This article was published on September 7th, 2015

As summer draws to a close in the Pacific north west, the real adventures begin. The days become shorter and are filled with low overcast, rain, and cooler temperatures. But this doesn’t mean it’s time to begin hibernation. In fact, it’s the best time of the year to go on an ultimate rejuvenation weekend, especially when it’s at the most beautiful resort on the Sunshine Coast, Painted Boat Resort and Spa.

Located in Pender Harbour, Painted Boat Resort and Spa is the premier luxury spa retreats, and a perfect romantic getaway. The modern craftsman style resort is quietly tucked into the pine-tree covered hillside, perched on the shore of a picture postcard perfect bay. At every turn, you will be in awe and left speechless.

The full-service resort has everything you need for a full weekend getaway. Spanning the property are 31 villas, spa, fitness centre, outdoor pool and hot tub, and restaurant. The impeccably landscaped grounds have wide-open grassy fields, soaring west coast pine trees, and a private oceanfront with marina.

Each of the 31 well-appointed modern villas incorporate the natural beauty found on west coast. Massive wood beams are exposed along the vaulted ceilings, while natural slate lines the shower and two-person soaker tub in the bathroom. The colour and paint schemes draw from the surrounding areas, bringing the outdoors in. All the units are westward facing, taking full advantage of the natural light through the large windows.

The villas are designed to make the most of the impressive views. The kitchen, dining room, living room, sitting area, master bedroom, and decks all face the spectacular harbour. Morning, day, or evening, the views never get tiring.

For guests who love to cook and entertain, the kitchen is fully equipped. Inside the solid wood cabinetry you’ll find all the essentials you’ll need to prepare a feast for a dinner party of six using the modern stainless steel appliances. The breakfast bar doubles as a fantastic area to serve buffet and family style. Dine indoors at the solid wood dining table, our outside on the deck at the large outdoor table and chairs; the choice is yours.

Getting out of bed each morning is almost impossible. As you awake in the master bedroom in a warm bed with crisp, soft white sheets and fluffy duvet, you roll over to see the stunning views of the serene harbour. It’s true west coast living at its best!

The master bedroom has a king size bed, and a full en suite with full-size glass, slate, and ceramic tile shower, oversize sink and vanity area, and a romantic two-person soaker tub. At the back of the villa there is a guest bedroom with a queen size bed and flat screen television.

There are two sitting rooms in each villa. The main floor is a family style room a with big screen TV connected with TELUS Optik television services, pullout sofa couch, and an electric fireplace. If you’re looking to sneak off to curl up with a great book or to get some quite time in to finish some work, there is a loft area with comfortable seating. Each villa also has its own free, private WiFi network, so if staying connected is important, it’s easy and reliable.

The deck is what makes the entire stay worthwhile. Grab a bottle of wine and relax as the day passes by without a care in the world. It’s absolutely magical!

The Painted Boat Resort and Spa lives up to its reputation as the best spa resort on the Sunshine Coast. The spa embraces holistic wellness through their treatment programs. Not only does the spa incorporate the natural beauty and materials in its design, just like the villas do, the spa prides itself on incorporating natural oils, botanicals, salts, and nutrients from the west coast. This is incredibly important, especially for those who live the 100-mile lifestyle and appreciate using fresh, local ingredients.

Spa guests receive a private locker in the change room, which comes with a soft, fluffy robe and set of towels. There is a quiet sitting area for before and after treatments, with hot herbal tea and infused water. Spa guests are encouraged to stay the entire afternoon to rejuvenate in the spa garden, which includes an outdoor salt pool, hot tub, sauna, outdoor glacial rainfall shower, and fire pit, all surrounded by spectacular landscaping featuring local greenery and fauna.

Health and wellness is also encouraged in the other resort facilities, which are free for all staying guests to use from early morning through late evening. The fitness centre has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the heated outdoor infinity pool, hot tub, and harbour, making it just a little bit more enjoyable to get in your cardio workout for the day.

Literally sitting right over the water is the most incredible building, housing the executive boardroom and private deck on the lower level and The Restaurant on the upper level. The building sits on a foundation of concrete pillars and pilings. From the top deck of The Restaurant, you feel like you are sitting right above the water. It’s truly an incredible experience.

Foodies will love The Restaurant at The Painted Boat Resort. Open daily for both lunch and dinner, the chef prides himself on serving up authentic, west coast inspired plates and dishes. The fresh, local inspired menu includes everything from salmon and halibut, to muscles and clams. If you love seafood, The Restaurant will give your taste buds a real workout.

Not to be out done, the mixology staff at The Restaurant take great pleasure in their hand-crafted cocktail program. They honour the tradition of creating classic cocktails, reminiscent of prohibition, and their own original creations. The result is a well-respected line-up of lip-smacking cocktails and martinis made with fresh ingredients and hand-made infused syrups.

For the more adventurous, there are kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards, all for rent at the resorts private marina. It’s a great way to get out and explore the beautiful area and to tour the many small islands dotting the shorelines. If that sounds like too much effort for your stress and effort-free weekend, just head down to the water to see crabs, starfish, and other ocean life, right from the rocky shores.

This fall, even if the forecast is for torrential rain, overcast, or one of the famous west coast wind and rain storms, you can still sit back, relax, and know you’re safe and at peace. Painted Boat Resort truly is the most wonderful hidden gem on the Sunshine Coast to rest, relax, and revive.