69
The Magnolia Hotel & Spa Victoria’s Best K ept Secret by Susan Campbell, photos: The Magnolia Hotel
T
Tucked away on a quiet corner, and a very short walk to Victoria’s lovely Inner Harbour, is a stellar luxury boutique stay well worth seeking out. And it’s easy to miss. Though the structure is only 20years-old, it was designed to blend in beautifully with the restored heritage buildings lining the streets, so it doesn’t jump out at you as being a modern hotel. But once inside, you’ll see why some folks might want to keep this spot a secret. With only 64 rooms, this award-winning hotel can book to capacity quickly. And I guarantee, once you stay there, you’ll want to return. I know I do. Here are few reasons why. Inviting Ambience
The day I arrived, Victoria’s damp drizzle had me seeking warm refuge. So, I was delighted to discover the big cheery fireplace in the lobby, but even more excited to discover that my luxurious corner suite also had its own fireplace. And the deep soaking tub with topshelf bath amenities was also very welcome. Wrapped in their signature soft robe and slippers and cozy in an overstuffed arm chair
after my soak, it was hard to leave. But, I’d heard that their brand-new restaurant had just won some prestigious mentions on “best of” lists, so I had to dine there. Outstanding Dining
First, lets talk about the bar. The bottom floor of the new Courtney Room restaurant is dominated by a massive bar stocked with some killer good mixologists. You can instantly tell that these guys take their libations seriously since their work station looks more like an apothecary counter than a bar set-up- there’s even a spray bottle for misting absinthe! So, I asked then to surprise me with one of their signature cocktails. The result was an interesting shade of mauve due to the locally made Empress 1908 purple gin they used. Next, it was up to the more upscale dining room. Though the menu is small, what they do, they do very well. The focus is on classic French style twists on locally sourced ingredients and proteins. I thoroughly enjoyed my
steak, it was done to perfection, and the seafood tower at the next table looked excellent, too. But to truly experience the talent and creativity of this culinary team, it’s recommended you try the “Chef’s Tasting Menu”- five courses of seasonally inspired dishes with an option to pair with wine and caviar. Next visit, I will do so. I will also take time to visit their on-site spa. Thoughtful Extras
The beauty of staying at a boutique spot is often the personalized service. And the staff here really went above and beyond and they offer many ways to make the stay more enjoyable. The “Curated Maps” program is a prime example. They’ve created hard copy maps along themes like “Bikes, Beer & Blooms” or “Beautiful Boutiques” with all the spots to visit in the immediate area. They also give guests complimentary bikes to help them explore the surrounding attractions with ease. www.magnoliahotel.com
Canadian World Traveller Summer 2019