Surround yourself with Kootenay brilliance

The owners of Windborne B&B know what Kootenay residents want—recreation, relaxation and a whole lot of creativity

1 of 2The Windborne B&B has a welcoming atmosphere. — Photo courtesy Windborne Bed & Breakfast

2 of 2Mirja Vahala and Marc Conacher have built a true Kootenay sanctuary. — Photo courtesy Windborne Bed & Breakfast

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Marc Conacher and Mirja Vahala have created a sanctuary from the daily stresses of life. The Windborne B&B combines two companies to make one pleasant retreat for Kootenay residents and visitors.

“(It) is actually two-fold,” said Vahala. “We house a B&B plus a 1,000-square-foot art studio (Inspiring Minds Fine Art). Marc is in charge of the B&B and I teach and paint.”

The business opened in June of 2008, and from the beginning it was built with comfort and creativity in mind. It boasts three elegant guest rooms with private balconies, private bathrooms, air-jet showers and a two-person chromatherapy air-jet tub. There is also a shared covered patio, 60 metres of nearby beach area with firepit seating, hiking trails and art retreats. Surrounded by the Selkirk and Monashee mountains, it is both adult-oriented and pet-friendly, making it an all-round convenient and enjoyable place to stay.

“(We are) situated in Robson, near the cities of Castlegar, Rossland and Nelson,” said Vahala, “fronted by the Columbia River and minutes from Arrow Lake near two world-class ski hills, three championship golf courses and endless recreational activities.”

The company has been showcased on the Castlegar community video that was running during the 2010 Olympics, where viewers could see Mirja painting and Marc waterskiing.

Vahala and Conacher overcame the challenge of building the facility, and have since won the Chamber Tourism & Hospitality Excellence Award in 2010—an accomplishment that they take understandable pride in as they continue to offer their warm hospitality and skill to Kootenay communities.