Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, is not just for skiers, golfer, and bikers. It offers unforgettable relaxing stress-free vacation experiences, whether seeking rest for your tired muscles from the day’s thrilling activities or to visit as a spa destination.
Two premier spa hotel resorts nestled in view of Blackcomb’s towering snow-capped mountain are The Four Seasons Whistler and Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
My previous blog post described the incredible customer service and pampering at The Four Seasons. Looking to rejuvenate doing nothing at a pool and spa for several days, the unpredictable weather was concerning. If it were to rain as sometimes happens in June and July The Four Seasons offered an outdoor pool. As a Plan B, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler offered both an outdoor pool and indoor pool with a co-ed relaxation indoor sitting area. One could swim through an opening in the glass windowed wall to both indoor and outdoor pools. If it rained, we had a place to go to continue relaxing. As good luck would have it, it never rained and we enjoyed beautiful 70-80 degree sunny weather, with a sight breeze.
A shout-out to James Ellison, the health and fitness manager, who demonstrated impeccable customer service. He was welcoming and went the extra mile for whatever we needed. From setting up the chaise lounges in a shady part of the pool, setting the umbrella to keep off the sun, placing fitted towels on the chaise, and bringing extra umbrellas to adjust the shade, he was always there with a smile and helping hand. Every few hours, an attendant would bring around a complimentary smoothie tasting–loved the melon smoothie! James provided helpful tips on where else to go in Whistler during our stay. In fact, when our visit had to be cut short by two days, he and his assistant Beverly went out of their way to help us find a good hotel in which to stay in Vancouver.
The hotel management was helpful as well. When we arrived and our original room had a view blocked by a green metal spire, and I asked if there were any other rooms with a better view, Sue found a room facing the mountain with a juliet balcony that was even larger.
Even before arriving, the managers of the Swissotel in Chicacgo had put me in touch with the head chef, Isabel Chung, and Luane Lowden, to send me information on vegetarian and vegan options, and relaxing spa offerings in Whistler. At the hotel, the manager, Norm and his assistant Valerie provided assistance for any information and help needed.
La Vida Spa at Fairmont Chateau Whistler welcomed with soft spa music. Its coed relaxation lounge was only for those who booked a spa service. It had comfy couches to lounge in while awaiting treatment. What was unique about the spa was its ayurvedic treatment offering. The spa attendant gave me a questionnaire to complete regarding my body type, personality, and personal preferences. It was analyzed to see what “dosha,” either Vata, Pita, or Kapha, I was as each had customized product and treatments. Some people are a mixture so the various techniques and products are further customized to match your type.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler offered visual rest for the eyes. Its hanging baskets of colored red, orange, yellow, and white impatience and petunias graced the curves of the pool. Flower pots set apart the private cabanas that could be rented for the day. But nothing gave rest for these tired computer overused eyes than the mountains covered with the greenery of pine trees except for its remaining cap of snow to remind you how high it really is.
Make sure you dine in the natural setting offered by the two restaurants that have an outdoor eating patio, adjoining a green garden with a gentle waterfall. Or eat at Portabello’s at the front of the hotel, whose outdoor patio sits along a promenade of quaint shops, flower pots with multicolored summer annuals, and a festive atmosphere.
Don’t want to drive anywhere? A hotel shuttle drives you to Whistler Village, a walking-only destination of shops, eateries, fountains, gazebos, creeks with bridges, and an outdoor concert stadium. Built for the 2010 Olympics, this Olympic village was kept and serves as a playground for young and old. Stay tuned for my food review of healthy dining options in Whistler Village!
If you only had time for one outing, do the Peak-2-Peak experience. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is a tri-cable gondola lift that links Whistler Montain’s Roundhouse Lodge with Blackcomb Mountain’s Rendezbous Lodge. This is the first lift to join the two mountains. A ski lift takes you to the top of Whistler mountain. It was exciting to see black baby bears foraging below as the lift rises. At the peak, enjoy breath-taking views of the snow-capped mountain ranges of British Columbia. Eat lunch at the Roundhouse, which offers salads and vegeburgers as a healthy food dining option, before taking Peak-2-Peak gondola across to the neighboring Blackcomb mountain peak.
A movie documents the engineering feat of building the Peak-2-Peak gondala. As the multi-person glass-sided gondala is pulled across to the next peak, each moment offers new photo ops of the green pine slopes and an occasional bear.
At Blackcomb peak, sit quietly on a picnic bench, and take in the view, feeling connected to the magnificence of the snow-capped mountains touching the azure blue sky. Whether contemplating the beauty of nature from the base of the mountain looking up or from its peak looking out for miles of this majestic range, the power of nature and its beauty surged through me and the wonder of this amazing creation.