After the rush of the holidays, a new year is as good a time as any to slow down and hit refresh on your regular routine. But before you can embrace a fresh new start, you may find that you need to disconnect in order to reconnect with yourself. And, one way to do this is through a refreshing retreat out in the B.C. wilderness.
Found north of Powell River in the Salish Sea, Savary Island (Kayeqwan) is located on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin, Klahoose and Homalco First Nations. With thanks to the southern tide, the island lays claim to the warmest ocean waters north of Mexico, making it a tropical paradise right here in B.C.
Set to reopen for the spring season in April, Savary Island Resort is where you can ease into a gentler pace of life with an unique off grid getaway in the outdoors.
Connect in a cabin in the woods
Established with community in mind, Savary Island Resort is the perfect base for group gatherings. Whether you’re organizing a family reunion or a team retreat, or maybe even planning a bachelorette getaway or your destination wedding, the resort can host it all. In total, they can accommodate a maximum of 60 people to join for a day, and up to 20 guests for overnight stays.
The resort’s main lodge and bunkhouse cabins are cocooned amongst the trees. Upstairs in the main lodge are two sky suites, with each suite featuring a king size bed, a soaker tub, a flat screen TV, a propane fireplace, a mini kitchen with granite countertops, and a private deck On the lower floor, the open space living area contains a commercial kitchen with all the cooking appliances and equipment that you’ll need. And, right by the main lodge overlooking the garden, the cabin features four bunk rooms, with each room consisting of a queen bed and twin bunk beds, as well as two washrooms, seating areas and hammocks.
The resort’s communal amenities include hammocks and reading nooks, an outside fire circle and an inside fireplace, an open garden, a BBQ area and a large studio available for yoga, dance and long table dinners. Plus, the onsite cafe, The Mermaid Beach Club, is like a neighbourhood beach club in the woods, offering live music and karaoke, beers, ciders, cocktails, homemade ice cream, pizza, salads, charcuterie boards and more.
For those desiring luxury services, there are options for you! At the resort, you can engage in hot cold therapy by plunging into the cold water tub before sweating it out in the hot sauna nestled amongst the greenery. Also, just a 10 minute drive away from the resort, the Savary Island Spa offers ancient clay facials, massage therapy and restorative yoga services for the full wellness experience.
At Savary Island Resort, you can choose to unwind however you wish. Bathe in the open air amongst the greenery, steam in the cedar sauna, stretch in the sun, wander through the woods, sway in a hammock, or wrap yourself in a blanket and cozy up with a book.
Retreat to the seas and the trees
Savary Island Resort’s backyard opens up to a lush ancient forest and endless white sand beaches at the edge of the wild Pacific Ocean, just a five minute walk from the resort. There, you can spend the days relaxing under the trees while listening to the singing birds, marvelling over the spectacular sunsets on the horizon, gazing at the faraway stars and getting totally immersed in the wonders of the outdoors.
When exploring the island, the best way to get around is to walk or cycle from beach-to-beach, with prime stops that include South Beach, Duck Bay, Sutherland Beach and the Malaspina Promenade. By the shore, float or submerge into the island’s sub-tropical waters by partaking in your favourite aquatic activity, from kayaking and waterskiing, to swimming and scuba diving. Island Life Expeditions also offers tours and rentals to guests, with experiences ranging from paddleboard tours to fishing trips.
Plus, with several hiking and biking trails within reach, you can take your time to meander through and forest bathe amongst the lush growth of fir, cedar and pine trees.
Getting to Savary Island
To get from Vancouver to the remote island of Savary Island, you’ll need to allot between 5-6 hours for travel time.
By car, take the BC Ferries route from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. From Langdale, drive to the Earls Cove terminal, where you'll catch the ferry towards Powell River. Then, drive over to the fishing village of Lund, which is the closest mainland town to Savary Island. Water taxi and ferry services can take passengers to the wharf at Savary Island.
For those who prefer flying, Pacific Coastal Airlines and Harbour Air offer routes from Vancouver to Powell River.
Savary Island Resort will be open for reservations from April to October. Book your stay today at www.savaryislandresort.ca.
