The fresh air, expanse of forest and secluded atmosphere make south Pender Island, BC a great place for a health and wellness vacation. To get you started, drive half an hour from the BC Ferries terminal (daily sailings from Tsawwassen and other Gulf Islands, 1-888-223-3779) or catch a floatplane right to Bedwell Harbour. There you’ll find Poets Cove Resort & Spa, the hub of your health and wellness vacation.
Outdoor Activities
The activity centre at Poets Cove is the place to get moving. Kayak and canoe rentals run from $25 CDN for unaccompanied trips to $64 CDN for a two hour guided trip, which is the best way to take in the beauty of Pender Island. Staff have maps of hiking and cycling trails, and bikes are also available to rent.
Kayaking tours are essentially west coast, slicing through Bedwell Harbour or the Pacific Ocean with a trained guide. They allow you to get up close and personal with the craggy rocks, purple starfish, kelp and even a seal or two.
Other options are cycling through the winding roads and making your way to Gowland’s Point, the southernmost tip of the island. This is a sensitive inter-tidal area and, if the tide’s out, you can explore right out along the barnacles and rocks to feel like you’re alone on the water.
A good hiking trip next to Poets Cove is through the “Enchanting Forest.” A five minute walk away, the trail starts at an inconspicuous sign and leads you through dense forest. The path is subtle and makes you feel like you’re trekking through the wilds, perfect for those wanting a gentle hike. There are plenty more trails to cycle and hike if you ask the staff at the activity centre. For more standard exercise, Poets Cove also has a fitness centre and two pools.
Luxurious Spa Treatments
After giving your body an outdoor workout, go give it an indoor pamper at Susurrus Spa, within Poets Cove. Start out with some time in the steam cave, an outdoor sauna in a manmade cave. This refreshingly unique room also has a bubbling water fixture in the centre and the spa provides guests with a wrap-like towel to wear. Especially handy if you forget your bathing suit!
Spa treatments include some resort-specific treats like their Signature Jade Massage ($175). The Honeydew & Paraffin Cocoon ($145) and Blueberry Bliss Facial ($125 for an hour and a half) come personally recommended.
Most impressive about Susurrus Spa, other than the fabulous staff who add to the invigorating atmosphere, is the skin care line Eminence that they use almost exclusively. Instead of leaving the spa feeling drowned in creamy product, your skin actually feels smooth, light and fresh. Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?
9801 Spalding Road
Reservations: 1-888-512-POET (7638)
Constructed on the site that used to be Pender Island’s “Lover’s Lane,” Poets Cove now lets romantics, as well as business conferences, weddings and culinary travellers, have a four star roof over their heads.
The main lodge has only water-facing rooms with extra large patios and west coast style ($159-$299 CDN). Other options include fully equip villas ($319-$569 CDN), which are townhouse-style accommodations near the tennis courts and children’s play area. Self-contained cottages (15 of them, $339-$699 CDN)) are a way to be close to the ambiance of Poets Cove but in the privacy of your own place. Wherever you are, the staff here will make sure you’re well taken care of.
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