travel-tips

Kingfisher Pacific Resort wins Award

/ murphjustsaying / 1 Comment

On previous posts I’ve highlighted The KINGFISHER PACIFIC RESORT AND SPA in Royston near Courtenay. You can check those posts out if you wish.

We have been really impressed with the Kingfisher but recently the resort received wonderful news. CONDE NAST TRAVELER published the top Resorts in Canada and the Kingfisher Pacific Resort is ranked #4. This is a very prestigious award amongst some fabulous company.

Here are the top 15 resorts in Canada selected by Conde Nast Traveller

  1. Wickaninnish Inn (Tofino, B.C.)
  2. Nita Lake Lodge (Whistler, B.C.)
  3. Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff, AB)
  4. Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa (Royston, B.C.)
  5. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler (Whistler, B.C.)
  6. Fairmont Tremblant (Mont-Tremblant, QC)
  7. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Jasper, AB)
  8. Fairmont Chateau Whistler (Whistler, B.C.)
  9. Long Beach Lodge Resort (Tofino, B.C.)
  10. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge (Tofino, B.C.)
  11. Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre (Whistler, B.C.)
  12. Cabot Cape Breton (Inverness, N.S.)
  13. Sonora Resort (Sonora Island, B.C.)
  14. Klahoose Wilderness Resort (Desolation Sound, B.C.)
  15. Brentwood Bay Resort (Brentwood Bay, B.C.)

Kudos to Bill Brandes, the visionary owner of the Kingfisher and the entire staff. Since acquiring the resort Bill has upgraded the rooms, beautifully done, the Spa, and the dining facilities. It’s really is a treasure on Vancouver Island.

At the Kingfisher Chef Danai Hongwanishkul combines Thai, French, South American and Japanese influences with his kitchen team and was recently recognized for culinary excellence in 2026 by the BC Hotel Association. Another prestigious award.

If you have not been there consider a stay for a special occasion. Take a look at what they offer here.

http://www.kingfisherresort.ca

Be sure to look at what the Spa offers. And if you are in the area and feeling peckish please sample the food in the lounge or the dining room. You will be impressed.

Just saying…

1948 BAR & BISTRO

/ murphjustsaying / 2 Comments

In 1948, a couple named Olmstead purchased the land at Page Point, across the harbour from Ladysmith, and built Manana Lodge. The lodge included several guest rooms, a dining area, and a large deck overlooking a new marina.

Over the years, the property has had several different owners and names, including Page Point Inn and Raven Point Inn, before returning to its original name, Manana Lodge, under new ownership in 2023. A Nanaimo-based development group, in partnership with the local First Nation, began renovations, and the lodge reopened in 2025.

I first visited here in the early 1960s to attend the wedding of a classmate. I returned by boat around 2001, when the property was known as Page Point Lodge.

Bistro 1948, located at Manana Lodge, has been open since last year. It is a beautiful setting, with a large indoor dining area and bar, along with a huge deck overlooking the marina. The marina was full when we visited, with some very impressive visiting yachts.

We chose to sit on the deck, where there are plenty of tables for two, each with its own umbrella. The view was perfect — boats and more boats. Several yachts came in and tied up while we enjoyed our lunch.

The Bistro 1948 menu is somewhat unusual, with some interesting choices. We opted for the Mushroom Ravioli and the Coastal Garden Curry. Both were delicious.

You can check out the lunch menu here: 1948bistro.com/menu

We also enjoyed a glass of Blue Grouse Pinot Gris, a really delicious wine from the Cowichan Valley. The service was excellent. It is a bit pricey, for sure, but I think it is worth it when you consider the setting and ambiance.

Getting there is part of the experience. Manana Lodge is located on Brenton Page Road, but there isn’t any signage on Highway 1 directing you to the lodge. The turnoff is the first left after the Cedar Road intersection, south of Nanaimo Airport. From there, the country road leading to the lodge is a delightful drive.

Screenshot


Here is the website for the lodge: Mananalodge.com

Take a drive, enjoy some food and wine and a fabulous setting!

Just saying…