The resort is situated on the rocky & wild side of the Ucluelet peninsula with a 24/7 show put on by the Pacific Ocean. This wasn’t my first stay at the resort, and yet it still took a minute to catch my breath as I entered the lobby and stared through the 20’ wall of windows facing the rough seas.
This, however, was my first visit here with my mother. We stayed mid-week and were blessed with a full ocean view room. (As it turns out, all rooms get at least a glimpse of the ocean.) As all seasoned travellers appreciate, the rooms have a mini kitchen/ fridge set up for a bit of self-catering plus a gas fireplace for cozy nights. The Spa is located in the hotel at about sea level.
The Drift Spa at Black Rock is much like the hotel; unpretentious and authentic. Committed to the healing properties of the ocean they incorporate seaweed, sea salt, natural sea oils, and the sound of the crashing waves into most treatments. I had a Sea Spray Calming Facial to give my sensitive skin a bit of a renewal. It was a wonderful treatment, and I felt confident with my esthetician because she doesn’t try to talk me into an exfoliant which is the enemy of my personal skin issue. After my treatment, I asked a few staff members how long they had been working in esthetics and from most, I heard an impressive resume of over two decades. I got the feeling that the staff loved working there.
Before and after the treatment the Drift Spa welcomes guests to relax and enjoy the ocean views from the lounge and if you dare – pop into the outdoor hot tub overlooking the rocky shoreline. It is easy to waste away a whole afternoon at the Spa then hit the Float Lounge for happy hour while browsing the menu for Fetch to plan your dinner meal. I recommend staying (at least) two nights because there is so much more to do. The shoreline begs to be explored. You can get lost for hours walking on the Wild Pacific Trail and checking out the charming fishing village of Ucluelet. You also have to plan for sleeping in since the fresh sea air is better than any sleeping aid!
Getting to Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Arrive by car, ferry, and/or by air. The local airport (Tofino) is 15 miles away; flights run from Vancouver to Tofino/Ucluelet all summer and are weather dependent. Alternatively, drive from the mainland via BC Ferries, approximately a four-hour journey from Vancouver via Nanaimo. Ucluelet is also a five-hour drive from Victoria, BC, accessible by ferry from Port Angeles, WA.
~ Joanne Johnston, Spas of America
