Known for its stunning beauty and landscape, Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where it’s possible to ski in the morning, sail in the afternoon and stroll along the scenic seawall in the evening.
While the city offers outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure, it has a sophisticated side, with hotels, restaurants, boutiques and experiences capturing a luxuriously, unique West Coast vibe.
Sotheby’s International Realty Canada invites you to discover Vancouver’s more luxurious side. If you fall in love with the city and can’t bear to leave, please contact one of our offices. We can help you explore our neighbourhoods more deeply and discover a Vancouver vacation home or residence so that you can extend your stay.
Places to Stay
Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel & Residences
With luxurious linens and spa-like marble bathrooms, 42″ surround-sound TVs and interactive customer service delivered through iPad2 technology, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is the destination for visiting corporate types and socialites alike. Gather around the Fazioli piano in the Lobby Lounge on a Friday and Saturday night for some of the best seats for people watching in Vancouver— you might just catch a glimpse of your favourite celebrity.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
First opened in 1927, the legendary Hotel Georgia became quickly known as the city’s most fashionable retreat and one of the best hotels in Vancouver. Imbued with a sense of grandeur and elegance, the hotel now features 156 rooms and suites that flawlessly combine legacy with luxury. For an exceptional experience, book the two-bedroom, 1,500 square foot Rosewood Suite with its private rooftop garden terrace, pool and outdoor fireplace.
Shangri-La Hotel & Residences
Located in vibrant downtown Vancouver, Shangri-La Hotel is just a stone’s throw from Robson Street, the city’s famous shopping and nightlife district. The stunning outdoors is also just at the hotel’s doorstep, with the city’s breathtaking seawall and Stanley Park merely minutes away. Rooms are decorated in a contemporary style with distinct Asian touches with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in ample natural light. If you’re looking for something more lively than room-service for your weekend brunch, slip downstairs for brunch at MARKET by Jean-Georges, where you can start your day with Roederer or Cristal.
These hotels also offer luxurious condominium residences. To learn more, contact one of our Vancouver area offices.
Places to Shop
Inform Interiors
Inform Interiors houses hundreds of classic and contemporary design furniture pieces including Italian kitchens by Boffi and Varenna, closets by Poliform and Rimadesio, extensive lighting displays, home accessories and an architecture and design bookstore. They also have a collection of rare “museum” pieces on view.
For more information on design stores in Vancouver.
Alberni Street
Robson Street is Vancouver’s iconic shopping destination, but Alberni Street is the city’s “Rodeo Drive”. This two block strip is home to more than 30 luxury retailers and restaurants, including De Beers, Tory Burch and Louis Vuitton.
For more information on Alberni Street.
Blubird
Blubird, one of Canada’s hippest multi-brand boutiques, is a contemporary fashion and accessories store featuring a selection of the hottest designers and labels from Milan to LA. Blubird is located on Alberni Street and is a destination for everything hip and new in the fashion world.
The Pet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys is a luxury boutique, spa and daycare for dogs in Vancouver and international jet setters. Complete with doggy crystal chandeliers and white French furniture, the boutique is a beautiful space filled with gorgeous products and fabulous services.
Örling & Wu
In the heart of historical Gastown, Örling & Wu has grown to become one of the leading lifestyle retailers in Canada, offering designer wallpaper, decorative fabrics, tableware, home accessories and gifts. With predominantly first in Canada products, Örling & Wu is always evolving to bring customers the most genuine and personal products from all corners of the world.
Places to Eat
Hawksworth Restaurant
Hawksworth Restaurant is the namesake gem of David Hawksworth, one of Canada’s leading culinary talents. The gorgeous restaurant has won many awards and accolades, and has been named “Restaurant of the Year” by Vancouver Magazine twice. This upscale dining experience features contemporary Canadian cuisine with an emphasis on top quality local ingredients.
La Quercia
La Quercia provides a seasonally focused menu framed within the slow cooking tradition expressed in northern Italian cuisine. Chef Adam Pegg’s impromptu seven or eleven course family style preparation, made to involve the entire table in a collective dining experience, is one of the restaurant’s highlights.
Zest Japanese Cuisine
Popular amongst locals, Zest Japanese Cuisine is a modern, fine-dining restaurant showcasing fresh B.C. ingredients. Located outside the downtown core on the Vancouver Westside, the restaurant offers seasonal specials, a prix fixe menu, as well as many a la carte options. While the sushi and sashimi are exquisite options, venture off the traditional menu to try unique dishes such as Grilled BC Wild Spring Salmon Misozuke, cured in a house blend miso.
Café Medina
Since opening in 2008, Café Medina has carved out a niche as an exceptional breakfast, lunch and weekend-brunch destination that effortlessly blends eclectic bistro fare, connoisseur-savvy coffee and sweet nourishment— including the city’s best Belgian waffles. Their beautiful new space on Richards at Robson is worth a visit.
Bella Gelateria
Using only the best ingredients, Bella Gelateria’s master gelato maker James Coleridge and his team work with local farmers to whip up decadent, handcrafted flavours that change with the seasons. (Tip: everyone raves about the salted caramel!) Bella Gelateria has two locations in Vancouver: Coal Harbour and Yaletown. The sleek new Yaletown space also serves Napoletana-style pizzas and a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu that evokes the flavours of Italy.
Things to Do
Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Pacific Rim
One of the city’s most sumptuous spas is located at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, where the 8,500 square foot Willow Stream Spa offers nine treatment areas, including a couples’ room with deep Japanese Zen tub, a nail spa, three lounges, a full fitness centre and spa terrace.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first Chinese “scholars’” garden built outside of China, and is located in the city’s historic Chinatown. Providing insights into Chinese culture, life during the Ming Dynasty, architecture, and horticulture, it is a breathtakingly serene cultural experience.
Grouse Mountain
For many visitors, the one-mile journey up the Grouse Mountain Skyride, North America’s largest aerial tramway system, is an iconic passage to adventure on the trails, ziplines and slopes of the Peak of Vancouver.
While you are there, be sure to enjoy a meal at The Observatory Restaurant, which offers fine dining at the peak. The seasonal menu garners glowing reviews, but it’s the sweeping, floor-to-ceiling view of the city, forests, mountains and ocean that is the true highlight. Admission to the gondola is free with a reservation to the restaurant.
YYoga
Yoga is a quintessential Vancouver activity, and renowned teachers and studios abound. YYoga’s studios, including its flagship 10,000 sq. ft. downtown location, offer exceptional, full-service amenities such as infrared sauna, mat and towel service, relaxing tea lounges and an array of wellness services such as massage and acupuncture.
Jericho Beach
While many visitors head to Kitsilano Beach, we recommend venturing to Jericho Beach for a quieter seaside experience. The east side of the beach caters to swimmers and the west side to sailboats and windsurfers, and there are soccer, baseball, volleyball and tennis facilities for use.
To make your beach experience a gourmet one, stop by Provence Mediterranean Grill to pick up a delicious picnic basket packed with artisan cheeses, dips, tapenades, desserts, fresh fruit and baguette. Simply place your order at least three hours in advance, online or by phone.
What are some of the most luxurious experiences you’d recommend in Vancouver? Let us know in the comments.
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