WAVEJourney’s Sonora Resort Review

Do you revel in being treated as a VIP while sojourning in the lap of luxury? Do you fancy the idea of spending a few days in a remote wilderness, but still want to stay connected to the rest of the world via phone, internet and TV? Do you want the option to spend your days fishing, grizzly bear watching, hiking, kayaking or just curled up in front of a roaring fireplace? Does the prospect of dining on fine food accompanied by excellent wine, while surrounded by spine-tingling scenery make you salivate?  Well, if that sums up your idea of holiday heaven, here’s the great news: British Columbia’s Sonora Resort offers all that and much more.

Accommodations:

Sonora Resort

Sonora Resort, a Relais & Chateaux member, features 78 rooms and 10 suites in 11 lodges, and is located on Sonora Island in Desolation Sound, British Columbia, Canada.

Double Room in Bute Lodge

We stayed in the Bute Lodge building and our expansive room, with comfy queen-size beds, was modernly furnished in soft calming tones, featured a gas fireplace, comfy sitting area and large picture windows optimizing ocean and mountain views. We were able to get away from the rest of the world while still staying in contact via phone, internet and TV.

Dining:

Delicious Dining at Sonora Resort

During breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sonora Resort’s Executive Chef Terry Pichor and his team pulled out all the stops and served up top-notch cuisine. Evening dining featured the Bistro Menu (which was exemplary), or the option of a 5-course Chef’s Tasting Menu.

Fine Dining at Sonora Resort

Using fresh local ingredients, our Chef’s Tasting Menu started with Sidney Island Wild Venison Carpaccio, Caramelized Onion Consomme, Queen Charlotte Seared Sable Fish, Cardamon Honey-Glazed Magret Duck Breast, and finished off with Poached Okanagan Scarlett Plums. All precisely presented and delicious down to the final morsel.

Guests that head off to the great outdoors during the day and need some nibbles can take a cooler with snacks and beverages of their own choosing. The all-inclusive rates include resort dining, picnic lunches, house wines, cocktails, in-room bar and snacks.

Activities:

Fishing at Sonora Resort

An abundance of outdoor and indoor activities awaited us, along with plenty of outdoor gear available for guest use to suit the variable weather conditions. Outdoor enthusiasts could enjoy: grizzly tours; fishing; hiking; biking; tennis; kayaking.

Orford River Grizzly Bear Tour

The Orford River Grizzly Bear Tour that we took part in departed from the resort dock and took us on a thrilling zodiac ride up Bute Inlet to the Orford River. We were then met by Homalco First Nations guides and transported by mini-bus through the rain forest. Along the way there were viewing platforms to provide a safe way for guests to survey the bear activity. Our guide was able to find us a great spot where we were able to watch the grizzlys fishing and playing with their cubs.

Wilderness Tours at Sonora Resort

After fulfilling experiences in the great outdoors, we couldn’t keep ourselves out of the games room – complete with pool table, shuffle board and golf simulator.  Downtime was spent contently relaxing beside the fireplace with a beverage of choice and a good book.

Spa:

Heated Mineral Pools at Island Currents Spa

The tranquil and calming Island Currents Spa was the perfect option for relaxation and rejuvenation. After a gym work out we enjoyed a dip in the outdoor heated mineral pools. Then we soothed our aches and de-stressed with a 60-minute Island Currents Tension Relieving Massage, where we selected our own choice of aromatherapy oil.

With an extensive spa menu of pampering, relaxing, invigorating, detoxifying and exfoliating treatments, we know there is something to please everyone.

Getting There:

Viv and Jill Take a London Air Helicopter to Sonora Resort

There are two options for getting to and from Sonora Resort. Guests can choose between a 75-minute water taxi ride from Campbell River on Vancouver Island, or (our preferred route) a 50-minute helicopter ride from the South Terminal at Vancouver International Airport. We opted for the scenic helicopter ride and were glad we did. Spectacular scenery, absolute comfort and ultimate safety are combined to transport 15 passengers between the mainland and the resort.

Bottom Line:

Sonora Resort

Secluded. Intimate. Surrounded by nature. Activities galore. Personal service. Exceeded expectations. Unforgettable stay. If any of these descriptors match what you’re looking for in a vacation, then Sonora Resort is a destination to add to your list.  It doesn’t get better than this!

Relaxing in Luxury at Sonora Resort

Click here to view more of WJ’s Sonora Resort photos.

View WJ’s Orford Grizzly Tour photos.

Contact Sonora Resort
Location: Sonora Island, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 604-233-0460
Toll Free: 1-888-576-6672
Fax: 604-233-0465
Email:  [email protected]
Website: Click here.

Want to View More Relais & Chateaux Lodges in British Columbia?
– Read WJs Wickaninnish Inn Review

Note: Viv & Jill stayed at Sonora Resort during a 2010 visit to British Columbia, Canada.