Stay & Play
Elevated Luxury at Shangri-la Vancouver
by Jessica Percy Campbell
With 5-star locations all around the world, Shangri-la hotels have a tough reputation to maintain: world-class luxury meets peaceful serenity.
I was lucky enough to experience the stunning Shangri-la Vancouver when my best friend visited from Montreal for the first time. After an epic boating tour with Sea Vancouver and a gorgeous hike through the Lynn Valley trails, Shangri-la Vancouver was the perfect place to relax and unwind in style.
Steps away from the waterfront and Vancouver’s famous Stanley Park, the location is ideal for exploring the city on foot, by bike, or SkyTrain. The property itself is remarkable, with all 119 rooms outfitted with an Asian-inspired elevated décor. We booked a spacious Deluxe Room with two double beds, a cozy seating area, and floor-to-ceiling windows with remote-controlled shades. We were especially impressed with the marble-tile bathroom and deep-soak bath, heated floors, and the tv-embedded into the mirror. We even selected our favorite pillows from a custom pillow menu for an ultra-comfortable sleep.
Excited to see more, we immediately changed into our swimsuits and headed to the outdoor pool area. Lounging on mermaid-style day beds and nestled between towering Vancouver skyrises, the pool deck felt like our very own urban oasis. After a much needed whirl pool soak and impromptu photo session, we enjoyed a couple of cocktails at the hotel’s gorgeous Italian restaurant: Carlino. We loved the Oolong Fashioned: a unique take on a classic cocktail but with oolong-infused brandy.
Overall, our weekend of luxurious relaxation was one of our best ideas yet. It’s no wonder the hotel borrows its name from the legend of Shangri-la: a lost paradise of harmonious living. The whole experience was absolutely dreamy. Our only regret is not booking massages at Chi: the Spa at Shangri-la, but there’s always next time.
