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The Spirit of Osoyoos, British Columbia
Sunday, January 10th, 2010 by Cheryl MacKinnon
Osoyoos is one of the most popular getaway destinations in the Okanagan for families, wine lovers and outdoor
View of Spirit Ridge Resort & Spa from the vineyards, Osoyoos, BC
vacation enthusiasts from around the world. Mainly because of its spectacular location sitting due north of the US border, Osoyoos is an arid desert climate which reaches down through Oregon and Arizona, touching on the borders of Mexico. The overall appeal of the region is further complemented by having Canada’s warmest fresh water lake – yes, Lake Osoyoos, located amongst one of the most geographically desirable settings in the country.
A Hotel Is A Place
A place where you come to rest for any number of reasons including but not limited to, putting a little romance back into that special relationship or, travel somewhere special with family in tow, or best of all – simply to just get away! Regardless of your reason, Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa located in the relaxed community of Osoyoos, fulfills all these needs and more.
The Resort is adjacent to the Nk’Mip (pronounced in-ka-meep)Desert Cultural Centre owned and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band under the leadership of Chief Clarence Louie. The magnificent Nk’Mip development also includes the award-winning Nk’Mip Cellars Winery – the first Aboriginal owned and operated award-winning winery in North
The patio view from NK'MIP Cellars Winery, Osoyoos, BC
America and, as of October, 2009, the newly opened Conference Centre.
All of this plus spectacular scenery is located just steps away from the front door of the individual villas of Spirit Ridge. One of the most popular comments heard from guests is how peaceful the environment is considering all that is going on around the Resort. The magic lays in the design.
One of only six 4.5 star resorts in British Columbia, the south-western designed property provides 226 condo-style villas and suites in a gorgeous Santa Fe style. Decorated in warm, deep colours taken from nature’s desert palette, there’s a certain calm radiating from this place. It definitely sets the tone for a great getaway…and a desire to return sooner than later as evidenced by the accolades bestowed since opening in 2006.
With a fantastic outdoor pool and comfortable fitness area, there are no excuses not to stick with your fitness plan for
Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa Pool Area
2010! Slip into the spa for a private treatment or simply rent one of the cabanas poolside, curl up with a book and while away an afternoon. Spirit Lodge is the heart of the development providing a fully stocked games room for kids and adults alike, concierge services can help with access to the golf, winery and cultural centre. For more information, take a look at www.spiritridge.ca or call toll free 1.877.313.9463. For the winery, please visit www.nkmipcellars.com.
From Meetings to Management Retreats
The South Okanagan has some heady attributes with which to parlay into outstanding tourism experiences. Most notably on the horizon is the recent opening of Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa’s Conference Centre. The facility is the largest meeting space in the region. At over 9,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility provides an outstanding meeting venue suitable for up to 350 people, with remarkable recreation and culture to complement even the most intense conferences.
“The development of the Conference Centre enables us to increase our shoulder season business for the destination by targeting a growing meetings market that we could not attract to the South Okanagan without this new facility,” said General Manager of Spirit Ridge Resort, Mohamad Awad.
As the only First Nation 4.5 Star resort, Nk’Mip Resort now provides an incredible option for hosting First Nations health, education, council and business meetings; as well as a variety of private sector meetings and events. And what a bounty for the delegates – from the cultural centre to wine tastings and tours, golf at the executive style desert links course, pampering and relaxation at the spa to upscale dining at Passa Tempo Restaurant.
“Native bands and organizations host meetings, conferences and retreats every month dealing with a multitude of issues, including: youth, health, social services, education, governance and economic development. Too many times, these meetings are held off-reserve at venues that do not support First Nation employment, or provide revenue to a First Nation community,” states OIB Chief Clarence Louie. “If First Nation’s are serious about creating economic opportunity and supporting each other; then they need to consider our new Conference Centre – where quality is a commitment.”
Are We There Yet?
Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa gets full thumbs up for families. In-suite amenities have got travelling with kids nailed and mom covered. Stock up on the basics for the fully functional kitchens include fridge, stove, microwave and dishes, plus a very quiet dishwasher, two bathrooms in the two bedroom villas, complete with washer/dryer (not meant as a reminder of home, simply a great convenience if you’ve got kids who tear through their travel wardrobe in a day and a half!). Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is directly across the parking lot and open year-round. Be sure to view
NK'MIP Cultural Centre, Osoyoos, British Columbia
this architectural marvel which houses fascinating stories of Canada’s only desert, and the Okanagan First Nations people who inhabit it. With over 50 acres of self-guided hiking trails around the surrounding Nk’Mip Resort Development – the view of Osoyoos Lake from the Chief Lookout is simply stunning. Truly, there’s no end of activities to do within the property. Visit www.nkmipdesert.com.
Of course a trip into town is worth it too. Ride a bike (the Resort has complimentary bikes available), or hop in the car and check out the marvelous Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad on 115 Street. There’s over 2,000 sq. feet of a miniature world, connecting 4000 hand painted little people via a dozen computer controlled trains running through European villages! It’s an inspiring attraction which will definitely enthrall the kids while adults admire with immense respect for the talent and patience involved in creating it. Take a peek at www.osoyoosrailroad.com – also open year-round!
For a first hand view of the land and her bounty, please visit www.destinationsosoyoos.com or call toll free 1.888.676.9667. For more information on NK’MIP First Nations tourism and more aboriginal tourism experiences, visit www.atbc.com.
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