Victoria, BC – Beyond the Obvious
Ask the first time visitor to Victoria on Vancouver Island what they are going to do and the answer is nearly always “have tea at The Empress.” The grand old hotel has become a Mecca for the uninitiated, who apparently don’t mind waiting in line and paying dearly for a pretty unimpressive ho-hum experience.
First, I have to confess that I had afternoon tea at The Empress the first time I went to Victoria, but nowadays I waste no time in heading 45 minutes down the road to the little waterfront town of Sooke.
Here, Sooke Harbour House, a white clapboard country inn, awaits with charming quarters. Each offers an ocean view, a balcony or terrace, private bath, wet bar, and comfortable sitting area in front of a wood-burning fireplace. http://www.sookeharbourhouse.com/
As appealing as the rooms are, it’s the food and wine that draw guests from all over the world. Under the watchful eye of Sinclair and Frederique Philip, the menu changes on a daily basis, but always reflects their food philosophy. Much like Alice Waters in California, Sinclair was the first in Canada to focus on fresh local produce.
“About 95 percent of what we serve comes from the immediate vicinity of the inn,” Sinclair explains, “so we know it’s fresh. Fresh food tastes better and has a higher nutrient value.”
The wine cellar, overseen by Sinclair, has been the recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award since 2000. In addition, Sooke Harbour House was voted one of the top three hotels in Canada by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
In addition to the scenic location, innovative food, and great wine, this country inn has added the Sea-renity Spa, where fresh herbs and natural seaweed are included in the treatments.
From my point of view, Sooke Harbour House is a prime example of authentic luxury travel.
If you go, will you share your experience with other readers by posting a comment?
First, I have to confess that I had afternoon tea at The Empress the first time I went to Victoria, but nowadays I waste no time in heading 45 minutes down the road to the little waterfront town of Sooke.
Here, Sooke Harbour House, a white clapboard country inn, awaits with charming quarters. Each offers an ocean view, a balcony or terrace, private bath, wet bar, and comfortable sitting area in front of a wood-burning fireplace. http://www.sookeharbourhouse.com/
As appealing as the rooms are, it’s the food and wine that draw guests from all over the world. Under the watchful eye of Sinclair and Frederique Philip, the menu changes on a daily basis, but always reflects their food philosophy. Much like Alice Waters in California, Sinclair was the first in Canada to focus on fresh local produce.
“About 95 percent of what we serve comes from the immediate vicinity of the inn,” Sinclair explains, “so we know it’s fresh. Fresh food tastes better and has a higher nutrient value.”
The wine cellar, overseen by Sinclair, has been the recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award since 2000. In addition, Sooke Harbour House was voted one of the top three hotels in Canada by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
In addition to the scenic location, innovative food, and great wine, this country inn has added the Sea-renity Spa, where fresh herbs and natural seaweed are included in the treatments.
From my point of view, Sooke Harbour House is a prime example of authentic luxury travel.
If you go, will you share your experience with other readers by posting a comment?
Labels: authentic luxury travel, BC, British Columbia, Canada, country inn, organic food, Sinclair and Frederique Philip, slow food, Sooke Harbour House, travel information, Wine Spectator
posted by Elizabeth Hansen at
12:02 AM
2 Comments:
Thank you for such a lovely article.
It is not easy to define Sooke Harbour House, many first time visitors are surprised that there are 28 rooms.
Even locals have not fully discovered all that takes place at the Inn. Art, gardens, wine tastings, garden tours, winter lounge with live music, it really is a multifaceted gem.
www.sookeharbourhouse.com
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