Whistler is well-known as the number one, biggest ski resort in North America. But not everyone who decides to visit Whistler skis or rides, or is even interested in hitting the slopes. Sacrilege to us skiers, I know. Whistler's success as a resort destination goes far beyond its acres of skiable terrain and vertical drop. Whistler Village offers much in the way of luxe amenities, activities, food, ambiance and atmosphere. Whistler is a superb destination for a romantic getaway for couples…like a surprise anniversary celebration. (Hint, hint!)

Snowy day in the Village (Photo by Mike Crane, Tourism Whistler)

Romantic Hotels

Whistler has more than its fair share of four- and five-star hotel properties, as well as a myriad of condo and house rentals to choose from. You can easily get away from it all by checking hotel availability and booking through Tourism Whistler's centralized on-line reservation system.

One of my family's favorite places to relax when visiting the resort is the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Hotel. This European-style hotel is a quiet, four-star retreat that caters to couples just as much as to families. It is also a consistent winner of Trip Advisor's Travellers' Choice award.

The hotel suites are generously sized and include a full kitchen facility for breakfasts, snacks or other meals. There's ample storage in the rooms plus space to relax on the comfy sofas and beds, and staff are uniformly polite and helpful. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, and includes a ski valet service as well as lockers for equipment at its sister property, Pan Pacific Mountainside, just steps away from the mountain gondolas.

The Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre has the distinction of being the only hotel in the Village that includes a full hot breakfast for all guests from 7-10 a.m. daily. It's a luxury worth experiencing, and no real couples getaway should include cooking, in my opinion.

The Pan Pacific breakfast is served buffet style, and features toast, cold and hot cereals, fresh fruits, egg and meat dishes, pancakes and French toast—all accompanied by our new favorite condiment, maple syrup whipped cream. It's a fabulous set up for a busy day on the slopes or shopping in the Village.

The hotel also features a gym facility, sauna, and an outdoor heated pool and two hot tubs, with gorgeous views on to both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The in-house Whistler Day Spa offers the usual relaxing spa service menu, as well as complimentary access to the pool and sauna facilities.

Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre's one-bedroom suite

Whistler Village

When you're not on the slopes or relaxing in the room, there's much shopping to be done. The heart of Whistler lies its pedestrian-only Village, where you'll find shopping and restaurants all in close proximity to the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

In addition to many ski and sporting goods stores, the Village hosts a surprising variety of unique boutiques and familiar shops like Lululemon, Pandora, the Body Shop, L'Occitane, and the Gap, all of which may appeal to those who enjoy a little therapy on their holiday.

A short walk from the Village will take you to the beautiful longhouse structure of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. This complex showcases the living history and culture of the local First Nations Squamish and Lil'wat people.

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (Photo by Mike Crane, Tourism Whistler)

Spa Time

What's a couples getaway without some shared spa time? There are a myriad of fabulous spas in Whistler, but there is one in particular that you really need to experience. The Scandinave Spa, just a five-minute drive north of the Village, is one of the most unique and truly relaxing spas you'll ever have the pleasure to enjoy. This spectacular outdoor Scandinavian bath facility overlooking Whistler's forested landscape features intense hydrotherapy for the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

You begin by heating your body in the steam bath, hot bath or Finnish sauna, then progress to a cold plunge, and rest in the warm solarium or by an outdoor fireplace. You can rotate this sequence over a series of hours in an atmosphere of total silence, another unique and surprisingly welcome feature of Scandinave. After a day of intense skiing (or shopping activity), a late afternoon or early evening spa visit will set you up for the perfect night's sleep. (Note: Don't plan a big evening out after visiting Scandinave. You may be too relaxed and sleepy to enjoy it!)

In addition to its Scandinavian baths, the Spa offers Thai yoga and Swedish deep tissue or hot stone massage, including couples massage.

Scandinave Spa, a romantic spot for couples in Whistler

Dining

Whistler's food scene has evolved to include some of the best restaurants in Canada. Award-winning Araxi and the Bearfoot Bistro are among the top fine dining spots in town, perfect for special celebrations and intimate romantic dinners. If you want to fulfill your life dream of sabering a champagne bottle, Bearfoot Bistro can accommodate your wish, with over 20,000 bottles of bub to choose from. (Note: Reserve ahead of time to book a table and a sabre.) Other unique local dining options include the Rim Rock Cafe (in Whistler Creekside), Sachi Sushi, 21 Steps, and the Wildwood Bistro.

Yummy sushi at Sachi Sushi in Whistler Village

Are you ready to book a romantic getaway now? What do you look for in a couples holiday? Share your thoughts below!

A Note from The Curious Travel Mama: I was a guest of Tourism Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb. As always, the views and opinions are honest and my own.

All photos by Claudia Laroye unless otherwise noted.