing 104 trace elements. Other spa services include facials, manicures, pedicures and Thalassotherapy, which originated in the 19th century and uses healing elements such as natural iodine and sea mineral salts among others. The Kingfisher also offers couples massage classes. Partners will learn the theory and techniques that are necessary for an enjoyable and relaxing professional massage.
| |
 |
| |
A Lovely Sunrise on the Malahat4 |
Malahat
The Aerie Resort and Spa
For those seeking a luxurious European getaway without going to Europe, The Aerie is a good choice. Spread out over 34 ha (85 acres), This resort is home to three accommodation buildings known as Villa Cielo, The Residences and, of course, The Aerie. Each one features items designed to pamper guests, such as European down duvets and terry cloth bathrobes. The resort's grounds are kept immaculate with several lovely gardens to gaze at while relaxing. A forest and alpine meadows also surround The Aerie.
This resort is a little on the pricey side so travellers on a tight budget might not be inclined to stay here but when looking for a special treat and some well deserved pampering, this is definitely the place to be. Out of the three buildings, The Residences is the least expensive and still has plenty of comforting amenities such as a queen sized bed, fireplace and a full gourmet breakfast. Villa Cielo is the most expensive and offers a king size bed, a spacious living area, an extra large bathroom with heated floors and much more. Guests here will enjoy some amazing views of the Gulf Islands, south Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula. The Aerie building encompasses multi-level suites, featuring extra large Jacuzzi tubs for two and also includes a full gourmet breakfast.
The Spa and Wellness Centre at The Aerie Resort aims to restore and maintain harmony in the mind, body and spirit. With the carefully selected sea minerals and botanicals from the earth, the spa provides a soothing and calming experience. Plenty of natural lighting streams through the Wellness Centre, which features two massage and two esthetics rooms as well as one wrap room. For those who can't get enough of the spa, they can purchase and take home the products used in their treatments.
Tofino
The Wickaninnish Inn – Ancient Cedars Spa
The rustic yet elegant Wickaninnish Inn is tucked away between the Pacific Ocean and western Canada's ancient rainforests and is comfortably ensconced amongst the jagged rocks overlooking Chesterman Beach. Located adjacent to the Pacific Rim Park Reserve, there is plenty of outdoor recreational activities guests can participate in, everything from kayaking to beachcombing or taking long walks and viewing various wildlife.
 |
| The Rocky Tofino Coastline5 |
|
The Wickaninnish Inn features two buildings known as At-the-Pointe and On-the-Beach, both designed to complement each other. No matter which one visitors choose to stay in, both accommodations offer beautiful views of either the Pacific Ocean or Chesterman Beach. Room options include the Deluxe or Premiere varieties. Deluxe rooms offer King or double Queen bed options, fireplace, balcony and more. Premiere rooms are larger and come with King sized beds, a large balcony and a double soaker bathtub with its own view of Tofino's natural beauty. Guests don't have to go too far for a good meal as The Wickaninnish features on-site dining at The Pointe Restaurant. Here Pacific Northwest cuisine is served using farm-fresh, organic Vancouver Island ingredients.
Looking out to the open Pacific Ocean, the hotel's Ancient Cedars Spa offers a journey to relaxation, rejuvenation and a sense of well being with their AVEDA Destination Spa. Using AVEDA products and their holistic principles based on Ayurvedic medicine, the spa offers guests a pre-treatment consultation and a sensory journey with a spa therapist. Ancient Cedars features some signature treatments such as Kahi Loa, which uses light touch, guided imagery and chanting. This is great for first timers at the spa and also combines traditional massage. The spa also offers acupressure and a variety of skin care treatments. Yoga lovers or those wanting to try it out for the first time will find Hatha yoga classes offered at the spa.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Relaxing Massage; Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
- The Fairmont Empress Hotel; Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Englishman River Falls; Parksville, British Columbia, Canada
- Sunrise on the Malahat; Malahat, British Columbia, Canada
- Rocky Tofino Coastline; Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
