e had traveled to the Pacific Rim for many years but each time we'd bypassed the village of Ucluelet in favor of the more established tourism destination of Tofino. On this getaway however we decided to explore the Pacific Rim's less publicized coastal hamlet.

Our final destination was Roots Lodge and the greeting we received upon our arrival was anything but expected.

Two juvenile nesting bald eagles responded to our presence with a chorus of shrill calls. We interpreted this majestic vocalization as the ultimate resort stay welcome and savored what we considered to be a uniquely BC moment.

This was a fitting initiation to our three-day Mind, Body and Spirit getaway.

Roots Lodge, is situated on the southern tip of the Ucluth Peninsula and consists of a main lodge with 7 one-bedroom loft suites and 10 ocean-front cabins.

Built on elevated log posts the architecture is uniquely west coast, resembling more of a cannery than a resort. Consistent with their corporate philosophy Roots was built with a respect for the environment. Instead of leveling the land to accommodate the Lodge, the Lodge was built to accommodate the property's existing stand of old growth trees and natural topography.

The architecture is rough and eclectic. The raised boardwalks to the cabins and beach are built around existing old growth trees and flow with the land's natural topography. The boardwalk may be inconvenient to some but the end result is well worth the extra effort.

The furnishings are simple yet comfortable. Brown leather couch, chairs, garbage cans, towels and linen all carry the Roots brand name. The bath soaps, although not a Roots product are freshly scented, exotically named and invigorating.

We discovered that the guests here are as diverse and eclectic as the interior décor. During our getaway we met retirees, Dotcom presidents, recording studio executives and self described surf junkies from Canada, the United States, Germany, and Australia respectively.

One elderly couple we met had been there for three weeks, intent on experiencing every adventure this pristine region has to offer. It became evidently clear that the decision to stay at this resort is influenced by a state of mind, rather than a state of body.

We discovered that there was something invitingly different about Roots Lodge that sets it apart from other resorts we had visited over the years. Perhaps it was the casual and unpretentious atmosphere, or the surfboards and candles that adorn the lobby entrance or the Welcome Sign made entirely from local clam shells.

Stephen Duke the resort manager may have summed it up best when he said, "Our guests keep coming back because they feel welcome here. The atmosphere is very conducive to making friends from around the world. We are like a big family with common interests."

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He was right. We left Roots Lodge with an expanded social sphere including new friends from Holland, United States and Australia

Making the most of your Getaway

Roots is the ideal place to Getaway and Reconnect as a couple or a family. If you are seeking a romantic escape, request one of the ocean side cabins with a fireplace and 2 person Jacuzzi tub overlooking the bay and sunset. Bring your own bottle of wine, cheese and crackers. Plan to sleep in late, as the rustic pine beds and plush quilts are incredibly comfortable. Be sure to open the ocean-side window before you go to sleep. The rhythmic sound of the breaking waves is enough to lull even the most steadfast insomniac into a blissful theta state.

Families will also find the ocean front cabins ideally suited for family escapes. The three level cabins are spacious enough to comfortably accommodate a family of six.

Highly recommended activities

The area offers a myriad of world-class activities. Here are some of our personal recommendations to refresh your mind, renew your body and rekindle your spirit:
Refresh you Mind: Kayak the outer Broken Islands with Majestic Ocean Kayaking at 1 800 889-7644.
Renew your Body: Learn to surf with Inner Rhythm Surf Camp at 1 877 393-SURF
Rekindle your Spirit: Gaze at some Grays (whales) with Aquamarine Adventures at 1-866 726-7727