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July 30, 2010
Local resorts beckon
Sunshine or not, plenty to enjoy on this coast.
BAILA LAZARUS
It’s a long way from a soaker tub in a treetop tent to a log cabin and burger-eating contests; both psychologically and geographically.
But if you want to get a great idea of the diverse nature of the Sunshine Coast, it’s worth it to make the trip to two very distinct locations: Rockwater Secret Cove Resort and Backeddy Resort and Marina.
On the rocks
Often winning recognition in such categories as best seaside hideaway, best romantic getaway or top affordable resort, Rockwater has made a name for itself for its luxurious tent accommodations and its Sunshine Coast spa.
Don’t let the word “tent” fool you. This is no temporary bivouac set up beside a firepit, 150 metres to the nearest latrine, these are deluxe bedrooms built along a boardwalk several hundred metres long. The boardwalk meanders out from the main portion of the resort into the forest, with stairways carrying up and downhill, enabling access to 13 tenthouses nestled within the trees. The wood framework of this whole intertwining structure is, itself, amazing to look at.
Each tenthouse has modern amenities, including a hydrotherapy tub, propane fireplace, radiant floor heating, a balcony and a stunning view of the Georgia Strait. And, because the walls are canvas, the rooms have an airy feel.
Besides the tenthouses, Rockwater has the lodge – the original main building – offering poolside or oceanview rooms; and the cabins, 11 log cabins also set privately in the forest, each with its own view to the strait. Ranging in size from one to three bedrooms, these cabins are great for families or groups of friends. There’s even a honeymoon cabin for newlyweds booking the resort and Rockwater is a great place to hold a wedding with up to 60 guests.
Adding to the enjoyment of the whole coastal experience is Rockwater’s Sunshine Coast spa. It offers a full range of esthetic and healing treatments, including body wraps and Thai massage, and even boasts an outdoor massage area set up in a private tent on the rocks overlooking the water. Locals and their guests are able to book a spa treatment and enjoy a half day sitting by the pool right outside.
This spa was the first place I’ve been able to find Ayurvedic massage. This style of treatment comes from centuries-old concepts of Ayurveda, which include the use of herbs, yoga and massage as part of a holistic regiment to promote health and wellbeing. In this style of massage, warm sesame oil (lots of it!) is used to detoxify the body and encourage proper energy balance. The experience is incredibly relaxing, so it’s a good idea not to schedule any extra-strenuous activities afterward. I planned mine so I had enough time to shower and head to dinner.
The food at Rockwater is first rate. Among the unique fare was a baby beet salad with horseradish cream, duck confit with wild mushrooms and a to-die-for banana rum pudding with marmalade sorbet.
Once you have recuperated from your body-melting massage and you have your energy back, there’s a lot to do in the area. The resort plans volleyball games and other group activities on the beach, there are on-site bike rentals, you can take a shuttle service to the white-sand beaches of Thormanby Island (or walk across when the tide is low) and there’s hiking, kayaking and golf, to round out the activities.
Rockwater is located off Highway 101 past Halfmoon Bay about 45 minutes from the Langdale ferry terminal. Visit rockwatersecretcoveresort.com for information.
Northward bound
Further up the Lower Sunshine Coast, about 45 minutes from Rockwater, is a resort of a different nature. Catering to a wide variety of clientele (including campers, RVers and resort-goers) the Backeddy Resort and Marina has an aquatic focus.
Right in front of your tent or cabin doorstep, you can join Sunshine Coast Tours up Princess Louisa Inlet to see the well-known Chatterbox falls or, for the more energetic, rent a kayak for the day or go for a hike.
Backeddy is a short drive to Skookumchuk Narrows Provincial Park. An easy four-kilometre (about 45-minute) walk through the park offers stunning views of an old-growth rainforest and takes you to a lookout over one of the most unique views on the B.C. coast – the Skookumchuk Rapids. At this point in the waterway, 200 billion gallons of water move between the Sechelt and Jervis inlets, causing an impressive whirlpool formation. Be sure to check with hotel staff for the best times of the day to see the phenomenon.
If wildlife is more your thing, just a little further south on the Sunshine Coast highway is the bird sanctuary at Ruby Lake Resort. Established by the Cogrossi family several years ago, Ruby Lake has been known for its commitment to restoring the lake as a bird sanctuary and has presented cultural festivals, drawing people from all over the Sunshine Coast, as well as the Lower Mainland.
End your day with a fabulous meal at the Backeddy Pub. The pub is well known for its gigantic Skookum Burger (far too large for this writer to eat), which generates the Skookum Challenge burger eating competition.
For information, visit egmont-marina.com/Backeddy_Resort_and_Marina.
Baila Lazarus is a freelance writer, painter and photographer. Her work can be seen at orchiddesigns.net.
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