Island Escape the perfect remedy for recharging your Soul
Hard to believe we are already into the fall swing of things. Now is a good time to recharge with a mini Island escape to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Just a quick flight from Vancouver or Seattle. My fiancé and I enjoyed a scenic flight from Vancouver’s South terminal YVR with Pacific Coastal Airlines with dramatic bird eye views of the gulf islands. The service was great and the thirty minute flight meant we would have more time to enjoy the island and recharge.
Upon arrival the Kingfisher resort shuttle was waiting for us at the Comox International Airport. Our driver whisked us away giving us some island tips as we drove the scenic highway to the hotel.
Checking in at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa the front office team was eager to welcome us. I felt very much at home almost instantly. The front desk associate lead us to our ocean view room. We were in awe as to how beautiful this place is. Truly an oasis for the soul.
Our first night at the resort we dined at the award winning Ocean7 restaurant with stunning ocean views. The culinary team lead by Executive Chef, Nyle Petherbridge prides themselves on using local island fresh ingredients. Their focus is on West Coast seafood, grain fed meats and fresh organic produce from local sustainable growers and suppliers. The exciting and unique dishes with the sweeping views of the ocean made our dining experience from great to exceptional. To start we enjoyed the daily catch of fresh oysters, mussels, and some cauliflower “two ways.” Next we moved on to Seared Ahi Tuna with sticky rice wonton, pickled daikon, cucumber salad, edamame and yuzu emulsion. Yum.
Beachcombing, Birding, Cycling and Eating our way around our Island Escape
The next day we enjoyed some beachcombing and relaxing in a bird blind where we watched for hours hundreds of Eagles feeding at low tide. It was exhilarating to see these magnificent birds soar and feed. There is something about that ocean scent that just calms the soul.
As our weekend progressed we took in Island Joy Rides – a local cycling company that took us on a progressive dining experience on bicycle. It was wonderful to see that Comox had many dedicated bike paths and lanes with many stunning scenic points to take in the natural beauty of the region.
Our final stop was at the boutique Wayword Island distillery. What makes this distillery a must experience is all of their spirits are distilled from… HONEY! It has a very smooth and unique taste. Love it.
Our final splurge for the weekend were spa treatments. Facials followed by the Pacific Mist Hydropath® therapy. I have had the privilege to experience many incredible spa treatments and have to say the Hydropath® is no doubt one of my favourite. It is a series of Hydro experiences that is created to stimulate the senses. The various pools offer remineralization, detoxification, relaxation and more. The entire Hydropath® is literally a pathway of water experiences. All in a setting that evokes Vancouver Island’s natural seaside elements. The treatment lasts for one hour. So amazing!
As we boarded our flight back to Vancouver and flew off in the sunset it was hard to believe how rejuvenated and refreshed we felt from our mini Island escape. So excited to head back and repeat it all again!
LGBTQ Welcoming Resort
The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa is an LGBTQ welcoming destination. The senior leadership of the property has taken the Travel Gay Canada diversity workshop. The hotel and their employees are committed in ensuring all of their guests feel welcome and included. The Kingfisher has donated weekend getaways to various LGBTQ charities for their fund raising efforts including: Vancouver Frontrunners annual Pride Run & Walk, Out in Schools and QMUNITY.