There are sandy beaches in southeastern British Columbia that get more days of sunshine each year than Hawaii. Halfmoon Haven Beachfront Retreat & Spa takes full advantage of the sun in this area; it has spacious sundecks that overlook the Pacific Ocean. It’s a nice spot to catch a colourful sunset or look for local wildlife, such as eagles, seals, and orca whales.

Halfmoon Haven’s large three-bedroom guesthouses feature in-unit washers and dryers and full kitchens; in the main living area, you can keep warm by sidling up next to a wood-burning fireplace. Guests can visit the nearby convenience store to pick up additional groceries or request the services of Halfmoon Haven’s personal chef.

In the late spring and summer, it’s popular to kayak, swim, and take romantic piggyback rides along the driftwood-strewn shoreline. But guests can enjoy the coastal scenery in the colder months, too—the retreat has both a hot tub and a fire pit that overlook the water. An onsite spa supplies additional relaxation with lomi lomi deep relaxation massages, certified breathwork sessions, and more.