Nita Lake Lodge: Whistler’s Mountain Retreat
It’s pretty much a given: once snow starts falling, the Whistler winter invasion begins. Bearing bags loaded with skis, boards and boots, snow lovers come in droves. Nita Lake Lodge makes it easy for guests to get the most out of their time on the mountains, with perks like complimentary shuttles and ski lockers at the base of Whistler Mountain. But there’s a catch. With amenities that include a spa, three restaurants and roof top hot tubs with a view, the mountain retreat makes it hard to actually want to leave.
Nita Lake Lodge
Snow looks good on this mountain retreat. And though it might be cold outside, you’ll find the fireplace roaring. Along with serving as a gathering spot for guests, the lobby is a link to the Valley Trail. Natural light pours in through the lakeside wall of windows and colorful local art brings more of the outside in. Welcome to sophisticated mountain living.
Located at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, Nita Lake Lodge has 77 spacious guest rooms. It has the breathing room of a larger resort, but not the feel or worry of getting lost when trying to make it from your room to the steamy plunge pool.
Studio Lakeview Suite, Nita Lake Lodge
Studio Lakeview Suites will win you over the minute you walk in the door. Hooks and a bench provide much needed space to hang and store jackets and boots. An armoire does double duty as fashionable furniture — and when doors are open, a mini kitchen complete with sink, small refrigerator, microwave, plates, silverware and coffee and tea fixings.
Room with a view
The bathroom may be bigger than what you are accustomed to at home. The large vanity allows ample space for a family’s worth of toiletries. Whether you go for the walk-in shower or deep soaker tub, heated floors assure coming back to reality won’t be shocking. The layout of the guest room allows for a generous seating area to enjoy the gas fireplace and the balcony, with views of glacier-fed Nita Lake, adds even more usable space. The only thing actually missing in the room is a desk, so leave your work at the office.
The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge
Outdoor hot tubs and a plunge pool are open and steaming all year round. The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge is small, but offers a wide assortment of treatments, including massage, scrubs, wraps and facials. The onsite Loka Yoga studio offers a number of daily classes for a fee.
The hotel workout room does double duty as the home of Basecamp Fitness. Whereas many hotel fitness rooms can be small, drab and lonely, this space is bright and lively. During my three days at Nita Lake Lodge, every time I went to the gym (including a couple early mornings as vacations go) there was a flurry of activity. Spin classes and core strength training classes are held regularly and hotel guests can simply pay a drop-in fee to participate. During a morning circuit class, one of the trainers, JP, somehow convinced me to take on a much heavier weight than I’ve ever tackled at home. The challenge is now a workout norm. The fitness center is free for guests 24 hours a day, and even if you’re not taking a class, the inspiration goes a long way.
Breakfast is served
Nearby Fix Café will tempt you after your morning workout with fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, gourmet coffee and tea. The spread of house made pastries from the hotel bakery include an impressive number of gluten-free options. Located in the hotel lobby, Aura serves breakfast and dinner. The menu covers just about every dietary option you can think of, ranging from vegetarian to vegan to gluten free. Just across the way is a bit more casual, but just as tasty Cure lounge. If that doesn’t cover your caloric intake, get your sugar fix during daily s’mores making on the lakeside patio.
There’s plenty to keep you busy at the lodge, but the mountains are waiting for you. It’s a quick and easy walk to the base of Whistler Mountain and the Creekside gondola. You can take a shuttle, too, but truth be told, you might move faster on foot, it’s that close. If you’d rather hit the slopes via Whistler Village, it’s a five-minute shuttle ride away.
Dana’s trip to Whistler was a media familiarization tour, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
