For a certain segment of the market accustomed to superlatives—super cars, superstars, super premium—where do you stay when you travel? In many cities in the world, the choice is simple: Shangri-La. For the last five years, Vancouver has been part of the Shangri-La family, with a landmark property in the downtown core. While the Shangri-La Vancouver adheres to every top tier in the gloried hotel’s standards, the feel is distinctly Vancouver. The stunning 119-room property is premium without a doubt, but there is a welcome relaxed and natural West Coast feel to the property that ensures you won’t mistake this hotel for another city.
Or another brand. The distinctly Asian theme and feel fits in well around the Shangri-La world, and also feels right at home in international, multicultural Vancouver. The global aspect is exemplified by the fact that privately-owned residences sit atop the 15 floors of guest suites, the owners of which come from all around the globe. You needn’t own a unit to feel at home however; the oversized guest suites are relaxing and comfortable, peaceful in sound and design. The entire room can be managed electronically—from the drapes to the lighting schemes to the digital, recording PVR. Nespresso machines gleam at the ready, and dark wo0d clad walls transport you from the bustling city streets below. The generous rooms are decorated in a contemporary, sophisticated style (with harmonious Asian touches) and all have floor-to-ceiling windows letting in ample natural light. Every detail appears meticulously thought out; a luxurious sanctuary. More than half the rooms feature balconies—mine looked north along Thurlow up to the floatplanes in Coal Harbour and the majestic North Shore mountains beyond.
The surroundings are also transmitted through the hotel restaurant, MARKET. Internationally acclaimed three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten made his Canadian debut at Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver. MARKET by Jean-Georges is the hotel’s upscale restaurant, popular for power lunches and quiet dinners, and emphasizes BC’s fresh local seafood. Many of the dishes are repeated in his restaurants around the world, to the star chef’s recipes and standards, though there are often touches of local ingredients, producers and influences on the plate. Though the restaurant has a high pedigree, they’re committed to engaging the locals with competitive prices and oft-rotating special events and menus. Currently, in the hotel’s private Blue Moon Theater, they run a series of culinary-themed movies followed by dinner in MARKET. For casual meals, Xi Shi Lounge features dramatic two-story floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking an outdoor art galleria, curated by the Vancouver Art Gallery. Cocktails rule the lounge, though diners can also linger over live piano music or opt for a pristine afternoon tea.
Where the property really feels worlds away from Vancouver, however, is at CHI, the spa. It’s the quickest (and most soul-relaxing) trip to Asia that you’ll ever take. The spa is based on the traditional Chinese philosophy, ch’i or “Qi”, the universal life force that governs well-being and personal vitality. For good health to be maintained, it is believed that ch’i must flow freely within the body and, when blocked, “dis-ease” and illness follow. Treatments are individually tuned to the guest, and movement to release blockages is key in assisting the body’s renewal (and total relaxation). The sumptuous CHI offers a “spa within a spa” environment. Each guest’s spa suite comes with its own fireplace, private bath, shower, relaxation lounge, and changing areas. I had one of the most transcendent massage treatments in my life at the spa, and am looking forward to booking a return soon.
A world of its own with diverse nations represented, Shangri-La Vancouver is a globe-trotting experience without ever leaving the Northwest.
Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver || 1128 W Georgia St, Vancouver || shangri-la.com/vancouver/shangrila/
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