Smart Box Unique Escapes Giveaway
byAlways on the lookout for one-of-a-kind presents for family and friends, I was delighted when I was approached to conduct this next contest. Just in time for the holiday season, Smart Box has launched a series of packages that aren’t so much about giving gifts as they are about giving experiences.
Smart Box themes include Adventure, Charming, Gourmet, and Serenity. Each include gift cards for various experiences, from dining to ziplining. In order to build some buzz, they have offered up a Unique Escapes box for one of my readers.
The Smart Box includes a guidebook where the recipient can browse Unique Escapes such as Casa Mesa de Roca (Vernon), Acacia Bed and Breakfast (Hope), Island Farmhouse B&B and Health Studio (Salt Spring Island), Myra-Canyon Ranch (Kelowna), Saturna Lodge (Saturna Island), Cedar Song B&B and Cottage (Errington), and more throughout BC, Alberta, Quebec and Ontario.
The gift card in the box covers a one-night stay for two people and breakfast in the morning (see specific listings to check out exactly what is included at each location). Once you have chosen your destination of choice, you can call and book directly through the provider, using your Smart Box gift card when you arrive.
This would be a great holiday item to give to someone who needs a quick getaway as it allows the recipient to select their own destination from the list. If you would like to enter to win this Smart Box, please leave a comment on this post about who you would give this to or where you would go if you were to keep this prize.
I will draw one winner Friday, December 3rd.
Update As I will be offline for the rest of Friday, December 3rd, I will need to do this draw at 10:00am PT.
Update The winner is Carol – have a fantastic time!
178 Comments — Comments Are Closed
I’d love to go to Myra-Canyon Ranch, but I would rather give it to my finance and let her pick. 🙂
I’d love to go to Salt Spring or Saturna. Beautiful!
I would offer it to my best friend. She is an amazing person. She is going through a tough time right now and she could definitely use a little break. She’s done so much for me. I’d love to make her happy and give her the chance to “get away from it all” for a weekend. She deserves it so much!
I’m embarrassed to say I have not yet been to Salt Spring Island, so I’d probaby go there if I kept it. But, might also give it away and surprise someone!
Great concept! I’d give it to my new husband, and I’m thinking this place on Saltspring http://www.smartbox.com/ca/?menu=activity&id=80369 looks perfect!
(oops – Sunshine Coast. I was blinded by the notion of possible warmth on this very cold day!)
This is an awesome idea. I’d probably give it to my boyfriend for him and I to use. Ever since he moved to Nanaimo because of his eye sight loss, it’s hard for us to spend a lot of time together since we both go to school. This would be a great little get-away. I think we’d probably go to Salt Spring or Kelowna, bit I’d let him pick.
The ranch sounds great – I haven’t been riding in so long. But one of the Island escapes would be nice too…so hard to choose!
Smartbox sounds awesome! I’d go to Saturna Lodge!
I’d love to give it to my boyfriend so we could do a getaway to Salt Spring!
i’d love to give my mom a relaxing getaway in Saturna 🙂
I’d definitely go to Saltspring Island. So peaceful there!
I would love to go to Saturna Lodge next spring for a relaxing getaway!
If I won this amazing prize, I’d probably give it to my brother in law and his fiance for Christmas….then again, I might give it to my husband so I’d get to enjoy it too!
I’d love to win this prize for my parents as their anniversary is coming up!!!
this is awesome! been trying to do the experience gift in the family for awhile now: bowling, going up Grouse Mtn, etc so this Smart Box idea would be perfect. it’d be hard to choose who to give it to, though. i guess it’ll have to be my sister, she could really use a getaway right now…then i’ll cross my fingers that she’ll pick me to go w/ her! (^_~)
I would give this to my “vacation-less” friend!! Salt Spring sounds awesome.
I would give this gift to my sister if I won it.
Either the Saltspring or Saturna Island b&bs…perfect for a one-night getaway!
I would give this to my best friend. We would go to Saltspring island as this year, I have convinced her to explore BC.
I’d go somewhere BC that I haven’t been to yet.
I’d love to offer Casa Mesa de Roca as a surprise to my girlfriend. She’d benefit from it twofold: a) she’s a social studies teacher, so it would be awesome for her to experience living like a nomadic Native Canadian, and b) because she desperately needs a breather to re-charge for next semester (even if it’s only one night).
I would love to give this gift to my sister. I went to a talk once held by the ladies of Smart Cookies, and learned how some friends made a deal that for Christmas they’re only going to give each other freebies they’ve earned over the year: mini bottles of booze attached to larger bottles purchased; luxurious shampoo & conditioner from hotel stays; gift cards earned through points, and the list goes on. This would be a fantastic gift — and it’s a (free) contest win 🙂
I’d love to check out Casa Mesa de Roca with my boyfriend! It would be such an amazing experience, and so much like our camping trips, but with style and knowledge about the area!
I would love to give my grandparents a wonderful gift like this! They would probably choose somewhere on one of the Gulf Islands 🙂
I would keep it for myself as I am in need of a getaway! I would love to check out the Island Farmhouse B&B and Health Studio, looking at the pictures it looks like an amazing place 🙂
I’d give it to my parents. They get a chance to go away as often as i think they should. They just had their 30yr wedding anniversary… and i believe the spent it at home.. watching the tv 🙁 if i could afford to i’d send them away myself – but like most people i cant 🙁
I’d love to give this to my Mom and Dad. The love we have for each other has only gotten stronger as they’ve helped me though what’s been an incredibly difficult year for me. I want to give them something but I’m still struggling. This would be an immense help.
Depending on what the prize is is, I’d give it to the best person to fit the gift. I’d like to give this prize to my brother because he’s due for a special treat, like a pkg. for a hotel and skiing, and I’d come along to enjoy.
I can say that I will give it to someone, but many of the destinations are appealing enough that I would end up keeping it for myself!
I’d give this to a dear friend of mine who deserves a trip away.
I would love to go to Salt Spring with my hubby. This is awesome!
This would make a wonderful Christmas present.
I would take my 10 year old daughter to the ranch as a birthday present (can’t wait until Christmas!). I’ve never been to a ranch myself and she’s always wanted to try horse back riding. No better place than a ranch!
I even might spring to take the men in our lives with us too – my husband and our 6 year old monster – eh-hem – I mean 6 year old son.
What a great idea. I would love any of the island locals, as I have yet the opportunity to explore more of BC’s wonderful islands! and a free getway to boot!
If I were to use it, I would take my boyfriend to Saturna Island. Either that, or give it to my parents so they can get away.
I would take my mom to Saturna Island, she definitely needs a break from work!
I would give this gift to my brother in law. He’s worked so hard all his life, hasn’t taken a vacation for 5 years. Works non-stop to support his girlfried through College as an aspiring theatre actress at Studio 58. They’ve been down on their luck for a while, and their car got towed to boot… I’d give them a getaway at Saturna Island. 🙂
Oh my, keep or give? That’s such a tough choice, isn’t it? Maybe it shouldn’t be. It looks like there are no restaurant choices in Vancouver, so I suppose one would make an amazing gift. I think a stay at Saturna Lodge for mom or Ziplining for the lady friend.
I’d gift it to my husband. We’ve been on opposite sides of the country for 5 months, and this would be the perfect romantic getaway: Island Farmhouse B&B and Health Studio (Salt Spring Island)
i would give this to my fiance to choose a place for some relaxing after a busy couple of months with school and a new baby!
I would give this to my boyfriend’s parents because they both have retired not too long ago and are enjoying the time to travel.
I’d probably give this to a relative who’s had rough patches this year and needs cheering up. The list of getaways sound lovely.
I would go as far north as I could in B.C. The farthest north I’ve gone is Kelowna 🙁
Sweet! A getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city!
I would definitely choose the Acacia Bed and Breakfast. Hope is such a cool little town and it’s the perfect distance away!
I would give this to my parents who deserve a nice break!
I would love to keep this for myself and go on a weekend getaway somewhere in bc.
I would choose any of the gourmet trips and get away with a girlfriend to catch up and have fun.
I would give this to my mom because she really needs a break!
I’d go to Hope since I haven’t been there since I was 10!
I would love to give this to my mom and dad for xmas as they never get away. I would encourage them to go to Salt Spring Island as they have never been.
I would take my wife on a trip to Saturna Lodge.
I would give this to my sister and “suggest” she take me to Salt Spring Island….can you believe we have never been there and we have lived in BC for over 30 years.
My gf would really appreciate this since she hasn’t had a vacation in a while.
I’d definitely give this gift to my parents , they need a trip after all their hard work and support !
I would give this to my parents as they never go anywhere.
I’d DEFINITELY go to Island Farmhouse B&B and Health Studio (Salt Spring Island)…I need a break from midterms and papers!!
One of the islands adventures would be ideal, and of course I’d keep it. 😛
Wow! This sounds divine.
I’d give the Cedar Song B&B cottage box to my brother and his fiancee for their engagement present!
Wow such a great idea, but I heard this guys aren’t Canadian. I think Samba Days has a similar product, but they’re entirely Canadian.
I think I’d go to Saltspring, but what a tough decision!
Sounds kind of like the Perfect Gift website, but still a good idea. I give my parents a getaway somewhere away from their crazy kids. 😉
I would love to win this for my husband. He works hard and deserves a mini-vacation where he doesn’t have to pay! Of course, he better take me!!! 😉
I think he’d like to go on an adventure tour such as rafting, ATV’ing or ziplining!!
Thank you for the contest!!
I would love to win this! I’d go to something like the Hemlock Hollow for a nice little retreat!!
Thanks!!
I’d loveeeee to send my parents on this trip. They really deserve some time off together, they have worked so hard over the years, they need a well earned break! They would be thrilled with a trip!
I will sort of keep and sort of give it away… if I won… I’m giving this to my travel buddy- my husband. He can pick a getaway.
I would definitely take my fiance – he deserves a getaway! I’d want to take him to the Myra-Canyon Ranch in Kelowna… love that area!
I’d like to take my boyfriend to the Island Farmhouse B&B and Health Studio on Salt Spring!
I’ve always wanted to visit Salt Spring…Island Farm House B&B sounds like a great experience waiting to be be experienced!
Would be fav for a mom/daughter trip! Smart Box is a great concept
Who would say no to travel?
Pretty cool idea
I’d love to go to Saltspring Island. Never been there and heard it’s beautiful. And I’d give it to my fiancee so he can take me there with me!
WOW could I ever use a break,but it’s the holiday season and it always feels better to give than receive.(Receiving is nice though)
I’d give this to my parents as I’m sure they could use the get-away to Myra-Canyon Ranch
I’d definitely give it to my Mom. She’s a huge traveller/ explorer, which has really influenced me.
I would take my mom to Salt Spring Island!
I’d give it to my husband. He’d choose somewhere we could fly to.
I would give this gift to my brave sister and her husband. Last week she had breast cancer surgery. Even though I know she is going to be all right I am sure she could really use some time away from everything. I could never give her this wonderful gift by myself. Thank you for the chance to do that for her.
I would give this to my girlfriend. She could use a night away from school stresses.
I’d give this to my parents. They deserve some luxury for themselves!
I’d give to to my parents. They deserve some luxury for themselves!
I’d give this to my parents, they need a break!
I’d give this gift to my boyfriend. I’m a long believer of giving experiences rather than gifts, and this could really help me out this Christmas!
I would give this to my parents as it is right up their alley.
Experiences are what makes life. Choose me & I’d be so grateful 🙂
I would give it to my boyfriend who never went to sunshine coast before. If I keep it I will go to Montreal and visit all the history and heritage. Other than BC I haven’t been anywhere else in Canada.
this would make a great gift for my sister and brother in law. pick me please!
I would choose Saltspring Island. There are lots of artists living on the island and I would love to see their creations. I would take my sister with me. She has been a wonderfully supportive person to me lately and I would be thrilled to be able to do this for her.
What a terrific concept! Love this! I would give this to my sister and new brother in law – they never got a honeymoon so they would be so pleased for a weekend away somewhere!!!
Oh man, I have some friends coming up in June from Ohio for their honeymoon (about four years after the fact but, better late than never) and it would be awesome to be able to present this to them.
That’s a great idea. I would go to Saltspring Island as I haven’t been there in over 10 years.
Hmm…Saltspring or Victoria
Who would I give it to? I would take my children with me,we have never been on a holiday
I like the concept – somewhat like a universal B&B gift card. Anywho, if in the highly unlikely event I were to score the Smart Box, it’d go to my folks. Only fair considering they just took my fiancee and I to Maui with them. 😉
Saltspring Island would be a great get away. Even in this weather!
Hmmm, I’m thinking Salt Spring or Saturna!
I would gift this to my fiance. He has been struggling for the last couple of years due to WCB and really could use a special getaway to just relax. I know he will take me with him but I will let him pick the destination.
I’d keep it and take my best friend on an adventure of a lifetime!
Would definitely give this to my mom!
I feel that Halfmoon Bay, BC location as per the “Smartbox” website information would be more appropriate for residents of the Vancouver area.Location on sunshine coast ; a short ferry ride required and nice scenery along the way.
Would gift to a friend that deserves a long awaited relaxing holiday
i would love to give this to my parents and for them to go to Salt Spring!!!
I would give this to my parents who are now both retired. They’ve given to their kids and now it’s their turn. They both deserve it as they don’t have the financial means for getaways like this. What a beautiful gift this could be…
I would love to surprise my husband and I guess then I could go too! 🙂
I think it would be great to get out of town and relax on a real holiday. So… anywhere:)
I would take my mom to salt spring Island because she has always wanted to go there and she has done so much for me throughout my life. I would love to do something for her and sending her there would be perfect.
I would love to give this to my boyfriend to visit Montreal because he has never experience it in the winter! Or, I would be happy going to Saturna or SaltSpring if I kept it for myself!
I would take my family to MYRA-CANYON Ranch in Kelowna. When I looked at their website the view from the deck took my breath away.
http://www.myracanyon.com/
I’d send my parents to Saturna Island … a good way for them to re-kindle their younger days upon their retirement this year.
I would give this to my mom and step-father because they have been through a tough year.
I would give it to my mum and my step dad who can’t afford to do something like this on thier own, but really deserve it.
Well, since I hate winter, I thought one way that I might like it more is if I took up a winter sport! I’ve been wanting to learn how to cross country ski and a Smart Box Adventure escape would be a great chance for me to test my theory, get outside a bit more and explore the local mountains…Or I could continue hating winter from inside a nice restaurant/lodge/spa 😉
I would choose a spa getaway, perhaps the Madrona del Mar Spa at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and spa. This would be a nice way to relax and unwind from the daily stresses of life.
I would give this to my wonderful mother and her new husband to give them the honeymoon they had forsaken themselves for us kids :).
I would love to go anywhere on this contest and take someone very special with me.
I would take my best friend to Salt Spring Island to show them where I grew up 🙂
Saturna Lodge for Mom and Dad. If Dad doesn’t want to go, then I’ll take Mom, she love the local islands.
What a great giveaway! I’d love a trip to escape this winter madness but it would make a good Christmas gift. Thanks for the chance! 🙂
So many choices, but first off… probably Kelowna
I’d love to gift this to my boyfriend for a quick weekend getaway for the two of us. He’s been quite stressed with work so I think it’d be a nice way for him to get to relax, even for a short amount of time. I think we’d use it for the Island Farmhouse B&B simply because we love Salt Spring Island!
It’d be a birthday pressie for my momma (her bday is on the 27th!). She’d probably choose a relaxing spa or quiet island getaway…
This gift would go to my hubby and then we’d go to Salt Spring Island 🙂
I would give it to my boyfriend’s parents for Xmas. Their deep freezer broke down so their gift to each other this year will be a new one. I think they need some fun for Christmas 😉
wow! would love to give this to my mother and father in law who have helped us out through some pretty rough times over the last year or so.
Cool gift idea. If I was so lucky I’d give it to my mom who doesn’t have any extra money but could use a short getaway.
Would give it to my boyfriend, and fingers crossed he would pick Saturna!!
Oooh – saw these in Europe last week and am glad they hit our continent. I would give an escape to my mom, to the Island Farmhouse B&B and Health Studio (Salt Spring Island) because she is focused on losing weight and getting healthier. And I would hope that she would take me with her!
This would make a really great gift <3
Saltspring Island would be my choice. I haven’t been there for years but I remember it having a really unique atmosphere.
Saltspring for my parents.
It’d be tempting to keep it for myself, but I think I’d probably give it to my parents.
I would love to give this to my parents-in-law, who are coming to visit us for Christmas this year!
What an awesome idea..would love to give my husband the myra canyon ranch one 😉
This is totally a gift you give parents or family members that you have no idea what to get them…I’d probably tag along to wherever they pick 🙂 all good destinations!
I would give this to my parents! Or take a good friend with me.
I would enter for my boyfriend any myself… we let out 8 year pass by with nary a thought.. and we’ve only gone away once! in our time together….. I’d take him to Saturna Lodge as I grew up going around the gulf islands with my parents but he has NEVER been! Thanks!!!!
I would love to pass this opportunity to my friend and her sister – one undergoing bone marrow transplant; the other her donor. A gift of shared moments.
Thank you for this opportunity.
I think I would be selfish and keep this for myself, but I would surprise my sister and take her with me off to Saltspring Island!
I would give this to my husband and explore more of BC with him!
My entry is your typical heart felt story of why I would like to win the contect. I have been looking for a job for the past year and a half and with Christmas approaching you sure feel the pain this time of year. I am a very social person and I love people and to go out on ventures but without the funds it is difficult. I hope that you choose me so that I may may enjoy a get away of beautiful scenery and relaxation.
My husband and I could use a kid-free getaway! I’d love to go to Salt Spring Island
Blackberry Glen B&B looks great 🙂 Definitely would go there
I’d love to go to Salt Spring Island but would give it to my boyfriend to choose!
would love to give this as a gift for Christmas this year
I’d give this to my parents – a trip to Salt Spring would be great!
wow this is so cool~
I wish I can go to these places that I’ve never been before 🙂
I’d give it to my mom and we’d do a road trip in the interior 🙂
I’d give it to the boyfriend. He needs a vacation!
My parents have been helping me with school for the last year. I would give it to them as a thank you.
What a clever idea! I want to propose to my boyfriend on Salt Spring! This would be the perfect way to do it!
I’d give it to my new husband (3 days and counting!) and let him pick a destination 🙂 *fingers crossed*
This would be perfect for my in-laws…they love exploring B.C.!
This would be a great gift to give my wife for Christmas. She gets a little stir crazy during the holidays since she moved across the continent away from her family so we can be together. A little escape would give her something fun to look forward to.
I’d give this to my girlfriend so she can try ziplining.
I would give this to my parents as its been ages since they’ve taken a vacation, just the 2 of them!
An island getaway would be amazing, what a great gift idea!
I would love to b able to give this tone of my best friends. She has had a tough year going through financial difficulty and a separation and she desperately needs to just get away. She truly deserves it!
Wonderful idea for a gift – glad to have found this gem.
I hope you pick me!
i would love to bring my best friend who is not from BC
I would give this gift to my mom and step-dad. The last time they were able to go anywhere or do anything was Fiji in 1997 and a night in Victoria last year. They need a little bit more adventure in their lives 🙂
I would give it to my parents because they deserve a vacation!
This sounds like great fun!! Hmmm.. I can thing of a few deserving family members who could use a “Unique Escape”! What an excellent Christmas present this could be.
I would send my mother to Island Farmhouse B&B and Health Studio (Salt Spring Island). She works so hard all the time and hasn’t been on a vacation in years!
I’d give it to my daughter because she deserves a vacation.
I would give this to my brother and his wife for one last relaxing getaway before the birth of their baby next spring.
I would keep it for me and hubby and stay in a yurt at Redwolf Retreat
Such an interesting and awesome idea! Love it! 🙂
OOh. Salt Spring Island. Can’t think of a better spot to escape to! Fingers crossed our name is picked! Getway contests are the only chance we have to get anywhere before 2012… Yay students! Yay single parents! Travel prizes can’t come soon enough!
My new bride has been a little bummed that we didn’t get to go away on a honeymoon after the wedding. I’d love to win this for her and whisk her away for a mini-moon some place exotic.
wow these places are spectacular. I would give this to my brother and his wife as they always are gracious hosts to all family members on holidays but never get a chance for a getaway on their own. Myra-Canyon Ranch would be the place I’d suggest for them. I’m an Okanaganer at heart!! 🙂
If I won the Smart Box Unique Escapes Giveaway, I would share it with my husband. Living in beautiful British Columbia, I am also very fond of Quebec–both the city and countryside alike. Although I have visited it before with friends, he has never been there before but I know he would really enjoy Quebec. It would be a truly wonderful surprise getaway for my husband and I!
I would love to escape with my husband of 30 years and have some precious moments such as these spots offer , peace and tranquility .
I would give this to my girlfriend Nancy who has become a single mom in the past two years. She does an amazing job, which is incredible as she is really on her own with no ex husband help, family or extended family help. The dedication and stresses of providing for two almost teen boys has been incredible and she would really relish a get away but can only do so in her dreams. So this would be for you Nancy. I’ll take care of the boys and you can have a mini-vacation.
I would give this to my boyfriend as his birthday is tomorrow!. This would be an awesome gift for him as we both loving travelling so much.
Saturna Lodge would be very cool. I’d go with my brother, or give the gift to my parents.
A get away sounds wonderful. I think I’d choosse Vernon.
It’d be a great present for my children.
Saturna would be my choice. I’d go with my bro.