DECEMBER 8TH, 2010
Head
to Victoria for festive cheer while the Parliament buildings are decked
from copper top to bottom in Christmas lights. Herewith, our weekend
picks:
spa
Get your nails done while you sail to Swartz Bay. BC Ferries’ new onboard C-Spa
offers manicures, pedicures and massages. They take you to a room away
from it all, provide gossip magazines and pamper—you walk off polished.
From $20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. sailings, Thursdays through Mondays, www.c-spa.ca
stay
We didn’t know Abbeymoore Manor
was the top-ranked inn in Canada on TripAdvisor before our visit, but
now we know why. Among many things it’s their breakfasts fit for a
foodie (how’s a piping hot poached egg atop a crab cake drizzled with
chipotle hollandaise sound?) and the cozy common room outfitted with
jazz radio, port wine for the taking and crackling fire. But it’s the
generous hospitality that’s warmest of all. From $129, www.abbeymoore.com
sup
Opt for the Abbeymoore’s Epicurean Escape package
and you get two nights, a gourmet basket of goodies and a gift
certificate for one of three restaurants. We opted for nearby Paprika
Bistro and suggest you do that same. Their dynamic dishes belie the
quaint, quiet neighbourhood the bistro resides in. Sourcing local fare
like Cowichan Bay duck and Qualicum Beach scallops, Chef Anna Hunt’s
plates are perfection. www.paprika-bistro.com
shop
Over
the last few years a bevy of hip shops catering to the fashion set have
popped up downtown. To that list, add Charlie & Lee. The Wharf
Street storefront is brick and beautiful, carrying a who’s cool of
labels, like The Reformation, Factory and Something Else. Just don’t
chide yourself for gifting yourself a little something. www.charlieandlee.com
