Name: Poets Cove Resort & Spa, South Pender Island, British Columbia
Type of Spa: Resort Spa
In winter, you’ll find families beating the seasonal blues while in summer you’ll be sharing pool space with sailboat and yacht owners. It’s popular as both a women’s retreat and a couples’ getaway.
The Setting for Poets Cove Resort & Spa: Located on South Pender Island, just off the east coast of Vancouver Island, Poets Cove overlooks Bedwell Harbour Resort and Marina. A favorite port-of-call for leisure boaters and travelers, guests may also take a water taxi from Sidney (on Vancouver Island) to Bedwell Harbour or travel by BC Ferries to the island.
Accommodations at Poets Cove Resort & Spa: Poets Cove Resort & Spa features a four-star hotel with a 22-room lodge, 15 seaside cottages and nine country villas. There’s also a 110-slip marina, activities center, heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, fitness center and a waterfront plaza and promenade. There’s fine dining at Aurora Restaurant (featuring their signature Gulf Island lamb) and more casual fare at Syrens Lounge. Member of Worlds Finest Resorts.
Susurrus Spa at Poets Cove Resort & Spa: Susurrus means a whispering sound or murmur, and Susurrus Spa has seven spacious treatment rooms (some with ocean views) in its 3,500 sq. ft. space. The interior is bathed in soft sage and spa attendants are garbed in smart olive green Tuscan style uniforms. Outside there’s a sandstone steam cave, large waterfall and oceanfront Jacuzzi overlooking Bedwell Harbour. CDN From there, you’ll be guided to the couple’s room (complete with fireplace) for a 90-minute aromatherapy massage. Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries await you in the privacy of your own room. Other signature treatments include the Wild Rose Facial ($175 CDN) and 90-minute Stream & Hot Stone Massage ($150 CDN). Bridal party treatments are also available. The 90-minute Poets Cove Signature Massage & Steam Cave is $135 CDN; Eminence Organic Facial, $100 CDN; and 30 minute Salt Glow with Nourishing Lotion is $50 CDN. The Natural Manicure with nail buffing is $45 CDN.
Rates at Poets Cove Resort & Spa: Room rates range from $199 to $729 CDN, packages available.
What’s Special about Poets Cove Resort & Spa: Location, location, location. The views are spectacular and the spa is sublime. At the spa, you’ll be greeted with a warm gown, slippers and hot scented neck pack (many local products are used, including Sacred Mountain organic lavender from nearby Saltspring Island). There’s plenty to do on the island, with kayaking right outside your door.
What Could Be Better: The spa’s hours of operation. They are not necessarily open seven days a week, but do feature “open on demand,” so if you book an appointment they will accommodate you. Normal hours are 9-5.
Bottom Line:This is an upscale resort and spa and the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Accommodations are plush and the spa technicians are top-notch. This is a popular spot for boaters, so things can get a bit lively in the summer months. Go in the off-season for a more tranquil experience.
Contact Info: Poets Cove Resort & Spa, 9801 Spalding Road, Pender Island, BC VON 2M3 888.512.7638 www.poetscove.com
