HIGH FLYING LUXURY AT SHANGRI-LA VANCOUVER
The Shangri-La Vancouver Hotel, nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver, is a sight to behold. Surrounded by the majestic mountains and the serene sea in British Columbia, Canada, it offers a unique and inspiring setting. Occupying the first 15 floors of the highest building in downtown Vancouver, the hotel has redefined luxury with a distinctive commitment to a perfect blend of Asian-style hospitality and imaginative design – all, while incorporating the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding land and water. Shangri-La Vancouver is a beacon of elegance, luxury, and sophistication.
As soon as you arrive, the unwavering commitment to privacy and personalized service is immediately apparent. You are escorted into a private underground lobby where you’re greeted by your concierge, who knows your name and is waiting to assist you in making your stay seamless and effortless. This level of personalized service is a hallmark of Shangri-La Vancouver, where every guest is treated with the utmost care and attention.
Imagine stepping into a world where every detail is crafted to perfection, where modern elegance meets timeless luxury. Shangri-La Vancouver exudes a sense of understated grandeur from the moment you enter, with contemporary Asian-inspired décor featuring rich woods, marble accents, and serene water features that evoke a sense of tranquility amidst the urban hustle outside.
For couples seeking the perfect blend of elegance, convenience, and prestige for their wedding day, Shangri-La Vancouver offers an unparalleled setting. The hotel provides various stunning venues catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony in a chic ballroom bathed in natural light, or a lavish reception with panoramic views of Vancouver's skyline as your backdrop, Shangri-La Vancouver has versatile spaces designed to accommodate every aspect of your special day.
The Ceremony
Picture exchanging vows in the elegant Xi Shi Lounge, a sophisticated space adorned with modern art and a warm ambiance that lends itself to intimate ceremonies. The lounge's chic design and cozy atmosphere create an ideal setting for couples looking to share their love in a private yet stylish setting.
For those dreaming of an outdoor ceremony with a touch of urban sophistication, the Rooftop Garden Terrace offers sweeping views of Vancouver's downtown skyline and the surrounding mountains. Surrounded by lush greenery and contemporary architecture, this rooftop oasis provides a picturesque backdrop for saying "I do" amidst the beauty of nature and cityscape.
Culinary excellence is at the heart of every luxury wedding celebration, and Shangri-la Vancouver does not disappoint. The award-winning culinary team takes immense pride in creating bespoke menus for couples that delight the senses and exceed expectations. From exquisite canapés during cocktail hour to a sumptuous multi-course dinner crafted with locally sourced ingredients, every dish seems like a work of art, prepared with precision and flair.
Their Carlino restaurant pays homage to British Columbia and its similarities with northern Italy's mountain ranges, forests, lakes, and coastal waters. In addition to classic Friulian dishes, guests will find specialties from neighboring regions Trentino and Veneto.
When the Wedding Style team visited, we were served a family-style dinner showcasing the range of dishes and delicacies. It was absolutely a highlight of our stay, and one of the best Italian dinners I have ever eaten.
Luxury At New Heights
Are you looking for a unique, luxurious experience to celebrate your wedding day, life milestone, or celebration? We recently checked out the “”Luxury At New Heights” Package the hotel offers.
Your stay begins as you check into the opulent Orchid Balcony suite. This premier suite has panoramic views of downtown Vancouver, where you can gaze out while enjoying high tea and begin your adventure. The suite is stylish and well-stocked for your four-day, three-night stay and is perfect for couples and newlyweds.
Our trip began with a chauffeur-driven SUV whisking us to a heliport for our private helicopter journey to Phantom Creek Estates. This journey is part of an exclusive partnership with Skylux Luxury Helicopter Charter and The Shangri-La Vancouver. This collaboration was created to celebrate the hotel’s 15th anniversary and is a new signature guest experience not to be missed!
As we flew over land and water and began to soar above the majestic mountains surrounding British Colombia, we were offered an unparalleled vista that took our breath away. It took about an hour to fly from downtown Vancouver to the renowned Okanagan Valley, home to the picturesque Phantom Valley and Phantom Creek Estates. As we descended into the valley, we caught a glimpse of the Estate, which suddenly rose from the rolling hills and valley, welcoming visitors with towering white angels and a marble sculpture of the Greek Sun God, Helios.
We were greeted by the winery’s Director of Farming, who gave us a private, intimate tour of the vineyards. We discovered the secrets of the Okanagan’s distinctive soil in the wine-making process. We were also treated to a private tasting, with an introduction to how traditional wine-making methods combined with modern technology have created truly exceptional wines.
After touring the wine cellars, we were given a glimpse into the level of dedication and commitment to the artistry of winemaking. We entered the Founders’ Cellar, a beautiful underground circular room surrounded by glass and illuminated by a one-of-a-kind Imperial Topaz chandelier by famed glass artist Dale Chihuly. Here, we experienced a multi-course lunch featuring fresh seasonal ingredients from the nearby producers, prepared by the Estate’s award-winning culinary team led by Chef Alessa Valdez. Thoughtfully combined with exclusive wines, the lunch was designed to elevate the senses and create a one-of-a-kind, memorable culinary journey.
Finally, our visit ended with their signature premium wine and sourced artisanal cheese pairing. During this tasting session, we sampled each wine alongside a carefully chosen cheese, allowing a delightful play of flavors and textures. The rich, velvety notes of the red wines would be beautifully enhanced by the creamy, tangy profiles of the cheeses, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.
As a unique personalized keepsake, we were gifted a signed Phantom Creek Estates Cuvee bottle to take home and enjoy. We returned to the helicopter exhausted but completely enchanted by our day of indulgence, the endless hospitality, and the level of attention to our personal needs.
The Alchemy Spa Treatment
What better way to recover from our wonderful helicopter wine tour than four hours of exquisite Spa treatments? Ready to indulge the mind, body, and soul? Shangri-La Vancouver’s signature spa will transport you to heavenly bliss. Perfect for couples to share before or after their wedding day, the treatment starts with a soak in an infinity bath scented with Epson salts and essential oils that ease the mind and body. Then it's into a thermal body mud wrap to detox from the day and release any stress. A stimulating eucalyptus-filled steam shower prepares you for a full body massage and facial. During the 4 hours that indulge every sense and calm the body, you are given a tasty green smoothie and tea to bring you into an even deeper state of perfection.
After your personalized spa experience and when ready for another culinary treat, head to Black & Blue Steakhouse, a short walk from the Shangri-La. Here, you will be treated to the best of what a premier, contemporary steakhouse offers.
The iconic Shangri-La’s mission is “built on the idea that life is meant to be fun, limitless, and full of possibilities.” I feel I experienced all these during my four-day stay at Shangri-La Vancouver, truly encompassing all that the word ‘Shangri-La’ means: a Paradise on Earth, a haven of idyllic beauty and tranquility.
Visit shangri-la.com for more information.
>Written By: Kellie Walsh