DISCOVER SHANGRI-LA VANCOUVER

It’s our human nature that guides us to search for the best of things, the best of experiences. Naturally, we try to find a place where our idea of paradise can offer beauty and tranquility, especially when we are travelling.

VANCOUVER, being one of the most beautiful places in the world, is a city located at the edge of nature, making it one of the top destinations for the discerning traveller’s bucket list, no matter the season. Then comes the question, ‘where to stay’? A luxurious and comfortable hotel with the best location in the city, close to high-end shops, restaurants, art galleries, the renowned Stanley Park and seawall… that is the Shangri-La Vancouver.

The impressive building, which is the tallest in British Columbia, exudes style in the city’s skyline. Upon arrival the Shangri-La Vancouver, the signature scent of the luxurious hotel immediately transports us to a sophisticated haven. Check-in is efficient and fast, the excellency in hospitality shows with the performance of every member of the qualified staff, ready to welcome guests and provide the best experience possible.

Minutes after our arrival we open the door to our suite. The most comfortable and quiet place, a tranquil energy, we literally find ourselves in a sanctuary at the very heart of Vancouver. The room has been climatized to receive us, inviting us to unwind from our busy travel route. Luxurious amenities help to settle-in easily. With the tap on the bedside controls the curtains open to reveal the view of the beautiful city, perfectly framed by the floor to ceiling windows.

After we settle in our room, the pool was next on our ‘to do list’. Located on the 5th floor, the elevator to the pool, Spa, juice bar and gym opens and once again the signature scent invites guests to the sleek space, perfect to completely disconnect from stressful lives where we can sync ourselves into relaxation mode. Poolside cabanas, a jacuzzi, reading a good book or taking a well deserved nap made our afternoon pass by in total bliss. As a guest you can enjoy the sauna and steam room, highly recommended before heading back to your room.

A CULINARY JOURNEY TO ITALY & A MICHELIN RECOMMENDATION FOR DINING

We took a gastronomical trip to Friuli, the north-east region of Italy during breakfast and lunch at Carlino Restaurant and Bar, located on the third floor of the hotel. Taking our first few steps into the restaurant we feel as if we were already in an Italian terrace, hidden within the charming ancient villages. The warm ambience and elegant interior décor adds a subtle element of class. The menú offers an array of dishes that celebrate the rich nature of British Columbia while staying traditional, connected to the roots of Italian cuisine. The pasta is made fresh daily, the dishes will change according to each season, and most of the ingredients are locally sourced, important to highlight that the restaurant has its own farm in the Fraser Valley where they collect the eggs from Maran hens! Some ingredients come straight from Italy, like the Olive Oil. Carlino’s cuisine is a well balanced dining experience with quality ingredients that result in delightful dishes.

Start breakfast with fresh fruit salad and a smoothie, providing good doses of natural sugars to implement digestion. Our favourite dishes were the Eggs Benny served with delicious creme cheese, fresh spinach, mushrooms, goat cheese and avocado, with an Italian touch of prosciutto from Italy. The Three Eggs Frittata is another significant dish to help you start the day with the right amount of protein. Of course, don’t miss the cappuccino!

If you are travelling with kids they will love the waffles with Nutella and maple syrup!

Lunch at Carlino was another highlight of our stay. It felt like having the main meal of our day with our Italian family, taking every moment to savour each dish. We recommend you to start with Salami e Formaggi and the Mozzarella di Buffalo in Carroza, a crispy buffala on cherry tomato sauce topped with arugula. We skipped the carbs (terrible regret!) But enjoyed a pan roasted sable fish deliciously served on lemon chilli butter sauce with leeks and potato, divine!

For those West Coast foodies, the Salmone al tartufo Nero, served with ricotta gnocchi and zucchini, is the culmination of a meal in which Italian culinary traditions coexist with the vast flavours of this beautiful province. Since we skipped the pasta we had room for Dolce! And yes, we ordered the three choices on the menu to share, Tiramisu, Lavender Pannacotta and Chocolate Cannoli. One fact is definitely accurate: we could not name our favourite!

The cocktail to try? La Dolce Vita, the exceptional mix of gin, lemon juice, hibiscus infused limoncello (yes!) finished with Prosecco.

Ask your waitress to recommend the wine pairing, it was absolutely Perfetto.

Aside from the fact that Shangri-La has the perfect location in the luxurious area of downtown Vancouver, the array of services make it your one stop in the city. When booking your stay, make sure to check  the packages of different experiences the hotel has carefully curated. Click here for the current packages.

The day of our departure came too soon. One wishes to have more of your own paradise, after all, and we found it at Shangri-La Vancouver.

WEDDINGS AT SHANGRI-LA VANCOUVER

The hotel can comfortably offer an unforgettable sophisticated space for an intimate wedding of up to 160 guest (cocktail) or 120 guest for a seated reception in the elegant Conway Ballroom. Exchange vows in the private Terrance with jaw-dropping views of Vancouver.  The event coordinator will help you to curate the wedding of your dreams, they are highly knowledgeable in traditional and cultural weddings.

Check here another destination in British Columbia that you will love.