The most complete GUIDE to the INSIDE
The Insider’s Club April 2017
Hot Spot of the Month
Western Canada
Don’t forget to check out this month’s Virtuoso Life by clicking here ->
Choose Your News Explore: Western Canada 4-7 Where To Stay 8-11 Exclusive Virtuoso World Travel Experiences 12-21 Tech News: Travel Technology 22-23
Explore: Western Canada
Explore: Western Canada Written by Damien Martin Though it can be a bit like picking your favorite child, Josh Mahon doesn’t hesitate to name a most captivating stretch of Western Canada. “Between Lake Louise and Banff,” he says, “That’s when you’re really feeling like you’re in the Rockies, surrounded by rushing rivers and mountains.” Mahon knows of what he speaks. As Rocky Mountaineer’s business development manager for the Northeastern U.S., he has seen vast stretches of Canada’s wild west. As for the best time? “Mid-September to early October is my favorite because you get two seasons in one,” Mahon says. “You get the beautiful fall foliage, and then some snowfall as you head up into the higher altitudes.” Plus, the salmon are running that time of year, attracting bears, ospreys and eagles.
Western Canada by rail
Take the train Rocky Mountaineer, which runs four routes in British Columbia and Alberta, begins its 2017 season April 17 and goes until October 15. The terrain runs the gamut from coastal to desert to alpine, and it’s popular to mix and match multiple routes. Thanks to these “circle journey” combinations, the average Rocky Mountaineer trip is 12 days. Itineraries also span a variety of cities, towns and villages. Each has a unique charm on display. “Vancouver is a great walkable city with lots of green space,” Mahon says, with Stanley Park occupying 1,000 acres of the forested headlands north of downtown. Granville Island provides a vibrant arts, food and microbrewery scene. About 80 miles from Vancouver, Whistler is a world-class resort area that hosted many events during the 2010 Winter Olympics and is fast becoming the “Beverly Hills of British Columbia,” Mahon says.
On the opposite end of the region, Calgary is the gateway to the spectacular beauty of the Canadian Rockies, home to the NHL’s Flames and host of the world-famous Calgary Stampede rodeo in July. Lake Louise has some of the world’s most iconic vistas and is best experienced from a canoe on the water on the deck of Lake Agnes Tea House after a hike, Mahon says. Banff is as relaxed or active as you want it to be, Mahon says, with a village for shopping and dining, plus hot springs and a host of outdoor activities. Also in the mountains, Jasper is a haven for hikers, bikers and floaters alike. West of the Rockies, Kamloops is an up-and-coming town approaching a population of 100,000. Gastropubs and brewpubs have begun popping up in the semi-arid desert-like climate. Quesnel has a rugged terrain and gold-rush history. While September is most popular, milder springs have made April and May warmer the past few years. Summer will bring out black bears, grizzlies, bighorn sheep, elk, deer and an occasional mountain goat. Each route highlights a different experience. The Coastal Passage skirts the Pacific Ocean between Seattle and Vancouver, making it a great pairing with an Alaskan cruise, before climbing up into the Rockies.
First Passage to the West takes travelers through coastal rainforest, through mountains via spiral tunnels and through desert in between. Journey through the Clouds showcases the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak, majestic waterfalls and the Columbia Ice Fields. Rainforest to Gold Rush makes passengers marvel at the thought of crossing all that terrain with a pack animal, hoping to strike it rich in the gold fields. The variety doesn’t end with the landscape. Rocky Mountaineer passages can also choose between gold-leaf service, with separate decks for the viewing and meals and an expanded menu and unlimited drinks, and the more economical silver-leaf option. Both Hotels for overnight stays can also be customized according to budget. Don’t need much papering on the ground but want it while you’re riding the rails? You can get gold leaf on the train and stay in silver leaf hotels, or vice versa if your tastes run the other way. With panoramic windows in both classes, you’re sure to discover your favorite vista no matter which route you choose.
Western Canada
Where you should stay
Fairmont Pacific Rim On the waterfront in the heart of Vancouver, Fairmont Pacific Rim offers expansive views of the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park and Coal Harbor. Each of the 367 guestrooms is exceptional, but stay on the Fairmont Gold floor for its exclusive lounge, butler service, evening canapĂŠs and more. Delight in the offerings of Willow Stream Spa, discover Vancouver on concierge-crafted itineraries or settle into one of the cabanas set around the rooftop pool. For dinner, enjoy one of three distinct dining destinations; ORU Restaurant, giovane cafĂŠ + eatery + market, and The Lobby Lounge, the latter of which hosts live music nightly. ASK ME ABOUT MY EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO AMENITIES
Four Seasons Resort Whistler A year-round getaway, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler offers renowned service and convenient access to the slopes of Whistler-Blackcomb. Guests can choose from endless activities on or off the mountain before enjoying one of the resort’s 273 inviting guestrooms, suites or townhouses, or 20 luxurious Private Residences. Treat your senses at the award-winning spa or at Sidecut Modern Steak. Sidecut features only the top two percent of Canadian Prime Beef and prepares it with custom rubs and sauces on an 1,800-degree infrared grill. Visit Fifty Two 80 Eatery + Bar for live music, locally inspired food and handcrafted cocktails.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort Adventurers hoping to restore their nature deficits in complete luxury will love remote, refined, remarkable Clayoquot Wilderness Resort — one of the world’s finest eco-destinations. Situated in a UNESCOdesignated World Biosphere Reserve Area, and fashioned after the great camps of the golden age of travel, 25 great white-canvas prospector guest tents promise every comfort, including wood stoves, full and en suite bathrooms, antique furnishings, opulent linens and down duvets on heavenly king beds, oil lamps, candles and twinkling silver. A timber cookhouse, Healing Grounds Spa, waterfront lounge and 600-acre property complete the offering.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Enviably set in the heart of the stunningly pristine Banff National Park, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a jewel unto itself. Splurge for a room on the Fairmont Gold floor, an exclusive hotel within the hotel. You’ll enjoy private check-in, a dedicated concierge, deluxe breakfast daily and the finest accommodations the hotel has to offer. Outside, the opportunities are limitless, from hiking, canoeing, fishing and rafting in the summer to heli-skiing, dogsledding, ice-skating and sleigh-riding in the dramatic winter months. After a long day in the fresh air, retreat to The Spa at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Stay 3, Pay 2
Four Seasons Vancouver Valid for travel now through December 20th, 2017
Experience Includes: • • • •
Upgrade on time of booking Full breakfast daily, for up to two in-room guests $100 food & beverage credit Personalized welcome note and customized Virtuoso amenity for all reservations made in Four Seasons Executive Suites and above • Early check-in/late checkout, if available
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Golfer’s Endless Privileges Verdura Resort, Sciacca, Italy
Valid for travel now through November 30th, 2017
Experience Includes: • • • • • • • • • • •
Book a minimum of 3 nights and receive: Accommodation Full buffet breakfast at Buon Giorno Restaurant A 19th Hole Light Lunch with a selection of drinks at the Torre Bar Dinner with a selection of drinks Complimentary Green Fee Complimentary club and shoe cleaning An engraved Verdura bag tag A complimentary golf cap A yardage book and tee pack Complimentary water and hand towels
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Dubai Riviera Celebration One & Only The Palm
Valid for travel now through May 1st 2017
Experience Includes: • • • • • •
Complimentary breakfast for two A cocktail each for two with Tapas at 1O1 Dining Lounge per stay One Guerlain 60-minute massage per stay One Guerlain Beauty Lift or Radiance Facial per stay A 1 hour private sunset cruise for two Minimum 3 nights required
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Enjoy Free Air on Arctic Expeditions Lindblad Expeditions
Valid for travel from February 17th, 2018
Experience Includes:
• Hot Springs and Icebergs: Iceland to West Greenland: Receive Complimentary international round-trip economy airfare (New York/ Reykjavik, plus free round-trip charter flights (Reykjavik/Kangerlussuaq) on 2017 departures. • Norway’s Fjords and Arctic Svalbard: Receive complimentary round-trip international airfare on the May 16 and 29, 2017, Orion departures of Norway’s Fjords and Arctic Svalbard. Airfare based on round-trip economy group flights Newark/Bergen and Oslo/Newark.
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
City Winter Escape
COMO The Treasury, Perth, Australia Valid for travel June 1st through August 31st, 2017
Experience Includes:
• Stay 4 nights and pay for 3 nights, from Heritage Room and above.- A cocktail each for two with Tapas at 1O1 Dining Lounge per stay • Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability • Complimentary Full Breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay in the restaurant • $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, excludes Spa retail or Yoga/pilates, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) • Early check-in/Late check-out, subject to availability • Complimentary Wi-Fi
Tech News:
Travel Tech
Quicksand Mat Avoid bringing the beach back home with you using the Quicksand Mat’s multiweave technology. Sand falls straight through and doesn’t come back up, so your day at the beach isn’t ruined by sand getting everywhere. TO LEARN MORE OR TO ORDER CLICK ON PRODUCT IMAGE
Neverquit Socks Travel in comfort with these antibacterial, shock absorbing, odor-eating socks. The ergonomic design is gentle on feet and prevents sagging and marks left on skin. The hexagonal pattern on the soles absorbs energy and prevents blisters. Perfect for making your to a connecting flight.
ChatSim ChatSim is the world’s first SIM card that lets you connect your ChatApps wherever you are. For just $15 a year you can send unlimited text messages and emoji with WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, LINE, Telegram and many other Instant Messaging apps. Thanks to ChatSim you can keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues. Plus another 3 billion people around the world.