THE DESTINATION

Located high in the mountains of Southern Vancouver Island, yet no more than 30 minutes from the capital city of Victoria, BC, lies the world renowned Aerie Resort.   A member of Relais & Châteaux, The Aerie Resort is an exclusive Mediterranean style resort offering 29 luxurious rooms and suites, fine dining, conference and spa facilities to guests year round. Its unique location, offering a stunning view of Finlayson Arm and southern Vancouver Island, innovative programs and emphasis to service excellence establish its reputation as one of the finest resorts in the Pacific Northwest.  Known for its spectacular views and as a popular hideaway destination, The Aerie Resort was listed as the No. 1 Hotel In North America, Worlds Best Hotel Awards, Travel & Leisure Magazine 2006. Surrounded by 85 acres of meticulously kept grounds and gardens, the breath-taking view from The Aerie Resort is worth the trip alone. This setting combined with impeccable service and style has proven to be a perfect match for many couples seeking a romantic hideaway.

the wellness centre

Health and wellbeing is an important component of the Aerie experience. At the Aerie Wellness & Beauty Centre our goal is to assist you to relax and unwind. Find harmony in mind, body and spirit as our professionally trained staff help to bring balance into your life through a variety of rejuvenating treatments. Carefully Selected botanicals from the earth and minerals from the sea will provide essential nutrients for your skin and the quiet time will provide essential rest for your mind. Uniquely West Coast touches and unparalleled mountain and ocean views will make your experience at the Aerie unforgettable. The finest organic herbs, exotic botanical oils, rare plant extracts, mineral rich clays, and natural vitamins and minerals are used in these luxurious and effective skin and body care products. All products are created fresh in small batches to ensure maximum quality control, without animal ingredients, synthetics, toxic elements or chemical preservatives. The certified spa therapists at the Aerie Wellness & Beauty Centre are qualified in a variety of rejuvenating modalities, offering a wide range of spa therapies. Extensive in-house training ensures that the level of service exceeds our exacting expectations. Our hands-on approach allows us to focus on the skills of the individual rather than the latest technology. Each of our team members brings their unique knowledge and experiences to our treatments. Thanks to the efforts of The Aerie Resort's  Executive Chef Christophe Letard, many of the top restaurants in Vancouver and Victoria have begun serving seaweed and are actively creating a BC seaweed cuisine. Seaweed has also been used for years as a spa treatment. Seaweed has high levels of Vitamins C, D, E & K. It also has all B vitamins and is the only vegetable source of B12 on the planet. Combine that with 60 trace minerals and all the essential amino acids and it is no wonder medical research indicates seaweeds are beneficial in reducing inflammation and blood pressure, can be used to treat irritations and burns and is an excellent toxin eliminator for the body. The Thalasso-Therapy Seaweed Session has guests experiencing seaweed’s benefits from the outside in. During the resort's seaweed tour and harvest, the focus is on wearable seaweeds, and guests return to the resort for a Thalasso Therapy session with seaweed incorporated into a body  wrap or facial.  This special package includes tour, picnic luncheon and  one hour body wrap or facial. Thalasso Treatment Highlights: Ocean Breeze Facial (1 hour).  As refreshing as an ocean breeze… This facial begins with a cleansing and exfoliation with the Rockweed Exfoliant. A gentle steaming prepares the skin for a relaxing massage with the Seaweed Massaging Oil for the face, neck and shoulders. Next the Iridaea Cream Facial Mask nourishes the skin, and an application of Laminaria Lotion completes the treatment. Marine Body Renewal (1 hour).  A full body exfoliation with Rockweed Exfoliant leaves the skin glowing. An application of the Nourishing Alaria Body Wrap, a blend of seaweeds, seawater and marine clay is applied before a heating wrap. An application of Laminaria Lotion renews the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Journey to the Horizon (2 hours).  A treatment for Face and Body to refresh and renew. First the Rockweed Exfoliant prepares the body for the mineral benefits of the Nourishing Alaria Body Wrap. While in a heating wrap receive a mini facial including the Iridaea Cream Facial Mask. Next an application of Laminaria Lotion and finally a relaxing ½ hour massage with the Seaweed Massaging Oil will transport you to the horizon and beyond.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS

CHOSEN " INN OF THE YEAR" BY THE READERS OF CANADIAN COUNTRY INNS/B & B MAGAZINE. Each one of the resort's 29 rooms and suites offers private decks with sweeping views, oversized jacuzzi tubs, elegant Persian and Chinese silk carpets,  European down duvets, terry cloth tathrobes, television, CD/cassette layers, Air-Conditioning, mini bar, telephones with direct access lines and data ports.  The Aerie's serene, sumptuous guest rooms are quite simply the height of luxury and comfort.

THE CUISINE

Dining is an equally important part of the experience at The Aerie Resort, where meals are served in several intimate dining rooms with dramatic views. “Simplicity. Where the natural flavors of the food are allowed to come through yet the cooking is still elegant, refined. It should not be mistaken for a lack of sophistication.”    - Christophe Letard, Executive Chef, The Aerie Resort “We have adopted a philosophy of “ingredients first, recipes second”, allowing us to take advantage of the abundance of locally grown foods. Simple presentation and offering great flavours is in demand.”   - Markus Griesser, General Manager, The Aerie Resort Dining at the Aerie Resort. A European interpretation of a Pacific coast theme inspires the cuisine which is served in a series of small dining rooms. Executive Chef, Christophe Letard uses the best of local ingredients from over sixty farms in order to include the freshest lamb, veal, venison, ostrich, guinea fowl, pheasant, quail, rabbit and vegetables in dining experiences. Fish and shellfish are harvested from the surrounding waters and mushrooms, fiddleheads and berries from the forests. An extensive and superb wine list features wines from Vancouver Island, other British Columbia vineyards, the Pacific Coast and around the world. General Manager, Markus Greisser, takes advantage of the quality product the local region produces and aims to make The Aerie Resort presents one of the most sophisticated wine programs in the Pacific Northwest. Menu Highlights: Spiced Red Wine Cured Cowichan Bay Farm Free Range Chicken & Quebec Foie Gras Spring Roll Sesame & Ginger Tossed Bitter Greens, Thyme & Morel Mushroom Infusion Braised Sable Fish with Pine Mushroom Essence Spiced Creamy Beat Wonton Ravioli, Lemon, Beet & Black Tea “Bouillon” Caramelized Shallot, Leek & Fresh Goat Cheese Tart Organic Arugula, Roasted Hazelnuts Grilled Rare Albacore Tuna wrapped in Proscuitto Green Bean & Baby Carrot Fricassée, Venturi Shulze Balsamic Vinegar Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil Orange Scented Seafood Bisque Saffron Cream, Crab & Clams Aumoniere Roast of Vancouver Island Rack of Lamb Candied Butternut Squash, “Crème de Lentille”, Garlic & Rosemary Oil Local Caught Ling Cod, Saltspring Island Mussels & Clams “Cotriade” Light Ginger & Chervil Broth Herb Braised Free Range Pheasant Breast Oyster Mushroom & Caramelized Shallot Ragout, Tarragon Chicken Jus Seared Wild Spring Salmon Caramelized Carrot Purée, Fresh Basil Beurre Blanc

THE ACTIVITIES

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