Nature lovers, hikers, surfers and fisherman alike flock to Vancouver Island’s Ucluelet year-round, for adventure on the very edge of Canada’s west coast. In the summer, the beaches are the draw; still, even in the winter, travellers venture out for storm-watching while surfers defiantly dance on the cold whitecaps. There are many places to stay, from luxury bed and breakfasts to campgrounds and seaside resorts, but a DailyXY favourite is Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.
An architectural delight set on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Black Rock combines natural and man-made elements that blend right into the wild coastal landscape. The buildings are situated with the ocean crashing around them and are surrounded by lush rainforest with scenic views from every room.
Tranquility is easily found, and the property is flush with luxurious amenities. The resort has 133 suites — studio, and one- and two-bedroom — both in the Lodge proper and the detached Wild Pacific Trail Suites. Every room is spacious and equipped with a full kitchen or kitchenette, including top-of-line Miele appliances and marble counter tops, gas fireplaces, flat-screen TV’s, DVD players and bathrooms with heated slate floor tiling, soaker tubs and rain shower heads.
There are two dining spots on the property. Fetch Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Float Lounge offers an all-day tapas-style menu and some signature cocktails and a great wine list for late night sipping. Executive Chef Morné Antwerp uses many local ingredients to craft his West Coast–style cuisine, and the servers are attentive and knowledgeable. Both dining rooms offer spectacular ocean views, and world-class musicians are often flown in to perform in the lounge.
The spa at Black Rock features “Sea Flora” wild organic seaweed products, harvested on Vancouver Island and crafted into the resort’s exclusive line of body and skin care products. Relax with everything from Shiatsu massage to sea salt body scrubs, hot stone treatments, wraps and kelp facials. Simple manicures and pedicures are available, and there’s a couple’s massage room overlooking the ocean. The resort’s website outlines the spa packages.
Black Rock is a natural choice for weddings, events and meetings, with 4,200 square feet of space and the Rainforest Ballroom that can accommodate 140 people. There’s also a 935 square foot wine cellar, ideal for private dinners, wine tastings and brunch. The room looks right out to the crashing waves and boasts gorgeous wood furnishings and gigantic windows that might distract your audience if you don’t keep things interesting.
The beyond-attentive front-of-house staffers know the area like the backs of their proverbials, so be sure to ask them to hand you tips on always-intriguing local events and happenings. 596 Marine Drive, Ucluelet 250-726-4800.
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Image courtesy of John Biehler.
