Tofino Hummingbird Cottage: Across from Chesterman Beach -"Serenity by the Sea"

When Vivienne O’Keeffe first set foot in Tofino, she knew she had come to a rare location in the world – a place alive with healing energy set in the wild, magical beauty of the Pacific. Surrounded by ancient forests and guardian mountains, the magnetic power of this village on Vancouver Island’s western edge attracts those seeking renewal of body, mind and spirit. As a wellness consultant who specializes in curating guest experiences, Vivienne is attuned to places that are elixirs of the soul. Originally from Ireland, she grew up attuned to sacred sites, and lyrical landscapes. In Tofino, the healing energy is compelling: Vivienne felt called to share it with people seeking renewal: urban dwellers craving respite or those needing a sabbatical from their daily lives. She wanted to give visitors the experience of coming home – to themselves – in a space conducive to relaxing, self-directed retreats, or wellness sabbaticals. In her work, Vivienne had witnessed the toll of chronic busyness and stress on people’s mental and physical wellbeing. Vivienne bought a property just a breath away from the sandy, wild expanse of iconic Chesterman Beach and built Tofino Hummingbird Cottage, a retreat of extraordinary beauty, tranquility and sustainability - not as a typical vacation rental, rather as an intentional space where the preciousness of life and nature can be rediscovered. A time set apart to hear the whispers of your next step, acknowledging gratitude for where you are at, without being surrounded by the busyness of your normal everyday demands. Hummingbirds are often drawn to places of such tranquility. Two of them came to Vivienne one evening while she was meditating at the property. “The joy and surprise of hummingbirds gave conception to the cottage,” she says. “The vision took flight and I was given the gift of courage and confidence to set about the process of building a sanctuary from scratch.”

For years I went to Tofino on holidays. Loved the vibe. When the property came up for sale, I knew instantly it would be an ideal location for my idea of a self directed retreat. It took me years before I was ready to create one of Tofino’s most unique, intentionally created cottages, custom-designed for rest and reflection and restful escapes. It is my intention for Guests to experience the serenity of the sea, sleep deeply to the rhythm of the tides, soothe away stress and rediscover yourself. A minute’s stroll from the sandy, wild expanse of Chesterman Beach ideal for long reflective walks.

Tofino Hummingbird Cottage visitors experience deep, peaceful slumbers in ultra-comfortable beds with organic pillows and silk-blend hypoallergenic duvets. Each bedroom features black-out draperies to keep the rooms dark, signaling our body’s internal clock that it’s time to switch off and rest. For those on working sabbatical, one bedroom features a desk setup which can easily work as an office. The cottage also features excellent WIFI. Every detail has been considered, from eco-LED lights to Bose wireless speakers with crystal clear sound as well as a special air ventilation system to ensure the healthiest circulation of revitalizing, fresh, clean air. The tasteful interior features modern crystal chandeliers and captivating photographs of birds by Island photographer Glenn Bartley, and a nature-scape by well-known island artist Linda Heslop.