As published in the April 2025 Issue 30 of Planet Golf Review Magazine.
When the Mailman family acquired the Sequoia Springs golf course in Campbell River in 2017, daughter Amanda, a fourth-generation Vancouver Islander, had a vision for the property that exceeded expectations. She realized her dream in May 2024 with the grand opening of the Naturally Pacific Resort.
First impressions count and as I scan the lobby, I absorb all the details that individually are interesting but together make a statement. The décor is contemporary, but the elements of land, sea and sky are evident. The soft blues and greens of the textured cloth walls harmonize perfectly with the earth-toned furnishings, creating a tranquil, welcoming and elegant feel.
ROOMS
Naturally Pacific Resort rooms and views
The resort has 100 suites and rooms, including 12 pet-friendly ones, with private balconies and spectacular views of the mountains, golf course or the distant ocean. Upon entering my room on the 6th floor, I’m struck by the sensation of spaciousness.
Sunlight streams through the floor-to-ceiling doors framed with BC timber, bathing the 450-square-foot living space in a soft glow. There’s a large desk to spread out for work but relaxing in the intimate sitting while recounting the day’s adventures sounds more appealing. I ask myself why it feels so calming, and then I realize all the furnishings are curved, bringing that coastal feeling to every corner of the room.
The pillow-topped bed promises to deliver a deep, restorative sleep, but the bathroom design broadens my smile. Too often, designers put aesthetics before functionality, but whoever put this layout together accomplished both. The black fittings and warm wood trim make the tiles sparkle, and there’s a rain shower and a full countertop! I know it is small issue, but I need to lay out more things beside the sink than my toothbrush when I travel.
Stepping out on the balcony, I imagine relaxing here with a cup of Nespresso as the sun rises over the distant peaks of Strathcona Park and Discovery Passage. I have a birds-eye view of the gardens and the immaculately manicured lush green fairway on the 1st-hole and debate – should I go for a stroll or a swim in the glass-enclosed indoor heated pool or pour myself a glass of wine and drink in the view. I opt for the latter.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The Carve Kitchen + Meatery at the Naturally Pacific Resort
Our evening begins with a signature cocktail at the horseshoe-shaped bar adjacent to The Carve Kitchen + Meatery, where we’ll be dining tonight. I marvel at the dexterity of the in-house mixologist who tirelessly stirs up dreamy concoctions. The wine list is extensive, featuring many hard-to-find British Columbian varieties. There is also an ample selection of locally brewed beers and ciders, and if you are looking for something more spirited, I’d recommend the 12-year-old single malt from Shelter Point Distillery.
As we settle at our table, I look forward to seeing what Executive Chef Ryan Watson has dreamed up for tonight’s unique offerings. As a home cook, I know what difference quality ingredients make, and I’m glad the Kitchen Team feels the same way. Almost all meats, seafood and produce are sourced from local vendors and supplemented by the herbs and vegetables grown in the property’s onsite 10,000-square-foot garden. Naturally Pacific even has a small apiary where they harvest liquid gold – honey – the secret ingredient that factors into many of their salad dressings and signature cocktails.
SPA AND WELLNESS
Naturally Pacific Resort Spa & Wellness
I’ve come to Campbell River to take advantage of the abundance of nature and regenerate and rejuvenate, which entails hiking, viewing wildlife and spending plenty of time on the water. I’m on a high after returning from my Grizzly Bear sighting, but my body is telling me, in a not-so-subtle way, that I need to do something about my aching muscles and rehydrate my skin. It doesn’t take much convincing, and minutes later, I head to the Immersive Spa + Wellness centre for some well-earned pampering.
Crystal chandeliers, Italian marble and subdued lighting create an ambience as luxurious as the spa’s facial treatments and massages. Still, I forgo these amenities and head directly to the Italian Showers, where I can choreograph my experience.
I’m fascinated by this new technology that allows me to combine chromotherapy, aqua therapy, sound therapy, and aromatherapy to match my mood. I play with all the dials until my senses are dancing, but as fun as this is, slipping into the mineral bath for a long, leisurely soak is pure bliss. By the time I towel off and make my way upstairs, I’m so sleepy all I can do is tumble into my big, comfy, king-sized bed before my eyelids close, and I descend into a dreamless sleep.
ACTIVITIES
“Golf Fore Everyone” is the Naturally Pacific’s slogan. With this in mind, Amanda brought in renowned Canadian Architect Graham Cooke to redesign the entire course from tee-to- green. There is an indoor swimming pool and outdoor hot tubs, gym, bear watching, whale watching and helicopter tours, fishing, mountain biking trails and skiing, all within striking distance of the resort.
Naturally Pacific offers Stay & Play packages and supports the larger community by partnering with local businesses like Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours to develop adventure packages.
CONCLUSION
Amanda Mailman and her team have succeeded, where others have failed. They’ve brought the outdoors indoors with imagination and determination, creating an eco-haven built on world-class sustainability practices and service excellence.
When I return to North Vancouver Island’s shores, I look forward to staying at my new favourite home-away-from-home, the Naturally Pacific Resort.
To read the entire Issue 30 of Planet Golf Review click here.
