I was at the West Coast Spa at Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa on Vancouver Island. Lynn, my therapist, provided a marvelous combination of massage and reflexology for two hours integrating energy work and aromatherapy with the essential oils of sandalwood, rosewood, lavender, and chamomile. When I turned over, the heating pad was placed on my stomach - a simple gesture that was very comforting. Two hours was more than enough time for me to get "in the zone". When she was done, Lynn told me to take my time "getting back into my body" and advised me to drink lots of water to flush out the toxins which just got a double whammy. When I finally pulled myself together and checked out of the spa, I was given a fortune seashell (like a fortune cookie) which read "There comes a moment when you realize that virtually anything is possible - that nothing is too good to be true." - Kobi Yamada. How true!

The West Coast Spa is a separate 8,000 square-foot, three-level building with 15 treatment rooms offering views of snow-capped coastal mountains, the Strait of Georgia and the northern gulf islands. It is the first Canadian full-service spa on the ocean. Spa amenities are for Kingfisher Resort guests only. The spa specializes in the natural healing, restorative elements of the sea. Treatments include indigenous Vancouver Island clay wraps, balancing facials, rejuvenating seaweed wraps, relaxing massage, seascape manicures and pedicures and thalassotherapy massage baths. Additionally, there is an outdoor ocean view hot tub, year round heated pool with neck and shoulder massaging water fall, west coast steam cave, ocean side fitness room, cedar sauna, and peaceful Eagle's Nest for yoga, tai chi, and stretch classes.

Accommodations

Kingfisher has a fabulous location. Every room overlooks the water. The Oceanview Rooms are the furthest from the water but all have balconies or patios that provide a great view. This is possible because the building that houses the Beachfront Suites is set down into a cliff and does not obstruct the view for the rest of the property. There are many accommodation choices. I stayed in the Grand Pacific Suite, a spacious luxurious open living area providing a 270° view of the water from the large picture windows and roomy balcony. There were many great amenities - the two person whirlpool tub, the two person shower with two massaging shower heads, the heated tile floor, the lovely fireplace, the fully equipped kitchen, stereo, two color TVs, and humidostat to control the humidity. Most memorable to me were the view of the water at sunrise while laying in bed and the sound of fish (pinks) jumping at dawn.

Food

The meals I had at the Oceanview Restaurant were excellent. Among the spa selections are open face salmon bagel, curried chicken wrap, smoked salmon & shrimp wrap, charbroiled halibut fillet, vegetarian pizza.

Activities

There is lots to do in area. Mt. Washington Alpine Resort is a great ski hill a half hour away, boasting the highest average snowfall in the Pacific Northwest (average of 26-27 feet base each year ) and providing great downhill, cross country skiing with spectacular ocean and alpine views. Golf is available year round 30-40 minutes away six excellent golf courses. Additionally, there are eco adventure and wildlife tours, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, helicopter tours, mountain biking, trail rides, sailing, concerts at the Old School House Arts Center and more.

Photos copyright 2001, Julie Register
Licensed to About.com

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