SUMMER 2014
Reflecting on 20 Years
In 1994, I was into my ninth year working for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. I hadn’t met my beautiful wife Eline yet and our son Jordon was definitely not in the picture (he just turned ten this year). My travel experiences were rather limited, too. Visiting Paris or Bruges, Belgium (above) was still just a dream.
I joined Club Intrawest in 2001. In the 13 years that I’ve worked here, I’ve watched the Club and partner program – ExtraOrdinary Escapes – grow significantly. I’ve met hundreds of Members from around the world. And I’ve had the pleasure of working with an incredibly smart, talented and passionate group of people committed to the mission and promise of the Club. It’s funny how anniversaries make people reminisce, look back, remember. If you haven’t heard, Club Intrawest turns 20 this year. This issue of Compass definitely has a retrospective feel to it in honor of this milestone anniversary. Stories from some of the first Members who joined the Club in ’94 (page 12), and some interesting reservation numbers from our first year of operations (page 3) fill many of the following pages. But we’re also using this issue of Compass to look forward and celebrate the evolution of the Club. The newest location opened in Ucluelet in May – if you’ve never been to this Vancouver Island destination you’ll want to check out Club Manager Laura Noges’ recommendations (page 23), the beautiful destination pictures shot by local photographer Jeremy Koreski (page 16) and an article about learning to surf (a favorite local activity) written by Member Gail Johnson (page 24). For me, the best part about reflecting on the last 20 years is dreaming about the possibilities for the next two decades. Who knows where we’ll all be, but I hope to see you at the Club. Robert Robert Reyes Vice-President, Member Experience Member since 2009
CLUB INTRAWEST The Landing #326 – 375 Water Street Vancouver, BC V6B 5C6
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On Cover: Club Intrawest – Ucluelet. Photo by Jeremy Koreski.
Here’s to Another 20 It’s been 20 incredible years of Club Intrawest vacations. We thought we’d share some interesting numbers about how you’ve vacationed – if these stats are any indication, we’ll be busy for years to come helping you create the best vacations of your life!
CLUB STAY ROOM NIGHTS (all 9 locations, last 20 years)
EXTRAORDINARY ESCAPES ROOM NIGHTS (all partner properties, last 20 years)
2,042,873 742,688 CLUB STAY RESERVATIONS
EXTRAORDINARY ESCAPES RESERVATIONS
597,363
154,952
(all 9 locations, last 20 years)
(all partner properties, last 20 years)
Top 5 Partner Destinations
ORLANDO, Florida
VICTORIA, British Columbia
HONOLULU, Hawaii
SEATTLE, Washington
NAPA, California
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Picture Perfect Tired of headless selfies and incomplete family photos? Nicole Smith – founder of Flytographer – has the perfect solution: professional photographers at all our Club locations and select partner destinations to perfectly capture your vacation memories.
Flytographer started with a best friend, a trip to Paris and too many vacation photos taken by random strangers by the Seine. “We couldn’t capture any decent photos together of this special trip,” recounts Smith, commenting on the inception of her business, which launched just over a year ago. “We got a local friend to ‘play photographer’ and capture moments as we all strolled the streets of Paris together.” And the rest, as they say, was history. Club Intrawest recently partnered with Flytographer, offering personalized sessions with a local, professional photographer at all nine Club locations and select partner destinations – for more details including pricing, locations and to book your session, logon to the Member Web site. Here, Smith shares her take on vacations, their importance and what you can expect on a Flytographer shoot. Describe your favorite trip. Europe. My favorite trip was when we splurged 4 AT YOUR CLUB
and took the kids to France for 3 weeks. We spent a week in Paris, a week in Provence and a week in the French Riviera. My boys were 3 and 5 at the time and don’t remember much so we definitely need to go back! Describe how you believe photos are an important part of the vacation experience. I believe that memories are the best souvenirs. They have the power to take you right back to that moment, in that city and relive the experience again. When I look back at my family photos, I treasure the rare shot of my mom and dad in their twenties, getting a lens into their lives back then, or my grandparents traveling the world with my teenage mom. The value of these photos only increases over time. As a mom myself, I often wish I had taken more photos when traveling with my family and I’m rarely in the shot. I also think important moments aren’t always being captured as beautifully as they could be, or in a meaningful way. When you ask a stranger to
take your picture, it’s often rushed or someone is unintentionally out of the frame. It’s great to consider a professional for special vacations so you are guaranteed to return home with wallworthy memories. Plus, you won’t have 6 chins with our talented photographers on the job! How many photographers do you have in the Flytographer network? We have over 160 professional photographers in our global network. Each is carefully vetted for talent, professionalism, passion and most importantly, they have to pass the “Would we want to have a drink with this person after the shoot?” test. As a result, the team we’ve built is full of fun, passionate people who love to shoot and are excited to showcase their city to travelers. It’s like meeting a local friend who shares insider tips while you all stroll around, and they capture memories. Last March, we launched with 18 cities and are now up to 104 cities across six continents! It’s been quite a year. In fact, I could use a vacation!
Above: Nicole Smith and her two sons.
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The Ultimate Golf Getaway Jim Deeks is a communications consultant, golf columnist, and television program host in the Greater Toronto area. With his son Charlie, the Deeks family have been Club Intrawest vacationers since 2006, and have enjoyed stays at six Club destinations, and various partner exchanges. Many of the holidays have involved family golf – at Sandestin, Palm Desert, Hilton Head, Mont-Tremblant and Whistler. Here, Jim chronicles a recent golf vacation at Sandestin, Florida.
If we think this winter’s been cold here in southern Ontario, we wouldn’t get much sympathy from our friends in the southeast of the continent. It’s been bone-chilling all the way down the coast for weeks. Friends of mine with a place in Hilton Head reported one day when their thermometer read 17º Fahrenheit, when it would normally be 17º Celsius. Still, even with the cold snap, and notwithstanding one or two really abnormal days, you can still play golf down there. Which is what four of us did at the beginning of February, on a quick getaway to a hidden gem of a destination in the panhandle of Florida. Most Members will have heard of Sandestin, FL, but I wonder how many have ever been there. If you haven’t, I urge you to think about it… especially if the idea of really excellent, uncrowded golf and beach appeal to you. Yes, Sandestin is in the northern part of the state, roughly parallel to Jacksonville over on the Atlantic Coast. And yes, it’s not overly easy to get to by air from Ontario (you have Opposite Page: Baytowne Golf Club.
to change planes in Atlanta, and hop on a commuter to Fort Walton Beach). But once you get there, you will not be disappointed. The whole panhandle area has become summer cottage country for folks from neighboring states, and they tend to like their golf along with their warm Gulf water and moderate air… not too hot in the summer, not too cool in the winter. They may not swim in the Gulf from November-March, but they certainly tee it up, and with good reason. Along the spit of land that forms the south shore of Choctawhatchee Bay and the north shore of the Gulf of Mexico, about halfway between Panama City to the east and Pensacola to the west, lies the town of Destin and just to the east, the resort area of Sandestin. Along that stretch sit about a dozen golf courses, most of them public, and many of them very good, so I’m told by even impartial sources. Three of them in particular – Emerald Bay, Regatta Bay and Windswept Dunes – are newer courses that get very positive reviews. But I want to tell you about the four courses
that share the same acreage under the ownership of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. One of the more intelligent purchases I’ve ever made in my life was to join Club Intrawest, which built one of their first non-skiing vacation properties in Sandestin, and it was an inspired choice. The Club Intrawest property is smack in the middle of the resort, and provides reduced-fee access to the four golf courses that sit outside your window. Now let’s get to business… the four golf courses are super, and I can’t think of many resorts that have such a fine collection under one roof. The first course built there dates back to the 1980’s. It’s called the Links, and while it’s generally conceded to be the least impressive of the four, it’s also definitely the most difficult. I believe our foursome, who average about 15 in the handicap department, lost more than 20 balls over the 18 holes of the Links. I think there’s a water hazard on almost every hole, and the older I get, the more I marvel at the magnetic attraction of water to golf balls. My
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bad for suggesting that this be our warm-up course… a remedial trip to a golf ball discount store was the first order of business after our round! But my colleagues all said, “If this was the weakest of the four courses, the rest must be pretty darn good.” And good they are. The next two courses on our rotation were Baytowne and The Raven. Both fine courses, and but for a couple of holes at Baytowne where you’re playing down an alley between condo buildings, surprisingly uncluttered by housing considering you’re smack dab in the middle of a dense and popular resort.
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The folks in the Pro Shop insisted The Raven is the best of the four courses on the property, but we would beg to differ. We enjoyed it a lot, found it fair and interesting, and handsomely carved out through stands of tall Georgia Pines. But it couldn’t compare to the last course on our itinerary, called Burnt Pine. The design of The Raven, by the way, is the work of Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Burnt Pine was designed by his brother, Rees Jones. The siblings are rumored to be professional and personal rivals, and these two courses are said to be the only layouts in the world where the
two brothers’ work literally bumps into each other. But with all respect to Junior, Rees wins the prize here. It’s always hard to say why one likes one course over another, or why one course is better than another, but Burnt Pine was truly a treat to play. The holes just seemed a little more creative, and the journey was highlighted by two holes midway on the back side, which bordered on the water of Choctawhatchee Bay. Magnificent! Burnt Pine is a semi-private course, so tee times are somewhat restricted, and green fees are just above $100 (unlike the other
HURRY, SPA CES STILL L
EFT!
SANDESTIN GOLF WEEK by Club Intrawest October 12–17, 2014
A friendly and fun–filled week with activities on and off the links. • 4 Rounds of Golf (Burnt Pine, Raven, Kelly Plantation & Regatta Bay) • Golf Clinic • Daily Breakfast and Lunch • S pa Treatment • T ransportation to all Golf & Activities • 3 Course Dinner at Fish Out of Water .... and more!
$899usd per person
Accommodations must be booked separately. During this time, a 1–Bedroom Vacation Home starts at only 15 Resort Points per night. With only 32 spots on our Leader Board, space will fill up fast! Contact Member Experience Manager Denise Giorgione to reserve your spot! Phone 850.622.3400 or email dgiorgione@clubintrawest.com. three courses). But having been recognized by several magazines as one of Florida’s very finest facilities, it’s well worth the visit. I give personal ratings to golf courses I play, and for the record, I would give the Links, Baytowne, The Raven and Burnt Pine the following scores, respectively, out of 10…7.2, 7.5, 8.0, and 8.8. All above my average score. I wish I could say our golf execution was equal to the courses we played, but alas, those days are gone. Our enjoyment of good golf courses and good companionship, however, has only grown with time, and the four of us genuinely had a ball. If we had been at a better-known, Above: Raven Golf Club.
noisier, more crowded and more expensive resort, it wouldn’t have been as much fun. Over 72 holes, we never once waited to hit our shots – in fact, we wondered at times if we were the only people on the course, and how nice is that? This was my second trip to Sandestin in the last decade, and I will make a point of going back more often. I’m also a big fan of Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, and in fact, the two resorts are quite similar in look and feel. But Sandestin is definitely quieter and less crowded, and with the four golf courses on the property (and several others within a short drive), it’s as easy a place to be as you can find anywhere.
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Celebrating 20 Years of Extraordinary Vacations When celebrating such a pivotal milestone in the Club’s history, it’s easy to get caught up in numbers and units of measurement. Twenty years of vacations. Millions of room nights. Hundreds of thousands of Club and ExtraOrdinary Escapes reservations. Nine Club locations and thousands of partner properties. Despite being interesting, the numbers don’t tell the full story. The Club is built around people – Members (some 22,000 in 48 countries – there are those numbers again), and Team
Members who service the Membership. Our mission is to help Members create the best vacation of their lives, and we aspire to this goal each and every day. There’s an old proverb that says, “No matter what happens, travel gives you a story to tell.” This couldn’t be more true of Club Intrawest Members. Over the years, we’ve solicited, received and collected tremendous anecdotes, testimonials and stories from the people who share ownership of the Club.
In recognition of the Club’s 20th anniversary, we reached out to those Members who have been with us since the very beginning, joining the Club back in 1994 when we had just one location in Whistler, British Columbia. A lot has changed since those early days in Whistler and we can only expect more great changes over the next 20 years. What will be your story? We encourage you to share it with us – and other Members.
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4. Whistler 5. Sandestin 6. Palm Desert
10. Whistler 11. Tremblant 12. Zihuatanejo
1. Palm Desert 2. Sandestin 3. Blue Mountain
7. Tremblant 8. Blue Mountain 9. Tremblant
13. Sandestin 14. Zihuatanejo
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Lorna Barr Members since 1994
“In 1994 I was thinking of buying a condo in Whistler. While looking around I saw a building under construction which caught my interest. On impulse, I went in and met with Kelly Gillard, a Club Intrawest Representative. She toured me around the Club and explained the benefits of becoming a Member. I realized this was a perfect option for me and immediately purchased a Membership. From my experience over the years this was the right decision. Initially I used my Membership to spend time at the Whistler location, but with the expansion of Club locations and other vacation opportunities, I have visited the Clubs in Palm Desert, Sandestin, Zihuatanejo, Tremblant, Panorama and Vancouver.
In addition I have used my Membership to visit Squaw Valley under the Resort to Resort program, exchange to other locations, visit Hawaii under the partnership with Hilton and to take a bike tour in the Napa Valley. At these resorts I have enjoyed cross-country skiing, biking, playing tennis and relaxing in the sun and sharing these experiences with my friends. While all the resorts and staff are friendly and welcoming, Palm Desert is probably my favorite. The Club blends well into the desert environment with beautiful landscaping and my friends and I really enjoy the margarita mingles! We have also got to know the Team well here especially Karen Chambers. Karen
brings me up-to-date on how to maximize my Club Membership and provides suggestions for future travel. Last year for the first time, a friend and I visited Sandestin. The shuttle was a quick and easy way to the beach where we spent many happy hours under the umbrellas watching the world go by. Sandestin is now on the list for a repeat visit. What I enjoy most about my Club Membership is the variety of vacation choices available. It is like having a second home in many different locations.”
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WHISTLER
TREMBLANT
EXTRAORDINARY ESCAPES
The Club goes bi-coastal with a location in Tremblant, Quebec. The Laurentian Mountains quickly become a Member favorite, both for its skiing and tapestry of colors in the fall.
Club Intrawest introduces ExtraOrdinary Escapes, our private label exchange program. Members are now able to travel the world beyond the Club network.
The first Club location opens in Whistler, British Columbia, just steps from the lifts of Blackcomb Mountain. Today, the Club is flanked by prestigious company – the Fairmont and Four Seasons.
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Maureen and Ken Dawson Members since 1994
“We decided to join Club Intrawest in the early stages, before the pools were even completed, because we could see the vision and ultimately the value for us, down the road. We could enjoy vacations in a truly luxurious environment and the scope and versatility allowed endless possibilities for us and our family. One of our favorite vacations was in September 2013, as it represented for us one of many opportunities over the years we have enjoyed our Membership. Through our ExtraOrdinary Escapes Membership, we booked a resort on the island of Crete, in Greece. We were not disappointed and had a glorious time, swimming, meeting new friends and dining al fresco in the beautiful Greek island of Crete. Our finale, on our return home was three
nights at the Club in Whistler. This was a perfect ending to a wonderfully planned holiday using our Club Membership. It allowed us to end our vacation on a high – relaxing in the hot tub, swimming in our own pool and enjoying a peaceful atmosphere to look through our vacation photos. The Team was accommodating, available for any small request. They were able to help with returning plans to our home on Vancouver Island, as we arrived and left by bus. We can only hope for more and even better vacations as our favorite thing is to be able to depend on a creative, up-to -date staff who can help fulfill dreams. (By the way, our resort in Crete was suggested by Karen at Palm Desert, saving us hours of research.)”
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PALM DESERT
PANORAMA
Fore! Members come for the golf but stay for the serene, rejuvenating atmosphere of the Club. Haciendas wind along the Desert Willow Golf Course.
Hidden in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, Panorama adds another naturally spectacular destination to the Club network. Ski, golf, hike – Members love this exclusive resort.
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Next Generation Club In 1994, Forrest Gump ran away at the box office, Seinfeld was the most popular show on television and Ace Of Base topped the Billboard charts. And tucked away on the quiet side of a quickly burgeoning ski resort called Blackcomb Mountain, Club Intrawest was putting the finishing touches on its first Club location. Nothing stays the same – this is definitely true of the Club. While our early focus was on expanding vacation options for Members (witness the growth of the Club network and introduction of our exchange program, ExtraOrdinary Escapes), today Club Members can literally travel the world with their Membership. “We will always be exploring new vacation options for our Members,” explains Robert Reyes, Vice President Membership Programs. “However, in recent years we’ve noticed a shift in how people vacation. Today, travelers want more than a world-class ski resort or secluded beach – both of which we offer Members. More importantly, people are looking for opportunities to connect with other travelers – like-minded people with similar interests and family make-ups.” For this reason, the Club has made a concerted effort to foster a sense of community within the Membership. Regular events like salsa and guacamole cooking classes in Palm Desert (taught by Housekeeping Team Members), winter-
Gail Page & John Frederick Members since 1994
“We never planned to join the Club that day in August 1994 when we took advantage of a special offer to stay for free at Whistler. All we had to do was listen to a presentation for a couple of hours. We had experienced the pressure of sales staff at other timeshares with all the questions about our financial status. But, Whistler had appealed to me since I started skiing there in 1967. We listened to all the Club was offering in a Membership. The difference between this Club and other timeshares made good sense. We liked the Resort Point system, the ability to book different times of the year, different size Vacation Homes for any number of days we had Resort Points to cover, Getaway bookings,
and that we could carry over Resort Points to the next year. However, there was still some skepticism. We left the presentation uncommitted. As we stood on the cobblestones across the street from Club Intrawest, so many great memories of my years at Whistler and then Blackcomb came racing back. The ability to book a vacation 11 months in advance not only had appeal, but would ensure we made decisions about a skiing vacation each year. We were hooked! We bought 150 Resort Points that day and we have never regretted it. Over the past 20 years each of the locations has offered experiences that were perfect. The convenience of having the Blackcomb lifts almost adjacent to the Club made accessibility
so easy. No more hiking from the parking lot to the lifts in ski boots! And sitting in the outdoor hot tub with friends, snow falling and a glass of wine in your hand was the perfect way to end a day of skiing. Zihuatanejo in 2006 was the perfect blend of sun, water sports, fishing, a beautiful beach and fantastic views. The opportunity to see turtles hatch and then be released into the wild was an amazing experience. The tropical locale interwoven with the historical fishing village atmosphere was enhanced by the incredible staff we encountered. It was the perfect place for us to slow down and appreciate the relaxation of sun, walking on the beach, and catching the odd wave on a small board.”
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VANCOUVER
SANDESTIN
BLUE MOUNTAIN
ZIHUATANEJO
Look up! Club Intrawest — Vancouver is the Club’s first urban location, occupying three floors in the Sheraton Wall Centre in the middle of the city.
Nestled on Choctawatchee Bay, the Club gives Members access to four golf courses (within the resort) and a white sand beach to rival any Caribbean island.
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Cottage country has a new name – Blue Mountain. And Club Intrawest’s location (golf course adjacent) features its own Mill Pond and Boat House – iconic features of the area.
One word: oceanfront. Built into the hillside overlooking Playa la Ropa, Club Intrawest — Zihuatanejo is Mexican luxury in a quaint fishing village off the beaten path.
Patricia MacNaughton Members since 1994
“My husband and I purchased a Membership at Club Intrawest — Whistler in May of 1994. We had always wanted to own in that part of the world but price was a factor and our budget was limited. Along came an opportunity in the form of Membership in a beautiful new facility. We investigated and found it was a good fit for our pocketbook and fulfilled our dream to have a little piece of Whistler to call our own. We were very familiar with timeshare as we had ownership in another resort. We had exchanged our unit for many different locations, including Europe. We shared our experiences with our Membership Representative and they were keen to hear and learn about our exchanges and opportunities. With this background, my husband
became a member of the Advisory Board. In 1997, we took an extensive motor trip across Canada and returned via the US. This return trip led us to Santa Fe, New Mexico, a mecca for artists, art décor and galleries. This is where we found ‘Bunny’, a beautiful sculpture of a small girl on skis. When my husband saw her, he knew she was a perfect fit for our Club. Upon our return, we shared this information with Jim Gibbons, who was then President of the Club. Jim was immediately interested and pursued it further. The result was that the Club purchased ‘Bunny’ and she is now located in the lobby for everyone to see and enjoy. She stands on a pedestal just to the right of the entry to the seating area – she is very special and a perfect fit. “
time cheese fondues in the Whistler lobby at the end of the ski day and tree planting and dedication services for Mini Members in Tremblant on Earth Day are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to listing Member events at the Club. “Members’ Corner boards at all the Club locations also allow Members to connect with one another while on vacation,” explains Reyes. “I’ve personally witnessed families coming together for kids’ play dates, tennis matches – you name it.” Social networking sites are another significant influence on vacations, both in how people plan, travel and share their experiences before, during and after a vacation. Today, Club Intrawest continues to expand its social presence, actively posting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. All of our efforts are focused on sharing relevant news, program developments, special vacation offers and encouraging Members to share their own experiences, stories and photos. “Twenty years ago, I doubt anyone could have predicted the advent of social networking sites like Facebook or TripAdvisor and how they’d transform the vacation industry,” says Reyes. “In many ways, it has democratized travel – adding a much needed layer of transparency and honesty. At Club Intrawest, we truly embrace this new world of sharing and connecting; it’s exactly how we’ve evolved the Club and Member experience over the last couple of years. I’m excited to find out what the coming years have in store for all of us, most of all Members.”
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ONLINE BOOKING
UCLUELET
In response to a growing demand to book Club Vacations whenever and however they want, the Club launches Reservations Online – a web-based booking engine to confirm Club availability and stays immediately.
An instant favorite with Members, the Club opens its ninth location in Ucluelet, British Columbia or Ukee as the locals call it. Surfs up!
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@clubintrawest Club Intrawest
Ukee Up Close Photos by Jeremy Koreski
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Words can’t always adequately describe a vacation. Sometimes, a picture, or collection of photos as the following pages showcase, is the best means of transporting a person to an unfamiliar destination. Club Intrawest – Ucluelet opened in May of this year. While many Members living on the west coast may be familiar with this charming Vancouver Island town, there are likely just as
many people who have never experienced its quaint restaurants, surf-friendly beaches or impressive wildlife and hiking trails. Jeremy Koreski grew up in Tofino, another coastal town just 20 minutes down the island from Ukee. While his career started and has remained focused on photographing surfers, he’s worked with an extensive range of clients from Patagonia, Adidas, Google to National
Geographic Adventure and ESPN, to name a few. We asked Jeremy to photograph his hometown, beaches and Ukee hot spots to give Members unfamiliar with the area a true sense of its beauty and appeal. As these pictures demonstrate, there’s a reason Members have been raving about the home of the newest Club location.
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Introducing Laura Noges As the Club Manager of our newest location in Ucluelet, British Columbia, Laura brings her life-long love of the outdoors (her first camping trip was at three-months old!), passion for surfing (admittedly her favorite hobby) and love of travel (she’s circled the globe producing photo and video shoots for Lululemon) to the Club’s first Vancouver Island property, located within the larger Water’s Edge Resort. Photo by Jeremy Koreski
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Toronto but spent much of my time at our family cottage, camping or traveling. What are some of your favorite hobbies? My biggest hobby is surfing. However, I pretty much do it all. The last few years I’ve been doing a lot of skiing, snowboarding, cycling, yoga, pilates and hiking. I need to stay active or I go a bit crazy! What attracted you to the role of Club Manager in Ucluelet? I’ve always dreamed of owning a bed and breakfast or a little resort focused on active and healthy living so this opportunity of managing a boutique property for Club Intrawest on the island seemed like a natural fit. I love connecting with people, sharing my knowledge and planning adventures. 22 AT YOUR CLUB
What are you most excited about in your new role as Club Manager? I’m truly excited about getting to know Members and helping them create the most incredible experiences and memories of the island. I love making recommendations for people to try something new, whether it be whale watching, surfing or shucking an oyster for the first time! What do you enjoy doing in Ukee and neighboring areas on the island? I’m a big foodie so I’ve tried almost every restaurant in Ukee and Tofino. I’m always up for an adventure so I’ve hiked most of the trails in the area, as well as sea-kayaked and camped around Vargas Island (north of Tofino). I’m an avid (maybe slightly addicted) surfer so I’ve tried every beach. I love going for a walk to the Amphitrite lighthouse at sunrise or sunset. For those rainy days where you want to stay inside, I can recommend art galleries, interpretive centers and spas!
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LAURA’S TOP FIVE For Members visiting Ukee for the first time, we asked Laura to pick her top five local tips. In no particular order....
1. Visit the newly renovated aquarium. 2. Eat fresh seafood at one of the incredible restaurants in town (ask me for suggestions!). 3. Go whale watching. 4. Hike the Lighthouse Loop of the Wild Pacific Trail. 5. Go ocean kayaking. 3
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Surfs Up! Member and surfing enthusiast Gail Johnson from Vancouver, British Columbia, is no stranger to Vancouver Island. Her brother Scott - a long-time resident of Ucluelet - also happens to be an avid surfer. Here, Gail shares her experiences visiting the island, learning to surf with her husband and all the great reasons to plan a vacation to Ukee. Photo by Jordan Junck
There we were, my husband and I swaddled in wetsuits on a beach near Ucluelet on a November afternoon several years ago, walking straight out into the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Each clutching a surfboard, we clung to the words that my brother, a “Ukee” resident and avid surfer, had drilled into our minds just a few minutes earlier on land: “Paddle, paddle, paddle, pop up!” The “pop up” is one of the first things you learn as a surfer, a move that can be as frustrating at first as the sport is exhilarating. Just like the rugged beauty of Ucluelet itself, surfing seduces. We’ve been going back every year since, our “pop ups” slightly more polished than they were back then. Seeing the coast through the eyes of a surfer changes everything: you notice winds and tides and the folds in the water. You can’t help but feel a deep connection to nature, a sense of humility and awe. Although you may think it’s too cold to surf in Canada, keep in mind that wetsuit design is nothing short of remarkable: with a hoodie, gloves, and booties, the only areas of your body that are exposed are your cheekbones, mouth, and nose. My brother Scott started surfing more than a dozen years ago, having moved from the mainland to build a life that would allow him to pursue his passion. He’s now able to take on immense surf, but he says the area surrounding Ucluelet is ideal for all levels. “Sand bottom, which is what we have here, is much safer than rock or reef bottom,” says Scott, who runs Far West Distributors. “Beaches 24 AT YOUR CLUB
in Hawaii slope steeply into the water, and that type of break is less beginner-friendly than ours, which is gently sloping bottom. Since beginners are going to be surfing white water, waves that have already broken at least once have reduced power and are a little more forgiving than unbroken swells. “The same beach breaks that are good for beginners can produce ideal conditions for the more advanced surfer,” he adds. “This applies once the beginner becomes an intermediate and paddles behind the breaking waves. As wave size increases, more skill and strength are required to handle the conditions.” While beginners may learn at Wickaninnish, Chesterman, or Long Beach or Cox Bay, Scott says Sombrio and Jordan River provide the advanced surfer the waves they crave. “The training required to surf XL waves is crucial. Also, mental skills, especially the ability to remain calm when terrified, are essential.” We’re certainly not at that level, but I’m always thrilled when I can incorporate physical activity into a holiday. I teach group-fitness classes as a hobby, and surfing definitely provides a great workout. So far my family and I have traveled to Club Intrawest Zihuatanejo, Palm Desert, and other places in North America through Interval International. We have France and Africa on our bucket list. I can’t wait to hit the beach again when we visit Club Intrawest—Ucluelet, which we’re visiting on opening weekend. You can bet the first things my husband and I will be packing are our wetsuits.
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36 Hours
in Mont-Tremblant While Mont-Tremblant has been around since 1939, many Club Intrawest Members haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing this breathtaking resort. So we invited Marie-Piere Belisle-Kennedy, an Ottawa-based journalist, to stay at Club Intrawest – Tremblant and chronicle her day-and-a-half in the Laurentians. Photos by Allen McEachern
The beauty of a getaway to Mont-Tremblant is being able to enjoy its French Quebec charm and the naturally blessed environment. Best known for its legendary après-ski for the past 75 years and bon vivant atmosphere, Tremblant is filled with excuses to forget the reason you came in the first place. Too many distractions and fun times for the whole family! Armed with a roof rack full of gear, my husband, Jim, and I head out from Ottawa to meet the challenge.
26 INSIDE TREMBLANT
The majestic view of the snow-covered mountain and the lake at its foot greet us like old friends. It is Easter weekend, the final days of an epic ski season. After touring the Club Intrawest –Tremblant Members’ Lounge, we pull up to Les Terrace Vacation Home 710, complete with a semi-private BBQ and outdoor hot tub – a tastefully decorated two-level Vacation Home with complete kitchen, living room and full bath on the first floor, and private master bedroom with luxurious en-suite on the second.
Friday 4:00pm
The gourmet’s preamble Part of enjoying the local scene is partaking of its opulent foodie offering. We pick up delicacies from Épicerie Urbaine Le St-Amour (764 St. Jovite Street), including regional cheeses and fresh artisan bread. If you plan on entertaining, you will find many catered options for tapas, appetizers and full meals for connoisseurs. Back at our Club Vacation Home, we kick off our shoes and set out a wine and cheese picnic on the patio (when in Rome…).
5:30pm
Take a hike!
Wanting to stretch our legs and look at our surroundings, we venture out on the paved multifunctional trail outside our door and wander past Golf Le Géant. As we admire nature and wildlife at our own pace, a few world-class runners pass us, smiling. This is a prime training ground for the Ironman triathletes – two events are held here each summer.
7:00pm
That’s amore In the mood for authentic Italian fare, we head to the pedestrian village at the base of the ski resort and make our way to Coco Pazzo (reservations recommended, 819681-4774), where chef-owner Luigi Clementi greets us and shows us our table by the window. The menu of this restaurant is varied and suitable for families. My husband opts for the soup and special pasta of the day: a spinach and chicken-stuffed ravioli. I indulge in the smoked trout tartare, followed by the risotto du jour. The warm, casual ambiance allows us to enjoy conversation until dessert arrives: a divine Grand Marnier crème brûlée served with two spoons. Silence in this moment truly is golden.
8:30pm
Shopping after dark Walking around the pedestrian village is a great way to find hidden gems, such as Hatley and Galerie Soutana. We take time to linger in the village and explore sport shops and boutiques. In the packed lounges, live music entices revelers to dance. COMPASS 27
Saturday 8:30am
Coffee and a masterpiece We drive through the charming Old Village sector. Priorities first, we grab espressos at the locals’ favorite, La Sandwicherie Café (1908 du Village Road, inside Cybercycle, a very cool bike shop). Next door, we visit the former train station turned Place de la Gare, an art gallery with resident local artists who are happy to chat with us and give us the inside track.
10:00am
Time to move and explore! Although this is the end of the season and cyclists are zooming by, we did come here to ski, so we hop on the free shuttle and buckle up our ski boots. The north side of Tremblant still offers winter-like conditions, and the sunny south side warms up in time to host the annual Caribou Cup in the late afternoon. Après-ski is a scenic outdoor table upstairs at La Forge to take in the music and the action.
7:30pm
Dinner is served! Tonight we are drawn by the warm cachet of the log restaurant La Petite Cachée (2681 du Village Road, 819-425-2654), where we can admire a full view of the slopes from our spot by the fireplace. The menu here is fresh and seasonal, so my advice is to see what renowned Chef Normand recommends on the blackboard: a succulent bavette de boeuf for Jim, and the artfully prepared catch of the day for me. What a welcoming atmosphere to linger in. 28 INSIDE TREMBLANT
Saturday (cont’d) 9:45pm
So many Club amenities, so little time Grabbing our towels, we walk over to the spa to loosen our tired legs. Then, a peaceful hour under the stars by the bonfire crowns this glorious day. Indoors, we notice kids are playing in the Wizardz Game Room and watching a movie in Cinema Paradiso.
Sunday 10:00am
A little taste of the mountain for home Tremblant has its own “chalet chic” décor style, and local design boutiques can help you to bring home the mountain spirit. Jardin d’Hiver and Côté Montagne offer finds inspired by the Alps. Antique stores in St-Jovite, such as Le Coq Rouge, are worth a look on your way home.
But we’re not done yet: summer, just around the corner, offers us reasons to come back. We need more time to discover Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, the Via Ferreta and a paddle down the river. On our must-try list: a tennis session with ATP Tour coach André Lemaire on the Club’s courts and a waterski lesson from world champion Pierre Plouffe. Meanwhile, au revoir Tremblant, et à la prochaine!
COMPASS 29
Members’ Corner
30 MEMBERS’ CORNER
This is a big year for Club Intrawest and the larger Intrawest family of resorts. Not only are we celebrating our 20th anniversary, but Tremblant resort is commemorating 75 years of operations as well. Never ones to let a good opportunity for a Member party to pass us by, the team at Club Intrawest — Tremblant hosted their own event to celebrate the resort’s anniversary. (Interesting piece of trivia: did you know Ethel and Bobby Kennedy met on the slopes of Mont-Tremblant in 1945?) In addition to tasty appetizers, wine and beer, the Club’s Maintenance team found and restored an original chair lift from 1938 which served as the perfect back-drop for Member photos.
COMPASS 31
Club Yoga @ PA L M D E S E R T
Stretch, hike, bike and more on your next visit to Palm Desert October 5-10, 2014 or October 19-24, 2014
$600
USD*
per person *Accommodations must be booked separately
Contact Member Experience Manager Philip Casila to reserve your spot!
760.674.1368 pcasila@clubintrawest.com
• Wine + cheese welcome reception • Daily outdoor breakfast buffet • Daily yoga class • One hour custom massage or a round of golf • Mountain hike with a picnic lunch • Desert bicycle tour • Evening stargazing event • Farewell dinner • Plus time to golf, visit the spa and lounge by the pool!