When my wife and I left Victoria for our luxurious anniversary weekend getaway at MetchosinB次元官网网址檚 Bed and Breakfast and Retreat Centre, the November windstorm had just begun. As the wind increased and we began to notice evidence of power outages in the darkened houses along the way, we realized that Mother Nature might have other plans.
When we arrived at the retreat, nestled on 10 forested acres a few kilometres off Happy Valley Road, we had just enough time to look around the warm and welcoming rooms (including a large open living room, fully stocked kitchen and dining area, and a spacious bedroom with a king-sized bed) when the lights went out.
With help from owners Rob and Jo-Ann Kevala, we found flashlights, lit candles, made a roaring fire in the stone fireplace and joked that our luxurious getaway had suddenly turned into B次元官网网址済lamping.B次元官网网址�
With our dog, Sasha, comfortable on the fur rug in front of the living room fireplace, we knew our time there would still be comfy and cozy.
B次元官网网址淲e opened Hidden Pond about three years ago,B次元官网网址� Jo-Ann says. B次元官网网址淲e had always wanted to create a smaller, dog-friendly space where we could host family reunions, small retreats and that sort of thing.B次元官网网址�
Although the retreat is only about a half-hour from Victoria, it feels remote and tranquil, with an orchard, forest trails and spring-fed swimming pond B次元官网网址� a feature that called to us both as cold water swimming enthusiasts.
B次元官网网址淭here are quite a few nearby attractions,B次元官网网址� Jo-Ann says. B次元官网网址淏ut most people find that when they get here and experience our rural retreat and the uniqueness of the pond, they donB次元官网网址檛 want to go anywhere else!B次元官网网址�
We awoke the next day to a beautifully sunny, quiet morning, and with tea in hand, strolled the thickly forested property, enjoying the fresh air as the dog frolicked in the ferns. Next we measured the temperature of the pond B次元官网网址� six degrees! B次元官网网址� and jumped into the frigid water. With hoots and hollers of exhilaration, we broke the peace, then scurried to the exquisitely warm hot tub
Things to do nearby
After starting the day off right, we took the scenic up Highway 14 through the community of Sooke, to the caf茅 on Sheringham Point Road. This popular West Coast roadside gem serves up lunch, brunch and all kinds of fresh-baked goodies B次元官网网址� the laughing and energetic young woman behind the counter gave my wife a free muffin B次元官网网址� just because!
With coffees in hand we continued a little further up the road to visit , a 20-metre-high beacon of safety thatB次元官网网址檚 stood on the rocky coastline for more than 100 years. We took our time there, mesmerized by scenery and the waves crashing on the rocks below, before heading back to Hidden Pond.
After a lazy afternoon checking out the orchard and berry patch and fetching more firewood from the ample supply, we made the short trip down Happy Valley road for dinner at .
A rustic and cosy fixture of the Metchosin community, this restaurant features a backyard paddock called CritterB次元官网网址檚 Corner, complete with an assortment of goats, donkeys and other farmyard animals.
After being seated beside the fireplace, I enjoyed their delicious WorkmanB次元官网网址檚 burger, made with local Berryman Brothers lean ground beef and served on a toasted brioche bun, while my wife tucked into their tender breaded veal cutlet, topped with saut茅ed mushrooms, onions and gravy.
We completed the meal with a glass of smooth, indigo-coloured Empress Gin, made by local , before returning to Hidden Pond where we found the lights back on. After stoking the fire once again, we settled in for a wonderful evening of peace and quiet, before a restful nightB次元官网网址檚 sleep.
We arose the next morning and at a leisurely pace B次元官网网址� our gracious hosts told us we were welcome to stay the whole day B次元官网网址� cooked a hearty breakfast, had one last walk through the trees, then packed up and headed back to the city.
All said and done, it turned out to be both a fun adventure, and a restful respite from the hectic pace of everyday life, at an amazing retreat, thoughtfully created by our amazing hosts!
If you go:
B次元官网网址� Hidden Pond Bed and Breakfast and Retreat Centre is located just 30 minutes from Victoria at 4431 Spellman Pl., Metchosin. Learn more at
B次元官网网址� Shirley Delicious B次元官网网址� Both a local favourite and visitor staple, this roadside caf茅 serves fresh-baked goodies, brunch, lunch, coffee and treats, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday to Monday. Visit at 2794 Sheringham Point Rd., about 15 minutes west of Sooke, or online at
B次元官网网址� My-Chosen Caf茅 is in the village centre of Metchosin at 4492 Happy Valley Rd. Visit from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday (from 9 a.m Saturday and Sunday) and online at
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