Mineral Pools at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Oak Bay Beach Hotel Wellness Weekend Getaway

Oak Bay Beach Hotel Mineral Pools

There is a reason Victoria remains one of the most romantic and refreshing destinations on the West Coast. Its coastal views and temperate weather offer an elegant reprieve from the drizzle that often plagues the Greater Seattle area. Historic charm abounds in the BC Capital, as does a thriving food scene that’s rooted in farm-to-table cuisine. Here, a commitment to whole-body wellness is matched with an often unmentioned friendliness. It’s a dynamic combo that has made Victoria a haven for those looking to rest and refresh. And no place speaks to this epic sense of retreat more than the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. 

Voted #7 Hotel in Western Canada by the Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards, Oak Bay Beach Hotel in British Columbia offers the ultimate wellness weekend experience. 

And what’s more, it doesn’t take all day to reach with a convenient, direct flight to Victoria Inner Harbour or Victoria International Airport. Kenmore Air also provides service from San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor Marina direct to Victoria Inner Harbour!

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HAVN tubs

Destination-Worthy Self-Care

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HAVN in Victoria

Like chicken soup for the soul, self-care offers the opportunity to relax and recharge. It’s the soothing remedy for a fast-paced life where meetings can pile up and deadlines loom. 

But the practice of self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. From ocean-side soaking tubs and rejuvenating facials to farm-to-table cuisine, we all need something a bit different. As the summer season tapers into cool crisp days, take a moment to let yourself relax and replenish. Discover some of the best destination-worthy self-care getaways in the San Juans, Victoria, and beyond!

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A Luxe Weekend in Tofino, BC at the Wickaninnish Inn

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Nestled on the edge of Vancouver Island’s wild, rugged coast, Tofino, BC is a haven for adventurers and those seeking serenity. With its towering rainforests, pristine beaches, and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect destination for a long weekend escape from Seattle. Fold in a stay at the luxurious award-winning Wickaninnish Inn and your experience becomes an unforgettable retreat where nature, relaxation, and fine dining blend seamlessly.

Getting there is part of the adventure, with Kenmore Air offering exclusive PC-12 turboprop or seaplane charters from Seattle that land you in Tofino in as little as an hour and a half. The breathtaking aerial views of the Pacific Northwest coastline set the tone for a weekend of indulgence, exploration, and reconnection with nature.

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Oak Bay Mineral Pool

Top Spa Resorts and Day Spas in Victoria and Vancouver Island

Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Arguably the most popular space at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel isn’t the hotel itself. Rather it’s the three heated mineral pools that were custom-designed beside the water. Photo provided by Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

From aromatic steam rooms and rejuvenating body scrubs to massaging waterfalls and breathtaking views, let your body relax and be restored at these premier resort and day spas in Victoria, BC and Vancouver Island.

Want to unwind during the busy holiday season? Are you looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway? Do you want to soak and massage away the winter blues? Whether you’re looking to give your healthcare regime a spruce, your mind and body a dose of TLC, or all the above, a spa-focused getaway is just the thing.

The following selection features the best spa resorts and day spas in Victoria and Vancouver Island. Because you deserve a getaway that lets you rest, rejuvenate and return home ready for whatever life holds. 

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PC-12 charter flight to sun valley

The Ultimate Guide to a Sun Valley Ski Resort Getaway

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Charter Flight to Sun Valley
Photos by Sara Satterlee

Surrounded by 12,000-foot mountains, the sleepy town of Ketchum, Idaho, is the birthplace of American ski resorts — Sun Valley. 

The quaint destination has yet to be taken over by skyscrapers. The world-renowned ski slopes and fresh, dry powder are the main draws. And while luxury touches can be found in farm-to-table restaurants and high-end accommodations, echos of the mining-turned-farming town remain. 

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Kenmore Air’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Credit: Alex Diaz

When it comes to gift giving, we all want the same thing: to give something that matters. Not just another box under the tree, but a memory in the making. Something that lingers long after the paper’s torn and the twinkly lights have dimmed.

That’s where Kenmore Air comes in. This holiday season, instead of guessing someone’s size or hoping they don’t already own it, you can give them something they’ll never forget – a breathtaking flight over the Pacific Northwest. Whether they’re an aviation buff, a nature-lover, a curious traveler, or someone who just needs a little lift, there’s a Kenmore experience that fits.

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The Magic of Christmas Lights Display. Photo Provided by The Butchart Gardens

Magic and Wonder at The Butchart Gardens Christmas

The Magic of Christmas. Photo Provided by The Butchart Gardens
The Magic of Christmas. Photo Provided by The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens didn’t earn its rank among the top display gardens in the world during the cool months of winter. But should you happen to be in Victoria, the quaint British Columbia capital at the southern tip of Vancouver Island during the dormant ‘off-season,’ The Gardens are well worth a visit.

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Seattle Skyline

30 Things to do in Seattle this Winter (2025)

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Seattle Skyline

Published Nov. 7, 2019 | Last Updated November 23, 2024

Sure, Seattle gets the ‘occasional’ rainy day during the winter. But natives have long since learned that the grey skies aren’t a reason to write off the Emerald City. In fact, with its plethora of cozy refuges, lively winter events, and inspiring museums, you’ll never be short of unique things to do this winter in Seattle.

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Victoria’s Holiday Magic: Festive Lights, Tea, and a Flight to Remember

There’s no better way to start the holiday season than with a quick winter getaway to Victoria, British Columbia, a city that shines brightest when decorated with festive lights, cozy charm and holiday spirit. With Kenmore Air’s 45-minute trip from Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbour, you’ll save the time-consuming drive or ferry ride and arrive right in the center of the city. No cars, no stress, just stunning views and instant holiday magic from the moment your seaplane lands.

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Tea at the Fairmont Empress

Experience Timeless Elegance: Fairmont Empress Afternoon Tea

Fairmont Empress High Tea

Nestled at the edge of the Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress stands as a majestic icon of luxury and history. This grand hotel has been a cornerstone of Victoria’s charm for over a century. No experience is more iconic here than indulging in the renowned Afternoon Tea at the Empress.

Whether visiting the BC capital for the day or enjoying an extended getaway, this is an unforgettable afternoon delight. Wrapped in elegance and sophistication, it gives you a glimpse into a royal tradition. 

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