What it is

An all-suite resort in Canada’s lone mountain desert, with riding stables, vineyards, golf and a 6-room spa.

What it isn't

No dogs allowed. The untrammeled wild spaces here are perfect for strolls with Buddy; the resort even has its own fenced dog park and (here’s something both Great Danes and Chihuahua’s can agree on) a no-cat policy.

What we think

When your resort is tucked in a setting like this one—high in the Okanagan Mountains, tucked in the greater Cascade Range—tailoring it to health and wellness comes with the territory. And because the property sits on the sacred lands of the Osoyoos Indian Band, indigenous culture is its muse: you’ll notice bison served with foraged spruce roast and nettles on the menu at one of the on-site restaurants, The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry; spa treatments include a Desert Sacred Mud Wrap (say “aaah.”). The indigenous feel extends to the 226 adobe-style rooms and suites; each and every one of them has a fireplace (and, major boon, a full kitchen). Ask for one with a prime overlook of 4,892-foot-tall Anarchist Mountain—named by an early, burly homesteader—and glimmering Osoyoos Lake below.

You're here because

You like to support indigenous cultures whenever you can, and if golfing the 9-hole Sonora Dunes Golf Course does it, that’s the definition of a win-win.

The Moment

As the sun settles down for the night behind the Okanogan Mountains in the distance, you can think of no better place to toast it (with a local riesling, natch) than the terrace at The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry, named for the food chiefs of this region’s Syilx People. You literally salivate when your waiter brings your sage-wrapped venison with duck fat potato tostones, as if on cue.

Restaurants & Bars

- Mica Restaurant - Indoor and outdoor space serving small plates and inventive pizzas

- The Patio at Nk’Mip Cellars - Seasonal outpost for locally sourced fare and fine wines

- Spirit Beach Cantina - Lively space featuring Mexican food, cocktails and music

- Spirit Ridge Market - Cafe-style market with on-the-go items

Location

In vineyard-decked Canadian wine country, a five hour drive from Seattle. The resort sits next to 50-acre Nk’Mip Desert & Heritage Centre, where you can learn local Sen’klip (Coyote) legends and rappel down the 65-foot-cliff face of Chief’s Lookout.