Romance in the Harbour City
June, 2010, Nanaimo Magazine
By Lesley Lorenz
It was heaven – and there we were in the perfect setting, high above the Nanaimo skyline, enjoying the sparkling stars and the sparkling wine.
The Coast Bastion is the perfect place to celebrate your own love story – and ours began at that very hotel, when I met my future husband for the first time, during a business interview in the lounge regarding his posting as the new Executive Director for Tourism Nanaimo. Full circle, and almost two years to the day we begin our honeymoon with the Bastion’s Romance package.
Greeted for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Drysdale, (butterflies!!) we are ushered up to beautiful newly renovated suite. The subtle lighting and chestnuts-and-cream colour scheme created a wonderful relaxing respite after hours of tearing up the dance floor and carousing with our wedding guests. A large Jacuzzi tub snuggled up to the huge floor to ceiling windows overlooking the harbour was too inviting to be missed. Set on the table next to the chaise-lounge and cozy armchair, we found an ice-cold bottle of champagne and a sumptuous serving of chocolate. Candlelight added to the romantic ambience that permeated the room. Every detail was attended to in perfection, and we dreamed on clouds of soft pillows and an exquisitely comfortable mattress.
Sunrise was glorious, rolling up hallelujah-style behind Protection and Newcastle Islands. We began our first day of wedded bliss with a full breakfast in Minnoz Dining Room, which is the crowning glory of the Bastion romance package. Eggs Benny is a house specialty offered in so many variations, you’ll be browsing your options while your mouth waters at the combinations – I enjoyed a fantastic Italian Benny with grilled chorizo and basil, while Mark savoured the West Coast Benny, featuring crab cakes and baby shrimp. Of course the classic back bacon is offered for traditionalists. The entire menu is magnificent, renowned throughout the island for fresh, local fare prepared by an excellent chef with international flare. Treat yourself and your sweetheart – book the Romance Package for a weekend you’ll never forget!!
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