As we head into a new year, I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to make a safe return to travel, but personally, I’m not ready to venture abroad just yet. After nearly two years spent hunkered down at home, focusing all of my attention on ensuring that my family’s needs are met, my tasks are checked off my to-do lists, my work is done and my house remains a warm and welcoming space, I’ve realized that I haven’t focused any of my time on meeting my own needs and ensuring my own happiness remains intact. And I know many of you are in the same boat.
If you can make it happen, I suggest that you find ways to relax, reset and refocus as we head into 2022. A new year is a great excuse to get a fresh start, and there’s no better way to do so than to take a little “me” time to prepare for what’s to come.
To help you get started, here’s how you can enjoy a solo staycation in the city. Treat yourself or add a little getaway to your holiday wish list, and show appreciation for yourself for all that you’ve had to endure in 2021.
Stay
There are many hotels found in downtown Vancouver that offer special deals and seasonal promotions for locals. The Westin Bayshore has a “Rest & Reconnect” package on from now until January 15, 2022 which includes a $100 credit for the on-site spa, as well as a “‘Tis The Season for a Resort Retreat” package which includes 25% off your stay until January 31, 2022.
I love the Westin Bayshore for its stunning views of Coal Harbour and the snow-capped North Shore mountains, as well as its proximity to downtown. The rooms are quiet, and the beds are pillowy soft, promising a good night’s sleep (a luxury that’s often hard to come by in a house full of kids). If you feel like leaving your room, you have Stanley Park, or some of the city’s best shopping just steps from your door. And if you don’t feel like stepping outside, the hotel has dining options, swimming pools and an on-site spa to keep you busy indoors during your stay. It’s like a mini resort in the city.
Spa
The on-site Vida Spa is an urban oasis, offering a range of massage and spa treatments–many of which are based on Ayurveda, an ancient traditional Indian medicine. Robe up and settle in by the fire as you sip on a hot cup of tea before you’re whisked away for your treatment. Then head to a quiet treatment room for a Swedish Restorative & Relaxing Classic massage, or a new Oxygenated Facial. There’s a wide range of treatments to choose from based on your needs.
Eat
Fuel up at one of the on-site restaurants, like the H Tasting lounge which offers a delicious brunch menu, a lovely Afternoon Tea, or if you’re looking for a super luxe dining experience, opt for dinner in a dome. This winter, the restaurant has set up five private domes filled with Nordic-themed decor like sheepskin throws and faux fur pillows, set up inside glass panelled wooden domes, where you can take in incredible views of the city from the comfort of your own cozy space. Invite friends to join you for a meal, or hunker down in your hotel room where you can enjoy their delicious menu offerings from the comfort of your bed.
Play
Stretch your legs with a swim in one of the indoor or outdoor pools on site, or lace up your running shoes and hit the seawall for a scenic run. If biking is more your speed, pick up a free bike rental from the hotel and cruise around the Stanley Park seawall, or simply stroll along the harbour and take in the views while sipping on a hot cup of coffee from one of the nearby cafes.
