The Aerie Resort & Spa - Unique Packages

THE AERIE RESORT & SPA - Relais & Chateaux, Virtuoso (www.aerie.bc.ca) Nestled high amongst the natural habitat of bald eagles on the east coast of Vancouver Island, just 25 minutes north of Victoria, BC, the award-winning Aerie, with its spectacular views of ocean, islands and mountains, is featuring a variety of unique packages for the summer high season and beyond.

• Fly Like an Eagle Package includes return transportation from Vancouver via Helijet, two nights or more in elegant accommodation, continental breakfast for two, Budget rental for two days or Regent Limousine transfer to and from Helijet terminal. Rates start from $554 per person.
• Golf Getaway Package includes two nights or more in elegant accommodation with continental breakfast for two, two rounds of golf with golf cart at Olympic View and Arbutus Ridge. Rates start at $289 per person.
• American Express Romantic Escapes Package includes a complimentary fourth consecutive night when guests book and pay for three nights with their American Express card. Based on space availability, the package also includes a welcome half-bottle of champagne, a floral arrangement and daily continental breakfasts.

The Aerie was voted the #1 resort in Canada in T+L's 2007 World's Best List, and #1 hotel in North America and #13 in the World in T+L's 2006 World's Best Awards.
ACCOMMODATION:
The Aerie Resort & Spa comprises three separate buildings, each with its own individual charm all suites feature spectacular ocean/mountain views. First opened in 1991, the Main Building offers 19 rooms/suites and houses the Dining Room, Fitness Facility, outdoor hot tub, Lounge and Reception. First opened in 1998, the Residence Building sits in close proximity to the Main building and offers 5 rooms/suites adjacent to the Spa. Over-sized suites with larger living areas, feature offer soaker tubs and leather sleigh beds. Built in 2004, Villa Cielo with 6 suites is situated at the highest point of the property, featuring spectacular views, a high-ceilinged foyer, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, sculptured fireplaces, and hand-painted wall murals. The Villa offers personal chef and butler service and can be privately booked for groups providing an incomparable venue for weddings, art exhibits, concerts and special events.

DINING:
The Aerie Dining Room offers lofty views and creative cuisine prepared from fresh seafood, game and organic produce supplied through a program with local farmers, ranchers and fishermen. Accredited Sommeliers assist diners in selecting perfect pairings from the restaurants award-wining wine cellar. With an inventory of over 6,000 bottles, the Aerie's Wine Cellar regularly receives Wine Spectator' Best Award of Excellence. The cozy indoor/outdoor Bonelli Lounge with fireplace offers spectacular mountain/ocean views, hand-rolled Cuban cigars and savory Tapas.

VILLA CIELO
The Mediterranean-style resorts Bella Villa Cielo offers personal chef and butler service and can be privately booked for groups providing an incomparable venue for weddings, family gatherings and other special occasions. Situated at the apex of the mountain-side property, this gorgeous Villa offers six suites and features resplendent views, a high-ceilinged foyer, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, sculptured fireplaces, and hand-painted wall murals.

SPA & WELLNESS CENTRE:
The inspirational mountainside setting and ocean views of the Aerie Spa and Wellness Centre lift spirits, while the integrated menu of spa treatments, yoga practice and gourmet spa cuisine relax and rejuvenate. Spa treatments include facials, wraps, massages, aromatherapy, acupressure, whole body treatments and more. Wellness seminars and yoga retreats that include accommodation and meals are also available from time to time.

ACTIVITIES:
The Aerie offers a world-class, 2000 sq ft Fitness Centre, a commercial grade strength and cardio training facility with the highest quality machines from Sports Art and Paramount Fitness. A tennis court is also available for guests. Outside activities that can be arranged with the resort concierge include winery & farm tours, flightseeing tours, artisan tours, whale watching, fishing, sailing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and golf.

GETTING THERE:
Visitors can travel to The Aerie either by car and ferry reservations recommended (www.bcferries.com) or air. Scheduled flights to Victoria International Airport depart from Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle and Portland. United Airlines began a new direct service from San Francisco to Victoria on June 8th, 2008. Scheduled seaplane and helicopter flights from Vancouver deliver passengers to Victoria's Inner Harbor via Harbour Air and Helijet. The resort has a heliport for charters (www.westcoasthelicopters.com). Car rentals are available at the airport or downtown, and limo service can be arranged to and from The Aerie. Driving directions to the Aerie from various locations are available on the website.

To accommodate last minute unexpected changes in the lives of today's busy travelers, The Aerie's cancellation policy requires only 48 hours prior notification. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.

For more information and group bookings contact Moira Fitzpatrick of M.F. Consultants Inc at 604-602-1282 or mfcons@bismail.com.

Best Regards,

Moira

Aerie Resort & Spa - Guest Testimonial

I have just returned from British Columbia where the summer weather is delightful and the temperatures are cool. I spent 4 nights at the Aerie Resort in Malahat on Vancouver Island which is located 30 minutes north of the city of Victoria. Their website is www.aerieresort.ca and the hotel is a member of the Relais and Chateaux group.

The setting of the hotel is magnificent with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the mountains. The property is built high on a hillside and the vistas are breathtakingly beautiful.

The staff is helpful and attentive without being intrusive. Andrew Trinder is the general manager and he comes to the Aerie Resort from Bermuda with years of experience. Your clients will find him to be most welcoming and very accessible.

The accommodations are extremely spacious. Many of them have whirlpool tubs located in the room itself. The deluxe rooms are more like junior suites as they have a sofa and a lounge chair. The closets have ample space and they provide the terrycloth robes and slippers. Each room has a bit of a different feel in terms of the interior design, but most all of them have the same amenities. There is a flat screen TV , a desk, a coffee maker and a frig. The baths have tub/shower combinations and some have a separate shower and a tub. All of the rooms have patios or terraces.

The suites are gracious and very well-appointed. Some even have small kitchens. They have a private villa situated on the top of the mountain that is suitable for families and groups. The villa is also used for private parties and destinations weddings. In fact, you can arrange private cooking lessons for 2 people in the kitchen of the villa. The chef will offer the hands-on course for 2 hours at lunchtime.

The Aerie has its own helicopter pad. Yet, for the client who does travel on commercial fthe airport in Victoria is very user-friendly. The roads are well-marked and the driving is y and the scenery is exquisite. The hotel is just off of the Trans Canada Highway.

The gym has recently been outfitted with the most up-to-date equipment and the spa offers all of the treatments one would expect at a fine resort.

The rate includes a sumptuous buffet breakfast and the dining room boasts magnificent views from almost every table. Dinner is an elegant affair and the menu is varied and the service is excellent. They offer an extensive wine list. Yet, the attire is casual.

The region is known for its local wineries and there are numerous ones in driving distance where they offer tastings. There are cider mills as well, excellent local cheeses and some of the best seafood chowder that one could ever consume.

The Aerie is located a few minutes from a glass blower’s workshop and there are demonstrations along with the finished products that can be purchased. The couple who own the store moved from England. The glass blower is a true professional as he worked at Corning so his pieces are of the highest quality.

The infamous Butchart Gardens are located 30 minutes from the hotel. One can choose take a car ferry or you can simply drive along the major roads or take scenic routes if one is more adventurous.

The region is an art lover’s paradise. There are numerous galleries, art exhibitions and the museum in Victoria should not be missed.

The list of outdoor activities are endless. There are many golf courses in the area, a tennis court is available at the Aerie, the lakes and the ocean offer all of the water sports including boat tours for whale watching and the serious biker and hiker will be most pleased on the mountain roads and trails.

Although children are allowed to stay at the Aerie, it is much more appealing for a family with older or grown children. It is especially attractive for couples and it is a romantic getaway for honeymooners.

Vancouver Island is a destination worth exploring and the hotel is a great place in which to return after a day of sightseeing. If your clients are looking for R & R, the hotel will fit the bill.

I highly recommend the Aerie Resort,

Susie Fisch, New York City, United States

Chevre d'Or's New Dining Experience

CHATEAU DE LA CHEVRE D'OR - Virtuoso (www.chevredor.com) Overlooking the Mediterranean from the lofty village of Eze, this luxurious Relais & Chateaux hotel has recently added an elegant outdoor restaurant to its already impressive dining repertoire. The newly opened EDEN introduces guests to an extraordinary ambience and culinary experience in a true Paradise along the French Riviera.

Relaxing at dusk to the soft strains of music, seated between the romantic candle-lit medieval walls of the Chateau and the exotic decorative pool, diners marvel at the resplendent view over the Cote d'Azur while sampling a modern world cuisine and fine wines. Chef Phillipe Labbi and his team have created a sophisticated world menu for the most discerning of diners. Feast your imagination on these sample dishes.

Starters
~ Chevre d'Or Sushi of King Prawns, Wild Salmon and Caviar

Fish Entrées
~ Wild Mediterranean Sea Bass with saffron spices and Moroccan-style vegetables

Meat Entrées
~ Grilled rib-eye steak of Charolais Beef with pepper, bone marrow, young garlic and tender shallots

Desserts
~ Wild Strawberry Millefeuille with Bourbon vanilla ice cream

Visitors are encouraged to make dinner reservations for this new outdoor informal dining terrace, which also serves a buffet breakfast and is available for exclusive use occasions, such as birthday parties, wedding receptions and dinners, and other special events. Located right behind the terrace Les Remparts, EDEN joins the Chateau's four other restaurants: the gourmet two-Michelin star La Chevre d'Or es Remparts offering a less formal lunch, Le Cafi du Jardin with casual fare, and Le Grill du Chateau serving creative French cuisine in the village.

The Chateau and its restaurants offer a perfect pre- or post-destination for Mediterranean cruises or for visitors traveling in Italy. Just a 20-minute drive from Nice & Monte Carlo, this unique 4-star hotel was voted among the Top 12 Hotels in France in Conde Nast's 2008 Gold List of the World's Best, and in 2007 it was voted among the Top 15 Hotels in Europe in T+L's World Best Awards.

Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room for your clients.

For further information, to receive a brochure, VIP your clients and for group bookings contact Moira Fitzpatrick at 604.602.1282 or mfcons@bismail.com

Very best regards,

Moira