Located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria offers a taste of how life used to be. This charming and intimate town offers the perfect location for a romantic getaway. Its strong British influence lends an air of all things romantic with its gardens, afternoon tea and antique shops. Victoria also offers golf for those in search of the greens, award winning restaurants and art galleries galore. Surprisingly, its nightlife is alive all year round. www.tourismvictoria.com
Many visitors know of The Fairmont Empress Hotel and its Tea Lobby. This is a well-known attraction, but it does not do justice to all that is available in this entertaining and well kept city.The Magnolia Hotel and Spa is centrally located within walking distance to many attractions in the area. It offers an onsite Aveda Concept Salon and is connected to Hugo’s Brewhouse. This lodging offers amenities that other hotels should take note of. The rooms are sumptuously decorated in an English décor with nightly turndown service and the best bathroom amenities I have ever encountered. It was a relaxing retreat after my journey and helped to calm the mind in a delicate, yet sensuous way. The baths offer separate tub and shower combos, complete with Aveda bath products, bath tablets to soften the skin, and many other personal items. It was a pleasure to enjoy such lodgings.
www.magnoliahotel.com
The onsite spa is where I experienced a delightful and most relaxing facial. The atmosphere of the spa was quiet and calming with a sense of peace. I received not only care for my face, but also an arm and leg massage. The Spa Magnolia is a restful and peaceful setting in which guests are pampered and catered to and every detail matters.
At the base of the Magnolia Hotel and adjacent to Hugo’s Grill, sits Hugo’s Brewhouse. I enjoyed a delicious and entertaining meal, with wine and ale pairings for each course. My personal favorite was the Pale Moon Ale which has hints of ginger and ginseng. The brewmaster, Benjamin Schottle has been perfecting his craft for more than eight years. The cuisine was a delight and the chef is to be commended.
www.hugoslounge.com
For those romantics wishing to go out into the world of Victoria, The Butchart Gardens offer packages where couples fly into the property on a float plane to enjoy the magical gardens and afternoon tea or a romantic dinner. A limousine can be arranged to return the lovers to the Magnolia Hotel.www.butchartgardens.com
Another spot for romantics is Marley Farms which now offers picnics in its vineyards for those wishing to sample a bottle of its wonderful fruit wines. Couples can also venture into Oak Bay for antiquing and art galleries while enjoying a meal at the Penning Farthing Pub.
www.marleyfarm.ca
Victoria, BC is a must see destination for romantics of all levels. For more information, visit www.tourismvictoria.com
