Name: Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa
Type of Spa: Hotel Spa This resort and spa is a weekend getaway and romantic destination for couples from Vancouver, Seattle, and the western United States. When the rates go down in the off -season, expect to find locals in your midst.
The Setting at Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa: Located in the seaside village of Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island, Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa is a luxury oceanfront resort overlooking the Saanich Inlet. Located 20 minutes from Victoria, it’s also a mere five minutes to The Butchart Gardens.
Accommodations at Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa: With 33 luxurious OceanSuites (all with water views and private patios or balconies), this modern cedar, steel and picture window palace is tucked into the arbutus trees just off busy Verdier Avenue (the Brentwood Bay-Mill Bay Ferry is just down the hill). The public spaces feature lots of fir, rock and high ceilings and outdoor deck areas for al fresco dining. The rooms are contemporary with earth tones throughout and spa-like bathrooms with jetted tubs and body massage showers, gas fireplaces and king beds (along with Italian linens and luxurious robes). Fine dining in the Arbutus Grille & Wine Bar (impressive wine list by acclaimed sommelier Brian Storen) or for more casual fare, the Marine Pub. There’s also the Wine & Spirits Shop with an adjoining café and deli.
The Spa at Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa: The Spa-Essence of Life Spa is located on the lower level of the lodge. The reception area features an indoor waterfall and the 3,500 sq. ft. spa is wrapped in natural slate floors and soothing colors. There are eight treatment rooms (one designed for couples), a double pedicure room and changing rooms with private lockers. There’s a small outdoor heated pool and hot tub on the oceanside terrace. In-suite yoga is offered to guests.
Signature Treatments at Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa: Packages range from the “Westcoast Retreat” ($385 CDN), a four-hour indulgence that includes a seaweed bath, granite massage with hot rocks, seaweed pedicure and spa manicure; to the 4.5 hour “Island Ritual” ($475), with a rosemary scrub, mud bath, relaxation massage, facial and spa pedicure. For fans of the hit movie “Sideways,” the spa also offers vinotherapy.
Prices at Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa: An hour-long “Raindrop Intensive Massage” with essential oils is $165 CDN and the one-hour “Two Hearts Massage” (in a special space for two, complete with rose petals) is $250. For the men, there’s an Executive Manicure ($40 CDN) and Sports Pedicure ($75 CDN). There are lodge/spa packages, too.
Room Rates at Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa: Room rates range from $295 - $845 CDN(packages available)
What’s Special at at Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa: The lodge and spa are both very West Coast in feel, with original artwork throughout. It’s a quiet and private place, with the added bonus of being able to kayak (or take a water shuttle) to The Butchart Gardens. Or scuba dive on nearby Senanus Island (famous for its rare sponge glass colony).
What Could Be Better: There seems to be staff turnover in the spa, and for repeat guests it can be disappointing once you’ve found that special spa practitioner.
Bottom Line: This spa is for you whether you’re going solo, with a friend/spouse or on a girls’ getaway/corporate business retreat. This spa is not for you if you want 365 days of sunshine…it does drizzle on Vancouver Island.
Contact Info: Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa, 849 Verdier Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M IC5 888.544.2079 www.brentwoodbaylodge.com
