Rockwater Secret Cove Resort

Guests generally come here for two reasons -- to enjoy the seclusion of the picturesque waterfront setting or to attend weddings, corporate retreats, and other events. Occasionally, the group events can draw complaints from couples staying in tents and cabins within earshot of the sometimes noisy gatherings. But this is typically a peaceful place where guests unwind from the big-city hustle and bustle as they walk on the elevated decks through the woods. The ambiance is relaxed and rustic, with a cozy lobby that has a saltwater aquarium under the front desk and indigenous northwest artwork decorates some of the walls. The patio that overlooks the water is a popular place throughout the day, with comfy seating and gas heaters for chilly evenings.  

The resort is perched atop a rocky hillside overlooking Halfmoon Bay on British Columbia’s spectacular Sunshine Coast. It’s about a 20-minute drive to the nearest town from the isolated resort and a six-minute drive to Secret Cove and Buccaneer Marinas for guests arriving by their own watercraft. Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park is an 11-minute drive. While only a few minutes from the Sunshine Coast Highway, it takes almost three hours to drive from Vancouver. Part of the journey involves taking the Horseshoe Bay ferry. Float plane service also is available, which typically takes 30 minutes from Vancouver and 90 minutes from Seattle.  

Guests have a choice of staying in traditional lodge rooms, rustic cabins, or more upmarket Tenthouse Suites. All units have decks with chairs that overlook the pool and the water, and robes, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi, but none have AC though fans are provided. Lodge rooms and cabins add flat-screen TVs (there are no TVs in Tenthouse Suites). 

As for decor, lodge rooms have a simple, contemporary style, with white walls and bedding, light green carpet, and pine furniture including desks and small tables, plus enough space for brown leather armchairs. The rustic cabins have log cabin-style interiors, wood laminate floors, and sofas. Bathrooms are small and have acrylic shower/tub combos. Overall, the lodge rooms and cabins are comfortable but the look is a touch dated, and some past guests have complained about their quality in relation to the pricey rates they were charged.

Tenthouse Suites feature lots of bright space and lovely, natural stone tiling. Floors are heated and bathrooms feature soaking tubs and walk-in tile showers with rainfall showerheads. Like the cabins, private decks with water views are more spacious.

This waterfront resort has a full-service spa where guests can receive open-air massages while overlooking the coastline. It also offers couples massages, body wraps, and various salon services. The outdoor pool is seasonal but heated and spacious enough for a good swim. Bar service is provided on the pool deck that overlooks the water. There's on-site kayak rental too, and guests have direct access to a small, rocky beach area.

Seafood and wines from British Columbia are served at the fine-dining restaurant. It’s open for breakfast (fee), lunch, and dinner, and has outdoor seating, plus room service is offered. Weddings and corporate retreats are popular here, with facilities capable of hosting receptions for 200 and meetings for up to 80 people. Valet dry cleaning and laundry service is available, pets are welcome to stay in the cabins, and on-site parking is free, as is Wi-Fi throughout. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that accessing some cabins requires climbing stairs.