press release
WICKANINNISH-ON-THE-BEACH OPENS ITS DOORS TO A FULL HOUSE
July 1, 2003
The long awaited expansion of the Wickaninnish Inn is complete and has opened its doors to a full house. Wickaninnish On the Beach is located steps away from the original Inn, at the edge of Chesterman Beach on the far western shores of Vancouver Island. The views of adjacent surf and sand from the new Inn are likely to become as famous as those from the original Inn.
Guests entering the lobby are greeted by a sweeping view of the rugged west coast shoreline seen through 20-foot tall windows. As with the original Inn, the building was designed by Young + Wright Architects, Inc. and the interiors were created by BBA Design Consultants Inc. to incorporate the elements of British Columbia's west coast in a style of rustic elegance. Local cedar predominates, many of the most prominent features hand adzed, and the grand fireplace is made of rough-hewn stone of the same type found on the beach. The surrounding rainforest and ocean become part of the interior elements, as seen through a multitude of large windows.
Wickaninnish On the Beach adds 30 new guest suites and rooms, including five loft suites with gourmet kitchens, six corner suites, and a canopy room, ranging in size from 600 to 1100 square feet. Each guest room has a beach view, soaker tub overlooking the ocean, private balcony, and fireplace.
Some of the other major features of the new Wickaninnish On the Beach include a spacious mezzanine level library, with the same remarkable views as the lobby, a large fireplace warmed lounge area and a workout room overlooking the beach. Also on the beach level is a fully equipped board meeting room with equally uncompromising views. Guests at Wickaninnish On the Beach are fully welcome to enjoy all the existing amenities of the Inn, including the award winning cuisine of The Pointe Restaurant and the rejuvenating pleasures of the Ancient Cedars Spa.
In 2002, the Wickaninnish Inn was named top hotel in North America and the third best hotel in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine, and voted by Conde Nast UK readers as the #2 leisure hotel in the Americas and the Caribbean (after the Hotel Bellagio in Las Vegas). It also placed 33 out of 100 in the "Best of the Best" survey, which included all categories such as cities, countries, islands, airlines, cruise lines, and resorts. In 2003 it has made Condé Nast North America's Gold List and Travel & Leisure's 500 Plus list.
Availability and booking conditions for all packages and room rates can be obtained by contacting a travel professional or by calling The Wickaninnish Inn at 1-800-333-4604 (toll-free in Canada and USA). Flights can be reserved through North Vancouver Air by calling 1-800-228-6608. The web page www.wickinn.com features excellent images, information and a reservation form. The Wickaninnish Inn is a member of the prestigious group of Relais & Châteaux luxury hotels and can be reached through any international Relais & Châteaux reservation office.
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For editorial information and/photography, please contact:
Jane Ince,
Public Relations Manager, Vancouver, BC