Hotel and Spa Awards 2019

Page 14 www.lux-review.com LUX 2019 Hotel & Spa Awards In today’s competitive tourism market, where companies are competing to offer the most innovative experiences, it can be hard to find genuine off-the-beaten-track establishments and those that are merely mimicking this blossoming trend. The creation of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort came about through a love of nature and a desire to showcase the beauty and majesty of the remote Canadian wilderness to the world. Thanks to his passion for sustainable development and a deep love for Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island, Founder Richard Genovese always dreamed of owning a little piece of wilderness and creating a place where people could unwind, unplug, reconnect with loved ones and immerse themselves in the wild. Expertly combining luxury with the beauty of nature, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort offers a completely unique experience. Having recognised the establishment in this year’s Hotel & Spa Awards we showcase the creativity and dedication to the local environment that has helped to drive it to win one of these prestigious accolades. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort: Best Luxury Nature Retreat - Canada His vision was realized in 2000 when he opened Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, a 600-acre eco-safari luxury tented camp at the mouth of the Bedwell River. The resort is defined by unparalleled Relais and Châteaux service and a commitment to protecting the area’s delicate rainforest ecosystem. Named after Clayoquot Sound, the 100km wide inlet of the Pacific Ocean in which it is located, the resort is deeply committed to preserving this stunning habitat. The sound consists of a diverse collection of inlets, islands and old growth forest. The word Clayoquot derives from ‘Tla-o-qui-aht,’ the largest subgroup of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation who have occupied the sound for over 2000 years. The resort is situated in Ahousaht First Nations territory. Since 1995, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort and the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation of Ahousaht have grown a friendship-based partnership built on a mutual desire to honour, celebrate, protect, and educate resort guests about the natural and cultural legacy of those that came before them. Nine of the large forested valleys remain untouched by logging or other industrial development. The area’s temperate rainforests, lakes, rivers and alpine peaks provide habitats for a vast array of species, a significant number of which are endangered or rare. Considering the fact that development has resulted in the fragmentation of forest and alpine ecosystems and loss of biodiversity in coastal rainforests, this biosphere reserve provides a welcome refuge and centre for the natural dispersion and re-establishment of species. Such a focus on the preservation and enhancement of nature is what sets the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort apart from other wilderness resorts. At this unique establishment, guests enjoy artfully prepared coastal gourmet cuisine, restorative spa and wellness experiences as well as an impressive menu of marine and land-based adventures including whale and bear watching, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, yoga and heli-adventures. Ultimately, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is the perfect destination for those looking to escape into the wild, experience a new culture and reconnect with nature. Company: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort Contact: Rosalyn Young Website: https://www.wildretreat.com/