Nestled in the heart of the Coast Mountains, the town of Whistler, is a favoured all-year-round destination, not only for Vancouverites but for international visitors.
Over the years, this natural beauty has become a popular location for many of the most celebrated, including Prince Charles, the Beckham’s, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and comedian Ricky Gervais. In ski season the mountainside affords visitors anonymity under helmets and goggles and in the off-season chances of running into fans on the extensive hiking trails is low. It is a win-win for all who need a break and an opportunity to breathe away from day-to-day pressures.
In February, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler took home the Five Star Award for the fourth consecutive year at the Forbes Travel Guide 2019 Awards. The resort is the only one in Whistler to be given the elite status of a Five-Star property. Highlighted by Forbes for its one-of-a-kind Ski Concierge service, friendly and efficient staff that provide local attractions tips, heated pool and hot tubs, the resort was also recognized for relaxation treatments at The SPA.
The SPA was the only spa to receive an accolade in the resort town achieving a Four Star Award for its picturesque location, tranquil setting, post-treatment amenities and locally sourced, natural products such as the glacial clay and sea salts.
“We are thrilled to receive this important accolade once again. It’s a true testament to the tremendous efforts put in by the team each day to ensure our guests have a memorable stay here in Whistler,” says Ali Mohamed, General Manager.
CHECKING IN
The warm wood and rustic interiors did betray the incredible lushness of the mountainside setting. The interiors are harmonious with warm lighting, soft music, cozy lounge areas with games, and, unbelievably, a life-size marble polar bear sculpture.
We were greeted with an unexpected upgrade, and a warm berry tea served in tiny tin cups on a wooden plank. The hotel offers 273 guest rooms, suites, and townhouses; each is generously sized, and all have a gas-burning fireplace. Our Deluxe Suite was complete with the requested animal-free bedding, a large balcony off the bedroom with a 3-piece table setting—perfect for early morning steamy coffees in plushy robes, gas fireplace, large screen television, and in the bathroom a double vanity, spacious shower with a powerful rain shower head, and a wonderfully deep soaker tub.
PET WONDERLAND
While we left our pets with a house-sitter in Vancouver, Four Seasons hotel guests who travel with their pets will enjoy the recently launched Doggo Amenity program. Furry best friends can now be comfortable in a custom-ordered bedding package and in-room dining option.
Around the resort and throughout Whistler are countless pet-friendly trails where dog families can find explore and refresh. There is a carefully crafted dog hiking map, and concierges can provide the best advice on all the favourite trails for dogs.
For pups that enjoy company, while owners enjoy cocktails, the concierge can connect them with Whistler Dog Sitting who will hang-out and go for walks with them.
PLANTBASED DINING
SIDECUT is The Four Seasons feature restaurant with 265+ seats between the restaurant, lounge, and the outdoor patio. We were delighted to find numerous vegetarian items on the menu that were further veganized for us. Whistler Farmers Market provides the kitchen with fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers and growers. During busy season, reservations are advised through opentable.ca, to ensure an enjoyable evening without disappointment.
Chef Eren Guryel’s Beetroot Wellington is visually impeccable, perfectly cooked, and well worth the 45-minute wait time. Beets are difficult by nature to work with, but the iron-rich star of this plate was firm, sweet, and complemented by a layer of course-chopped mushroom and shallot, crackling pastry, and vegetable jus. My Avocado Dukkah dish was spicy and perfectly proportioned with hummus, crispy chickpeas, chopped salad, and fluffy pita. The dressing was slightly tart, light and refreshing, and the encrusted deep-fried avocado ripe and incredibly smooth.
Before our plantbased meal, we took advantage of the daily wine-tasting to stimulate our palates, and after indulging, we relaxed with other guests at the courtyard firepit with complimentary boxes of s’ mores and sticks. As the stars twinkled above, we were pleased that the last-minute decision to unplug and breathe was so far so rewarding.
THE SPA EXPERIENCE
Summer visits coincide with the new spa treatment announcements. Designed by the team at The SPA to revitalize and awaken the senses after our gloomy winters, the treatments use organic spa-grown ingredients to craft handmade treatment oils and scrubs infused with citrus and floral aromas.
“Over the past few months, our team has taken the utmost care in growing a number of the herbal ingredients found in our handmade products to ensure our clients receive the highest quality. We are aware of the responsibility we have when choosing the products used in our treatments, and therefore we try to source the best organic ingredients,” says Robin Jewers, Spa Lead Massage Therapist.
Three newly introduced treatments that are already popular are the Cooling Aloe Body Wrap with house-grown lavender and cucumber; Orange Blossom and Mint Body Scrub with oils of orange blossoms, peppermint, and bergamot with Dead Sea salt; and for the face a refreshing Water Lily Facial with a skin analysis and brightening booster spray.
ART & SCULPTURE
Hung adjacent to the main floor elevators was the 3-dimensional ‘Couples in LOVE’ painting by Jane Waterous. It caught our eye with its colour and humour, and soon we found ourselves seeking out additional artwork in corridors. We encountered many incredible pieces in common areas, and others tucked creatively throughout the floors.
The artwork is provided by The Whistler Contemporary Gallery, which is on-site across from check-in and promotes distinctive Canadian and International contemporary art. Curators source work from top art fairs such as the Art Expo New York, Toronto International Art Fair, and Art-Miami. The gallery has a solid representation of figurative, abstract, and landscape paintings, as well as multi-media work, glass, and sculpture.
RECREATION
The Four Seasons has a fully heated 23-metre free-form outdoor pool and three hot tubs that are open all year round. Poolside beverage service was swift, the mojitos refreshing, and the complimentary fruit smoothies packed a flavourful punch.
For the early morning risers (who aren’t tempted by wilderness safari options), the fitness facility is world-class and conveniently connected to the pool area. Included in your stay are pilates, spin, and yoga classes, and a trainer is on hand for circuit training.
The Nicklaus North Golf Course and the Whistler Golf Club are within 5-minutes walking distance to the Four Seasons, and guests receive special privileges at both. Additionally, 35-minutes away is the Big Sky Golf and Country Club with yardage of 7,001 designed by Robert Cupp. These world-renowned courses will satisfy even the most seasoned golfer.
The Four Seasons Resort creates many experiences to encourage guests to take time and enjoy the moments of summer in all its brightness. However, we recommend, before you, check-out, ride to the picture-perfect Lost Lake for a picnic for two with a packed lunch from SIDECUT. Take in one last hour of relaxation before beginning the journey home.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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