…for my next adventure.
My dogs and I just came back from a perfect “mini‑vacay” to Victoria, British Columbia for three nights.
Followed by a dreamy staycation at the Kingfisher Resort & Spa on Vancouver Island. My first time here after hearing so much about it.
I hadn’t been to Victoria in years, so this felt extra special. We stayed with my friend Kathy whom I met in Palm Springs several years ago through another friend. What an amazing host she was – we were spoiled!
Dinner with her husband the first night was great. He left for a golfing trip the next morning. The day after we went for a nice long walk and then into town. Later on we went for a cocktail and appy at the gorgeous Janevca Kitchen and Bar, which is located inside the beautifully restored historic Rosemead House (formerly the Old English Inn). It’s famous for its stunning, maximalist interior design and unique wood-fired cooking. The name itself is actually a unique combination of the owner’s three children’s names: Janelle, Evan, and Cailee. Every corner was exceptionally inviting for its beauty.
Some pics of Janevca:
After that we had dinner reservations at Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar (translates to “bright star of the sea”). Marilena is an upscale, award-winning seafood restaurant. It is also recognized as one of the top dining destinations in all of Canada. It was even named one of Canada’s Best New Restaurants right after opening.
And not that I’ve eaten in every single restaurant in every city in Canada – but I can say that the sushi alone is probably the best I’ve ever had. The halibut was perfection and they also have quite the wine list. The restaurant is owned by the high-profile Top Table Group (the team behind famous Vancouver staples like Blue Water Café, Elisa and Thierry).
The fabulous evening was followed by a nightcap (courtesy of one of the generous Rosi’s) at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Memories of high-tea with my mom. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed Victoria as much. I also had the pleasure of meeting some other amazing and accomplished friends of Kathy’s at a pot-luck gathering in her home on our last night. So much fun! Lots of laughs and wonderful women friends who look out for each other.
After three full, happy days in Victoria, I headed north for the second half of my little escape at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa. This place is a premier luxury beachfront destination located in Courtenay on Vancouver Island’s scenic Comox Valley coastline. Nestled amidst lush, landscaped gardens with sweeping views of the Georgia Strait, the resort is most famous for its world-class Pacific Mist Spa, which features a unique, cave-like Pacific Mist Hydropath (which I did), a multi-station hydrotherapy journey utilizing natural glacier-fed and ocean-infused waters. It’s like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.
I also did the Coastal Lavender Release treatment which is a premium, 75-minute signature body treatment designed as a deeply therapeutic and sensory relaxation ritual that combines exfoliation crafted from sea salt crystals and local lavender flowers, followed by a Thai-inspired body/scalp massage. Exquisite!
Beyond its award-winning spa wellness facilities, the resort offers contemporary, West Coast-inspired oceanfront suites, fire-pit patios perfect for sunset relaxation, and exceptional dining at its signature Ocean7 Restaurant and AQUA Bistro & Wine Bar, making it one of British Columbia’s most sought-after coastal getaways. I think we just may come back here.
That’s what I’ve been up to recently. My dogs really enjoyed the whole vibe.
For me, it was exactly the reset I didn’t know I needed.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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