Haute Hotels

Derived from the French word “hôte,” meaning “host,” the hotel has long been a symbol of rest, relaxation and perhaps even temporary escapism, whether one is on vacation or simply passing through a city or town. Although many hotels have come a long way from their historical bed, bath and storage space roots, their humble beginnings are still present in the underlying principle of guest-first accommodation, albeit in a more lavish style. Add luxurious amenities and a breathtaking location and voila, you have a resort.  From Alberta’s lavish Fairmont resorts and Spain’s modern and innovative Marqués de Riscal Hotel, to San Francisco’s oceanfront Ritz-Carlton and Dubai’s epitome of 21st-century architectural opulence, the Burj Al Arab Resort, hotels today around the world have become in and of themselves their own vacation destination.
 

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, San Francisco

As San Francisco’s only oceanfront golf resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean views from many of its luxurious guest rooms. In addition to taking advantage of its ideal location — only 30 minutes from the San Francisco International Airport, and situated between two world-class golf courses — the resort’s amenities are endless. Enjoy your own private terrace fire pit, relax on the bluff after an invigorating spa treatment, or enjoy a decadent meal while taking in an outstanding ocean view at one of the resort’s inventive restaurants. Afterwards, drink in the beauty of the Northern California setting with a stroll along one of the resort’s many relaxing and romantic walking trails.
 

Visit nearby:
Only 10 minutes from the resort, and only from mid-December through March, get up close and personal with the majestic grey whales as they make their migratory journey south. While on board a fantastic cruise departing from Princeton Harbour, sightseers can experience the grace and grandeur of one of the world’s largest mammals.
 

Burj Al Arab Resort, Dubai

Known as the world’s most luxurious hotel and the ultimate in Arabian hospitality, the Burj Al Arab Resort consists of 321 metres of billowing architecture located on a man-made island, a short distance from the shores of the striking Jumeirah beach. This lavish and uniquely shaped hotel offers exceptional guest services and luxuriously appointed duplex suites, equipped with private business facilities and the most modern in technology. With rain showers and Jacuzzis in every suite, a Rolls-Royce fleet, butlers on call and dining under the sea and stars, guests may never want to leave. The resort also offers private shoppers to assist guests in their search to find unique gifts, and an array of oriental massages at the lavish Assawan Spa and Health Club. With such delightful details as a marvellous circular ballroom, this resort is almost like stepping into another world or royal kingdom.
 

Visit nearby:
For those willing to leave the luxury of the Burj Al Arab Resort for a little adventure, a sightseeing excursion might just be the activity of choice. Dubai is known as “a treasure trove of endless surprises.” Experience some of the eclectic sights and sounds of the magnificent city; search the souks for a bountiful bargain; ride the majestic sand dunes; or tour the luxurious residential districts, historical sites and traditional museums. With activities including desert safaris and bird watching, attendees will not be disappointed.
 

Marqués de Riscal Hotel, Spain

Marqués de Riscal Hotel, a Luxury Collection hotel located in the medieval town of Elciego in Alava, Spain, is regarded as “a true example of modernity and innovation set against the backdrop of an old, traditional winery.” Dating back to 1858, the Marqués de Riscal winery is, in fact, the oldest winery of Spain’s famed Rioja region. The hotel houses 43 rooms, each fitted with the most desirable of luxury amenities. As part of a complex called Ciudad del Vino, Marqués de Riscal Hotel shares common space with a vinotherapy spa — the first of its kind in Spain — exclusive restaurant, conference centre and grand banquet hall.
 

Visit nearby:
Not far from Marqués de Riscal Hotel is the renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank O. Gehry, the museum of modern and contemporary art is a popular attraction thanks to its unique exhibitions and the splendour of the building’s architecture.
 

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta

Globally recognized for its progressive environmental stewardship and responsible tourism, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is located in the heart of Banff National Park, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The resort hotel offers adventures all year round with their award-winning guided Mountain Heritage program. Whether you fancy a casual walk around the lake, or hiking and mountaineering soaring peaks and cavernous canyons, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Heritage Interpretive guides will lead adventure seekers on thrilling and educational excursions. And in the summer months, visitors can explore the wilderness of Banff via hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking and rafting.
 

Visit nearby:
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel is an ideal spot to embark on one of Canada’s most picturesque drives: The Icefields Parkway, which connects to The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

The Fairmont Banff Springs, Alberta

With its renowned hospitality and characteristic grandeur, The Fairmont Banff Springs resort in Banff National Park has been impressing visitors since 1888, when the hotel was built. Marking the birthplace of tourism in the Canadian Rockies, the hotel was styled after a Scottish Baronial castle and declared a National Historical Site in 1992. Offering an outdoor heated pool overlooking picturesque mountains, multiple dining options and invigorating massages at Willow Stream Spa, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a destination for pure relaxation and enjoyment. And don’t forget about skiing. Offering ski storage, rentals, on-site ski passes and the only ski shuttle service in Banff that takes skiers directly to Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Ski Banff at Norquay, it’s easy to forget Fairmont Banff Springs is first and foremost a hotel.

Visit Nearby:
The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel offers some incredible coach tours. The Columbia Icefield Tour takes guests along one of the most scenic highways in the world. With stops at Peyto and Bow Lakes, and the Crowfoot Glacier, guests can also take the Snowcoach tour onto the grand Athabasca Glacier. •