Relax in the beauty of your luxury tent

Should a spring storm stir across the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be tucked safely away in the luxury of your tent suite on the bluff of the spectacular Rockwater Secret Cove Resort! Following a peaceful sleep, enjoy a breakfast fit for champions…or ‘glam-pers’ each morning! Getaway includes two nights accommodation in a tent suite, with breakfast for two each morning.  And to sweeten the escape, BC Ferries has included return ferry passage for  one car/driver and passenger to the spectacular Sunshine Coast!

Go for a hike, walk the beaches, explore some of the fantastic art studios, or maybe even head out on the water in a kayak for two…just be sure to enjoy and have fun any time of the year!

Advance reservations required. Subject to availability.

Blackout Dates: June 10-September 10, 2011, Christmas, New Years, and Valentines Day.

Valid until: March 31st, 2012

www.rockwatersecretcove.com

www.sunshinecoastcanada.com

www.bcferries.com

Contest Closing is Sunday, April 24, 2011.

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Click here for special Tourism Langley summer packages!

Click here for special Sunshine Coast deals.

Serenata Guest House from the street

Serenata Guest House and Vineyard Retreat of Penticton, is one of the most gorgeous places you can happen upon in British Columbia.  Entering the property through massive wrought-iron gates, the winding drive way takes you up a slight angular hill to the front entrance.

The surrounding views from here are exquisite no matter what time of the year as your gaze falls upon the deep blue of the lake from out the front, then uphill across acres of undulating orchards and vineyards. This trip found me exploring during the final days of winter when the dominate shades of the season’s earthy browns, golds and creams were just starting to give way to spring’s early tones of green…and it was breathtaking.

Relax and Enjoy!

Serenata’s hosts, Mike and Linda, are the epitome of gracious hospitality.  Opening the front door, their welcome into the foyer of the Guest House feels like being greeted by long time friends.  Respectful and discreet, yet warm and happy, these two readily know how to make their guests feel instantly comfortable and relaxed.

The property itself is a soothing blend of traditional, luxurious furnishings set against a mellow palette complementing the landscape of the region – deep green, rich brown and sumptuous creams and whites blend beautifully throughout the private guest suites and public areas.

The view from Serenata's Hilltop!

And those suites, they are divine! Complete with fine linens, plush towels and in-room accessories including a romantic collection of CDs and player, private television, mini fridge, coffee and wine station (after all this is the Okanagan), and cozy bathrobes with slippers!  Each suite has its own deep soaker tub with separate shower, a beautiful fireplace and a delightful sitting area.  The views vary with my favourite suite

Cheryl's Favourite Suite - Luxury ValleyView Guestroom

and the one I was fortunate to stay in – the Luxury Valley View 1 – being highly recommended, although really, there isn’t one suite within the Guest House that won’t elicit a cry of delight.

Mornings are a time of pleasure. Whether languishing in the comfort of your bed with a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee and breakfast, while perusing wine tour brochures or the newspaper; or making your way to the lovely kitchen and dining areas.  In summer, savour breakfast outside al fresco. Basking in the early morning sun, flowery scents mingling with the stunning beauty of the vineyards and lake, surely has to be one of the most rapturous means by which to start any day!

Wine and Dine

This is spectacular wine country with over 66 wineries and vineyards dotting the hillsides from Penticton and Naramata, to nearby Okanagan Falls and Osoyoos/Oliver. Mike and Linda are most helpful in planning winery tours by car, by bicycle (easily rented in nearby Penticton), or even within the neighbourhood on foot. Depending when you go, check out Kettle Valley Winery’s 20th Anniversary celebrations this year and what is surely destined to become the iconic entrance to Naramata, is Poplar Grove Winery’s exciting new location opening in June 2011.   If food and wine be your favour, be sure to visit this summer when local Chef Extraordinare, Roger Planadin will be creating outstanding winemakers’ dinners with Serenata Guest House.  Sampling Chef’s mouth-watering delicious, locally sourced and prepared appetizers recently was indeed a treat in anticipation of what he will tantalize privileged palates with in the coming months.

Chef Planadin's tantalizing appies with a glass of Kettle Valley Pinot Gris - YUM!

Working with nearby restaurants, Mike and Linda also have an exceptional list of recommendations for lunch and dinner along with a number of great suggestions for soft adventure when not sampling wines.

Plan Your Escape

Serenata’s web site is well laid out with enticing photos.  And while the quality of this fabulous getaway is high end, the packages certainly make it affordable as this is a place you will want to return to, again and again!

Tina Baird/Naramata Bench Wine Association (left) and Jessie Campbell of Tourism Penticton (right) Tour Poplar Grove Winery's new location with Getaway BC Editor, Cheryl MacKinnon (centre)

Access is easy from the lower mainland – a spectacularly scenic four-hour drive puts you in Penticton. The Guest House is only five minutes outside of the downtown core.  You’d never know it once you settle in though because Serenata seems miles from any urban sights and sounds.

Another popular means of getting here is to fly into Penticton Airport with Air Canada Jazz.  Rent a car and enjoy the scenery.

ENTER THE GREAT GETAWAYS CONTEST HERE

www.serenataguesthouse.com www.naramatabench.com www.kettlevalleywinery.com www.poplargrove.ca www.culinaryadventure.ca

For more information on the area and the South Thompson Okanagan:

www.thompsonokanagan.com and www.tourismpenticton.com

Experience an amazing Okanagan “Wine & Dine” Getaway at the luxurious Serenata Guesthouse & Vineyard Retreat in Penticton, BC…

The View Is Incredible from Serenata Guest House Peak!Experience an amazing Okanagan “Wine & Dine” Adults Only Getaway at the luxurious Serenata Guesthouse & Vineyard Retreat in Penticton, BC...

Pure luxury, peace and relaxation are yours while sipping a glass of Okanagan Wine and staring out over the beautiful vista of Okanagan Lake and the Naramata Bench Wine Region. This very scene awaits you at SERENATA GUESTHOUSE & VINEYARD RETREAT during your exciting 2 night stay within one of seven beautiful, private guestrooms.  Intimate fireplaces and spa therapy jet tubs are just a few of the special features that guests can enjoy during their getaway. Arrive to find a lovely Welcome Basket brimming with select Okanagan ‘Wine & Nibbles’ to begin your perfect wine country getaway, compliments of the Penticton, BC VQA WINE INFORMATION CENTRE.

Awake the next morning to the smells, sights and flavors of a delicious gourmet breakfast that will prepare you for an exciting day of guided wine touring along the popular Naramata Bench Wine Region. TOP CAT TOURS offer-worry free Wine Country Tours throughout the Okanagan.

Returning to Serenata Guesthouse,  relax and get ready for an amazing gourmet dinner for two at The Hillside Estate Winery & Bistro where you will enjoy  delicious, seasonal and locally-inspired menu selections prepared by the popular Hillside Bistro’s, Executive Chef Rob Cordonier and perfectly paired with the wineries best wine recommendations.

Serenata…on the Naramata Bench providing luxury accommodations available for intimate or group adult travelers visiting Penticton and Naramata Bench area. It is all just waiting for you to enjoy and explore!  Read the full feature here.

This amazing two night getaway includes luxury accommodations with Serenata Guest House & Vineyard Retreat, breakfast for two each morning, one gourmet dinner for two and one winery tour for two.  Subject to availability, and advance reservations.  Gratuities not included.

Cheryl's Favourite Guest Suite at Serenata Guest House!

Special thanks to our partners in this Great Getaway:

www.serenataguesthouse.com

www.tourismpenticton.com

www.pentictonwineinfo.com

www.topcattours.com

www.hillsidewinery.com

www.naramatabench.com

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED – April 10, 2011

Contest Rules & Regulations

Enter Here To Win

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Willow Stream Spa Nail Salon in Vancouver

When one of your favourite gal pals calls to say “Let’s escape to the spa for a spring pedicure,’ of course your answer is yes!

Where to go was not a question, so a few days later, pulling up to the front door of the sublimely sophisticated, yet welcoming porte cochere of the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel I confess, I was filled with excitement.  Yes, mostly at having my winter weary toes pampered, but also in anticipation of experiencing this pleasure at one of Vancouver’s most spectacular hotel spas.

Located on the fifth floor, the Willow Stream Spa’s look is clean, pure and all natural.  Beautiful wood and tile envelope spa guests as they step off the elevator.  In true Fairmont fashion, the first Willow Stream Spa created in Vancouver fulfills all expectations and more.  The spa’s décor and finishings purposely reflect the ‘Asia meets West Coast Canada’ ambience so beautifully displayed throughout the entire hotel, complete with the management and staff delivering the famously discreet and perfectly polished Fairmont ‘style’.

Relax in the lounge before, in-between, or after your treatments

After a warm reception, we were invited to the peaceful surroundings of the nail salon.  Sinking tired feet into the warmth of the pedicure tub, we both laughed at how decadent it felt to indulge in this treat, in the middle of a business day.  But I say, why not? This soothing experience easily beats out a power lunch any day in my book.

Following a fabulous and utterly relaxing 60 minute Willow Stream Signature Pedicure – paraffin wax treatment and divine foot massage included, it was off to the seclusion of the lounge for a mellow cup of herbal tea.  The afternoon was so blissful, between the lovely touch of our experienced aestheticians, Mabel and Forelle, to the chatter of two friends catching up on the happenings of one another’s lives, I simply can’t wait to do it again, and soon.  Next time, we’ll include a massage followed by lunch out on the spectacular roof top deck where the views are simply magnificent!

When You Go:

www.willowstream.com and www.fairmont.com/pacificrim

Photos Courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts/Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel Vancouver

and CtoC Productions

Spring Break at Big White

Looking to make some fresh tracks as spring arrives this month? Thirteen of British Columbia’s finest resorts are offering deals for all the shredders in your family. Visit www.hellobc.com/bcskideals for more details.

Fast Forward into Spring: Dummy Downhills. Pond Skimmings. Retro Days. Spring Breaks. Last Stands. Even if the prospect of trading in fleece and long johns for T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops glimmers with sunny attractiveness, no one wants to bid adieu to winter. That’s why snow sport resorts across BC sugar coat the inevitable with an array of fun-filled spring thaw events.

1. Big White Ski Resort is set to welcome families this March Break with a host of exciting events, activities and celebrations for all ages. To further entice parents looking for the perfect spring break getaway, Big White is offering a special ‘Kids Stay and Ski Free at March Break’ promotion. From March 4 to April 9, 2011, guests who book three nights of accommodation in select condominium and vacation home will receive one complimentary child lift pass per adult pass purchased!
2. Look no further than Mount Washington Alpine Resort’s Dairyland Milk Run, March 22. Here, the objective is straightforward enough: over the course of a day, ski every run in your ability level. Beginners challenge the greens, more-advanced add the blues, while ultimate riders hit all 60 runs on the mountain.
3. Make your way to the Okanagan for Silver Star Mountain Resort‘s Showdown Throwdown Hoedown, March 26 – 27.
4. For a change in pace, point your compass to Golden, where Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is set to stage the Dogtooth Dash, March 26 – 27. This first-ever North American Open Ski Mountaineering Championship is a spectator- friendly event that combines all elements of ski touring — climbing, hiking, and, the best part, schussing downhill — on a cloverleaf course spread across a trio of alpine bowls.
5. As sunshine warms Northern BC valleys, skiers and boarders in Smithers celebrate ever-lengthening spring days by scaling Hudson Bay Mountain 18 times to make turns on runs off the Skyline chairlift as part of the Valhalla Everest Challenge, March 27. That’s the equivalent of topping out on the world’s tallest peak, 88,400 metres (29,003 feet) in all — one sweet day’s worth of downhilling to crown the season.
6. 

   Spectacular Butchart Gardens

   BC’S CAPITAL WINE REGION EXPANDS with De Vine Vineyards as the capital city’s newest winery. Located in the Saanich Peninsula, 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, De Vine produces wines specific to the South Island region. A recent family venture, from father to sons and daughter-in-laws, the Windsor family is hands-on in the production of their wines; everything from organic farming to pressing grapes and welcoming guests. Visiting the vineyard, winery and tasting room to savour their wines and enjoy the breathtaking views of the coast & mountains is an integral part of the Island experience, and is currently the only way to take home a bottle or two of these lovely white wines. The winery produces several different types of wines including Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and has the Island’s largest planting of Gruner Veltliner, a luscious Austrian white. For more information visit www.devinevineyards.ca.

7. WEDDING SEASON AT THE BUTCHART GARDENS is on until March 31, 2011. Celebrating the bride and groom,The Butchart Gardens’ Wedding Season coincides with the annual Spring Prelude, featuring an indoor garden of Spring flowers, blossoming shrubs and trees, water features including a pond with large colourful Koi fish and pathways which are available for indoor wedding ceremonies and photographs. Areas of the outdoor gardens are also available for photos. The Butchart Gardens offers wedding packages for ceremonies of up to 60 guests, which include indoor and outdoor photo rights. Weddings at The Gardens can also take advantage of The Dining Room Restaurant for a gourmet dinner in an historic setting, once home to the Butchart Family. For those choosing to have a ceremony, a two-hour rehearsal time is also included. For more information visit www.butchartgardens.com/weddings.
8. THE OTHER EMILY AT THE ROYAL BC MUSEUM celebrates Emily Carr, one of Victoria, BC’s most notable, historical residents and considered Canada’s greatest woman artist. Delving into the artist’s life prior to her fame from her formative teenage years to her emergence on the national art scene in 1927, this exhibition dares to challenge the stereotypes attached to her name and explores the influences of the time through historical documents, period pieces, Emily’s personal documents and rarely seen sketches, in addition to an outstanding collection of original Carr paintings. Paired with eighteen contemporary paintings of Carr, based on historical photographs, by artist Manon Elder, this modern addition shows the longevity of Emily Carr’s influence and the importance of the Royal BC Museum’s collections as public legacy and source of inspiration. Opening March 2nd, The Other Emily will run until October 2011. Tickets are $14.29 CDN for adults and $9.06 CDN for children 6-18 years. For more information visit www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.
9. 

   Spring Break Coast Savers with BC Ferries

   BC Ferries is pleased to offer $39.95 CoastSaver fares on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from March 22 to 31. The Spring Break special covers the fare for a passenger vehicle and driver for the three major routes connecting the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island mid-week during this time. Passenger fares are just $9.95 for the same period.“The Spring Break CoastSaver Promotion is a perfect opportunity for families to get
   away for the school holiday at a great price.

10. Book a March Break Getaway through BC Ferries Vacations and receive a free room upgrade with a minimum two-night stay when you travel on a CoastSaver day. March Break Getaway properties include Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort, The Fairmont Empress and the Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites.

Reprinted with Courtesy of Tourism British Columbia, Tourism Victoria and BC Ferries;

If you just can’t get away for the entire break in March this year, don’t worry.  The kids will understand especially if you plan even just a couple of days away in a local hotel.  And the best memories begin with fun adventures like a spring break getaway in the heart of the city.  Kids and adults alike will find much delight in sleeping overnight at one of Vancouver’s iconic Fairmont Hotels.  Luxury awaits you, without the matching price tag, because when you book one room, the second will be extended at 50% off the rate of the day!  This could add up to quite a savings as the specials continue the entire month of March. Breakfast is also included for a family of four plus 25% off food & beverage.

Think elegant ambiance (it’s never too early to learn travel manners), delectable cuisine – there’s even a Prince and Princess tea party complete with bubblegum tea, and enhanced turn-down service with a connecting room for the kids and maybe even Grandma and Gramps!  Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are pet friendly too so maybe Fido won’t be left out on this trip!

Psst…there are similar benefits to booking at one of Fairmont’s other downtown Vancouver Hotels too.  Both the Fairmont Waterfront and Fairmont Pacific Rim are offering special room packages geared to families with younger children.  Imagine swimming in a rooftop pool, then eating pizza back in the room!  And don’t forget Whistler – the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Whistler throws out  the welcome mat to families seven days a week, year-round!

But if you’re staying in town, Vancouver offers an endless array of family fun, and Fairmont’s doors open to the core of it all!

Top Ten Spring Break Things You Can Do In Vancouver

Vancouver is home to dozens of well-known visitor attractions, activities and landmarks. For visitors and locals that want to steer away from “typical” Vancouver experiences there are plenty of cool things to do that we bet you didn’t know about…

1. Staying at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver? Take one of the hotel’s K9 Ambassador dogs, Beau or Mavis, for a walk.

2. Pitch ‘n putt into the twilight hours surrounded by giant cedars in Stanley Park.

3. Walk the beaches of Jericho and Spanish Banks in the early morning, and don’t forget the sand shovel and buckets.

4. Ride tandem bikes around the 8.8 kilometre Stanley Park seawall.

5. Take in a night-time snowshoe experience complete with hot chocolate at Mount Seymour in North Vancouver.

6. Expand your minds at the Kids Only Market at Granville Island for cool books, mind-bending puzzles and the best, ‘made in BC’ toys!

7. Zipline between mountains at top speeds of 80 kilometres per hour atop Grouse Mountain.

8. Learn how to master sword arts such as the rapier, side sword, sword and shield, and long sword at Academie Duello.

9. Mom and Dad can sample three different types of locally handcrafted sake at Osake on Granville Island, while the kids enjoy the hand-made fruit juices.

10. Feed, touch and get splashy with a beluga or dolphin during a behind-the-scenes animal encounter at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Special thank you to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts for sharing their special family getaways and photos with us, and to Tourism Vancouver for the great list of family-fun things to do!

Vancouver, BC, February 23, 2011 — Now, here’s a tasty note for lunch or dinner that can take you back to years long past with delectable offerings from both 900 West Lounge and Griffins Restaurant. In celebration of the opening of the original Hotel Vancouver in 1888, savour the savings from now until well into the year.

Gather business associates and friends at the grand 900 West Lounge for daily features at just $18.88. Meet over lunch from Monday to Friday, 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. For the lunch crowd, it’s easy to pick a favourite or two from Executive Chef, Robert LeCrom’s kitchen five days of the week.

MONDAY
THE CARVERY
Slow Roasted AAA Alberta Prime Rib Sandwich
served with Caesar salad and Soup of the Day

TUESDAY
900 WEST SALAD
Choice of Grilled Salmon or Chicken Breast,
BC Crumbled Goat Cheese, Aldergrove Sun Dried Cranberries,
Hand Picked Baby Greens, Pecans and Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

WEDNESDAY
BENGAL CHICKEN CURRY
Raita, Mango Chutney, Crisp Pappadum, Basmati Rice

THURSDAY
AHI TUNA NOODLE SALAD
Cilantro, Lime, Papaya Salsa, Sesame Soy Vinaigrette

FRIDAY
WILD BRITISH COLUMBIA SALMON
Yukon Gold Potato and Shrimp Hash
Grilled Asparagus, Ginger Tarragon, Butter Sauce

Dinner crowd diners will love Griffins’ three-course authentically local menu for $23 in honour of the Hotel Vancouver’s 123rd birthday since opening in 1888. Available daily from 4:30 pm onwards, Executive Chef, Robert LeCrom’s menu offers choice after choice from beginning to end.

Choice of:

CHEF’S SOUP CREATION OF THE DAY
A unique creation highlighting the best of local ingredients
~~~
GRIFFINS CAESAR SALAD
Roasted Garlic, Olives and Rosemary Lavash
~~~

Choice of:

GARLIC-LEMON PRAWNS
featured from our Lifestyle Cuisine Plus menu
7-Grain Rice, Japanese Pickle, Wakame Seaweed Salad
~~~
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST
Thai Quinoa, Vegetable Skewer, Lemongrass Nage
~~~

DESSERT
GRIFFINS DESSERT BUFFET
A tantalizing selection of cakes and pastries created daily in our pastry shop

$23.00 per person
*Menu items will change based on seasonally available ingredients

Griffins’ famed Appetizer Bar of market fresh seafood, signature salads, seasonal antipasti, soups and chowders and its Signature Alberta Prime Rib with natural jus, Yorkshire pudding, market vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes are also available for an additional $10 each.

Reservations are highly recommended by calling Griffins at 604-662-1900 or online at www.opentable.com. Both offers are not available on special holidays and cannot be combined with other promotions.

Suite in the Arthur Erikson Wing

A recent trip to Victoria found me resting upon the sublimely soft sheets of the comfy bed in my guest suite at the divine Inn at Laurel Point.  As I languished about, listening to the rain gently tapping to the deck off my room, I was hard-pressed to greet the day even though my best friend and I had planned a fabulous ‘girlfriend day’ with a spa visit, brunch and what promised to be a fantastic dinner at Zambri’s.

Pulling myself from the depths of the luxury length bath, I contemplated stepping into the shower.  If only because it’s marble beauty was what was drawing me in, not that I was covered in bath bubbles from head to toe!  A gentle rub with the plush towel placed at the bath’s edge, I wrapped myself in a cozy robe and padded back into the main part of the room.  Taking a look around, my belief that this particular hotel holds one of the most peaceful ambiances ever encountered in my travels held true.  The rich palette of browns, grays, creams and stark whites mesh beautifully with the simplicity of the Japanese influences which are subtle yet everywhere. Looking across at the dramatic view of downtown Victoria resting against the inner harbour elicited a deep breath of “ahhh, yes this is nice, really, really nice!”

Cook Culture store and kitchen

From Russia With Love

The Inn at Laurel Point sits almost directly across from the Parliament Buildings.  There’s a splendid pathway that winds its way around the property and can be followed right into the heart of downtown if you’re feeling ambitious…weather be damned.  Passing by the front desk for a spot of tea – Euphoria – a complimentary blend created specially for the Inn and its’ guests by the tea makers at Victoria’s famed Silk Road Tea Co., served from an exquisite, sparkling Russian silver samovar further encapsulates the Zen of this fabulous – did I mention, downtown – hotel!

Flowers and Food

Checked out two great spots for foodies, that while not at the Inn – have dined at Aura and can only rave,  should be included in your trip. Cook Culture on Blanshard Street opened almost a year ago (in the dynamite looking building also housing BC Ferries corporate offices)– to quickly become the place to shop for cooks in the know, to those seeking such knowledge.  With a spectacular teaching kitchen that brings talented chefs from across the island to share their ‘best kept secrets’ with those of us seeking some new culinary arsenal, to a full line up of unique and useable gadgets, widgets and fine food stuffs, this very cool store is a winner!  And they’ve got a fabulous web site listing new items as well as the calendar of upcoming events.

Zambri's Specialty Fish

Following our shopping spree at Cooks Culture, dinner found us noshing around the corner at Zambri’s.  Within minutes of being seated it quickly became clear that although it was Tuesday evening, this restaurant is the place to see and be seen!  Recognizing many of Victoria’s who’s who, we dined on the most delicious pastas and fish dishes – all locally made (yes, the pasta and the fish), and sourced for your ultimate dining pleasure.  Brother and sister, Jo and Peter Zambri have created a business over the past 11 years which continually delivers a vibrant dining atmosphere coupled with amazing food and wine.

Here’s where the flower part comes in…an afternoon spent in the splendor of Butchart Gardens cures any winter blues, especially as we’re coming out of February.   The beauty of early blooms, especially the Cherry Blossoms will bring a smile to your face instantly.   And if you can, visit during March 1 to 7th, to discover why Victoria is indeed the City of Gardens.  The 35^th Annual Flower Count, an annual light-hearted promotion which brings Greater Victoria communities together as they count the

Beautiful Spring Arrives at Butchart Gardens

sightings of blooms in gardens, both private and public, is on and the weather should be too!

Travel to Victoria aboard BC Ferries and enjoy the quiet time.

Photos Courtesy of the Inn at Laurel Point, Cook Culture, Butchart Gardens and CtoC Productions