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