A wonderful welcome to 2012
Trip Start
Oct 06, 2007
1
130
134
Trip End
Ongoing
Where I stayed
Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada
Monday, January 2, 2012
The staff were all so friendly and welcoming. It's so easy - just tell them your name and everything's is done. That's it. They take care of you from the minute you place your telephone booking to the minute you arrive, when you unpack, when you go to the spa, the restaurant, and more...they're great!!
The room was really nice - Murphy beds are a real treat for me (yes, they still make them...the beds that come out of the wall!!). But, it gives you more space to enjoy the suites. The location is lovely - set right against the water, with nice natural trails going nearby...should you feel inclined for a little walk.
The spa is really nice - small and intimate (so book in!!) it does take locals (who fill up the yoga classes!!) but it's really amazing. The hydrotherapy was a definite highlight - 8 different water features (waterfalls, pools, hot tubs, riverwalks, etc) all to massage you, or soak you, or scrub you, or relax you. And then the massage (thank you Maureen!!)...the magical fingers somehow loosen up all that crap in your body and set you free!! The outdoor heated pool is nice, as is the hot tub...but my favourite (apart from the hydrotherapy and massage!!) was the steam cave. A delicious Eucalyptus scented cave with seashells decorating the wet walls where you sit and sweat - and it's like being back in the tropics. A marvellous way to unwind and cleanse.
The restaurant was something I had to leave for last. I drool at the memories. On NYE, they did an amazing seafood buffet that was truly remarkable...and I highly recommend that you try it sometime. Local produce (freshly shucked oysters form the bay down the road, wasabi cheese from the local dairy farmer...you name it, it came from around the Island!!), and their commitment to sustainable produce was evident. The pastry chef went to town on the desserts, but the mains were just as creative - Mashed Potato Martinis (OMG...they were drool-worthy!!) and Truffle infused Twice Baked Potatoes, Lobster Ravioli...you get the picture!! Add in a few bottles of bubbly and you have three very happy, very full, ladies!! The other meals here were great too...it's not just the buffet. Again, great seafood, good local produce, and all that jazz.
I not only enjoyed some great company, and some good books, and one ridiculously difficult jigsaw puzzle...but I got to let go of tension that's been keeping me stressed for years. I slept like a baby (first night 5 hours, next night sloe to 8!!)...which is the best I've had in over 18 months!! I gorged on divine food (but I figure sweating it out in the steam caves is sufficient!! Haha) and I just generally got to chillax.
A new NYE tradition, I think!! no more craziness and frustration...just relaxation and happiness!!
What a way to welcome in 2012...a new year with a new attitude. BRING IT ON!! I hope you're all happy and well.
PS: I've only now added my blog entries from my trips from last year...I'm sorry I was a slacker, I just wasn't focussed!! Forgive me!!
