Spindrift, located on Welbury Point, Saltspring Island is truly a world apart. Saltspring Island is one of the many gulf islands located off the B.C. mainland, and is a busy, exciting place, but at Spindrift, life is completely different. The resort is located on the six acres that comprise the island's Welbury Point and is a quiet, welcoming refuge for guests over eighteen. There are two one-bedroom cottages, two studio-type cottages which form a duplex, a cedar cottage with a large bedroom, living-room, and west-facing deck, and a two-bedroom cottage with a fenced garden, a large west-facing deck, two bedrooms, and a living-room with a beachstone fireplace. Both these larger cottages have TV as well as DVD. All residences are fully furnished, kitchens and bathrooms are completely equipped, and all needed linens are provided.
It is not just the layout and appointments of the six cottages at Spindrift make the stay unique, however. The most important aspects of Spindrift are peace, rhythm, and tranquility. Spindrift is on a peninsula, so the sea has a large effect on the area. The coming and going of the tides, the smell of the ocean, and the subtle whispering of the waves soon capture the spirit. The changing of the tides creates a rhythm of waves, scents, and sea breezes that soon creep into both your soul and your mind. Even rainy days are enjoyable as the cottages are cozy, and provide the perfect place to read. (In case guests have forgotten to bring books, each cabin has a bookshelf stocked with various types of reading material.) At night, all is still, except for the action of the waves below the cottages, and a slight breeze in the trees.
Animals and the geography of Welbury Point also contribute to a sense of well-being. Approximately twelve deer inhabit the peninsula and will do anything for a feed of carrots. Though some are brave enough to eat out of your hand, especially the dominant buck and doe, even the fawns crowd the edges of the group to get their share. My husband and I have learnt, after holidaying at Spindrift for ten years, that baby carrots are best for the fawns, but the small ends of big carrots are also welcomed.
Welbury Point is also inhabited by other animals. Raccoons can sometimes be heard at night leaping from the trees that surround the cabins, and taking shortcuts across the cottage roof. They often come out later in the day to scrounge for food along the cliffs or on the shore-line when the tide goes out. Guests should be careful, however, if they are walking along the shore in the early morning or during the evening as the peninsula is inhabited by mink which can be somewhat aggressive.
Spindrift sports two white-sand beaches, which are suitable for swimming, or just lazing the day away. There is a wooded trail that goes to Welbury Point, and is spotted by benches where guests can watch the sunsets or sunrises: terrific picture-taking spots. The beach that is closer to the cabins has a double chair where guests can sit under the trees and watch the boats go by.
Boats play an integral part of life on Salts ping, as do ferries to B.C.'s mainland or to other gulf islands. One of the best boat-watching areas is Welbury Point where ferries, private boats, kayaks, canoes, and personal water craft are always passing by.
If walking appeals to you, there are several quiet tree-lined roads nearby. Just a short distance from the Spindrift entrance is Old Scott Road, a narrow, tree-lined road which runs for about two miles and joins the main highway. There is little doubt that those who take this walk will find many friendly people with whom to pass the time of day. For a longer hike, follow Welbury Drive to the end, walk down the main highway past the ferry terminal, and take the first road on the right. This road is Scott Point Road and provides a good work-out of hills, and plenty of stunning scenery.
Spindrift is easily accessible by ferry from the B.C. mainland or by inter-island ferries from other islands. This resort provides something that we all need in today's world: retreat, quiet, and tranquility.
Trail to Welbury Point showing arbutus trees.
Fawn in the meadow
