Since travel is still not encouraged (and at your own risk), my dreams of waking up in a gloriously sunny city slash country for my milestone birthday had to be put on hold. That was hella bummer. But I’m trying my best to roll with it.
As a stop gap until I go on my make-up trip, I celebrated my birthday at a cool little inn at Nanoose Bay on the island, just 13 kilometres from Nanaimo.
The inn is split up into 2 vacation suites and we stayed at the upper view suite. This nature-lovers’ paradise borders the Qualicum National Wildlife area and is surrounded by 100 acres of protected bird sanctuary/estuary lands.
What appealed to me the most, however, was the private deck with outdoor soaker tub (!) overlooking the estuary – purr-fect for bird watching in the day and stargazing at night.
The exterior of the inn is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, while the interior is decorated in a Scandinavian minimalist style. The suite has an electric fireplace, room darkening roller shades, and windows a plenty to take in the views of the estuary, ocean, and mountains.
There’s also a trail around the property if you want to stretch your legs, but it’s forbidden to walk on the wetland itself as that would cause serious damage to the environment.
What made my birthday even more special was my BFF sent me a huge birthday package, filled with all the things. Unbeknownst to me, she had recruited Sean in her plan to receive this oversized box she’d courier from Hong Kong. And he’d film my reaction while I opened her present in three parts.
As chuffed as I was with all the material gifts she sent, I was beyond touched by the tour around town video that she made for me. I had plans to go to Hong Kong, but then you know, pandemic happened, so this was was her way of showing me places she would’ve taken me had the trip went through. In the 45 mins (!) video, she showed me her Hong Kong including top districts like Sai Ying Pun, Central + Wan Chai, Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island, Tsim Tsa Tsui (TST), Mongkok in Kowlook, and Sai Kung in New Territories.
It was the best present ever and it had me in all. my. feelings. But that’s what milestone birthdays are supposed to do to you, right? I may not have been at the location I wanted to be at, but the love I felt more than made up for that.
For more Inn at the Estuary pics, check out my Flickr album.
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