Staying Places: Naturally Pacific Resort

Campbell River’s greatest surprise

The small town of Campbell River on Vancouver Island has a fabulous surprise waiting for those looking for a great getaway – Naturally Pacific Resort. Built on the edge of a beautiful golf club perfect for summer guests, this elegant facility of just 100 rooms and suites has only been open for a short time but has already proudly taken its place on Travel + Leisure’s 100 Best New Hotels of the Year list (2025), is a Michelin Guide PLUS hotel, the recipient of a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award (2025) and holds the AAA Four Diamond designation. And no wonder. Though we visited in chilly late November, Naturally Pacific Resort offered the warmest of welcomes. 

Twinkling with holiday lights and finery, the lobby and grounds glowed, and our spacious, well-appointed room overlooked snow-laden trees and immaculate grounds. Our adventure in self-indulgence began at the very popular Carve Kitchen and Meatery for roast-beef-with-all-the-trimmings night – spectacular! After such a feast, exercise was called for. Despite the wintry weather, we were able to enjoy an afternoon at the Velocity Driving Range, an indoor/outdoor four-season facility. Each comfortable playing bay in Velocity offered cozy seating areas and friendly table service and a computerized golf simulator allowed us to choose between playing a challenging collection of the world’s best courses or simply whacking balls into the range. 

Naturally Pacific also offered the luxurious Immersion Spa & Wellness facility, complete with an indoor swimming pool, mineral pool and showers. What made the experience particularly lovely was the privacy. Guests reserve the pool and shower space for blocks of time during which they enjoy the healing waters alone, without interruption. It was the perfect escape from the holiday madness we knew would come in December and we savoured every tranquil minute. We even splurged on the Spa’s Ritual Kits filled with instructions and single portions of glorious spa products so we could create our own personalized wellness experience in our room. In summer, Naturally Pacific Resort offers firepits and access to whale and bear watching tours, making it truly Campbell River’s greatest surprise and one we’ll enjoy again. — LIZ FLEMING