There is something very, very special about the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Although I was actually crashing the party (not really), I felt immediately comfortable and at ease in my new surroundings in the lobby boasting a grand piano (I wish I could play) beautiful décor, a fireplace and a view of Salish Sea.
While climatizing to my home for the next 24 hours, I could see from the lobby window the steam coming off the heated outdoor mineral baths, some of the many offerings of the Boathouse Spa – apparently Victoria’s only oceanfront spa – tempting me to indulge…and, of course, I did. Who could resist the peaceful setting, a body massage and facial, followed by a delicious yet light and a healthy snack of a watermelon salad, crushed cashews, and jalapeno drizzled with a soy-balsamic dressing, followed by a mojo grilled angus beef striploin and finished with a serving with coconut ice cream served with caramelized pineapple and white chocolate macadamia nut crumble. Divinely delicious.
Sadly, I was unable to attend the Sunday morning yoga class, but I will return on my own volition and relish in a heartwarming stay and this seaside boutique hotel. Perhaps next time, I’ll be able to play the piano.
The current English-manor style aptly depicts the original hotel built in 1930 on the same oceanfront site. Using as much of the existing materials from the original construction as possible, the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel reopened its doors in 2012 and now offers 100 luxuriously-appointed suites from guests rooms to penthouse suites each overlooking the marina, the ocean or the nearby neighbourhood.
https://www.oakbaybeachhotel.com