Air Canada Vacations Launches Ultimate Escapes Collection at Vancouver’s Holt Renfrew Store. Sky Blue Vickie Sashays Along to Celebrate the Occasion by Sipping on Champagne…
I have been known, it has to be said dear reader, to be rather partial to a lovely glass of fizz.
So I was in heaven yesterday as I sashayed around the private apartment at Holt Renfrew in downtown Vancouver, Champers glass firmly in hand, at the exclusive launch of Air Canada Vacations’ Ultimate Escapes Collection.
The Apartment at Holt Renfrew, in case you don’t know (and not many people do) is a sophisticated oasis on the top floor of the department store where the glitterati sip on Champers as their personal shoppers fuss around them with sexy little numbers by the likes of Versace and Victoria Beckham.
So, as you can imagine, I fit right in…
Only joking!
But I did have a blast. And it was the perfect venue for the Ultimate Escapes launch—the first collection of its kind for ACV, featuring the finest properties that the operator has to offer.
Yes, we’re talking about dreamy hideaways, gourmet cuisine, state-of-the-art amenities and impeccable service.
And lots and lots of Champagne, if you’re especially lucky.
ACV’s general manager of sales in Western Canada, Marigold Fortuna, gave us the low-down on the new luxury line.
“In our Mexico and Caribbean brochure alone, Air Canada Vacations has over 600 properties in our portfolio. From the 600 we have extracted 43 unique hotels, resorts and villas that we classify as an ultimate luxury retreat experience.”
In Mexico ACV is working with two simply sublime brands: Karisma Hotels and Resorts and Velas Resorts.
“Karisma has just built over-water bungalows in the Mayan Riviera, so you no longer have to travel to Tahiti to get that over-water experience. It’s just a short flight away.
“And I’ve had the experience of the Grand Velas in Puerto Vallarta and the smallest room there is 1,200-square-feet. That’s bigger than most homes! And apart from the spacious accommodation, there’s also the outstanding service and impeccable cuisine.”
But, as we all know, client experience begins long before they land in destination. Luckily though, ACV has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to making the journey to an Ultimate Escape property special.
“To elevate the experience we have free seat selection in preferred seats and private round-trip transfers. Or, you can step it up and bring a group of friends and charter an aircraft with Air Canada Jetz,” added Fortuna.
Air Canada Jetz is usually reserved for the likes of the Vancouver Canucks, the Toronto Raptors, U2 and the Rolling Stones, but the service is now available to the public with Ultimate Escapes.
“You will have a dedicated concierge service, you can personalize your menu and beverages and—this is my favourite part—we have reconfigured the aircraft so there are 53 business class seats on the plane.”
And having spent an afternoon quaffing Champers in Holt Renfrew’s exclusive apartment, I can just see myself on that private jet on my way to my over-water bungalow…
