Spa Life E-Magazine Issue 1 Vol. 15 Spring Romance 2015 | Page 17

The Wickaninnish Inn – Tofino, BC www.wickinn.com

The ruggedness of Vancouver Island’s coast and nature preserve meet the refined comforts of this 75-room award-winning inn. The Wickaninnish Inn opened in 1996 with great fanfare and its renowned Ancient Cedars Spa followed in 1998 to international acclaim. Lovers of nature and of the heart are equally blessed and serviced at this well-appointed resort featuring many local artists and artisans where their craft fills each guest room. With the Pacific Ocean and Chesterman Beach as its look-out romance takes a front seat with Mother Nature as every room has a picturesque view. The spa located on the ocean level of the Pointe building provides a mix of privacy with a view and many West Coast nature inspired treatments. Nature in its most pure and natural state create the setting for a memorable romantic getaway at the Wickaninnish Inn.

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre – Parksville, BC

www.tigh-na-mara.com

Originally inspired by a couple on their honeymoon back in 1946 who erected the first “home” – at that time a simple tent – on the Tigh-na-Mara property (which is Gaelic for ‘House By the Sea’) it is no surprise decades later it has become a sought after romantic retreat. Located on Vancouver Island in Parksville, this 192-log cabin style resort with a dedicated Spa Villa section (complete with Jacuzzi and fireplace and other romantic touches) is nestled next to a 3km beach and surrounded by a Douglas Fir-filled forest. Be pampered together at the uniquely designed Grotto Spa, featuring the popular Grotto Mineral Pool, cool-splash waterfall and whirlpool. Splurge for one of their romance packages in a private suite with a luxurious copper soaking tub. After the pampering, don only your bathrobe and dine at the Treetop Tapas & Grill exclusively for spas guests. Food is an aphrodisiac and with such tantalizing tapas dishes it will set the mood and appetite for a night filled with romance.

Sparkling Hill Resort – Vernon, BC www.sparklinghill.com

Located in the stunningly beautiful and winery infused Okanagan Valley, Sparkling Hill Resort has made a name for itself when it opened in 2010 featuring KurSpa, Canada’s largest spa with 40,000 square feet of therapeutic and pampered bliss. Innovative crystal architecture meets wellness at Sparkling Hill. The 149 luxury rooms feature spectacular views of Lake Okanagan or the Monashee Mountain range. What woman doesn’t like a little bling. Swarovski crystal fireplaces, crystal light fixtures, starry ceilings, two-person soaking tubs next to floor to ceiling views of Lake Okanagan guarantee a crystal and romance infused stay. Sweat your stress away in seven unique aromatherapy saunas and steam rooms, experience showers, with indoor pool, Swarovski crystal sky, outdoor infinity pool and serenity relaxation rooms to relax before the passionate night ahead. This crystal inspired resort always predicts romance.

Fairmont Banff Springs – Banff, AB – www.fairmont.com/banff-springs

Fairmont Banff Springs rich and colourful history has been a romantic and honeymoon favourite since it first opened as a hotel in 1888. Everyone from British Royalty to celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Clint Eastwood have graced this exquisite Canadian jewel. People more than a century ago flocked here for the area’s natural hot springs. Today hotel guests can feel the pulsating flow of therapeutic waters in the mineral pool at the heart of the Willow Stream Spa. This large 38,000 square foot spa has 23 treatment rooms, steam and eucalyptus rooms, indoor mineral pool, luxurious deluxe couples’ suite and three waterfall-treatment whirlpools. The centerpiece of it all - just venture outside the spa and feel the majestic Rocky Mountains surround you as you relax and get all snuggled up with your loved one in the outdoor whirlpool. Let the mountains set the stage for a night of romance and tranquility. Romance has never looked so good then at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs.