Recommended Victoria, BC Hotel

Posted by Lori Henry Mar 16, 2008

It’s my last night here at the Magnolia Hotel and Spa in Victoria, BC. It's unfortunate, though, as I’ve found one of those rare accommodations where I just want to stay in and enjoy the property. Lounging in one of their ultra comfy robes, running myself a bath and looking out to the fully lit parliament buildings, I’m deeply smitten.

Of course, this could also be because I spent an hour at The Magnolia Spa, under the practiced hands of a therapist who massaged me with hot stones. As my first of this type of treatment, I was definitely initiated into the frequent buyer category.

Then again, my dinner at Sanuk, the hotel restaurant, was also impressive. The Asian fusion menu was just my style (with pizza and burgers for the unadventurous). Their Sri Lankan style seafood laksa was divine and exactly what I hoped it would be. The server’s suggestion to substitute the chow mein noodles with udon instead was right on. It didn’t hurt that the finisher was a homemade mix of pineapple chilli sorbet, gelato and chocolate banana ice cream.

I know this is all gush, gush, gush, but I am delighted by my experience here. If you visit Victoria, make sure to check out the Magnolia Hotel and Spa; it comes personally recommended. Watch for my full profile of it in this column the upcoming weeks.