Why a Weekend Away with Friends Is Worth It
When life gets busy, it’s easy to put off time with friends. Between work, family, and everyday responsibilities, most of us don’t take the time to slow down. But stepping away—even for a weekend—can make a big difference.
This spring, three friends and I got away to reconnect and reset. We stayed at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa, relaxed by the pool, tried two different spa experiences and visited late into the night by the fire. Since we were in the neighbourhood, we visited the Tulip Festival at Coastal Black Winery, and captured many memories. It was just what we needed.
If you’ve been thinking about planning a weekend away with friends, here’s what we did—and why we hope it becomes a yearly tradition.
Why a Weekend with Friends Matters
It doesn’t have to be fancy or far away. Just a couple of days with people who know you well can help you reset. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
- You Get a Break – when you leave the to-do lists behind, even for a short time, you give yourself space to rest. No laundry, no meal planning—just a chance to slow down.
- Real Conversations Happen – when you’re not squeezing chats between activities, the conversation changes. You can talk about what really matters—or laugh about nothing at all.
- It Reminds You Who You Are – time with good friends can remind you of the parts of yourself that sometimes get lost in the shuffle. That alone makes it worth planning.
Our Weekend Itinerary
Staying at Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa
We chose Kingfisher Resort in Royston, just outside Courtenay, BC, as our base. It’s known for its oceanfront views and full-service spa. We booked a room with a view and got into comfy robes and slippers upon arrival. The new Healing Caves experience was the highlight. It’s a guided circuit through steam, ice, celestial, salt, and storm caves. It felt great to relax and not rush. We spent a couple of afternoons enjoying the pool and hot tub.
Visiting the Tulip Festival at Coastal Black Winery
Spring was the perfect time to visit Coastal Black Winery in Black Creek. The tulip fields are in full bloom during April and May, with lots of tulips in rows of colour. It’s a short drive from Royston and well worth the visit. We wandered the fields, took photos, and enjoyed the morning. It was laid back and a great spot for families, with lots of fun activities. For more information, check out my post on Tulip Festivals.
Tips:
- Go in the morning at opening for fewer crowds.
- Check out the craft market and local products.
- Stay for a tasting on the patio.
Building in Time to Slow Down
We didn’t overschedule. Some of our best moments were just sitting around in our robes, chatting over coffee or sharing a glass of wine. We talked about family, health, work, and future travel plans.
A New Tradition
We didn’t expect one weekend to have such an impact—but it did. We left feeling more relaxed, more connected, and more ourselves. Before we even got home, we were talking about next year.
A girls’ weekend doesn’t have to be long or expensive. Sometimes all it takes is 48 hours, a quiet place, and good company to feel recharged.
If you’ve been thinking about taking time for yourself or reconnecting with old friends—this is your sign. Book the weekend. You’ll be glad you did.
Weekend Snapshot
? Where We Stayed: Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa
? What We Did: Hydropath and Healing Caves at the spa, fireside chats, sunrise mornings
? Outing: Tulip Festival at Coastal Black Winery
? Brunch Spot: Aqua Bistro Restaurant
? Time of Year: Spring (April–May)