Photo: The Painted Boat Resort and Spa. Source: Painted Boat Resort.
The Sunshine Coast is one of my favourite places for a quick and easy west coast getaway. It’s only a 40 minute ferry ride from Vancouver and yet it feels like you’ve travelled to somewhere much further away. It offers quintessential BC scenery with lush rainforests, dramatic mountains and rocky coastlines, and yet the services and amenities are incredibly sophisticated and cosmopolitan. There’s also that relaxing, slower pace of life that I always find so rejuvenating, and the people are amazing. It’s precisely these reasons why I love visiting the Sunshine Coast.
If you’re looking for your own Sunshine Coast getaway where luxury and adventure merge with west coast ambiance, the Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina may just be what the doctor ordered.
The Painted Boat Resort
Photo: The view from the kitchen at Painted Boat Resort. Source: Painted Boat Resort.
Tucked away on a bay in the community of Madeira Park, the Painted Boat Resort is a luxury accommodation of 31 villas which are nestled away in five acres of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and arbutus trees. The villas are stunning, decorated with a truly coastal feel. Each villa has not just one but two bedrooms, as well as amenities such as a stone fireplace, a patio/balcony with a BBQ, and its own gourmet kitchen complete with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.
Photo: The Painted Boat Resort Marina. Source: Painted Boat Resort.
The resort also boasts a 60-boat marina where you can rent kayaks or simply admire the scenery. Dine on local gourmet fare while you overlook the water at The Restaurant, or pamper yourself at The Spa. Go for a dip in the outdoor infinity pool – designed to mimic a rock pond, or relax in the ocean-view hot tub. If you want to stay fit, their state-of-the-art Fitness Centre is yours. And if you feel like popping into town for a coffee, some art or live entertainment, the quaint and cozy Madeira Park is literally steps around the corner.
Intrigued? The Painted Boat Resort is currently promoting a variety of unique packages to let you experience the perfect getaway that best fits your interests and lifestyle.
Packages
Photo: The Restaurant at Painted Boat Resort. Source: Robyn Hanson.
If you’re a foodie, indulge yourself with a Gourmet Getaway. Not only do you get to enjoy one night’s accommodation in a luxurious villa, but you’ll be treated to a gourmet three course dinner at The Restaurant and a breakfast basket to enjoy in your villa the next morning.
Looking to get fit for summer? Book yourself the Jump Start fitness vacation. Hosted by Charlene SanJenko – a motivational fitness expert and performance coach – this package consists of one-day samplers of fitness training, goal-setting, and motivation coaching. Lunch is also provided by The Restaurant, and there’s Spa Garden access and more!
Photo: The Infinity Pool during my visit in October 2011. Source: Robyn Hanson
Maybe you’re seeking that dreamy romantic getaway. The Love Boat package begins with Champagne, fresh fruit and chocolate – all waiting for you, with soft music on and the lights turned low. Pour your basket of bath salts into the warm water and have a soothing candlelit bath, then relax on a fragrant bed strewn with rose petals. The package also includes a dinner certificate for a romantic gourmet meal at The Restaurant. Wake to a Breakfast Basket full of delectable goodies, then go for a couples massage and spend the afternoon in the spa garden with a Bento lunch. On your second night, enjoy a romantic in-room dinner for just the two of you.
If you want to get away but still intend to work, the Working From Home package was designed just for you. Get away from it all for four relaxing nights at the Painted Boat (Monday through Thursday.) Your weekday break will include world-class accommodations with high-speed Internet access. You’ll also get a mid-week massage at the spa and access to our state-of-the-art gym. Lounge by the pool and enjoy marina views, or slip into the hot tub and let the bubbles relax you. Dinner is included on your first and last evenings, and each morning you’ll receive a Breakfast Basket filled with bagels, salmon, fruit, jam, and more.
Photo: Outside of The Restaurant during my October 2011 visit. Source: Robyn Hanson.
Just need to relax and rejuvenate? Say hello to the Nuture Your Soul package. Stay for two luxurious nights in the Painted Boat’s world-class accommodations. Relax and rejuvenate with a full day in the spa, including morning and afternoon treatments plus a spa lunch. After you spend the day at the spa, you’ll enjoy their special Ocean Wise dinner. When you wake on your last morning, ease into your day with their delicious Breakfast Basket, stuffed full of your favourite morning treats.
Want to live it up big? The Owner For A Week package allows you and up to four family or friends to experience life as an owner of a resort. Spend a week in their world-class accommodations as if they were your home away from home! Cook a delicious crab dinner in your own kitchen; they’ll provide four beautiful crabs and the pot and utensils you need. Fill your refrigerator for the week with a complimentary gift certificate to the local IGA grocery store. Included is a relaxing boat tour of Pender Harbor, plus a guided historical tour of the resort. The best part? You can use the cost of this package towards becoming a permanent owner.
Pricing and details about these packages can be found on the Painted Boat Resort’s website.
Photo: The view from The Restaurant at Painted Boat Resort. Source: Robyn Hanson.
CONTEST CLOSED
Win a Two Night Stay at Painted Boat Resort
We’re truly excited to partner up with the Painted Boat Resort to offer this contest! The Painted Boat Resort is giving away a two night stay in a Standard Two Bedroom Villa. The prize is valid from now until May 30, 2012, but not valid Statutory Holiday weekends and is based on availability. In order to enter the contest, you simply have to do the following:
1. Follow us on Twitter @604Pulse
2. Retweet the following:
Follow @604Pulse & RT to win a 2 Night Stay at @PaintedBoat Resort on the Sunshine Coast: http://bit.ly/PBoatR
3. Bonus entry: Leave a comment telling us what Painted Boat Resort package appeals the most to you.
The contest ends on Monday, February 20 at 12 noon. We will then be randomly selecting a contest winner and will be announcing the winner on Twitter and on this blog post. Good luck to everyone who enters!
The Love Boat!
Comment by Jenn — February 13, 2012 @ 3:19 pm
I think the love boat sounds awesome!
Comment by J — February 13, 2012 @ 5:14 pm
Excited about trying the spa and enjoying a fab dinner. Love the Sunshine Coast, spent my early childhood in Madeira Park such fond memories.
Comment by Ange — February 13, 2012 @ 5:38 pm
The Working From Home Package sounds fantastic! I often have to travel to the Sunshine Coast for work
Comment by Jennifer Dodd — February 13, 2012 @ 6:21 pm
Beautiful resort, beautiful scenery!
Twitter: @cody_rob1nson
Comment by Cody Robinson — February 13, 2012 @ 8:00 pm
I think like the author said, the most appealing part of Painted Boat is location. I’ve always loved the Sunshine Coast! The idea of spoiling yourself during a work week is a neat idea for those who can pull it off.
Comment by Robyn — February 13, 2012 @ 9:40 pm
Love the architecture and design of the place not to mention the location! and oh, can’t forget the spa!
Comment by HC — February 14, 2012 @ 1:20 pm
Nuture Your Soul package sounds absolutely fabulous! Just what I need! Thanks! Tweeted via @natalievana
Comment by Natalie — February 14, 2012 @ 3:43 pm
The Work from Home! Man, I wish.
Comment by Lauren K. — February 14, 2012 @ 3:51 pm
Since this is Valentine’s Day – the Love Boat sounds divine!
Comment by Kathy — February 14, 2012 @ 3:56 pm
Nurture Your Soul sounds like a great idea!
Comment by K — February 14, 2012 @ 4:05 pm
The Love Boat sounds awesome!
Comment by Dennis L. — February 14, 2012 @ 4:12 pm
I like the sound of the Love Boat package!
Comment by Teresa — February 14, 2012 @ 4:34 pm
I love to eat! Gourmet Getaway sounds very good!
Comment by Jenny — February 14, 2012 @ 6:51 pm
Because it’s incredibly beautiful and nothing beats the west coast!
Comment by Christina — February 14, 2012 @ 9:10 pm
Owner for a week!!
Comment by Cindy KS — February 14, 2012 @ 10:00 pm
mmm the gourmet getaway sounds great
Comment by karen — February 14, 2012 @ 11:34 pm
My pick would be the Gourmet Getaway. Yummy.
Comment by Bonnie — February 14, 2012 @ 11:46 pm
I’d wanna do the “Owner for a Week” Package cause I soooo wanna own a cottage kinda thing haha
Comment by Grace M — February 14, 2012 @ 11:46 pm
“Nurture Your Soul” Package sounds pretty good to me!
Comment by Steven — February 14, 2012 @ 11:49 pm
The Gourmet Getaway sounds amazing!
Comment by Dilara — February 15, 2012 @ 3:02 am
I would love to try out the couple’s “Nurture Your Soul” Package.
I retweeted!
Comment by Xing — February 15, 2012 @ 11:26 am
Love the Sunshine Coast, I don’t understand why more Washingtonians don’t visit – it’s so close! If I stayed here and it was warm enough, I’d spend much of my time in one of those kayaks!
Comment by Lauren @ Northwest TripFinder — February 15, 2012 @ 1:52 pm
Gorgeous property with amenities galore. Adore.
Comment by Stephen McClure — February 15, 2012 @ 2:03 pm
Well i am in awww of you escape the sunshine resort. I have never been to one, but would really look forward to looking into going.. My 1 year aniversary is coming up and would to take my partner to Your place. I look forward to following you and maybe attending your resort..
Comment by bobby — February 15, 2012 @ 3:29 pm
The “Working From Home” package sounds amazing! The sunshine coast is beautiful and I would love to spend a couple nights at the Painted Boat with my fiance!
Comment by Jen — February 16, 2012 @ 12:07 am
I love the gourmet package idea. Both my husband and I love good food
Comment by alyssa trobacher — February 16, 2012 @ 1:24 pm
Love to try the Working From Home Package! The resort looks like an amazing getaway!
Comment by Areta — February 16, 2012 @ 2:48 pm
Definitely the gourmet getaway!
Comment by Michelle — February 16, 2012 @ 7:29 pm
The love boat would be amazing! as would Nurture your soul,
Comment by Leonie — February 16, 2012 @ 7:31 pm
I love EVERY thing about the Painted Boat Resort. It is beautiful, luxurious, relaxing, and its on the stunning sunshine coast!
Comment by Leah Rourke — February 16, 2012 @ 9:16 pm
Nurture Your Soul definitely appeals to me, just because I didn’t get to take a break over the Christmas break, and a break is definitely needed!
Comment by Nicole — February 16, 2012 @ 9:36 pm
Oh my gosh, the “Owner for a Week” package sounds like heaven!!
Comment by Siobhan — February 16, 2012 @ 9:44 pm
Nurture your soul. Spa + food… what could be better!
Comment by Carlie Thauvette — February 16, 2012 @ 10:19 pm
Definitely , Nurture Your Soul package…total bliss
Comment by Elaine — February 16, 2012 @ 10:26 pm
The love boat!
Comment by Charlene — February 16, 2012 @ 10:38 pm
It would be great to work from home from the resort!
Comment by Lor. — February 16, 2012 @ 11:53 pm
“Working from Home” package would be ideal for me.
Comment by Carol — February 17, 2012 @ 8:50 am
Gourmet Getaway. Delish!
Comment by Thomas — February 17, 2012 @ 11:42 am
Wow! What a beautiful resort! All of the packages sound terrific, but this time of year, the “Nurture Your Soul” package sounds like heaven on earth! I grew up on the Sunshine Coast and would love the chance to take my husband there on a beautiful getaway.
Comment by Deb Christianson Paskall — February 17, 2012 @ 1:33 pm
Sorry, couldn’t edit my comment, meant to add I follow you on twitter (@drpaskall) and tweeted:
https://twitter.com/#!/drpaskall/status/170616500716191745
also shared on fb and google. Cheers:)
Comment by Deb Christianson Paskall — February 17, 2012 @ 2:14 pm
I follow you on twitter (@drpaskall) and tweeted:
https://twitter.com/#!/drpaskall/status/170616500716191745
also shared on fb and google. Cheers:)
Comment by Deb Christianson Paskall — February 17, 2012 @ 2:14 pm
The Looooovvvvve Boat package looks SO romantic.
Comment by Jill K — February 17, 2012 @ 7:42 pm
After living here for 16 years, it would be wonderful to enjoy a “staycay” right here on the Sunshine Coast! The escape to the beautiful Painted Boat Resort would provide a some well-deserved “alone time” for my husband and myself. It’s all about the romance baby! Being in a PLACE you love with the ONE you love. Yes.
Comment by Kim Drescher — February 17, 2012 @ 8:01 pm
Would enjoy the “Love Boat” package! Hardly get to spend that much time with my boyfriend as we both have conflicting schedules and this would be such a treat
Comment by Mary — February 17, 2012 @ 8:35 pm
The location, the accommodations, the amenities: spa, reataurant, pool all look amazing. I can’t wait to bring my sweetie to the Painted Boat on the beautiful Sunshine Coast!
Comment by Christa — February 18, 2012 @ 6:45 pm
The “work from home” package is right up our alley! The hubby and I work a ton and don’t ever get away. This would be a great getaway where we could keep up with our work and then have some extra time for each other. Great idea for a package!
Comment by Michelle — February 18, 2012 @ 6:45 pm
Just being in the mountains in BC sounds like a little slice of heaven!
Comment by Dana Peters — February 18, 2012 @ 8:45 pm
The Loce Boat package is my favorite. My fiancé and I would truly enjoy it.
Comment by Teddy Parvanova — February 18, 2012 @ 10:40 pm
Looks like a great escape close to home!
Comment by Kat — February 18, 2012 @ 10:48 pm
Would love to win a vacation at such a beautiful resort and would be very excited to win a trip on the “love boat”
Comment by Janice — February 19, 2012 @ 11:40 am
I’d love to be an owner for a week take advantage of the kayaks and enjoy the area
.
Comment by john — February 19, 2012 @ 11:55 am
Love the Sunshine Coast! The Love Boat package sounds like exactly what my husband and I need for a little break from the kiddies!
Comment by Lily Ellis — February 19, 2012 @ 11:56 am
The Owner for a Week package!
I also love the concept of the Working from Home package– when I was telecommuting, that package would have been *perfect.*
Comment by Erin H. — February 19, 2012 @ 11:57 am
I can’t decide; I think I would like to try them all!
Comment by Karin — February 19, 2012 @ 12:11 pm
I love that it is a stay in a two bedroom! I would love to take my mother in law here!
Comment by Erin — February 19, 2012 @ 12:56 pm
I want to Nurture My Soul!! Though a Love Boat sounds great too! Looks like an inspirational place to relax and paint the scenery at!!
Comment by shannon thiesen — February 19, 2012 @ 1:01 pm
The Love Boat would be perfect for ELOPING with my fiance!
Comment by Jessica McW — February 19, 2012 @ 1:40 pm
I love that they have business friendly room/package! So I can relax and work at the same time – NICE!
Comment by Jasumi — February 19, 2012 @ 1:46 pm
My hubby and I would LOVE the opportunity for a weekend away at the ‘Painted Boat’ lodge. Being that I am a painter (acrylic artist) u can see the name catches me right away! also we have never been to the sunshine coast but have often talked about it! This looks like such an amazing place to spend some time with the man I love! -April Lacheur
Comment by April Lacheur — February 19, 2012 @ 3:19 pm
Love love love the Sunshine Coast. The Gourmet Getaway sounds like my cup of tea (or glass of scotch!). Followed by some kayaking to burn it off.
Comment by MarkSteveston — February 19, 2012 @ 3:43 pm
Looks like an “awesome” place to try….
We love the Sunshine Coast and always looking for “new” places to adventure to….
Comment by Michele Moir — February 19, 2012 @ 4:54 pm
The Loveboat one sounds the best! I just got engaged last week and this would be the best way to celebrate
Comment by andie — February 20, 2012 @ 1:14 am
The Love Boat package sounds like an amazing getaway package! Very romantic and love the massage and dinner part of it.
Comment by Alice W — February 20, 2012 @ 1:17 am
The Love Boat package would be incredible!
Comment by Janelle Hildebrand — February 20, 2012 @ 7:39 am
Nothing calms the sole more than time contemplating the vastness of the ocean. I need some calming these days. I hope I win!
Comment by Heather Sharpe — February 20, 2012 @ 8:12 am
For sure I would say the gourmet package – all I do is eat!
Comment by Olivia — February 20, 2012 @ 9:03 am
It would be great to win this as my parents live in Sechelt so I could visit them as well.
Comment by Kevin Baggs — February 20, 2012 @ 9:04 am
The Gourmet Getaway package sounds wonderful — and delicious!
Comment by Giuliana — February 20, 2012 @ 11:02 am
Our meeting and incentive clients would love this place!
Comment by Traci — February 20, 2012 @ 11:06 am
The working from home package sounds the best to me. Sounds like it has everything in one!
Comment by Christina — February 20, 2012 @ 11:20 am
Nurture Your Soul sounds awesome!
Comment by Ryan — February 20, 2012 @ 12:55 pm
Gourmet Getaway would be fantastic!
Comment by Justin — February 20, 2012 @ 12:56 pm
Congratulations to Lauren K. (aka: @niftynotcool), the winner of a 2 night stay at the Painted Boat Resort!
Thanks to everyone else for entering. Stay tuned for other amazing contests in the near future!
Comment by Robyn — February 20, 2012 @ 1:52 pm