|
Galiano InnA Gulf Island GemBy Jane CassieIsland getaways possess a definite appeal for those in search of relaxation and romantic aspirations. Skirted by wave-lapping shores and distanced by a body of water, they offer an idyllic reprieve from businesses, babies and the bustling throngs of metropolitan centres. At least, this certainly pertains to the recently opened gem that sparkles from the shores on BC’s Gulf Island of Galiano.
They are ushered along its circular driveway to a garden rotunda where perennial blooms embrace an impressive Grecian fountain and West Coast cedar shingles cloak the Inn’s cozy exterior.
Throughout, there are touches of terra cotta, accents of wrought iron, and soothing French yellow hand-trowelled walls to imbibe a Mediterranean feel. They mix insouciantly with regional flavors such as post and beam ceilings, gleaming darkly burnished fir floors, and handsome layered sandstone. Amidst it all, Pam and James Patchell discreetly welcome guests and see to every need. “We share all of the Inn’s management duties,” Pam proudly relays, “including the food and beverage end of things.” With James at the helm of the culinary team and Pam responsible for staff, the Inn runs to perfection and has received rave reviews since its grand opening June 30, 2001. And by the look of things there is a lot more to come! Anchored at one end, adjacent an ocean-facing conference hall, is a full-featured spa that is close to completion. Three sun-drenched treatment rooms will soon transcend the mind, body and soul with their heavenly offerings of massages, facials and other captivating body treatments. An outdoor hot tub will soothe under starry nights and eventually more polished accommodations will hug the far shoreline of the three-acre property. Although plans are still in the making, they will mirror the current designer works of art.
Evening extravaganzas extend from appetizers like the West Coast crab pot flavored with garlic, thyme and parmesan cheese to olfactory sensations such as garlic prawns seductively paired with creamy risotto, and New York pepper steak delicately doused in a demi-glaze. All are exquisitely presented and sinfully spectacular! Strains of classical melodies drift from a baby grand and the flickering fire casts a soft glow over candlelit tables swathed in silver service. While sharing fine wine, the gourmet selections and a romantic ambience, couples gaze out over Sturdies Bay where the moon reflects on still waters, the stars blanket the sky and little white ferries transport rejuvenated passengers back to businesses, babies and the bustling throngs of metropolitan centres. Galiano Inn Photography by Brent Cassie |
|
TM
Windows
become aglow with soft incandescence and, from a distance, when nighttime
lights majestically outline its frame, Galiano Inn appears to float on the
water. Upon arriving after a short ferry ride, pleasure-seeking passengers
discover that this island paradise, just a stone’s throw from the terminal,
is definitely no mirage.
The
informal reception area doubles as an inviting lounge, enticing with
butter-soft leather furnishings and a crackling fire. Novels from book-lined
shelves and a treasure chest of games offer pleasurable pastimes, and
displays of galleon models allude to the seaside setting. Pacific Rim
artwork graces the walls and stairs leading to a lower level gallery host
works of other talented artisans. 
These
lavishly appointed suites could pass as Riviera villas if they didn’t hold
West Coast island titles. Wood burning fireplaces warm all ten interiors,
while embracing decks boast Active Pass vistas. Their sumptuous baths,
ensconced in Italian-tile, host jet or soaker tubs, glass block showers, and
twenty-four karate gold fixtures that gleam in polished decadence. Couples
rediscover intimacy while being blissfully freed from televisions, and sweet
dreams are assured whether snuggling under down duvets that drape sleigh
beds, French Provincial kings, or comfy queens towered by a canopy of
wrought iron. 
Bountiful
breakfasts are included with each night’s stay and, like other meals, are
served in the oceanfront Atrevida Restaurant. While savoring morning
specialties like poached eggs and smoked salmon delightfully doused in a
rich hollandaise, or raspberry filled pancakes deliciously sweetened with
maple syrup, guests enjoy a visual overload. Windowed walls wrap the
view-boasting atrium to provide a perfect panorama from all fifty-six seats
in the house. Beyond the grassy knoll where a scenic promenade hugs
driftwood shore and corsets colorful gardens, nature provides the finest in
entertainment. Stoic herons and sun-basking cormorants poise perfectly on
ferry pylons while dolphins and seals break the surface of sun-glinted
waves. Eagles soar above and pods of whales spout from the deep. As the sun
rises from behind the silhouette of Mayne Island, a silent symphony of color
is performed. A shell pink sky, shot with streaks of violet are a prelude to
a crisp clear day and, backed by cloudless heavens, Mount Baker presides in
sharp outline like a majestic sentinel. 
Although
this feature flick changes during lunch, dinner and from the outdoor patio’s
zoom-in outlook, the sensational cuisine, attributed to James and his
creative culinary team, remains constant.