Located on a pristine inlet about 20 minutes north of downtown Victoria, just minutes from Butchart Gardens, this contemporary timber-and-glass lodge offers the best of everything, including a fabulous spa, boat shuttle to Butchart Gardens, and all manner of ecoadventures, including kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, and boat trips through the surrounding waters. This is a place where every detail has been carefully considered and beautifully rendered. The rooms are gloriously outfitted with handcrafted furnishings, gas fireplaces, luxurious bathrooms with soaker tubs and body massage showers, balconies, and king-size beds fitted with the highest quality Italian linens. The SeaGrille dining room offers seasonal menus focusing on foraged and organic local ingredients, plus a wine-tasting bar with a selection of fine wines from the resort's award-winning cellar. You can also dine in the casual Marine Pub. The hotel has its own marina and is a licensed PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) dive center -- the fjord on which it sits is considered one of the best diving spots in the world. The Essence of Life spa offers fresh Pacific seaweed, herb, ocean salt, and other treatments in a tranquil environment. Breakfast is delivered to your room.

Room Info: 33 units

In Rooms: A/C, TV/DVD, free Wi-Fi, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, entertainment system, fireplace, hot tub (in suites)

Facilities: Restaurant; pub; heated outdoor pool; full-service spa; Jacuzzi; concierge; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning

Parking: Free parking

Transportation: Take Pat Bay Hwy. north to Keating Crossroads, turn left (west) to Saanich Rd., turn right (south) to Verdier Ave