“Wheels up in three hours, love!”
That’s what I told Peter this morning, his eyes still glued to his screen with work, and a look of utter bewilderment on his face. He just blinked, slowly, trying to compute my words against the backdrop of our usual Tuesday morning hustle. Peter, my incredible Peter, who works tirelessly, shoulders so much, and always, always puts everyone else first. He’s the rock, the steady hand, the quiet hero in our daily lives. Lately, I’ve watched him burn the candle at both ends, and a quiet whisper started in my heart: he needs a break. He needs to feel cherished, to truly unwind.
And so, the idea for a spontaneous escape to Sun Peaks was born. A secret mission to sweep him off his feet and show him just how deeply appreciated he is.

Our Grand Welcome
Fast forward a few blissful hours, and here we are, pulling up to the magnificent Sun Peaks Grand Hotel. The mountain air immediately felt different – crisp, clean, like a breath of fresh possibility. The hotel itself, with its warm, welcoming facade, felt like a comforting embrace after our whirlwind journey.
Inside, the lobby hummed with a gentle energy, a mix of rustic charm and understated elegance that instantly put us at ease. Our room, oh, our room! It was more than just a place to stay; it was a sanctuary. Spacious and thoughtfully designed, with a king-sized bed that practically whispered our names, it felt like our own private mountain haven. We kicked off our shoes, a quiet sigh escaping Peter as he sank into the plush armchair, a rare moment of stillness for him. Seeing his shoulders finally drop, even just a little, was the first reward of this little adventure.

The beauty of the Sun Peaks Grand, beyond its undeniable comfort, is its seamless connection to the village. We wandered hand-in-hand, just taking it all in, the vibrant energy of the pedestrian streets a delightful contrast to the quietude of our room. Later, we found ourselves in the outdoor hot tubs, the steam rising around us as the cool mountain air kissed our faces. Leaning back, Peter’s hand finding mine under the water, we simply watched the last rays of sunlight paint the peaks in hues of orange and pink. It was in that moment, soaking away the stresses of the world, that I saw a truly relaxed smile spread across his face – the kind that reaches his eyes.
Dinner at Mantles Restaurant & Lounge was a feast, not just for the taste buds, but for the soul. We lingered over every course, talking, laughing, reminiscing, and dreaming. No deadlines, no demands, just us. And this morning, we grabbed coffees from the hotel’s café, just strolling, breathing, existing in the moment.

This trip wasn’t about grand gestures or elaborate plans. It was about stealing moments, about reminding Peter that his tireless efforts don’t go unnoticed, and that he deserves to be cared for, too. The Sun Peaks Grand has been the perfect backdrop for this simple, profound message. Its comfort, its beauty, its sense of quiet luxury – it all contributes to an atmosphere where slowing down and reconnecting feels natural, effortless.
Watching him unwind, truly unwind, has been the greatest gift of all. This spontaneous escape, conjured from a whisper of an idea and a desire to say “thank you” in the most heartfelt way, is proving to be everything I hoped for and more. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that begin with a whisper, and end with two hearts, deeply content, wrapped in the magic of a mountain escape.

I sincerely hope this little story inspires you to take the time, however big or small, to let the special people in your life know how much they are loved and cherished. Life really is too short not to tell them.
-Joy