Hastings House Salt Spring

Hastings House Country House Hotel is an enchanting luxury country resort, spa and restaurant on 22 acres of waterfront property overlooking Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.

Guests enjoy luxury accommodations, renowned dining, wellness and relaxation in a casually-elegant atmosphere. Our historic hotel is serene and tranquil, yet is within easy walking distance of the heart of Ganges.

It’s an ideal location from which to explore the local natural beauty, Vancouver Island, the other Southern Gulf Islands, or to just relax and enjoy the mild climate and the warmth and artistic creativity of Salt Spring residents.

Our Manor Dining offers a selection of tasteful dishes influenced by the freshest ingredients from our onsite gardens and local farmers.

Our à la carte menu is available seven days a week with the option to experience the atmosphere of either our heritage dining rooms, our light-filled verandah, or our stunning seaside terrace. On Sundays in our high season, we offer a traditional Prime Rib dinner with Yorkshire pudding.

Wellspring Spa is a small on-site spa that is nestled among cedar trees, lovingly tended gardens, and housed in a cozy, cedar-clad barn that was reconstructed when the farm became a hotel. Expert massage and spa treatments are performed by professional, licensed and exceptionally-trained spa therapists.

Hastings House Country House Hotel is the perfect venue for the most memorable weddings, elopements, corporate retreats and special events with all the services and expertise to make your event special.

A Brief History of Hastings House
In 1937, English Naval architect Warren Hastings moved to Salt Spring Island from Sussex, England with his bride, Barbara. Mr. Hastings said that he, “decided to build on Salt Spring Island because we love the sea and we think it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with a lovely climate.”

Hastings built the Manor House in 1939 to resemble his 11th century Sussex-style family home. Other historical buildings comprise the Hastings House Resort. The farmhouse was built at the turn of the century and was long thought to be haunted because of its colourful history.

The Hastings Family lived there until they moved into The Manor House. In 1980, the Farmhouse was converted into two Signature Guest Suites—Farm East and Farm West.

The Post Cottage was the first Hudson’s Bay Trading Post on Salt Spring Island, and originally stood where Manor House stands today. In 1940, Post Cottage was moved to its present location under the boughs of a large pear tree, next to the garden.

The barn was rebuilt to its original exterior dimensions when the estate was converted into a hotel. Great care was taken to replicate the original exterior in the new building, while also moving the structure 3 feet over to provide space for the driveway.

The all-new interior configuration includes three guest suites on the ground level: Greenhouse, Meadow and Woodland, in addition to the Wellspring Spa. Two additional guest rooms—Sealoft and Hayloft, are on the upper level.

In 1980, Warren Hastings sold this beautiful property to Shan and Donald Cross of Calgary, Alberta. Although it had always been just a small residential farm, it was the new owners’ wish to transform it into an elegant, unique, and tranquil country hotel which they opened in 1981, with ten guest suites and seating for 30 in the dining room.

The existing buildings were all so charming and complementary to each other that restorations and renovation seemed the correct course for development, rather than embarking on new construction.

In 1995, the current owners, Bonny O’Connor and Jerry Parks, who were already frequent guests, purchased the property from the Crosses. In 1999, they built the 7 Hillside Suites overlooking Ganges Harbour.

In 2000, the Verandah was built over an outdoor patio to increase dining capacity and provide an area for weddings and other gatherings. After being further renovated in 2018, the Verandah has become our most popular dining room.

The former manager’s residence, Churchill Cottage, was completely refurbished in year 2000, as a three bedroom guest cottage overlooking the hotel grounds, bringing the total number of guest accommodations to eighteen.

Churchill Cottage
This spacious and charming home features 3 bedrooms with a full kitchen and a private deck with patio furniture. It’s located just a short 2-minute walk, via the path through our gardens, to the rest of the hotel and dining rooms.

Providing privacy and seclusion, it overlooks the property and the 3 bedrooms include 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed, and 1 Twin Bed, plus a Queen size pullout sofa bed, in the living room.

There are 2 flat screen TV’s, one in the King Bedroom and one in the ample living room, adjacent to the dining room. It is perfect for families, groups, or longer visits to Salt Spring Island.

Included with your room: Fresh muffins delivered each morning, an in-room bouquet of fresh cut flowers from our gardens, a full, made-to-order hot breakfast, daily stayover service, and complimentary shuttle service upon arrival and departure.

Somerset Signature Hillside Suite
Somerset is one of our three Signature Suites and is part of our ocean front Hillside group. It features a private balcony and one of our best views of the Harbour and islands.

Among it’s distinctive qualities, this spacious signature suite features a large air-conditioned living with a three-seater sofa bed and two armchairs, and a dining / boardroom table with fir and slate gas fireplace. A large bedroom with a King Bed opens to the living room through French doors and is furnished with an armoire.

The oversized bathroom boasts a soaking tub for two, heated slate floors, heated towel bar, a walk-in shower, double sinks, and is accessible from both the suite entryway and the bedroom. Somerset is often the choice for small receptions and meetings, or as an elegant hospitality suite.

Included with your room: Fresh muffins delivered each morning, an in-room bouquet of fresh cut flowers from our gardens, a full, made-to-order hot breakfast, daily stayover service, and complimentary shuttle service upon arrival and departure.

Post Premier Cottage
The Post Cottage was so-named because it was the original Hudson’s Bay Trading Post on Salt Spring Island. It was moved from its original location where the Manor now stands, to a quiet area in the gardens, under a large heritage pear tree.

This very charming garden cottage is a favourite for honeymooners and others who enjoy the quiet and privacy it affords. French doors open to spacious lawns and an ocean view. The charming interior features a sitting room with gas stove, deep soaking tub, and a king size bed.

Sussex Deluxe Hillside Suite
Our spacious Deluxe Suites enjoy sea views from a private balcony. Every Deluxe Suite offers the comforts of a living room with propane fireplace; a king size bed; a large soaking tub and separate shower with heated floors; heated towel rack; and air conditioning for warm summer nights.

Woodland Standard Suite
Woodland is a spacious ground-level king bed sitting room which opens to a deck overlooking a grassy meadow and is warmed by an open fireplace.

Dining
Manor Dining is open! We look forward to a wonderful season of sharing our gourmet cuisine and stunning views! Characterized by the distinctive charm of its heritage architecture, Manor Dining provides a superb culinary experience and an impressive wine list.

Led by Swiss Executive Chef, Marcel Kauer, our gifted team never fails to delight the palate while also providing a feast for the eyes with their exquisite presentations.

Featuring a relaxed ambience with inspiring views over Ganges Harbour, Manor Dining offers a selection of tasteful dishes influenced by the freshest ingredients from our onsite gardens and local farmers.

Our à la carte menu is available seven days a week with the option to experience the atmosphere of either our classic heritage dining rooms, our oceanside terrace, or our light-filled verandah. On Saturday evenings, celebrate the flavours of South Asia with our special masala curry entrée, served with mango and lime pickles and papadams.

Each Sunday we offer our traditional Prime Rib dinner with Yorkshire pudding as a main course special order. This is a wonderful way to enjoy a Sunday dinner with the whole family.

Enjoy the Fireside Social of appetizers and drinks (at exceptional social-hour prices), including our new hand-crafted cocktails, between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.

Seatings for dinner are available between 5:30 and 8:00 pm, and reservations are required. Please contact our Reception should you wish to dine outside of these hours, we will be happy to make any accommodations we can.

Farm-To-Table Gardens
Our restaurant features the freshest cuisine with produce from our own abundant gardens. Vegetables, flowers, fruits, and herbs are often harvested just a few hours before cooking. We are proud that everything we grow onsite is non-GMO and free of any chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Wellspring Spa
The old-world charm of our 18 distinctive guestrooms, suites, & cottages are perfectly complemented by the relaxing treatments provided by our expert therapists at Wellspring Spa.

In the cedar-clad barn, nestled among the lovingly nurtured gardens of our enchanting country estate, we welcome you to experience relaxing and healthful spa offerings that include a variety of massages, facials & body treatments.

Purifying Salt Glow
Enjoy purification from head to toe. This luxurious body scrub treatment helps remove impurities and stimulates the immune system. After the scrub, there is a relaxing 10-minute steam treatment to open the pores and permit the skin to absorb the natural minerals and oils.

Facial Treatments at Wellspring Spa
Enhance your stay on our country estate by enjoying one of the soothing and restorative facials at Hastings House’s Wellspring Spa. All facials include a personal consultation to ensure you receive the optimal treatment for your skin type and also incorporate a hand, neck, and foot massage.

Weddings and Elopements
Relax and celebrate in luxury in the country. An enchanting property with ocean views and old-world charm, Hastings House is the perfect venue for your ceremony and reception, with beautiful accommodations and rejuvenating activities for you and your guests.

Let our Events team help you create your dream wedding. Whether an elopement, an intimate gathering, or a grand celebration we will assist you in designing your custom wedding package.

Corporate Meetings and Retreats
Whether you are organizing an executive board meeting for ten or a corporate retreat for 40, let us host your event at Hastings House. Foster creativity and inspire your team at our heritage estate of 22 oceanfront acres with spacious accommodations, renowned dining, and breakaway meeting venue options.

Conveniently located near Ganges on Salt Spring Island, Hastings House is only a 20-minute seaplane flight from Vancouver or a 35-minute ferry sailing from Swartz Bay.

Sustainability
Inspired by the property’s long history as a working farm, environmentally friendly activities are second-nature to the unique character of Hastings House and a fundamental aspect of its spirit of place.

As such, we are committed to operating as sustainably as possible. Everything we do, from food production to gift items to the details in our guest rooms, is approached with responsible practices in mind.

Explore Salt Spring Island, B.C.
Salt Spring Island is located in the Strait of Georgia between mainland British Columbia, Canada and Vancouver Island. It is the largest, most populous, and most frequently visited of the Southern Gulf Islands.

With a resident population of approximately 11,000 people, the island has grown to be somewhat of an artists’ colony and many fine artists of various disciplines, many of whom have gained significant international reputations, have made their homes on Salt Spring.

Art gallery tours and visits to the local wineries are very popular among visitors, as are visits to various other artisans, organic farms, and the fine, local goat cheese company.

The open-air Saturday market at Centennial Park is ever-growing and always enjoyable, attracting visitors by the thousands who come to purchase fresh organic produce, local works of art, natural cosmetics, or just enjoy an al fresco meal in the park from a wide variety of vendors.

There is an abundance of natural beauty throughout the island with breath-taking panoramas from many vantage points. Ruckle Park and Mount Maxwell are among the many favourite walking, trekking, and cycling destinations.

Hastings House and the Route du Bonheur
Indulge in a Relais & Châteaux trip of a lifetime, venturing throughout breathtaking Western Canada via the Route du Bonheur, the Road to Happiness.

The expression, “Route du Bonheur,” captures the joy of travelling through the French countryside, visiting the many “relais” (lodges) and châteaux (castles) along the way.

Since its inception, La Route du Bonheur has been one of the foundations of Relais & Châteaux. Now, Relais & Châteaux has created its own Western Canadian version of this journey, which includes their spectacular luxury resorts nestled in some of the most scenic areas in Canada.

From British Columbia’s breathtaking ocean and mountain landscapes to Alberta’s crisp emerald lakes and rugged Rockies, Relais & Châteaux creates a unique adventure, combined with culinary delights, extraordinary hospitality and one-of-a-kind accommodations that you will never forget.

The Western Canadian Route du Bonheur begins at the stunning Sonora Resort, a captivating playground full of adventure, where luxury and pristine wilderness are in perfect balance.

The route then leads guests to Hastings House, where beauty, grace, and enchantment are found in an idyllic country resort located on 22 acres of verdant, ocean-front property amid the natural beauty of Salt Spring Island.

Hastings House is a quintessential Relais & Châteaux hotel featuring extensive flower and vegetable gardens that supply their renowned restaurant with the freshest produce, all grown without any chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides.

Down the road is some exciting storm watching at the renowned Wickaninnish Inn, in Tofino. Neighbouring Clayquot Sound offers an intimate glamping experience at the Clayquot Wilderness Resort.

After all the wilderness adventures, guests are invited to the heart of the city to lavish in luxury at the captivating Wedgwood Hotel and Spa in downtown Vancouver.

The end of the road takes guests to a classic, alpine getaway at the incredible Post Hotel, surrounded by the stunning Canadian Rockies. Where will the road take you?

THINGS TO DO ON SALT SPRING ISLAND
Salt Spring Island has something for everyone – from families with kids of all ages, friends travelling here for a get-away to couples looking for romance or a relaxing time away from it all!

Arts and culture abounds, land and sea offer immersion in nature, food and culinary excellence, shops and boutiques worth the trip alone, and wellness and spiritual rejuvenation – your adventure starts here!

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE + RECREATION
With a calm temperate climate and an abundance of protected BC Parks, Conservancy Land, CRD Regional Parks, Salt Spring Island will have you adventuring in every season.

Hike along the oceanside, through lush rain forests or arbutus groves, up mountains for views over neighbouring islands, through farmland, and along forest trails.

Get out on the ocean with a local fishing charter, kayak adventure, whale watching and nature excursion or switch it up and hop on a stand up paddle board or take a dip in one of Salt Spring’s 7 fresh water lakes or grab your clubs and head to our beautiful 9 hole golf course of gently rolling fairways, water features and old growth forest. Once you get a taste of Salt Spring’s outdoors, you may never want to leave.

PADDLE BOARDING + KAYAKING
Salt Spring Island, as part of the Southern Gulf Islands, is a world class kayaking destination. The waters and islands surrounding Salt Spring are teeming with wildlife, are relatively sheltered with calm waters and receive the best weather on the coast with almost year-round kayaking and paddle boarding potential.

Salt Spring also boasts 7 fresh water lakes which are perfect for an afternoon of paddle boarding.

HIKING ON SALT SPRING
Salt Spring is a jewel of natural beauty and deservedly famous for its remarkable environment featuring mystical rainforest, sandstone shores and a great diversity of species of plant and animals. The unique rainshadow rainforest is home to both rare species and many common mammals and amphibians.

Hiking Salt Spring is made all the more spectacular due to the vast sparsely uninhabited areas that include amazing intertidal zones, freshwater lakes and the highest mountains of the Southern Gulf Islands.

The 130 km of shoreline offers many public ocean accesses suitable for different purposes. From viewpoints to beach areas, to the perfect kayak and small vessel launching point. Ocean swimming is popular in many spots around the perimeter with lake swimming favourites throughout the island.

Channel Ridge Properties in the north offer several hundred acres of a publicly accessible trail system, while Ruckle Park in the South has both an extensive trail system and some of the most spectacular oceanside camping in the region.

Mount Maxwell Provincial Park lies in the center of the patchwork of provincial, regional and local lands and is a great spot to hike and picnic.

WHALE WATCHING
Salt Spring Island, located in the Southern Gulf Islands, is ideal to make as your home base for Whale Watching. The Gulf Islands are home to BC’s resident orca population and is a common corridor where the transient orcas pass through while feeding.

 

Website: www.hastinghouse.com

Rooms: 18

Price: from 200 EUR per night