I'm hardly a sappy romantic who goes all ga ga over red roses, gushy Hallmark cards and boxes of beribboned chocolates (I'll take the chocolates sans fancy wrapping, thank you very much), but from the moment I walked into my Tenthouse Suite at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort, I was smitten. Don't let the word "tent" fool you. polo shirts With heated slate floors, a fluffy white down duvet on a king sized bed, and room service, this is five stars up from camping.
The 13 tents (from $210/night) are perched in and amongst the rainforest, some even at treetop level, giving you an eagle's eye view of the lapping waters of Malaspina Strait. With no kids and no pets allowed, it's all about privacy and passion think of it as a love potion that actually works. "The intention was not to have the tents open year round, but they've become so popular we changed our minds," says Kevin Toth, one of the owners, with a grin,
His business partner had spent time in Africa, and Toth had been to Japan, so the goal was to incorporate a little of both in their vision of a reborn Lord Jim's Resort Hotel. Instead of classic 1960s hunting and fishing lodge, the decor in the tenthouse suites is more like safari Zen.
It is definitely an accessible escape, less than two hours from Vancouver, and one that's especially affordable in the low season rates are about half of peak summer prices. properties, so unless you really need a "get out of the doghouse" extravaganza on Feb. 14, save some bucks and gift your loved one with a rain check for a later date. You can't go wrong with the luxurious Aerie Resort, nestled high atop a mountainside at the edge of the Cowichan Valley. It's won accolades from the likes of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines, as well as rave reviews from one of my colleagues. Global BC cameraman Al Coen describes it as a "great escape into romance." When have you ever heard a guy talk about a hotel that way? He actually got married there a few years ago, and he and his wife try to return whenever they can. "The Aerie has wonderful food, a great spa, and amazing views," Coen gushes.
All rooms at this Relais and Chateaux property showcase commanding panoramas of the breathtaking scenery (starting at $139/night). But tear your eyes away from the view for at least 90 minutes, as you and your partner indulge in a private massage class. Now that's what I call the gift that keeps on giving. For couples on a budget, plan a post Valentine's Day getaway to Victoria. Sample the three course culinary creations of some of the city's best chefs for a bargain $20, $30 or $40 during the Dine Around promotion (Feb. 19 to March 8). After dinner, cosy up for a night in at the Villa Marco Polo, an intimate four room bed and breakfast just blocks from Government House ($190/night and up). With shades of Tuscany and Umbria, the well appointed rooms have caught the attention of Conde Nast Johansens, a guidebook featuring the most prestigious properties in the world.
There aren't too many amorous weekends that wouldn't be enhanced by a bottle or two of the Okanagan's finest vintages. So make it as easy as possible your villa suite at Hester Creek Estate Winery ($185/night and up) is just stumbling distance away, and in case you run out, the wine shop is open seven days a week.
When you're ready to break out of your wine induced cocoon, sign up for a cooking class. Wine and Thyme Cooking School in Westbank has workshops most Sundays, and Hainle Organic Winery in Peachland serves up a three hour class every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You know the saying, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen," so think of it as the perfect test for a budding relationship.
Adventurous couples looking for something a bit off the beaten path will find a winter wonderland of outdoor activities near beautiful Bella Coola, on the central coast. polo shirts A day of guided snowshoeing through pristine valleys and ancient rainforest ends in front of a crackling fire in your brand new log cabin at Bella Coola Wilderness Adventures (two night package $595/person). You'll be treated to delicious home cooked cuisine and a nightcap or two in front of the bonfire.
Not enough adrenalin? Get high on 1.5 million acres of perfect powder, surrounded by the towering craggy granite peaks of the Coast Mountains. A heliskiing trip with Bella Coola Heli Sports is definitely high end ($4,380 per person for three day package), but in my books, anything that gets the blood pumping can spark passion.
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