Shawna and Rex Vollema opened Tawatinaw Valley Retreat Bed & Breakfast in January of this year so they could share this beautiful location with others.
The property takes full advantage of nature’s beauty. Loons coo on the lake and frolic beside your kayak. Easy trails allow for leisurely hikes. A fire pit on the sprawling 36 acres allows you to relax at night with your family and friends. The year-round bed & breakfast is located within driving distance of Athabasca; the local ski hill; and trailheads for cross country skiing, walking and biking. This is, indeed, paradise.
And that’s just the outside!
Inside the bed & breakfast serenity awaits. Queen sized beds, a shared bathroom and living area, a movie selection and television, pool table, basic kitchen facilities and views that can’t be beat are ready for guests. A continental breakfast is included on weekdays with an option for a full hot breakfast on weekends and holidays. Additional meals may be arranged for a cost.
Tawatinaw Valley Retreat Bed & Breakfast also features day and weekend retreats that are perfect for a ladies or gentlemen’s outing, a bridal party getaway, family downtime or corporate event. Choose among (pending AHS restrictions) painting, photography, bird watching, yoga and more.
“Our personalized service and our flexibility in accommodating groups, couples, or individuals sets us apart,” say the Vollemas. Every guest is different and we try to customize their experience.”
Shawna's love of cooking, baking and entertaining adds to that personalized experience.
Being a new bed & breakfast in the area means people are still learning about what they have to offer. The Vollemas, who laugh that they are also “new to social media” are embracing the challenge. This well kept secret won’t be hidden for long, so booking ahead – and early – is a must.
“We love to see guests enjoying our property and availing themselves of all of the amenities, especially in these times when there are limited recreational opportunities,” say the Vollemas. They are following recommended guidelines to ensure a safe guest experience.
The couple is in the process of adopting a portion of Highway 2; it’s not just their property they want guests to enjoy but the whole, beautiful region. “Last year during the shut down we had our grandsons out picking up garbage with us in the ditches and will be continuing this as we feel strongly about doing our part to keep our environment clean.”
The Vollemas say thank you to Westlock and Athabasca’s business community that supports and promotes accommodations in the area, and they also say a big thank you to the volunteers at Tawatinaw Valley Ski Hill. The ski hill is a destination for their guests, and it is thanks to a volunteer board that the hill remains in operation.
“We think they're doing a fantastic job and are so happy that they provide a great recreation area and gathering place for the community. We volunteer there whenever we can,” the couple adds.
The Vollemas conclude, “We look forward to when restrictions relax and we can host crafting and other retreats again.”
When you need to relax and get away from the everyday, you’ll find the experience you need at Tawatinaw Valley Retreat Bed & Breakfast. Visit this private oasis and stay tuned to their website and Facebook page for updates as to what is on offer as restrictions ease.
