Wednesday saw us heading south to San Juan Island. Just our little family, away to celebrate John's big five-o. While I wanted to throw a party, my stubborn mate insisted Roche Harbour was where he wanted to be when the big day came. I had to agree Roche is a great destination for something that momentus. It has just about everything a great resort/marina could offer. Fine dining, swimming pool, interesting shops, history, and a spa. Not to mention great docks for walking and oggling the biggest yachts this side of Palm Beach. Yes, turning fifty there could be fun. I booked us in at the spa for a couples massage and at McMillins for dinner. Neither disappointed!
Lunch on the dock
The Afterglow Spa is a must do while here. The facilities are first class with offerings to suit everyone. Denise pressed and rubbed until I felt like a bowl of spaghetti. Justin worked on John's shoulder until he said it felt a quarter of it's age. Why don't I do this more often, kept running through my head, as I was kneeded and lotioned into bliss. Meanwhile, Laura was having eyebrow shaping and a manicure. The shower facilities are super, overhead rain showers and a steam room. Last year I had a wildflower whirlpool bath but decided not to this year.
Refreshed and pampered, dinner awaited. The prime rib at MacMillins is superb, salt encrusted and roasted, worth reaching 50 for alone. We had a great dinner, crab bisque, dungeness stuffed scallops, calamari, a dry and peppery red, front row view over the harbour. Highly enjoyable, highly recommended.
Daisy loves it here
This is a dog friendly resort
Bubbles are always amazing
There are lots of things to do while here...
Great shopping in a couple of clothing boutiques, great boat decorating items and housewares in a couple of upscale store. The market is fully stocked with a big selection of grocery items plus a great line of Roche Harbour sauces, marinades, and dressings. We've tried several and they are great, particularly the chop marinade.
Walk thru the pretty forest to The Mausoleum, we went in the evening and though it was a little creepy it was quite amazing nonetheless. Up past the swimming pool there is a superb open air sculpture garden, beautiful art displayed in a large field, there are some amazing pieces that you must see.
The sunset ceremony is not to be missed, announcements are made, particularly birthdays, flags are lowered accompanied to national anthems, and then sometimes staff will dive into the water. It is quite moving actually.
Dock walking - what can I say about this? Big beautiful yacht after yacht, it would be hard to pick one and say it is the best. Fun just to walk with beverage in hand and look at them and talk to other people doing the same.
Great breakfasts and burgers at the restaurant on the dock. a nice craft market next to the docks has some great handmade jewellry items and art work, usually open every morning.
Beautiful formal gardens with an ever changing show of seasonal flowers.
Roche Harbour is a must see destination for boaters, it has something for everyone, with first class facilities.
Kalena
0 comments:
Post a Comment