- Travel + Leisure's Top 10 Resort Hotels in Canada (July 2019) – Siobhan Reid
Great design, anticipatory service, and thoughtful amenities are essential to any world-class hotel. But in Canada, the best resorts go beyond the usual offerings to immerse guests in the country’s pilgrimage-worthy landscapes — from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the rugged coastline of the east.
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- Today’s Senior News Magazine Writes About Sooke Harbour House (August 2016) – Lenora A. Hayman
The Sooke Harbour House on Whiffen Spit Beach has 28 ocean front rooms. Sea lions are popular on this coast of Vancouver Island and the Sea Lion room had sea lion drawings on the wall. The room also had a wood-burning fireplace, a steam shower and a jetted tub for two on the verandah overlooking the harbour. A nice touch on arrival was the welcoming glass of port and freshly baked chocolate cookies on the counter.
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- Global Traveler USA Reviews La Villa Maillot (July 2016) – Irvina Lew
La Villa Maillot Arc de Triumph is an intimate, 42-room lodging where the contemporary décor, with its bright accents, complements the classic 18th century structure. Boasting some of the largest hotel rooms in Paris among 4-star properties, it is located in the 16th Arondissement, a prestigious Parisian residential quartier between Avenue de la Grande Armee and Avenue Foch.
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- The Post Hotel & Spa in the Top 13 Restaurants for Apres-Ski Wine Bliss by Wine Spectator (February 2016)
Ski season is in full swing, and whether you favor Nordic or Alpine, an essential component of the wintry pastime is the post-ski meal--the big respite after a long day in the snow. For those with a passion for wining and dining, this moment is not complete without a glass--or bottle--of something special to cap off the evening. The Post Hotel & Spa has been selected as one of the top 13 restaurants from top ski regions across the United States and Canada who offer wine lists with excellent breadth and depth across many regions, styles and vintages. After a long day on the slopes in Lake Louise, skiers can stretch out with wine director and owner George Schwarz's 2,550-selection list, which showcases wines from California, Burgundy and Bordeaux, with plenty of values and western Canadian selections in the mix as well.
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- Washington Post - A Creative Avalanche For a Writer in Banff. (March 2015)
Crafting a novel is like building a rela- tionship, with all of the ecstasy and flaws of a human union. Some days are all swooning and rapture while others are almost abusive, delivering a crippling dose of writer’s block. For me, a snowy scene has always been the best antidote. Infusions of crisp air, remote accommoda- tions and the mighty silence of a moun- tainous landscape make the words flow.
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- Hotel Arts Press Release (February 2014)
After winning gold at the Calgary Gold Medal Plates in Nov 2013, Hotel Arts' Chef Duncan Ly of Raw Bar by Duncan Ly and Yellow Door Bistro, followed up with a silver medal, representing Calgary at the 2014 annual Canadian Culinary Championships held Feb 7 & 8 in Kelowna. Fresh from his recent awards, Ly created special Valentine's Day menus for both Raw Bar and Yellow Door Bistro. Besides featuring Ly’s creative Vietmodern dishes, Raw Bar also entertains guests every Thursday with live performances by a selection of bourgeoning, local musicians. Another Hotel Arts Group star, Pastry Chef Karine Moulin will compete on the Food network's Top Chef Canada Season Four, starting March 10, alongside 13 other competitors -- two from Calgary.
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- Relais Borgo Santo Pietro Press Release (January 2014)
Located in the very heart of Tuscany, Borgo Santo Pietro offers a truly unique 5 star experience. Once a historic Tuscan Hamlet this magical 13th century villa has been lovingly transformed into one of the world’s leading boutique hotels. Resting amidst the Tuscan hills near the ancient city of Siena, Borgo Santo Pietro comprises an elegant villa with a noble history set amongst 13 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and parkland.
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- Art in and Around Madrid, by Irvina Lew (January 2014)
Irvina Lew 's experience at Hotel Orfila: "This trip, I stayed at Hotel Orfila where the small, family-owned and charming Relais & Chateaux property offers gracious rooms in a quiet, well-situated neighborhood, dined on Cochinillo (barbecued pork) at Sobrino del Botín, the oldest working restaurant in the world (c. 1725) and hearty Basque treats at La Musa de Espronceda, in Lavapiés, one of the tapas bars on my tapas tour and near Atocha."
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- Moira Fitzpatrick Adds Two Boutique Hotels in Calgary (January 2014)
It is a pleasure to introduce two new properties owned by the Hotel Arts Group – the Kensington Riverside Inn - Relais & Chateaux, ideal for leisure visitors, and the Hotel Arts, catering to corporate guests. Located in Calgary’s bustling downtown, Hotel Arts is a full-service boutique-style hotel that opened in July 2005. Two years later, the Group acquired the Kensington Riverside Inn, and began renovations. Both properties have garnered reputations for outstanding hospitality, luxury accommodations, spectacular events and service above and beyond.
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- The Yeatman achieves "Best of Wine Tourism 2014" (December 2013)
Located in the heart of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe´s most important wine capitals, this member of Relais & Chateaux is a prime destination for those wishing to explore the pleasures of Portuguese wines. An oasis of calm in the city, this 82-room hotel is set in 1.3 hectares of beautiful gardens with breathtaking views over the city and the Douro River.
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- Manoir Hovey Serves Up Summer Delights (July 2013)
Featuring an idyllic summer setting among blooming gardens and birch forest bordering lakeshore, this Relais & Châteaux 5-star historic country inn located in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec features the following exciting summer offerings.
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- Moira Fitzpatrick presents summer at Hotel & Spa Le Pigonnet ***** (June 2013)
As you know, since the beginning of the year we have been privileged to represent the charming Hotel Le Pigonnet in Aix-en-Provence. This 5-star Small Luxury Hotel, an 18th century Provencal Bastide, combines traditional and modern design. The newly refurbished Presidential Suite features an especially beautiful garden view from a large private terrace, and two more junior suites have also just been opened. For those clients who wish to explore Provence, this ideal location with park-like gardens offers a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Just a stone’s throw from the heart of Aix-en-Provence, the hotel features an amazing view of the Sainte Victoire mountain, immortalized in a painting by Paul Cézanne. Also, a popular self-drive Cezanne tour comprises a circular route that includes many places where the artist lived, visited and painted.
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- Moira Fitzpatrick's new packages in Spain & Portugal (March 2013)
As spring is approaching you may be already thinking about a possible trip abroad later in the year! We want to share with you some exciting packages hosted by the Relais & Chateaux hotels we represent in Spain & Portugal. These two countries not only offer some amazing history and culture, but many of them are offering excellent value for luxury stays. For travel agents booking their clients at our properties we offer a wonderful contest as outlined in the next paragraph.
2013 TRAVEL AGENT CONTEST: If agents book any new room-nights at Relais & Chateaux hotels in Spain & Portugal and let Moira know, their names will be entered into the contest. Winners receive a 7-Night Deluxe Trip in the specified country; they can decide their own itinerary with a maximum of two nights per R&C hotel, B&B basis, based on availability. Agents can submit one entry for each new room-night. The contest will run for bookings until the end of the year and the prizes will be drawn December, 2013. The prizes can be redeemed in 2014. In addition to being entered in the contest, MF will provide an extra amenity for clients booked at the Relais & Chateaux hotels.
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- Moira Fitzpatrick adds an exquisite Tuscan hotel to her Relais & Chateaux portfolio (January 2013)
We are pleased to introduce you to a very exciting new property Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany, Italy (www.borgosantopietro.com). A restored 13th-century Tuscan villa, this 15-room hideaway nestles in quiet seclusion near the village of Palazzetto, 30 minutes from Siena, offering panoramic views of the Serena valley. Just opened four years ago, following meticulous renovations by Scandinavian owners Claus and Jeanette Thottrup, the informal country retreat features medieval stone buildings,13 acres of garden with a courtyard, fountains, gazebo, rose garden, cypress-shaded lanes, a cherry orchard, apple, orange and lemon trees, vegetable and herb gardens, wildflower meadow, park and lake. The hotel is also within walking distance of the historic San Galgano Abbey, once a popular destination for pilgrims.
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- Spain & Portugal Relais & Chateaux hotels receives 2013 Travelers' Choice Awards (January 2013)
In Spain: El Castell de Ciutat is selected by TripAdvisor travelers to be among the Top 25 Hotels; Hotel Orfila is ranked within the Top 25 Luxury Hotels; and Mirador de Dalt Vila receives recognitions in two award categories: Top 25 Luxury Hotels and Top 25 Small Hotels.
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In Portugal: The Yeatman and Casa Velha do Palheiro are among the Top 25 Hotels. The Yeatman receives a second distinction of Top 25 Luxury Hotels. Bela Vista, a new member of Relais & Chateaux, is also awarded the Travellers' Choice Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Portugal.
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- Cruising the Mediterranean: A Stay in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter (January 2013)
Before or after a cruise from Barcelona, the Neri Hotel is a perfect base to explore the Gothic Quarter - If you are cruising the Mediterranean, there is a good chance you may embark on your cruise from Barcelona: The second largest city in Spain has become the most popular cruise port in the Mediterranean. Since this wasn't our first visit to this magnificent city (which is some 40 square miles in area), my husband and I decided to book a two-night stay in the Gothic Quarter to explore that area and adjust to the time change before a cruise.
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- Relais Borgo Santo Pietro in Condé Nast Traveller (January 2013)
SWEET STAYS; COUNTRYSIDE COMFIRT - This is the Tuscan idyll you've always wanted to find. The ultimate fail-safe answer to the question "where can we go for the loveliest weekend?". Borgo opened four years ago and knocks the socks off the competition. Next to this, little boutiques flounder; big castelli seem dusty, draughty and old-hat. With just 15 rooms, it runs like a true grande dame.
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- Moira Fitzpatrick welcomes Hotel Le Pigonnet (December 2012)
We are pleased to introduce you to our new property in Aix-en-Provence, France. Clients of travel agents booking through Moira Fitzpatrick will receive a room upgrade at time of check-in, based on space availability; buffet breakfast for two daily; and welcome bottle of wine, fruits and sweets of Provence. Travel agents receive a 12% commission. Located close to the centre of Aix-en-Provence, this 5-star, 48- room, 18th century hotel combines traditional and contemporary styles. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped French gardens – the very gardens Paul Cezanne frequented to paint his famous Mount Sainte-Victoire – Le Pigonnet has welcomed such diverse celebrities as Princess Caroline, Iggy Pop and Clint Eastwood. The hotel includes a restaurant, outdoor bar and lounge, lounges, meeting facilities, wellness area and spa, outdoor swimming pool, fitness room and hammam.
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- Montreal Gazette: Lesley Chesterman’s Top Restaurants of 2012 (December 2012)
Most sophisticated: Hovey Manor. Located on the shores of Lake Massawippi alongside the picture-pretty town of North Hatley, this posh Relais & Châteaux property is beloved by many for its four-season luxury appeal and fine dining room overseen by executive chef Roland Ménard and chef de cuisine Francis Wolf. There’s nothing quite like turning into the driveway at Hovey, then walking down to the majestic main entranceway framed in white pillars. It’s all so British and Merchant Ivory. Following a recent fire, the dining room was given the facelift it deserved. With pretty pastel chairs and a collage-like wall treatment, this is one elegant dining space. As for the menu, the emphasis is on Quebec ingredients, which extends to a wine list that includes a selection of Quebec and Canadian bottles. Yes, the food verges on the fussy when it comes to plate presentations, but everything is so delicious that you just have to roll with it. This is a terrific restaurant, certainly worth the detour, and even the added expense of a room for those unwilling to drive back to the city post-feasting.
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- The Yeatman - David Rosengarten's Re-Port (September 2012)
http://drosengarten.com/blog/david-in-portugal-lead-story
I am back in Porto, my fourth glorious visit in five years: half a decade of understanding the funky wackiness of northern Portuguese food, half a decade of giving myself over entirely to the unusual aesthetic of Port wine.
But, more important in many ways, it has been half a decade of watching one of the world’s greatest luxury hotels come into existence (I toured the construction site), and then into its own (I’ve now stayed three times). It is a place to which I will forever wish to return.
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- Hotel Torre del Visco in CNN News (August 2012)
13 of Europe's Hidden Hot Spots: Matarranya Region, Southern Aragon, Spain
Spain's answer to Tuscany is striped with vineyards and rivers, then dotted with olive groves and tree-lined peaks. It rests at the confluence of the ancient Aragon, Valencia, and Catalonia kingdoms, and the feeling is still a bit regal (one can imagine a king, on horseback, hunting for buck).
The pace of life is typically slow, leaving plenty of time for long walksin the hills, mountain-bike rides, and visits to vineyards. The center of it all is at Hotel Torre del Visco, a 15th-century palace in Fuentespalda (population: 368) that is often host to Europe's remaining royalty; its remoteness is hard to match elsewhere. And
it's surprisingly affordable -- about $200 per night including breakfast; seems even landed gentry like a good deal. Wander the labyrinthine fortress and pretend you're on the set of the Spanish version of "Game of Thrones."
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- Manoir Hovey in the Montreal Gazette (August 2012)
I’m not big on travelling. I suffer from jet lag, hate airports, find hotel rooms claustrophobic and have an inordinate fear of turbulence. I don’t like exchanging currency, living out of a suitcase or ending up in a courtroom in Florence where everyone is speaking Italian while I have to identify the Peruvian pickpocket who ripped off my bag at the airport. Yes, that actually happened.
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- Manoir Hovey Introduction (June 2012)
We are excited to introduce our first Quebec property, Manoir Hovey – ideal for visitors combining a trip to Montreal or Quebec City.
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- Sparkling Hill Resort in the Elite Traveler Magazine (May 2012)
The site of unparalleled natural beauty and award-winning architectural magnificence, Sparkling Hill Resort is a one-of-a-kind $122 million masterpiece — the only resort in the world to incorporate Swarovski crystal elements into every aspect of its design, amounting to more than 3.5 million crystals worth over $10 million. Sparkling Hill is named for the dramatic light reflections from Lake Okanagan that inspired the resort’s hallmark “crystal architecture” design.
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- The Post Hotel & Spa: Hoteliers of the Year for Western Canada (December 2011)
Set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in the town of Lake Louise, the world-class Post Hotel & Spa is a favorite of celebrity skiers, host to an annual international Wine Summit, and a culinary destination with a superb wine cellar that has garnered Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for ten consecutive years. In addition, the Schwartz brothers offer world-class service through their European-style focus on each customer (such as keeping records on every repeat customer’s favorite wines or special dishes), generous training and accommodations for employees, exchange programs with young chefs from Swiss properties, and community-minded donations to local charities. Regularly named among the “best of” lists in Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines, The Post includes 97 suites, the luxurious Pipestone Cabin (sleeps 4), 3,000 sq ft Watson House and 3,200 sq ft Temple Spa.
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- Sparkling Hill Resort: Destinations online travel magazine (November 2011)
Sparkling Hill Resort, a $122-million, 152-room luxury European wellness resort perched on a wind-swept granite cliff, overlooking Lake Okanagan – just a short flight and drive from Vancouver BC – combines floor-to-ceiling views, more than three million Swarovski crystals sparkling throughout the resort, and a 40,000-sq ft KurSpa featuring over 100 different treatments, including cold therapy – the first in North America.
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