Tourists now have a new reason to explore the beautiful natural play area of British Columbia. Accompanying the resuming of the U.S.-Canada border, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island has debuted its most current $1.6 million transformation. The high-end adventure camp has constantly been renowned– and now, it has a fresh appearance, forest-to-fork great dining, and a few fresh methods to experience the Pacific Northwest.
Set on the banks of an ocean inlet within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Clayoquot Sound, the residential or commercial property’s headlining feature is its spectacularly remote place. Since it’s only available by seaplane, boat, or helicopter (followed by a climatic trip in a horse-drawn carriage), arriving here feels like a true escape from everyday life. The surrounding old-growth tropical rain forest, coastal mountains, and glacier-fed waterways are as biodiverse as they are culturally substantial. With the region being home to 3 Indigenous neighborhoods– the Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, who have stewarded this land for numerous generations– you can’t assist however feel a sense of history while treking the secluded trails lined with ancient western red cedars, snorkeling with salmon, or marveling at wildlife such as bears, whales, and sea otters.
All of these aspects functioned as motivation for the home’s recent revamp, led by Australia-based hoteliers James and Hayley Baillie of Baillie Lodges, who took the helm with Denver-based KSL Capital Partners in 2019. If you’ve been to any of the couple’s outposts Down Under– particularly, Silky Oaks Lodge in Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest, Longitude 131 ° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, or Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island– you’ll immediately acknowledge their signature pared-back and cozy aesthetic with stylish nods to the special geographic positioning.
Take Clayoquot’s 25 new luxuriously appointed visitors tents, which include bespoke furnishings from regional designers, heated restroom floorings, outside cedar showers, knitted Bemboka bathrobes and blankets, and thermostat-controlled cast-iron stoves. Moy Sutherland, an artist from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, was commissioned to develop standard bentwood boxes and accent bowls, while handwoven cushion coverings were made by local textile studio Cloth Tone utilizing natural wool from Vancouver Island.
” James and I are both very enthusiastic about being hands-on with the design and working with local artisans and producers. It’s a benefit to be able to seek out these partnerships,” says Hayley Baillie. “Everything encapsulates the place so that when you leave, you seem like you’ve been immersed in what this natural part of the world has to use.”
Part of that immersion takes place at the property’s Healing Grounds Spa, which has actually partnered with regional wellness brand Beauty Through Balance to bring “Canadian thalassotherapy” to visitors. A take on the conventional Greek seawater treatment, brand-new treatments use regional raw ocean elements like hand-harvested Pacific seaweed and Canadian glacial clay to nourish the skin.
While dining in the extensive Cookhouse, it’s not uncommon to hear executive chef Asher Blackford beam about his newest creations (like turning licorice fern root, which only grows on the moss of cedar trees, into a taste buds cleanser). His latest focus is developing meals to match the landscapes and directed experiences that guests can take pleasure in throughout their stay.
The wilderness is, after all, the star tourist attraction– and here, there are numerous ways to experience it. A common day might consist of horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing, heli-touring, or discovering the art of bow and arrow through a natural archery range developed into the rain forest.
Rates begin at roughly $1,115 per individual per night and include luxury tented accommodations, all premium dining, premium drinks, signature guided experiences, and one 60-minute relaxation massage per stay. Kids 6 years and older are welcome. See more and book appointments here.