Love, Retro-Style: Rediscover Romance @ Hotel Zed’s Love Nest (Win!)

As renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert Esther Perel says, “The quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life.” Intimacy and connection don’t just happen—we have to prioritize them. So, prioritize them—with a satisfying weekend away in B.C.’s capital.

A Stay at the Love Nest, by Hotel Zed

It would be simple-minded to write off Hotel Zed Victoria’s retro basement suite as something out of a 70s adult film. Yes, there are framed issues of Playboy and Honcho on the walls, mirrors on the ceiling, and shades of ruby red throughout, but at the heart of this escape is a clear and heartfelt objective to create connection. Simply put: it’s fun. During a two-night stay at the Love Nest my husband and I found fun in every corner, from playful spins on the dancing pole, to looking up how exactly one uses a Tantric chaise, to old Prince records, our minds swirled with possibilities we never would have discovered in our own bedroom. 

We were also mightily impressed by the level of intricate design details: the bed built to a specific height; grab bars anchored over the headboard and in the marbled wet room; an extra-wide tub ledge and mirrored ceiling; reinforced surfaces (bathroom counter, for one); and so on. The space comes alive with sensory texture, every light dimmable to an exacting ambiance, creating a sense of safety tucked away from the world. Those 70s swingers were onto something. 

In fact, odes to swinger culture are peppered throughout the room. Pineapple-shaped lights over the playpen-style couch and bed nod to upside-down pineapples being used as a signal of openess by swinging couples. Over the bar, a small orb pays homage to key parties. A Tantric motif offers some inspiration for the chaise nearby. Also on the bar: a small menu featuring an clear walk-through of consent and a QR code guide to the room’s many features, including a kit of intimate necessities for purchase. Not to be overlooked, a sex swing waits in the drawer at the foot of the bed (anchor points are throughout the room)—even *ahem* first timers would rate it a 10/10. 

Private Sex-Positive Coaching Sessions

Love Nest guests looking for guidance in their sexual journey can book private coaching sessions, online or in-person, with Maxine Fischer, a certified somatic sex and intimacy coach (and consultant on the design of the suite itself). While she offers guided sessions tailored for the Love Nest exploring desire, kinks, and erotic play, Fischer also offers an immersive three-session journey to explore a wider arc of connection, play, and post-experience with your stay. 

Intuitive and calm, she immediately puts us at ease as we talk about where we are in our partnership and sexual connection. At one point, laying in the play pen (clothed) front-to-front, we breathe deeply into our heart, belly, and pelvis, “toning” each area with different Oooos and Ahhhs while breathing in sync. The safety of feeling held and slowing down brings us into a parasympathetic state, and into discussion on what it means to use our voices and be heard in a sexual space. We end our session with new tools to engage in a different mode of sex entirely.

A Light, Candlelit Dinner

Dinner dates being one of the most classic ways to connect, we headed to Be Love, a plant-based mainstay in the capital. Candlelight flickering between us at a tucked-aside table, we set our sights on nourishment and good banter between courses. While the menu changes with the seasons, the tail end of summer serves us an array of options, including tempeh tacos and hearty bowls brimming with vegetables, grains, and spices. Everything Be Love creates is meant to bring diners into a state of clarity and lightness of spirit. The entire menu is free of wheat, gluten, dairy, and processed sugars (keeping it light). 

A Nightcap—Sans Alcohol

An intention of staying present on an intimate weekend might mean skipping the typical drinks and instead zipping over to Fizz Bottle Shop on Johnson Street for some alcohol-removed wine, remarkable sparkling teas, or even a mood-enhancing functional spirit to take back to the room. Owned by an interior designer and a food and beverage expert, Fizz knows exactly how to take alcohol out of the experience without losing the spark. With an in-shop tasting menu available (try the Licorice Sour), one sip is all you need to confirm you’re not missing out.

A Few Laps Around a Decktop Spa

Nordic spa culture is certainly relishing its spotlight and HAVN Saunas is the most sought-after in Victoria to hit hot-cold-rest laps, thanks to its unique design and location. Built upon a 1943 marine barge, HAVN is a multi-level hydrotherapy circuit with three different saunas, cold showers and pool, hot tubs (plus an ambient tub at lower temperature), salt room, relaxation spaces, and garden patio. From a universal change room to peekaboo views out of the saunas, the satisfaction of a three-hour visit comes from appreciating the small moments, thoughtful details, and resilience of getting through those cold dunks—together.

A Big Refuelling Breakfast

“I’m ravenous after a night of love-making!” declared Dwight K. Schrute on The Office. Visitors finding themselves in Dwight’s shoes need only walk a few paces from the Love Nest suite to The Ruby, a bustling breakfast spot right off of Hotel Zed’s throwback lobby. Go early—this place is very popular. From stacks of waffles and nine types of bennies to tacos, hashes, and avocado toast, it isn’t hard to understand why. Thankfully, a second location on Johnson is available to accommodate any guests who might’ve “overslept.” —Kim Bastian

Win! A Sexy Stay in Hotel Zed’s The Love Nest!

Congrats Jessica S. of Richmond, BC, who will receive a one-night stay in The Love Nest at Hotel Zed in Victoria, BC. Blackout dates apply during July, August, and all long weekends. The winner must book their stay within 14 months. This allows for 12 usable months, once blackout dates are taken into account. Total value of the giveaway: $459 (excluding taxes)! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.