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Nirvana in NaramataNaramata Heritage Inn & SpaBy Jane CassieIf John Moore Robinson was alive today, he certainly would be proud. He’d been a man with a vision and in 1908 when Hotel Naramata celebrated its grand opening, one of his many dreams became a reality. Although his original intention was to make millions in mining, his illusive plans did not pan out and, instead, he turned to other natural resources that BC’s Okanagan Valley had to offer. As well as transforming many of the bleak barren hillsides into productive fruit orchards, he opened the doors to his crowning jewel located in the lakeside hamlet of Naramata. Now, after three phases of extensive restorations, the stately Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa not only pays homage to this pioneer’s legacy, but also offers spa denizens and romantics, like us, modern day delights while taking a step back to yesteryear’s unencumbered time.
Although jointly owned with two other partners, Janette and Norm Davies are at the helm when it comes to doling out congenial hospitality and dealing with the management responsibilities. “Although the past four years of renovations have been a lot of work,” Janette admits, “the reward always comes when guests leave with smiles on their faces.”
We find that this nosh spot is a perfect precursor to the silver service and more formal fare offered in the main floor’s Rock Oven dining room and under the auspices of Chef, Robert McLaren, the team of culinary experts’ showcase their talents while orchestrating an innovative Mediterranean-influenced menu. Sunday brunch has also gained wide acclaim in this same fine dining establishment and while staying in the inn, guests enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each day.
Within the spa’s three treatment rooms, an emporium of other skin care and body treatments wait to pamper and, just as with my Aqua Therapy Body Treatment, all utilize products from the Aveda line that are ninety-seven percent rich with revitalizing qualities of flower and plant essence. There’s also a heavenly eucalyptus steam bath and a relaxation room where guests are invited to spend time before and after their treatments. Here, a trickling waterfall melds with soothing music and the sweet scent of potpourri. Amidst the tranquility, the mind is calmed, muscles relax, and the worldly cares seem to diminish. This magical place prepares guests for the sublime, delays return to reality and, like all of the spa’s sensory pleasures, is the perfect antidote for today’s hectic lifestyle. At the end of the day, the setting sun envelops Naramata in a warm rosy hue. Shadows fall over the uniformed rows of fruit trees and clamoring grapevines that cloak the hillsides. The surroundings are peaceful, serene, and picturesque. That’s the feeling Mr. Robinson must have had when he first discovered the area nearly one hundred years ago. And if he knew that a piece of this heritage lived on to today and offered so many guests modern delights with the enchantment of yesteryear, he certainly would be proud! Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa Heirloom Spa, reservations: spa@naramatainn.com 250 496 5063 Cobblestone Wine Bar, reservations and entertainment:
250 496 5064 Images by Brent Cassie and compliments of Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa |
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Towering American elms throw shade over
the multi-hued gardens, and brick paved pathways direct our way to this
heritage haven. Embraced by a wrap around verandah and fronted with a south
western façade, its exterior replicates a Spanish mission in southern
California, just as Robinson had intended when coining the area ‘the
California of Canada.’ We soon discover that the same old-world charm flows
through to an inviting lounge where fast paced technology is soothingly
replaced by stimulating conversations and a crackling fire. Antique wall
sconces cast a soft incandescence onto exquisitely preserved fir floors,
beamed ceilings emit a warm cozy feel, and historic photos tell past tales.
While some couples mingle in the foyer,
others wind their way downstairs to the lower level Cobblestone Wine Bar and
Restaurant where sounds of live jazz waft melodically over the crowd. As
well as celebrating the harvest that abounds from the many regional
wineries, this popular palate pleaser lures the most discriminating
appetites with gastronomical delights for lunch, dinner, and tapas.
Sunshine flows through vintage paned windows from an enchanting tiered
terrace, where umbrellaed tables and gigantic maples shade patio place
settings during the warmer months.
On the main floor a two-room suite
accommodates larger parties and small conference meetings, and winding up to
the second floor, Persian carpet runners lead the way to eleven other
sanctuaries. Although each is unique and possesses its own wine region
title, all share commonalties like heirloom antiques, fluffy duvets, garden
viewing patios and, as I soon find out, awesome clawfoot tubs. Once over our
‘Calalonia’ threshold, time seems to stand still and the memories of modern
day frenzy disappear while I soak in serenity. Although Nirvana instantly
comes to mind, I’m sure I discover the meaning of paradise after my visit to
the inn’s Heirloom Spa-an Aveda Concept Spa-the following day.
“True healing through massage is
transferred from the heat of my hands,” Dana explains. “If it’s effective,
you’ll feel the warmth.” With years of experience in healing touch and
Reiki, I can tell, by the instant rise in my temperature, that Dana, my
therapist, is a master of massage. And as strains of new age melodies meld
with the heady aroma of jasmine and mint, I succumb to being rubbed with
essential oils, exfoliated with dead sea salt, pulsated by a Vichy shower,
and moisturized by satin lotions. Her skillful healing hands quickly whisk
over my deprived muscles and pores, rejuvenating and replenishing in all the
right places and, while muscles are plied and impurities are released, so is
the tension that has been built up over time. After ninety heavenly minutes
of incredible indulgence I feel renewed, silky smooth, and euphoric. And
yes, I’m sure it’s close to paradise!