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I'm not one to lust after the sort of beach that would attract volleyball players and sunbathers. I prefer a quiet stretch of sand that feels like it's on the edge of the universe. Tofino, a laid-back surfer town on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, is that stretch of sand, and the nearby Wickaninnish Inn -- with its rustic, woodsy style -- mimics the landscape.
Located on Chesterton Beach, which is so beautiful that it attracts vacationers even during winter, the 75-room hotel has panoramic views of the rugged beach from every single room. And the decor is major eye-candy -- soothing, relaxing, the kind of spot you want to retreat to for days at a time.
The Wickaninnish Inn, located on Chesterton Beach, attracts visitors to its wild and serene landscape. Photo: Wickaninnish Inn
Inside the suites, walls are painted a very neutral mint green or butter yellow. Plenty of mirrors and windows let in light and highlight the Inn's best asset -- its world class views. Even if you aren't standing directly on the shoreline, you feel as if it is within arm's reach.
This seems to be a conscious decision. If you choose neutral-colored linens, furnishings and decorative accessories, you keep the emphasis on the room's external surroundings, no matter where you live. In your own home, you might consider what materials are within the nearby landscape and use them to drive a room's design and color palette.
This seems to be a conscious decision. If you choose neutral-colored linens, furnishings and decorative accessories, you keep the emphasis on the room's external surroundings, no matter where you live. In your own home, you might consider what materials are within the nearby landscape and use them to drive a room's design and color palette.
The Beach Comber suite, on the left, and the Double Premiere Suite, on the right. Photo: The Wickaninnish Inn
Inside the 900-square-foot Canopy Suite, there's a bit of whimsy tied into the luxurious decor. Tree branches artfully configured over the bed -- combined with white, flowing fabric -- might make you feel like you're sleeping outdoors. Flat rocks under the bathroom vanity reminds me of wading into the wild and mysterious Pacific Ocean.
The Wickaninnish Inn's Canopy Suite adds little luxuries throughout -- and with the same panoramic views as the rest of the inn. Photo: The Wickaninnish Inn
There's no need for framed art inside the living room of the Chesterman Beach Loft Suite. The neighboring beach takes care of that, framed within a large picture window. Photo: The Wickaninnish Inn
