What a wonderful summer we all had the chance to enjoy here on Vancouver Island.  The weather was one of the warmest and driest on record and Homes & Living magazine had the opportunity to visit some beautiful locations and tell you about it with our very popular regular feature ‘H&L’s Weekend Away’.  We’ve brought you wonderful weekend away ideas such as Poets Cove on Pender Island, Old House Village Suites in Courtenay, Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa in the quaint little town of Sydney by the Sea on the Saanich Peninsula and Pacific Sands Resort near Tofino on Vancouver Island’s Wild West coast.  For me there’s something special about the west coast of Vancouver Island.  Like its nick name, it does seem wild with its dense rain forest and massive beaches and thunderous huge waves that pound the jagged black rock shoreline.  It always seems we’re not on Vancouver Island at all when we visit the west coast. It feels like we are miles away from everything yet it’s only a short hour and half drive from our home in Parksville. And so we return again during the famed storm season to witness the huge waves in their full glory as they roll in after gathering momentum from their beginning far away across the Pacific Ocean in Japan. Then when a storm has passed you are rewarded with clear sky and calm winds where you can stroll along miles of deserted beaches in search of treasures washed ashore…. I love it!

Our journey to the Wild West coast could not be more safe and smooth as we were treated to experience the all-new Cadillac 2010 SRX Crossover.  Wow!  Like Cadillac’s are know for the ride was simply the smoothest you can experience and while the old highway to the west coast has its many bumps and pot holes to deal with the SRX handled them with ease making this highway feel like it was freshly paved…what a ride!  The SRX all wheel drive system boasts the latest state-of-the art traction to torque technology that maximizes contact with the road at all times ….the SRX handled every sharp turn like it was on rails!  Thank you to the friendly helpful staff at Laird Wheaton Chevrolet on Bowen Road in Nanaimo for letting us experience this exceptional vehicle.

Arriving on the west coast we headed for the fabulous and brand new Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in Ucluelet.

Perched on a promontory jutting out onto the Pacific Ocean, from the moment you enter The Black Rock, you are greeted with stunning views from the massive view window looking directly out to the Pacific Ocean. The Black Rock is truly a contemporary West Coast masterpiece that redefines luxury accommodation on the west coast.

The Black Rock consists of a main lodge with 71 guest suites and 62 beach suites. Each of the studio, one and two-bedroom suites offer spectacular views of the ocean and/or surrounding old growth forest. All rooms come complete with spa-like bathrooms, gas fireplace and state-of-the-art kitchens. We had the pleasure of staying in one of the stunning beach suites.  The Black rock is pet friendly which was important to us as we always like to bring along our Doberman, Maxxine.

The dining experience at the Black Rock’s Fetch restaurant is exquisite and is the popular place to dine for locals and visitors alike. Our server, Melissa was attentive and friendly and the food that Chef Andrew Springett and his culinary team created was simply outstanding….no wonder Fetch restaurant is the local favorite.  After our amazing dinning experience we relaxed in Black Rock’s Float Lounge with its floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Float Lounge is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ambiance.  For wine tastings, custom private dinners or private events, the resort’s dramatic Wine Cellar Room stares right down the inside an active surge channel with waves exploding right in front of you for a truly dramatic and unforgettable experience.

While in Ucluelet we dropped by to see Jamie Carson of Icon Developments, Ucluelet’s premier builder of exquisite custom homes and proud builder of the Ayre Residence, H&L’s Feature Home for the 2010 Spring Issue — oh my, wait until you see this spectacular home!

After a hard day of shooting dramatic photography of this iconic resort and a few preliminary shots of H&L’s next feature home, H&L’s photographers Mia & Alberto Dominguez were treated to the luxuries of the Black Rock’s Drift Spa.  The Drift Spa offers a locally inspired experience using certified organic seaweed products hand-harvested and made right here on Vancouver Island.

Located only 2.5 hours drive from Nanaimo and 4.5 hours from Victoria, Ucluelet offers a wide array of activities, all year long. From hiking the renowned Wild Pacific Trail, kayaking, fishing and whale watching, to quiet walks on the beach taking in the sights and sounds of the ocean,

Ucluelet is a place that not to be missed and definitely a top choice for a great weekend away.  We’ll definitely be back … and soon too we hope.

For more information about Black Rock Oceanfront Resort or for reservations, call 1-877-762-5011 or visit www.blackrockresort.com.

The Black Rock is part of Boutique Hotels & Resorts of British Columbia specializing in upscale hotels, lodges and resorts. Boutique Hotels & Resorts also manages: The Oswego Hotel in Victoria and The Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos. For more information, visit bhrbc.com