If you happen to be looking for a little getaway or peace and quiet, I suggest taking the ferry over to Sidney, BC. Just 25 minutes from Victoria, this charming seaside town is the perfect place to catch up on your reading and your sleeping.

STAY:

Situated along the water, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to call home during your weekend stay. Rooms are a nice blend of contemporary style and comfort and I would suggest spending a little more for a seaside view, over looking the pier. They have a wonderful restaurant called Haro’s that specializes in fresh seafood. The ‘Seafood Bouillabaisse’ is the best deal because it’s jammed packed with an over abundance of shellfish. Make sure you get the chance to meet Dave, the hotel canine ambassador. This fun loving black lab calls The Pier his home since failing to graduate from seeing eye dog school. However, be sure to watch your food, apparently he doubles as a food thief.

DO:

Since the hotel spa was full, I hopped across the way to the Ocean Palm Spa. Voted # 4 spa in Canada (Canadian Geographic) and # 1 spa on the Peninsula (The Peoples Choice Awards), the staff are committed to providing the best experience to reunite your mind, body and soul. They offer an array of body and facial treatments for both men and women. Try their ultimate treatment called the ‘Sami Zen Treatment’ - A blend of two ancient time traditions that cleanses, nourishes and energizes the body through a herbal bath, body scrub and stone massage.

SHOP:

Across from The Pier there are a bunch of little boutique shops and one of my favourites is the Flush Bathroom Essentials store. You can find nearly everything you’ll need to decorate and organize your bathroom and things to indulge and pamper yourself.  Most body care products carried in the store are proudly Canadian like Saltspring Soapworks and Fruits & Passion.

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider

*Photo Credit: www.melofotografia.com