The city of Vancouver, located in the southern reaches of Canada’s beautiful British Columbia province, was only founded 125 years ago. Yet in spite of its short history, the metropolis has fully matured into one of the most vibrant and eclectic destinations in the world. With its glittering skyscrapers, speckless promenades and beautiful green spaces, it’s one of those places that looks completely futuristic, patiently waiting for the rest of the world to catch up. The calendar is teeming with sporting, cultural and music events, and the nightlife is superlatively good.
Amongst many, many other things, the city is celebrated for its luxurious hotels, gourmet restaurants and impeccable golf courses, so here’s some relevant information to get you started.
Finding the right accommodation is paramount to the success of any holiday, and you can’t go wrong with the Westin Bayshore Hotel. Perfectly positioned in downtown Vancouver, the hotel’s rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding coast and mountains. There is a mix of elegantly furnished deluxe rooms and suites, and each comes with a private balcony. The 24-hour multilingual concierge service will help organise sightseeing and the like, and the hotel’s private marina allows guests exclusive access to cruises and fishing excursions.
For an alternative but equally luxurious option, the Fairmont Hotel, also located in downtown Vancouver, first opened its doors in 1939 and has since been fully renovated. It now includes a majestic ballroom, a tranquil spa and a heated indoor swimming pool. The traditionally decorated rooms are predictably exquisite and the pricier ones come with king size beds and separate lounges.
British Columbia is home to some of the finest golf courses in the world and happily Vancouver doesn’t let the side down. The best of the best is Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club, located less than half an hour’s drive from downtown Vancouver and back dropped by the majestic North Shore Mountains. The emerald course meanders for 6,650 yards through beautiful lakefront scenery and is known for its immaculate fairways, fast greens and exciting hazards. The legendary course architect Les Furber is the man behind the 18-hole design, which has a par rating of 71. The clubhouse, with its bar and restaurant, is stylish and elegant and a great place to unwind after a long day of swinging.
If you don’t fancy the Mayfair Lakes’ clubhouse, one of the best dining venues in Vancouver is the Bacchus Restaurant and Piano Lounge, found in the Wedgewood Hotel, which is located in the city’s trendy west end. Renowned Head Chef Lee Parsons has created a delectable menu that focuses on French and Pacific Northwest cuisine, with highlights including Wild British Columbia Coho Salmon and Prosciutto Wrapped Saddle of Fraser Valley Rabbit. The sumptuous décor is pure luxury, with lavishly upholstered mahogany furniture glowing warmly under carefully thought out light fixtures. The wine list is extensive and features bottles from the vineyards of Italy, Australia, South Africa and, of course, British Columbia’s very own west coast. Live piano music wafts through the restaurant on a daily basis, which complements and completes the atmosphere of this wonderful place.
There is so much more to British Columbia than its vibrant urban scenes, but the city of Vancouver is a perfect place for first time visitors to become acquainted with the province. The opportunities for luxurious experiences are endless in this wealthy, pulsating city, and the latter information is merely the point of the tip of the iceberg.