Destination Spa Vacations with Michelle

Copperhood Inn & Spa

Over the past eight years I have visited many Destination Spas, some several times. But for some reason, it took me a long time to visit Copperhood Inn & Spa. A couple of weeks ago, I finally decided to make some time. So, armed with a great airfare thanks to www.travelocity.com and a last minute reservation I headed off to New York for the weekend.

I flew into LaGuardia and transferred to the Port Authority terminal in Manhattan to catch the Adirondack Trailways bus. I just missed the 10:00am bus so I strolled around Manhattan for awhile (I pack light) and enjoyed a snack while I read my book (Animal Vegetable Miracle) in Bryant Park. The 12:35pm bus was on-time and dropped me off at Copperhood promptly at 3:30. While it was a long day of travel, it was all worth it once I stepped inside the spa.

Elizabeth Winograd is the owner of Copperhood Inn & Spa. Note that it is Copperhood not Copperhead as many people often mistake it for. As I found out during my stay it is named after the large copper hood above the fireplace in the dining room. Elizabeth showed me to my room and let me settle in. After freshening up, I ventured to the main room where I met two sisters from NY who had just checked in as well. Elizabeth showed us the entire property, introduced us to staff - including her husband who is the chef - and answered all of our questions. Immediately, one thing stood out about Coppperhood – it is owner run and operated.

After the tour, all of us decided to join the afternoon yoga class. I definitely needed some stretching after all of my travels and a long day. Samoa taught the class, which was listed as Gentle Yoga. It started out gentle but definitely worked up to a more intense class. I was sweating half-way through. And I can’t remember the last time I worked up a sweat like that in yoga. The yoga studio at Copperhood is small and intimate, offering a beautiful view of the river and mountains. I found it very inspiring. Right at the end of class there was a clap of thunder and lightening. A sign that we had ended class just in time.

I showered after yoga to help me relax and so as not to offend my fellow diners. Due to the weather, we were dining inside (by the copper hood). Copperhood’s dining room is set up like a restaurant so you dine with your party unless you ask to be seated with others. I found a small table set for one and anxiously anticipated the delicious meal that ensued. The place setting was beautiful and the food was even more spectacular. Elizabeth’s husband knows what he is doing. The meal began with wild leek soup and salad with multigrain bread and an olive tapenade – all to die for. For the entrée, the chef served up a seafood dish with colossal sized shrimp and scallop. And to finish, fresh wild berries. Rodick was the server for the evening and managed to take care of all the guests single-handedly – I’m still amazed!

My room was a deluxe suite with three beds – 1 king and 2 queens - so I had my choice for sleeping. They were all winners with feather bedding and luxury sheets. I opted for the king size bed and easily drifted off into a deep slumber for the night.

The next morning, I dressed for the hike and headed downstairs. Low and behold, there was Elizabeth – our hiking guide. She is very fit but I was surprised she was hiking and even more surprised when she told me she leads the hikes every day! She set us up with water bottles, day packs and hiking poles. Just as we started to leave, a storm rumbled in. Smartly, Elizabeth suggested we wait out the storm and enjoy breakfast. By the time we finished breakfast the storm had passed. We packed up again and headed across the street to the trail for Mount Sheridan. As we traversed the trail, Elizabeth pointed out several mushroom varieties, most of which I had never heard of. The most remarkable mushroom we saw was called Chicken of the Woods. It is a beautiful orange color and grows on trees. Elizabeth was very excited to see it. She said it is delicious (tastes like chicken, thus the name) and makes a great vegetarian meal option. At the summit of Mt. Sheridan is a wishing "monument". To make a wish you must add a rock to the collection and state your wish in silence. I’ll let you know if mine comes true…

Two hours later we made it back to the spa. And just in time as I had a massage scheduled. The massage therapist ushered me into the treatment room and covered the customary questions. She then proceeded to give me a relaxing Swedish massage with medium pressure – just the way I like it. As usual, sixty minutes was not enough. I really need to schedule 80 minute massages.

The massage was scheduled during the normal lunch hours, so I ate a quick bite and rushed off to join the nature walk. Violet took us over to the island where there are several interesting herbs and plants growing wild as well as a sheep and a goat. The animals joined us for most of the walk which was quite amusing. Violet explained leaf patterns, provided medicinal uses and invited everyone to smell and taste several edible plants. It was a lot of information that I’ve already forgotten. What I did learn and have retained is how to recognize the mint family and poison ivy. And after her informative nature walk, I’ve decided that if I ever get bit or stung by a poisonous animal that I will chew on some leaves and make a paste for the bite. It can't hurt... Another interesting phenomenon that she pointed out is that Queen’s Lace always had 1 dark purple flower in the center. She reminded us of the poem by William Carlos Williams that speaks about the purple mole of Queen Anne’s lace. Check out my picture that clearly illustrates this.  

After the island discovery, the sisters and I joined Elizabeth for a Zen meditation. She briefly described the process to us and then set the timer for 15 minutes. I was good for 5 minutes of concentrated and dedicated meditation and then I lost it. The sisters indicated that it was difficult for them as well. Elizabeth assured us that everyone struggles with it and that is why it is called practice and more importantly why everyone should find time to meditate each day.

Not long after we finished the meditation, Kathy was leading a gentle yoga class. Kathy’s class was gentler, which was just what I needed. During the course of today’s yoga class, the clouds separated and let the sun shine. This allowed us to dine outside for dinner. The outdoor dining deck is a beautiful setting overlooking the river. I indulged in a glass of wine and enjoyed another delicious meal.

After dinner we were entertained by Steve Herbst, a professional whistler. Yes – there really is such a profession. Steve shared a film documentary, Pucker Up, in which he was featured and followed up with three live songs. Steve was the 2002 International Grand Champion in 2002 and has been inducted into the Whistlers Hall of Fame. Check out his website http://www.SteveTheWhistler.comto hear his beautiful "song". I hope you are all whistling as you read this!

Another very complete day and a good night’s sleep in the books. The next morning the weather allowed us to enjoy breakfast on the deck and head out for a bike & hike adventure. Guess who? Elizabeth was there again to lead us on the 7 mile bike ride to the cute town of Phoenicia. Not far from downtown, there is a park with a great short hike – Tanbark trail. It was steep, so it offered great views of the area once we reached the top. The hike down was tricky to maneuver due to the rain the day before, but everyone managed and we biked the 7 miles back to the spa. If I could only do this everyday like Elizabeth…

My weekend was coming to a quick end at this point. It was time to shower, enjoy a quick lunch and head home. You guessed it; it was Elizabeth who drove me to the bus stop at Phoenicia and see me off. Always too short, but always worth the effort – a Destination Spa vacation should be on everyone’s agenda. And Copperhood offers a very personalized and attentive approach in a fantastic upstate NY setting.

BC Destination Spas - Part 2

Although it was hard to leave Echo Valley Ranch, I was excited to visit Coastal Trek (our newest member spa). Due to our original plans being cancelled, we opted to take the BC ferry to Nainamo where the spa staff would pick us up. Much to our surprise, it was Andrea, one of the owners, who picked us up at the ferry dock. After the hour drive to Coastal Trek, Andrea showed us to our room and gave us a tour of the spa. Ahhhh – finally we had arrived! Exhausted from the traveling, we settled in and hit the bed hard.

Sunrise Yoga was the first activity on the agenda. And as the only guests there, we were treated with a personal yoga session with Nikki. I’ve done a fair amount of yoga, but Steve has not so she kept it fairly easy for our first day. The Sun Salutations were a perfect start and worked up our appetite for breakfast. Nikki joined us for breakfast, where we discussed our stay and that day’s hike. We had hoped to hit some of the mountain trails. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was not on our side - the BC Mountains still had snow and ice. Instead, we hit some low-level hikes through the lush rainforest. Nikki and Andrea were able to round up some rain gear for us to wear. I say this as I want everyone to learn from our mistake – Pack Raingear! I know better, but forgot.

Armed with hiking poles, rain gear, and a backpack filled with water and a spa luncheon (all furnished by Coastal Trek), we hopped in the van and drove a short distance to Strathcona Provincial Park. Nikki had thoughtfully decided to hike at this location - very close to the spa – so as to avoid more car travel. We hiked several of the park trails, barely noticing the rain. The small stream that flows through the park was moving like white water rapids due to snowmelt – a very awe-inspiring site for all of us. At one point we stopped to nibble on the trail mix from our pack and spotted some eagles soaring gracefully through the sky. After the aerial show was over, we ventured back to the trails again for another couple of hours.

We had worked up quite an appetite at this point, so I was thrilled to find a delicious vegetarian sandwich packed in our lunch. I couldn’t quite put my finger on the flavor but I really enjoyed it as did Steve. Nikki proudly informed me that it was Hornby Island pate. The spa purchases it from a local vendor who makes this delicious concoction of sesame seeds, potatoes, vegetables and herbs and spices. What I wouldn’t give to be able replicate that recipe at home. I’ve tried without success…. So if you are in BC and see it – I highly recommend trying it, vegetarian or not. It’s delicious!! We brought some home with us…

Despite the rain, we hiked a little longer. Along the way, we spotted a fish hatchery and being the inquisitive person I am I rattled off a bunch of questions which Nikki politely answered. Thankfully for her, we came across a man who was working for the hatchery. He was happy to answer all of our questions and provide additional commentary. He had worked at the hatchery for many years and this happened to be his last week before retiring, so he had many stories to share. After about 20 minutes, we said good-bye to our new friend and enjoyed the rest of the trails before heading back to the spa. Once inside, we stripped our wet clothes and raced to the hot tub and steam room. The hot tub provides a glorious view of the Comox Valley, so we stayed there until 3:59pm, right before the 4 o’clock fitness class. April was ready for us, but we were rather tired at this point so she led us through some stretches and core strengthening which was a perfect way to end the day’s activities.

While we were enjoying the hot tub and working out with April, Chef Kathy was preparing our dinner. The enticing aromas were emanating throughout the entire lodge and leading us right to the table. Check out the table – hand carved from one tree – amazing!!! And the meal was equally amazing – Lemon Curried Salmon with quinoa and green beans. Not only was this one of the best spa cuisine meals I’ve ever had, this ranks as one of the better meals I’ve ever had. Absolutely delicious. Check out the recipe at http://www.destinationspavacations.com.

I didn’t have long to savor the delicious meal as I was scheduled for a massage after dinner. The masseuse provided a very good massage with strong pressure, which is how I like it. She worked my travel knots out, so I could just roll into bed.

Six am rolled around very quickly the next morning. Both of us had slept soundly through the night and would have liked to relish the comfortable bed a little longer. However, today was our last day so we wanted to make the most of it. Nikki led us through the Sun Salutations and some more advanced yoga to start the day. The sun actually saluted us – finally!!! After breakfast we packed up the van and headed out for some island hiking.

A 15 minute drive and 2 ferry trips later, we had landed on the infamous Hornby Island. First, we hit Tribune Bay Provincial Park. The fall storm had taken down several trees so the path was not exact, but we found our way to the "rock" summit. It was more of a climb than yesterday’s trails, whetting our appetite for the mountain hikes. Next we headed over to Helliwell Park for some ocean view hiking – it was very different than the other hikes and a nice change of scenery. The island had some glorious trails which we thoroughly enjoyed. We spotted some sea lions out on a small nearby island, enjoyed a picnic lunch on the beach, and discovered mushroom rocks.   Another day of great nature hiking and exploration.

Our explorations and adventures used up most of our day, so we made our way back to the spa and started packing for our trip home. While we packed, Andrea put the finishing touches on our last meal. Pecan crusted chicken over a microgreen and vegetable salad - another delicious creation from the Coastal Trek kitchen. Local, seasonal, and organic food really shines here!

Our return flight started at the Comox Valley airport - a short 15 mile ride from the spa and definitely the easiest transportation option. And on a clear day as it was for us, a very scenic option. Several hours later we made it home safely and well rested unlike most vacations where I feel exhausted… Once again, I’m reminded why a Destination Spa vacation is a vacation for everyone.