17 Jan 2018
Tags: #luxurytravel, #Vancouver, #fine dining, #spa and wellness, #artistry, #Architecture&Design, #cocktails
Fairmont Pacific Rim – Canada's definitive luxury hotel – was rated the World's Best Business Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler readers and the #1 city hotel in Canada by Travel + Leisure. This ultramodern downtown hotel offers unobstructed mountain and harbour views, combining the best of the Pacific Rim in its architecture and décor. The hotel features three eclectic dining destinations, resort-style Willow Stream Spa, rooftop pool deck, and guestrooms with lavish appointments, including a variety of the city's most luxurious suites.
NEW & NOW
VANCOUVER'S BEST NEW RESTAURANT: BOTANIST
Named 'Vancouver's Best New Restaurant', the inviting restaurant space is inspired by the principles of botany, and transports guests into a world where day blurs into night, summer into winter, and food and drink are plenty. Executive Chef, Hector Laguna's menu represents the botany of the Pacific Northwest region, where locally sourced ingredients are coupled with contemporary techniques. With an innovative cocktail bar and lab shaking up chemist-like libations, a lounge pouring the world's finest, a lush garden, and an exclusive terroir-driven wine program which supports small-batch sustainable and bio-dynamic farming practices; the experience reflects a new Pacific Northwest – one that has always been there, it was just waiting to be discovered.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Awarded 'Best Wedding Reception Venue' by the BC Wedding Awards, Fairmont Pacific Rim is the premier destination for setting the stage for the occasion of “I do's.” Featuring 15,000 sq ft of event space, a unique collection of venues are available from the intimate setting of the ultra-luxe Chairman's Suite terrace that can accommodate intimate celebrations of up to 40 guests, the Emerald Ballroom featuring sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the harbour and mountains, to the dazzling Star Sapphire ballroom that can accommodate lavish affairs for up to 500.
In addition to the stunning array of venues, an expert team awaits including a dedicated certified wedding manager to assist with planning guidance, custom menu creations from the 'scratch kitchen,' sommelier guidance for the perfect wine pairings, and an in-house pastry team to design a one-of-a-kind dream wedding cake.
PROPOSAL PLANNER GUARANTEES AN “I DO”
Those wondering how to pop the question can leave their worries behind as Fairmont Pacific Rim's Proposal Planner plays cupid. Taking the lover's leap is a walk in the park with proposals that can include anything from fireworks to an airplane banner. It's as easy as 1-2-3, make the call and a “perfect proposal” is designed for your special someone. The only rules of engagement...bring the love and the bling!
THE (BIKE) BUTLER DID IT!
Fairmont Pacific Rim has introduced a new fleet of BMW e-bikes and unveiled a sleek, custom, one-of-a-kind bicycle carousel design in collaboration with local firm, Chapel Arts.
To celebrate its unveil, the hotel has introduced the Sleep Cycle package. Take in the city sights and fresh ocean air while cycling through Vancouver with the brand new BMW e-bikes. After exploring the city on two wheels, settle in for the evening in luxurious accommodations. The hotel offers a seasonal Bike Butler service from May – October who oversees the hotel bike program. They equip guests for their cycling adventure by tuning and fitting the bikes, providing helmets, locks, and water, in addition to mapping out the best road bike trails in Vancouver – of course, including the picturesque seawall. The exclusive Bike Butler service is available to members of Fairmont's President's Club - the brand's complimentary guest loyalty program.
A WORK OF ART
Even before you enter Fairmont Pacific Rim, you will be captivated by its exterior. Three exceptional works draw attention – all speak to the art and artistry of the growing international collection – eclectic in nature – that is housed within Vancouver's definitive luxury hotel. Under the direction of owners/developers, Westbank and the Peterson Group, the collection is not themed, rather driven by interest and passion.
To fuel an artful passion, the hotel has introduced an art podcast tour. The art tour, over the course of 35 minutes, will invite guests to explore & learn about the public art and architectural detail at Fairmont Pacific Rim, beginning outside and gradually making their way inside to the works throughout the public areas of the hotel. Priority has been placed on showcasing the best of local Vancouver artists, as well as ensuring international and commissioned works are prominent.
GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK
Fairmont Pacific Rim opened its doors as a sustainable hotel, proudly being awarded the 5-Green Key designation within its first year of operation. The hotel continues to improve by pushing the envelope with initiatives that make a significant impact on the community and environment, seeking innovative ways to be a leader in sustainable practices within the hospitality industry. Initiatives include paperless check-out, digital check-in, and iPads in every guestroom, with the recent induction of the PressReader app; allowing guests to digitally access over 3,000 publications, reducing daily paper distribution. In 2014, the hotel took charge and has transitioned 9,400 light bulbs to LED lights resulting in a remarkable 25% savings in KW usage to-date. Fairmont Pacific Rim has recently added an all-electric BMW i3 to its courtesy car fleet, and offers charging stations for electric vehicles, encouraging eco-friendly transportation. BMW bikes are readily available for guests to explore Vancouver while reducing their carbon footprint.
SUITE INDULGENCE
GLITZ, GLAM & GOLD
The Fairmont Gold experience begins the moment you arrive. With curbside check-in, guests are whisked away to their private Fairmont Gold retreat. Here, your individuality is valued, your room preferences are honored, and your arrangements for a quick and effortless departure are anticipated. In the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge, the dedicated team extends a friendly, sincere welcome and ensures that your every need is met. Among a small selection of likeminded guests, guests will unwind and enjoy special privileges such as an honour bar and complimentary cocktail canapés, served in a tranquil atmosphere of relaxing comfort. Once you go Fairmont Gold, you'll never go back.
A PULSE OF ITS OWN - THE OWNER'S SUITE COLLECTION
The Fairmont Gold Owner Suite Collection is the newest addition to the Fairmont Pacific Rim suite portfolio, offering Vancouver's most stunning harbour and mountain views. Designed for the elite, in-the-know traveller, these new chic suites aren't just a place to stay; they're a place to be. Inspired by what makes a city feel alive, each suite incorporates elements of fashion, art and music, giving it a pulse of its own.
Taking cues from European mid-century modernism, the stylish décor is stunning in its simplicity. The open-concept suite features an expansive living room with Ico Parisi inspired sofa and large marble bathroom, connecting to the master ensuite complete with a king size canopy bed, second marble bathroom with oversized tub, and a large walk-in closet, providing 800 sq ft of opulent living. This luxury retreat also houses its own custom vinyl collection and record player. Guests are welcomed with a custom curated record collection to suit their musical preferences, or they can select from a collection that complements the DNA of Fairmont Pacific Rim.
LOOS WITH SKY HIGH VIEWS
The hotel has bathroom bragging rights with Italian marble wrapping the floors, walls, and vanity and LCD televisions embedded into the mirror with high-definition channels and BOSE surround sound – ideal for watching movies in a bubble bath. Bathtubs at the hotel include square Japanese Ofuros, spacious soakers, jetted tubs, and one that resembles an exotic ergonomic egg. Some are cocooned in spa bathrooms, while others have nothing between them except glass windows and the never-ending harbour and mountain views.
A SUITE FIT FOR ROCK STARS & ROYALTY
Already a destination for those in the Top 10 charts, guests can live like a 'celeb' in Fairmont Pacific Rim's Chairman's Suite. Nicknamed the 'Rock Star
suite', guests are whisked away in their private elevator entering 2,250 sq feet of pure opulence. This architect-designed chic lofty space has a custom 8' foot Swarovski crystal chandelier that cascades over two-stories, a master bedroom with fireplace, and ensuite marble bathroom with a hand-carved soaker tub, a modern living/dining room, den, kitchen, and butler's pantry. On the second level, guests have their exclusive outdoor rooftop patio with expansive harbour views, a private gazebo with a meditation pond and fire pit.
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD: WILLOW STREAM SPA
With a focus on finding your energy, Vancouver's only Willow Stream Spa was rated one of the 'Best Spas in the World' by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Surrounded by breathtaking city and harbour views, the resort-style spa is an oasis of serenity at Fairmont Pacific Rim. This stunning retreat offers nine spacious treatment rooms including a couples' suite with a Japanese-style deep-seated soaker tub, nail salon, steam rooms, experiential shower, a full fitness centre, and a movement studio. Two of the private relaxation lounges have cozy fireplaces while the third, reserved for men is club-like in its décor and has an oversized television. French doors open to a private outdoor landscaped terrace with Jacuzzi, infrared sauna, loungers and fire pits – perfect for guests to relax and rejuvenate pre or post their spa experience.
TASTEMAKERS:
YES, CHEF!
Botanist Executive Chef Hector Laguna grew up surrounded by food, and his love for cooking first sparked while helping his mother in their family kitchen in Hidalgo, Mexico. Laguna has been cooking for as long as he can remember and began perfecting handmade tortillas at a young age. His love for cooking has always been built on the foundation of bringing friends and family around the table, bound by a shared passion for great food and good conversation.
He spent years honing his craft in food-centric locations including San Francisco, Miami, and Toronto with stints at Michy's in Miami, Susur Lee's restaurant in Toronto, and at Vancouver's highly acclaimed Hawksworth Restaurant as senior sous-chef before taking the helm at Botanist.
SUSHI STAR
Born and raised in Tokyo Japan, Takayuki (Taka) Omi found his passion for food early in life.
In 2010, the 'West Coast called' and Taka moved across the country to open The Lobby Lounge in the Fairmont Pacific Rim where he has since held the reigns of Sushi Chef. The abundance of open waters and renowned seafood quality in his own backyard led him to now call Vancouver 'home.' Taka's enthusiasm for producing top-notch sushi and introducing unique plates has put The Lobby Lounge on the top ranks of sushi in Vancouver, and his passion for sustainable seafood has named it the city's first 100 percent Ocean Wise sushi destination.
SWEET STUFF
It's no secret that the art of pastry begins with science, which is what sparked Kahle to embark into the culinary world. A Nebraska native, Kahle began as a student in the Chemical Engineering and Material Science program at MIT, but went down a path of self-discovery and realized his destiny was another 'form' of science – pastries. While putting his education to use in the IT sector, Kahle began a part-time job at a European bakery working the wee hours of the morning at the shop before heading to his 'day job.'
Holding the 'sweetest' job at the hotel, Kahle oversees the pastry program of the hotel which includes three restaurants, in-room dining, and the hotel's 15,000 sq. ft event facility. A skillful master of his craft, Kahle's creative vision and attention to detail shines through in every piece of culinary art he creates. From the new pastry program in giovane café+eatery+market, to his specialty in the design of wedding cakes, Kahle looks forward to introducing guests to his confectionery creations and making his mark on Vancouver's indulgent pastry scene.
MASTER MIXOLOGIST
Grant Sceney is shaking up the cocktail program for the Fairmont Pacific Rim as the hotel's Creative Beverage Director.
Born and raised in Melbourne Australia, Sceney began bartending at the age of 18 while studying at the Box Hill Institute of TAFE, where he received his Advanced Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism.
In 2009, Sceney made his way to British Columbia where he now calls home. In 2014, Sceney was awarded 'World Class Canada Bartender of the Year' and went onto the world finals where he accomplished an impressive overall fourth place finish. Sceney was then named as one of Western Living Magazine's 'Foodie of the Year' (2015) and recognized as the Bartender of the Year at the city's coveted Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards (2016).
The Lobby Lounge and Botanist cocktail programs reflect his dedication to the craft and his imaginative approach to designing a robust cocktail program. A consummate innovator, Sceney's work is best described as blending a classic style with an avant-garde approach.
KEEP YOUR SPIRITS UP:
(ECO)CKTAILS
Botanist takes inspiration from the abundance of botany that surrounds the Pacific Northwest and values locally sourced and eco-minded ingredients. The bar program features one of a kind whimsical cocktails and chemist-like libations, all while considering a 'no waste' approach, down to the very last detail. In
order to utilize the whole fruit, the peel of fruit rinds is often used as a garnish. For example, an age-old but versatile technique uses citrus peels combined with sugar, producing an ingredient called oleo-sacchrum, translating to 'oil sucrose.' The oil captured from the skin is used to create house-made cordials
and once the fruit is peeled, it is then juiced to complete the cocktail.
CAN'T BEET A PLANT-BASED COCKTAIL
Paying homage to the diverse greenery of the west coast, Botanist is mixing up plant forward cocktails. The bar program, located across from and in view of 'The Garden,' utilizes local farmers and foragers who grow ingredients exclusively for Botanist. Electric Daisy flowers are grown and used to create the 'What the Flower' cocktail, while mushrooms are foraged from B.C.'s forests for the 'Candy Cap Magic' from the cocktail lab.
A SIP OF A LIFETIME
The internationally acclaimed Lobby Lounge is home to a library collection of luxury spirits and libations. Making Canadian history, it joins the list of iconic LOUIS XIII Fortress destinations, being the first Canadian hotel to do so. 'The Royal Sazerac' cocktail plays homage to the prestigious designation; an exquisite 'sip of art' both for the eye and palate. Joining the luxe line-up, The Lobby Lounge is the proud owner of the Balvenie 50, an elegant single malt 50-year-old rare Scotch whiskey; the only bottle made available in Canada. A perfect one-ounce pour, offered at $2,600 CAD, will allow those to experience a unique taste of history - literally. New to the offerings, the 'Chairman's Old Fashioned,' is produced of rare allocated Whiskey, priced at MP, allowing the
lounge bartenders to utilize its library collection of scotch, Canadian, French or Japanese Whiskey.
CUE THE 'SPIRIT-FREE' COCKTAILS
Have your (spirit-free) cocktail and want to drink it too! Even non-drinkers can enjoy a night out with non-alcoholic sips, such as the 'Cast Away', coined a local favourite. Made with pineapple, coconut water, mint and ginger honey, this cocktail is a great alternative for those looking to cut back on sugar, focus on health or to simply solve the problem of what to drink when you're not drinking.
TINCTURES, SHRUBS AND SYRUPS, OH MY!
Using only pure ingredients, Creative Beverage Director Grant Sceney has concocted an array of tinctures, shrubs and syrups that kick-up the cocktail lineup. Developed in the city's most unique “cocktail lab,” the 'Botane' tincture, an alcohol infusion, adds layers of aroma and taste to the popular 'B&T' cocktail found in Botanist. A variety of 'Shrubs', a mixture of vinegar and sugar, preserve fruit, herbs, and spices in liquid form, are also developed in-house and used to add another layer of depth to the cocktail offerings. Using vodka as its base, the elderflower liqueur is created using locally sourced, hand-picked elderberry and only made when in season. Wasabi syrup, crafted for use in the Kaijū, a cocktail from The Lobby Lounge, is a humble mixture of sugar, water, and fresh wasabi stem.
FRESH FROM THE TAP
Flavours develop as they rest together, which has been evident with the barrel aged cocktails trend. Removing the oak influence and allowing the flavours to rest uninterrupted ensures consistency and meticulous attention to flavour and balance, providing access to a perfectly harmonized libation at the flick of a tap. A selection of three classic cult favourites are served up at The Lobby Lounge - the Negroni, the Old Fashioned and the Moscow Mule, which have been perfected in taste and consistency, while pouring efficient and timely service. Cheers!