While chatting with a friend at hockey about our recent trip to Osoyoos she asked “Did you stay at the place that everyone loves to stay at when they go to Osoyoos?” The answer was a definite yes; we stayed at Walnut Beach Resort.
And there’s a very good reason that it’s so well regarded. In fact, here are 3 reasons!
Location, Location, Location.
It’s hard to believe that the same country with September blizzards also includes a place like Osoyoos. Imagine a spot with sandy beaches, warm sunny weather, spectacular views and lots to do with the kids. No, you’re not in a resort in Mexico, you’re in Osoyoos in the Okanagan Valley. That’s right. You’re in Canada.
Walnut Beach Resort sits on the SE side of Osoyoos Lake, the warmest lake in Canada, and is within easy access of amenities including restaurants, farmers markets, attractions and of course, wineries. To quote my husband, you can’t throw a brick without hitting a winery in this area, and it has enormous appeal. The views from every direction are breathtaking, whether you are looking at the mountains, the hauntingly beautiful desert landscape or sparkling lake waters.
Da Pool, Da Beach!
The best place to enjoy these views is without question from a lounge chair around the sprawling pool deck next to the outdoor heated pool. Even in October, the temperatures in Osoyoos frequently reach into the 20’s Celsius so my children took advantage of the warm sunshine to enjoy the pool and thoroughly test out both hot tubs to determine which was best. The one on the north side won, by the way, because the jets were declared “bubblier”. Watching them splash as I sat under the arbor, staring at the starkly lovely desert hills, I couldn’t help but feel totally blissful. That’s quite an accomplishment for a resort! And if you like a natural body of water, the lake beckons just steps away from the pool at Walnut Beach’s private beach frontage, Palapa Beach and boat dock. The sandy beach is very well maintained, with lounge chairs and umbrellas for comfort and pristine waters that invite young and old in to splash.
Everything you ever wanted in a Suite
On our last family vacation I was shocked at how much eating out for every meal ended up costing, which is why I like to stay in a suite whenever possible to balance eating out with eating in. The attractive granite counters and stainless steel appliances in the compact but well outfitted kitchen makes it easy to prepare simple meals, especially breakfasts, in the suite while bar stools around the counter and a table for 4 made for plenty of seating.
We chose to compromise by ordering in pizza one night, and enjoying it with one of our wine purchases before the four of us stretched out on the pull-out sofa to watch a movie on the flat screen TV. I may have also availed myself of the free Wi-Fi (which for me is a bigger selling feature than the onsite Spa) to feed my Candy Crush addiction.
The gigantic tub was a draw for the messy kids who also enjoyed running loops in the bathroom, going in one door, and out the adjoining door to the bedroom. The bedroom, with king size bed, soft sheets and muted décor also included a flat screen TV, an amenity always appreciated by parents whose children go to bed much more easily when they don’t get distracted by what we’re watching! Those previously mentioned messy kids were saved from wearing dirty clothes by the en suite laundry, a feature that is golden when your kids run through 3 days’ worth of clothes in one day!
And while not technically in the suite, I was also impressed by the ample BBQ area next to the pool deck, which makes a great place for guests to grill up dinner or to host parties. If their intent is to get you to stay longer, they sure make it easy!
Walnut Beach is a lovely resort, in a spectacular location. How could you not be happy there? With private beach frontage, a spacious pool deck, two hot tubs and arbors for shade, their exterior amenities are fantastic. Coupled with roomy and comfortable suites, and they make it a treat for families to stay and play in Osoyoos.
Story made possible with promotional consideration of the Walnut Beach Resort & Ford Canada.