Spa, Glorious Spa

(October 2010 E-News)

Do you remember the movie “Oliver”? Based on the Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist there was a scene where the young starving orphan, Oliver, looks longingly through a window at “Food, Glorious Food”…

Close - but yet, so far.

That’s kind of how I feel during hotel site inspections when the sales manager insists on showing me their Spa. Sure, I want to know the number of treatment rooms, the overall square footage, and what amenities or signature treatments the spa has to offer, but it seems so cruel not to be able to lie back and relax and be guest of the spa, instead of just a voyeur.

SERENITY, NOW
Such was the case – big time – when I went to see the new Sparkling Hill Resort which promises to “introduce North Americans to new and unique treatments that will stimulate their wellbeing and go well beyond the norm of current industry offerings”. Located 20 minutes from Kelowna airport (complimentary shuttle service available) and 15 minutes from Vernon, British Columbia the resort incorporates a staggering 3.5 million Swarovski Crystal in its décor throughout the property. There’s over 10,000 square feet of meeting space, and 152 uniquely-designed guestrooms, but the true centerpiece of the resort is the 40,000 sq. ft. Kurspa which includes pools of different temperatures, a Fitness Studio, customized treatment rooms, seven very different sauna/steam rooms, and the ‘no talking allowed’ Serenity Room with a spectacular view of the north end of Lake Okanagan and Predator Ridge Golf Resort.
http://www.sparklinghill.com/

ASIAN SENSATIONIn contrast, Chi at in the Shangri-la hotel Vancover offers just six treatment rooms, and each is self–contained with its own fireplace, private bath, shower and relaxation lounge (there are no common areas) for complete privacy during your spa experience. “Chi” is the name of Shangri-la hotels’ signature spas – the one in Vancouver being the first in Canada; Toronto’s “Shang” is not scheduled to open until 2012. “Chi” is also the Chinese word usually translated as “life force”, the concept of which drives the spa’s approach to the treatments it offers. The hotel itself offers just 119 guestrooms, all with complimentary internet access, and meeting space options include a state of the art theatre with roomy leather chairs with tray-tables built into the armrests.
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/vancouver/shangrila

DESERT FLOWER
I recently received an invitation from AZA Tours of Arizona to attend a special Destination Showcase for Canadian meeting planners. The purpose would be experience first-hand some of the activities they arrange for our conference clients such as Guided Hummer Tours of the Sonoran Desert, or Day Trips to the Red Rocks of Sedona. It caught my attention for a couple of reasons: I’ve been travelling to Arizona quite often lately for personal reasons, and it includes a great rate at the fabulous Fairmont Scottsdale Princess including 15% off services at Willow Stream Spa services. I remember conducting a site there few years ago and thinking it was the most beautiful spa I’d ever seen. Alas, I didn’t have a chance to indulge myself in any pampering then, and I won’t have the opportunity to take advantage of AZA’s offer now.
http://www.fairmont.com/scottsdale

As I said: Close – but yet, so far.

Asian Sensation

Sleek and shiny at the corner of West Georgia and Thurlow, the imposing tower of the Shangri-la hotel Vancouver is – like so many new-builds today – mostly residences. At its base, though, is the Hong Kong-based chain’s entry into the Canadian hotel market. (Toronto’s “Shang” isn't due to open until 2012.)

All 119 guestrooms enjoy the exact same décor and amenities, such as free internet - the only difference in room categories is the size. Meeting space includes a state-of-the-art theatre for up to 47 people. There’s a large, well-equipped fitness centre, and the signature Chi spa offers six self-contained “spa within a spa” treatment rooms, one for couples.

The Lower Level lobby – though a bit dark – is designed to welcome guests as they arrive by car or taxi. There’s a second lobby at ground level with high ceilings, lots of natural light, a helpful Concierge desk, and a Lobby Lounge. Guests also have their choice of “four distinct dining atmospheres” at MARKET.

Asian art and design features grace the rooms and public spaces throughout the hotel, which is located within walking distance of downtown Vancouver’s popular attractions and shopping, and is exactly nine minutes (I timed it) from the brand new Vancouver Convention Centre.

http://www.shangri-la.com/

Crystal New Persuasion

Sparkling Hill Resort, 20 minutes from Kelowna airport and 15 minutes from Vernon, opened its crystal-adorned doors in May of this year. The hotel offers 152 guestrooms (each with its own crystal “fireplace”), a 2700 sq.ft. ballroom replete with crystal chandeliers in the shape of maple leaves, and a truly magnificent 40,000 sq.ft. spa and wellness centre.

In fact, it’s the Kurspa, with its focus on health and healing rather than aesthetics and pampering that makes this property so unique; that and the 3.5 million Swarovski Crystals that are used in every aspect its design.

After an intake interview guests are given a personalized program of treatments and remedies to follow during their stay, or they can enjoy some of the free facilities such as Fitness Studio, indoor, outdoor, and “hot” pools, and no less than seven (7) different sauna/steam rooms with varying temperatures, including the -110 degree Celsius “igloo”.

The food is outstanding, and although not busy at lunch, we were told that reservations for dinner are highly recommended. The Chef shops locally and organically and changes the menu almost daily based on the availability of the freshest ingredients.

Another attractive feature of the spa is the ‘no talking allowed’ Serenity Room, overlooking the north end of Lake Okanagan and Predator Ridge Golf Resort.

Serenity now.

http://www.sparklinghill.com/

http://www.sparklinghill.com/

What's in a name? Part 2

I arrived at Hotel Diva without an appointment, explaining that I was interested in seeing the hotel because I write a blog of the same name, and that I occasionally have need for room blocks at hotels during city-wides head-quartered at the Moscone Convention Center. Graciously welcomed, I was shown the meeting space, a couple of guestrooms, and one of the artist-designed lounges available as common areas for hotel guests to – well – lounge in.

I was told that the owner, a woman, has a background in interior design and hand-picks all the furniture, fixtures, and fabrics personally. I also learned that Hotel Diva is one of four boutique hotels in the Personality Hotel collection, and that one of its sister properties was the very first boutique hotel in San Francisco. All four are located in the Union Square neighbourhood – a veritable shopping Nirvana.

The image above is actually printed on a window blind. Can you make out the word "Diva" on the tops of the stockings?

http://www.personalityhotels.com/

What’s in a name? Part 1

It sounds kind of complicated but it was really quite painless.

From the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport I took the free shuttle to the International Terminal. I stored my suitcase at Travel Agency Services and boarded BART (the train) to Powell Station, downtown San Francisco.

From there I walked down Market Street to what I thought was going to be "Epplett's bakery".

Either it was a typo on the map or I need new glasses!

Eating It Too

In the current issue of Meetings & Conventions magazine a Baltimore baker was featured. The "Vincent Van Gough of dough" was lauded for his creativity in being able to create customized cakes for any occasion - or any event theme or company logo for that matter.

Hey - I know someone like that! Jade Lyn here in Toronto makes *amazing* cakes that taste as great as they look. My current fave is the Louis Vuitton Purse Cake pictured above.

Let me know if you'd like to talk to Jade about a cake for your next meeting or event.