Yoga High

On a mountain about a half-hour's drive from downtown Victoria, The Aerie Resort & Spa has introduced the Bring Yoga Into Your Life program, with themed getaways offered throughout the year. Holistic practitioner and yoga teacher Sequoia Henning, who emphasizes that yoga is a way of life, not just a workout option, leads Aerie's programs. Trained in Thailand, Henning approaches yoga from a multicultural perspective that includes influences from Buddhist philosophy, traditional yogic doctrine, and the rich history and culture of Canada's First Nations people. Beyond yoga, the resort's location at the southernmost point of Vancouver Island lends itself perfectly to outdoor activities, including cycling, coastal hiking, and whale watching. The property, a member of Relais & Châteaux, is perched 1,500 feet above the sea, and offers stunning views of the city of Victoria, Saanich Inlet, the San Juan Islands, and the coast of Washington State. Here, you'll find the entrance to Cowichan Valley, an area noted for its collection of winemakers, artists, organic farms, and artisan food creators. Seaweeds and other local products are featured in the spa. And, in celebration of the surrounding wine country, vinotherapy treatments include an Olavie Le Vin Wine Therapy Massage, and a Chardonnay Sugar Scrub that utilizes a blend of grape seed extract and shea butter. If that's not enough grape-related therapy for you, the resort's sommelier can help you choose something perfect from the 6,000-bottle wine cellar. Strictly for sipping, of course. For more information call (800) 518-1933 or visit www.aerie.bc.ca

—D.B.

November/December 2008