The Villa Eyrie Resort, which is celebrating its 40th year, was voted most romantic getaway for the Cowichan Valley Citizen's best of the valley for 2024.
Guests will be on cloud nine once they get to some higher ground to take in the resort's spectacular sea and skyline views, making it clear to see why the beautiful hot-spot would be an inspired choice to ignite, or rekindle that spark.
"It feels so great to be voted Best of the Valley," said resort sales manager Samantha Johnson. "We always like to say that we are the destination for romantic getaways here in the Cowichan Valley. We get a lot of locals here as well as visitors from Victoria, across the island, the mainland and from far and wide."
Like any fairy tale location the Villa Eyrie Resort has a storied history. When the original owner Maria Schuster first visited the island in 1984 she fell head over feet for the scenery as the views of the Saanich Inlet reminded her of Lake Como in beautiful Italy, which inspired her decision to retire to the majestic Malahat area. Schuster, who previously owned a hotel in the Bahamas, decided to use her hospitality skills to open a property that would welcome guests from all walks of life while showing off the area.
Seven years later in 1991, Schuster first opened 'The Aerie' which was at that time just a regular house that she had converted into a bed and breakfast which now serves as the resort's main building the Villa Principale. The resort's original design was inspired by the style elements of European Chateaux with Vancouver Island wood incorporated into the buildings. In fact, Vancouver Island slate carving can still found displayed in the common area of the resort's Villa Principale building today. Schuster continued to expand on the 85 acres of property, eventually adding a second building known as the Villa Aquila as the ideal vacation destination began to boast 35 rooms, a tennis court, as well as a gym, spa, and conference room.
In 2004, the romantic retreat reached new heights when they added the Villa Cielo situated 300 feet above the already established resort giving guests views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Baker and the Saanich Inlet. Villa Cielo features one and two bedroom suites, a junior and full penthouse with a common area and kitchen. The original kitchen was once used by the culinary team to demonstrate cooking classes for resort guests.
Enjoy some pie in the sky, or whatever else your taste buds may be craving, while soaking up the panoramic views of the Saanich Inlet, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Baker from nearly every table inside the resort's Alpina Restaurant which is open all year round for dine-in, or take-out.
Leaving the restaurant with a doggie bag is welcome and so are your four legged furry friends, as long as arrangements are made in advance as not all rooms are canine friendly — a pet fee of $75 per week will be added to your reservation at the time of booking. The pet fee covers standard deep cleaning costs of the room after your departure. You and your canine companion(s) are sure to have a doggone time walking the several paths on the property that offering stunning and picturesque views.
Reservations came to a halt when the Aerie was shuttered in the winter of 2009 leaving the property vacant until it was purchased by the GAIN Group. By 2015, while the characteristics of the resort's exterior was well maintained and still held its original charms, time had come for the rooms to be upgraded, and throughout the resort the Villa Cielo is the only villa that still boasts its original Tuscan feel while others have become more modernized over the years, which included the resort adding on a pool and spa.
The resort's Tuscan spa offers its guests a deep dive into a world of relaxation, rejuvenation, and tranquility. Their professional practitioners curate personalized programs to cater to your specific needs — from therapeutic massages to rejuvenating facials. They offer services to all, so one doesn't need to commit to staying at the resort to take advantage of them giving you some TLC.
After the resort saw a lot of its own TLC in the way of renovations they re-branded with a re-grand opening as Villa Eyrie Resort on Oct. 28, 2016. The resort continued to expand, and in 2018 acquired the former Prancing Horse Bed & Breakfast which is now known as the the Villa Vista which is the home of the resort's Tuscan spa, and three beautiful guest suites.
The sky is the limit at this resort nestled in the peaceful wilderness of Vancouver Island that offers breathtaking views of the great blue yonder with eagles flying overhead. Their suites merge Italian architecture and modern interiors such as soaker tubs, and in-suite fireplaces making it not only the perfect place for a romantic getaway, but the perfect getaway for a romantic I Do.
Put that fairy tale touch on your special day, as couples are invited to commemorate their love at one of the most romantic and picturesque destinations in Canada in a unique and custom way. The Villa Eyrie Resort is only able to facilitate weddings between the months of September to June with a maximum capacity of 60 guests; July and August weddings are also welcome but due to their busy tourist season will be limited to Monday to Thursday availability.
For more information visit villaeyrie.com
