One of B.C.'s best laid-back luxury resorts is closer than you think.

Many of us yearn for that remote West Coast island getaway where It's just you, the ocean views and the orcas, but also love the creature comforts of high-end hotels. Things like king-size beds, big-city-calibre gourmet feasts, and, the ultimate luxury, a good old-fashioned pamper fest at the spa. Poets Cove Resort and Spa, which is a luxury island retreat tucked away in a private marina on Pender Island, is just that have-the-best-of-both-worlds escape€”and here's why.

Pender Island is a Laid-Back Nature Escape

As one of the GulfIslands off B.C.'s coast, small-town Pender Island has all the eye candy itsWest Coast postal code suggests: twisted Arbutus trees, Georgia Straight vistasand wild neighbours (sea lions, porpoises, orcas, gray wales and river otters,to name a few), while offering ample trails, freshwater lakes, rollingfarmlands, forest and beaches. The year-round population sits at 2,250easy-going residents, where the vibe is relaxed, the nature scenes abundant andyou can fly or boat in at your leisure. Plus, BCFerries runs regular sailings to Pender€”just 40 minutes from Victoria, or twohours from Tsawwassen.

Location, Location, Harbour Location

Poets Cove Resort and Spa is stackedvertically up the hillside in a secluded bay, so it wraps around the harbourand gives every one of its rooms a picture-perfect ocean view (jaw-droppingsunsets anyone?). There isn€™t another luxury retreat like it on the GulfIslands that offers this level of accommodation and amenities in such abeautiful, untouched location. The resort also has its own private,full-service marina with more than 100 slips, so you can boat in, boatout. 

Three Words: Eucalyptus Steam Cave

The Susurrus Spa at Poets Cove has takenhydrotherapy to a whole new level. Hidden behind a cascading waterfall in acustom rock grotto, is the cleansing, delightfully herbal, Eucalyptus SteamCave. After breathing in all the eucalyptus goodness, take a cold hydrotherapyshower and then soak away our big-city cares in the hot tub€”It's an idealwarm-up to a treatment at the spa. Susurrus is used to accommodating biggroups, so they have perfected combo packages like the Triple Threat (facial,massage, foot reflexology) or the very bride-friendly Glow package (full bodyexfoliation, full body ritual wrap, aromatherapy massage and Eminence organicfacial).

Island-to-TableDining

There are two restaurantsand one café right at Poets Cove, so your dining needs are covered. Aurora is thedelicious fine-dining treat, the best on the island, and features local produceon a seasonal menu. Moorings Cafe is your espresso and lunch spot, with coffee,sandwiches and ice cream. Syrens Bistro and Lounge is the upscale pub hangoutwith solid eats made from fresh, local ingredients.

Hiking, Kayaking, Golfing and More

Part of the beauty of the resort is that youcan start the morning sipping an earl grey on the patio or in a sea kayakpaddling around ocean caves and craggy rocks. There is so much to see and do,including on-site kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, an on-site tenniscourt, a large pool, fitness centre, whale watching (from the shore!), hikingtrails, ocean walks, boutique shopping (prepare to stalk up on small-batchisland soaps and scented candles), golfing and cycling. Take a picnic to one ofthe local parks, or hike Mount Norman to watch the sunset.

Roomsfor Everyone

There are lodges, villas and private cottagesthat offer everything you need based on your type of trip. Is it a romanticcouple's getaway where you want your own hot tub, a destination wedding whereyou need lots of rooms together with big party spaces, a family getaway whereyou need space for both sets of grandparents? The luxe suites at Poets Coverange from one to three bedrooms, and while they allhave great outdoor spaces, some have private hot tubs, and others havefull kitchens, so you can cook together and never have to leave.

SweetDeals for an Even Sweeter Stay

Poets Cove regularly offers great packagedeals with juicy discounts, like their Pay 3 Stay 5, which saves visitors twofull days on accommodation in May and June for lodge rooms, villas or cottages.Keep an eye out on theirspecial offers page for more.

Aldesta Hotels was founded on a deep love for travel, and so It's created four unique and unforgettable hotels: Poets Cove Resort and Spa on Pender Island; Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, and Harrison Lake Hotel; and Heron Island on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. For more information, visit aldestahotels.com or call 250-629-2100.