The Aerie Resort and Spa

French food was top notch, accomodations so so, and views stunning but not a Relais & Château quality property — restaurant likely got them such a standing.

very sad that the aerie has closed… as it had a marvellous tasting menu. great sommelier who described the wines well, good and pleasant servce from knowledgeable waiter.
and best of all the food was presented beautifully and tasted marvellous.

The Aerie is the Nordstrom of resorts. The staff anticipates your needs before they even cross your mind, they know you by name before you even arrive and no request is too much. I’m not quite sure what to write since there really is so much to say. For starters, it’s won exactly one zillion awards. Among them: Best Hotel in Canada, Best Hotel in North America and I want to say Best Food in North America. The chef is genius.
The resort is located maybe 45 minutes from Victoria and has an absolutely amazing view. It seems so quiet and isolated but it’s in spitting distance of a fun, «big» city. Location: Epic win!
The rooms vary quite a bit. I’ve stayed in the three level suites which are slightly older, the smaller rooms and my personal favorite, a suite at Villa Cielo which is the newest addition. The rooms are all elegant and warm with a sense of whimsy. The sheets are like 2 034 902 834 thread count and the bedding and pillows are ridiculously comfortable. I would recommend staying at the Villa since it’s the most luxurious and it’s up the hill from the rest of the resort and you can look down at the «little people».
The food! OH THE FOOD! Each and every time I’ve been the menu emphasizes local, fresh ingredients. And I mean fresh. The epitome of fresh and local. The wine steward is a genius and pairs amazing wines with the amazing food. Every single bite of food is a new experience. Best of all the chef does meet and greets in the afternoon and goes over the menu for that day.
I’m not a spa kinda person but taking time out of your day for a treatment will change your life. The massage I had here was the most relaxing and soothing experience of my life.
I can’t even know what to say. Everything is perfection.