Google
  Web DiscoverSpas.com

Sign up for the DiscoverSpas.com Newsletter
Your Email:

Home
Spa Reviews
Directory: 8,000+
US Spas
Directory: 1,000+
Global Spas
The Best Spas
Eco-Friendly Spas
Romantic Spas
Weight Loss Spas
Maternity Spas
Spa News
Spa Deals & Events
Spa Sweepstakes
The Spa Experience
Spa Business Resources
DiscoverSpas.com Newsletter
Spa Business
Products and Services


Suggested Reading
Spa Business Books

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Spa Business Books

Professional Spa Training DVDs
Spa Art Gallery & Shop

 

The West Coast Spa at Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Julie Register visited visited this resort spa on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada in October 2001

The Spa

My feet were cozy under the heating pad. I could hear the gentle surf through the open window. I found myself breathing in sync with it. 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 the 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.

 

Update

Pacific Mist Hydropath, opened after my visit, is a West Coast Hydrotherapy path (Hydro-path) encompassing massaging waterfalls, sandstone sculpted seawater and mineral pools, and much more. The Hydropath offers the many benefits of true thalassotherapy being rebalanced energy, stress relief, restoration of skin suppleness, restimulated circulation and detoxification. We're proud of our expansion, which is unique to Canada and even all of North America. Follow along the Hydropath and experience the unique features of each stage of the Hydropath:

Massage Rinse - Swiss shower jets carved into the sandstone, send water pulsating from all angles, rinsing and warming the body.
Mineral Massage Pool - Enter tonic mineral waters and proceed around the pool where jets progress from the lumbar region of the back up to the shoulders, relaxing tense muscles.
Waterfall Massage - Sit amongst a series of waterfalls to experience streaming water from above of various volumes and intensities. This water element is designed to relax stressed muscles in the shoulders and scalp, as well as providing a flurry of healthful negative ions to breathe.
Steam Cave & Glacial Waterfall - Inhale aromatic steam in the cave, soothing lungs and encouraging perspiration beneficial to the skin. To cool down after the steam, step under a stream of glacial water.
River Walk - With sections of both warm and cool water, the river walk produce a 'kneipp' effect for legs, a traditional therapy that stimulates blood circulation. Jets positioned along the walk provide a targeted massage from the feet up to the top of the legs, again increasing circulation and stimulating the movement of lymph. Legs feel lighter and rejuvenated.
Sea Mineral Soak - Containing 104 trace elements at the optimal temperature for absorption by the body, the sea mineral pool is the perfect spot for a relaxing float. Sensory delights include a bubble massage seat, the sound of gentle waves, sandstone accents and a surprise from above.
Tidal Baths - Relax in single person tidal baths carved out of rock with wild harvested west coast seaweeds and mud. Benefits include drawing toxins out of the body and adding vital minerals and trace elements. Toning and healing for the skin.
Rinse off and wrap in a heated towel and complete the Pacific Mist Hydropath with a 10-15 minute rest in the lounge with views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby Gulf Islands.

 

Information and Photos

Contact
Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa
• Address:
4330 South Island Highway
c/o RR6, Site 672, C-1
Courtenay
British Columbia
Canada V9N 8H9

• Phone: 
(250) 338-1323
• Fax:
(250) 338-0058
• Toll-Free: 800-663-7929
Email
Web Site

FYI
• Cancellation Policy - The spa has reserved this time especially for you. In the event that you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify the spa within 24 hours to avoid being charged for the scheduled service.
Gratuities - Gratuities are not included in service prices and are gratefully accepted. Gratuities can be room charged.


The West Coast Spa

Spa Reception

Women's Locker Room

Steam Cave and Sauna

Waiting Area

Spa Reception Desk

Pedicure Station


Grand Pacific Suite Living Area

Grand Pacific Suite

View from Bed in Grand Pacific Suite

View from Grand Pacific Suite

Fitness Center

Eagle's Nest Fitness Studio

Treatment Room

Family Pool


Photos copyright 2001, Julie Register
except the Hydropath photo which is courtesy of Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=*EJTVpauQ/0&offerid=61746.10000013&subid=0&type=4

Spa Gift Certificates

WaySpa Gift Certificates - Now 10% off
 Save 10%
on WaySpa Gift Certificates

are valid at thousands of
spas in the US and Canada

Advertisements
Featured Spas

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica
Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Costa Rica

Romance Package
Experience a “green” Valentine’s Day escape in the midst of a luxuriant rainforest and hot springs setting. Package includes:

  • Three nights’ accommodations in a deluxe room or honeymoon suite with private Jacuzzi, bottle of wine, and chocolate-covered strawberries
  • Welcome tropical cocktail
  • Daily breakfast buffet
  • One romantic Gala Dinner in a private rainforest bungalow with private chef
  • One half-day tour : hanging bridges or Arenal Volcano hike
  • One massage with balneotherapy per person in an outdoor bungalow at the Grand Spa
  • One Temazcal group ritual treatment per person
  • Unlimited access to the Tabacón hot springs
  • Complimentary in-room Internet

The package rate is $2,137 per couple for the deluxe room or $2,312 for the honeymoon suite and is valid until December 15, 2010.
For more information or reservations, visit www.tabacon.com, or call 011-506-2519-1999 or toll-free 1-877-277-8291.

The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier

The Grand Winter Escape Package
with Resort Credit
$149 per night
Includes:
$25.00 Resort Credit per room
20% off Spa Services
Resort fee waived
01/01/2010 - 03/31/2010

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, Pennsylvania
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Farmington, PA

Woodlands Renewal
A Wellness Journey

rates start at $749 per person based
on double occupancy in The Lodge
April 23-25, 2010

Women's retreat by NWR and
Magee-Womens Hospital at the University
of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC),

Includes:

  • Educational on women’s health
    • osteoporosis
    • cardiovascular awareness
    • mental sharpness
    • weight training
    • joint and bone health
    • stress
  • Spa treatments
  • Meals
  • Fitness classes

For reservations or additional information,
call 866/344-6957 or log on to www.nemacolin.com.

Spa Gift Baskets

Spa Store
Suggested Reading

Magazines

Spa Travel

 Winter Hotel Sale- Exp 2-14-09 (125x125)
Winter Hotel Sale- Expires 2-14-09

 

 


Advertise | List Your Spa | List Your Business | Share Your News | About This Site | Disclaimer | Contact | Newsletter | Site Map

Copyright 1997-2010 Julie Register, All rights reserved
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Web Site Design by Boise Matthews and Michelle Peterson

Send This Page To a Friend