Healing Lifestyles & Spas - Atlantic Canada Spa Island

East, then North
No place on the island is more than 10 miles from the sea, but I long to get a little closer. After departing Atlantis, I make the leisurely, scenic drive along the coast past Bay Fortune, Little Harbour, and Basin Head to the island's easternmost tip to climb the lighthouse at East Point. The view is stunning, and the seabirds wheeling about the top of the lighthouse appear to approve that I've made the climb.

Turning the car northwest, I drive as far as Kingsboro, stopping at the Singing Sands Inn & Sea Breeze Restaurant to order a lobster roll for lunch. Continuing on along the coastal road, I reach the small town of Lakeside. Located beachside here on the north shore, the buildings of Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort rise above the dunes, looking as though they've been coated in candy- but the charming salmon pinks and soft yellows and blues do nothing to disrupt the peaceful scenery. Thought my suite is all coziness and comfort, there are better things to do than lounge. After a workout in the full-service fitness center, I set out for a two-hour hike among the dunes and surrounding countryside. There are numerous paths for cycling, hiking and horseback riding. Searching along the sides of a wooded path bring me suddenly upon a cluster of Ladyslippers, delicate pink orchids that are the island's official flower.

Satisfied I've earned a massage, I head for the main lobby and the Rodd Spa Boutique, which features Aveda treatments and products. The choices are extensive, but I decide on the 60-minute Aqua Body Polish with Dead Sea Salts and marine elements, followed by an Aromatic Massage with Aveda oils specially blended to sooth and harmonize my naturally steamy mix of water and fire natures.

Hungry, I make my way to the resort's fine dining restaurant to sample some fresh island seafood. A pasta dish tossed with mussels, lobster, olive oil and herbs proves to be delicious and quite filling, and I wander back to my room to doze contentedly in front of the fireplace before a long, pre-bed soak in the deep tub.