GUEST BLOG
By Susie Helland | orig: Nov 20, 2022
👉🏻 From the Blog SusieHelland.com
Winter has arrived in the Okanagan and that usually means we are searching the travel websites for the next tropical vacay to warm us up. While I do love me an amazing Mexican holiday amongst the palm trees and warm sunshine, over the past couple of years we have really enjoyed discovering what we have in our own backyards as well.
I get asked all the time what local hotels I would recommend and why. Even though the ground is covered in snow, I do have a few places that we enjoy going to in the winter months that still feel like you are on a fun holiday and you can utilize the outdoor facilities. And bonus, they are all on or close by a lake which is where I love to be. Below are 3 of my winter favourites and why I love them.
Walnut Beach Resort - Osoyoos
This resort was the very first place we ever stayed on our first ever trip to Osoyoos about 8 years ago and we went back many times after that. Although it's the most amazing in the Summer because of its location right on the lake, their pool with incredible lake views and private beach area, it is also enjoyable and beautiful in the winter months too. Anytime i can be that close to the water, I am all for it!
The atmosphere and the calm that I feel when we stay here is one of the biggest reasons that we keep coming back. Walnut Beach Resort keeps their outdoor, heated pool open all year round and let me tell you, for someone who does not like the cold at all, I have spent many hours in that pool in winter weather. The water temperature is perfect - think bath water - and it's fun to go from the pool to one of the 2 hot tubs which are only steps away. Our son can stay in the pool for hours which is a great way to tire him out and keep him off screens. (If you know, you know)
The rooms are all suites so you have full kitchens, washer and dryer, fireplaces and patios, except for the studio suites which just have large windows that open, but no deck. We always book the lakeview rooms but you can also get a mountain view if you prefer. They also have a restaurant on site, a sauna and fitness center, and you can even book yourself a massage! If you want to leave the resort, there are wineries close by or you can book a wine tour at the front desk so you don't need to drive. We absolutely love coming to Walnut Beach and whenever we pull up to the doors to check in, we always say it's like we are coming home.
Spirit Ridge Resort - Osoyoos
Spirit Ridge Resort is nestled on the hill, in a vineyard, overlooking Osoyoos Lake and it really gives you that resort feel. We were new to staying here for the first time in December 2021, and it didn't disappoint. Of course, one of my favourite things about it is the outdoor heated pool all year round. The pool gets the sun all day long so it's great if you get the winter blues and need extra Vitamin D to recharge. It also has a hot tub and a sauna to keep you warm when you get out of said pool.
Spirit Ridge has so many things to do right at the resort so if you don't want to drive anywhere, there are lots of choices for you. They have a restaurant, Nk’Mip Cellars winery, (did someone say WINE!?) Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, fitness center, and horse-riding stables. There is a walking path that takes you right through the vineyard to the road where you will find another path that takes you all the way down to the lake if you choose. It is also pet friendly so no need to leave your fur baby with a sitter. Spirit Ridge is a great place for families, date weekends or just place to come and chill to get away from the world for a few days. We are actually going back soon ourselves!
The Royal - Kelowna
I always say that The Royal Kelowna is somewhat like a hidden gem because anytime I mention it, most people didn't even know it was there. It is nestled in beside the Delta Grand Hotel and I think it is often overlooked. We stayed at The Royal this past February and it was nothing short of amazing! Brent (my husband) and I did a date weekend away and this is where we chose to stay. We called and booked a one-bedroom suite on the lake side of the building. When we arrived, they told us that they had given us a complimentary upgrade to a 3-bedroom lake view suite and we were stunned at how amazing it was. There were 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, laundry room, and an amazing deck with Okanagan Lake views. But can I just tell you about the roof top infinity pool for a second?! It was truly incredible. The pool is heated and you can enter from outside or inside, and the view is spectacular. There are also 2 hot tubs, one inside the doors and the other on the pool deck. The hotel is also within walking distance of restaurants, a casino, and other amenities so you can literally park your car and let it sit until you check out.
So those are our 3 favourite places to go in the winter months. If you have any questions about these beautiful resorts, or about any other places in the Okanagan, please dont hesitate to reach out. I love sharing all of our favourite finds with you!