by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 9:15 AM ET, Fri July 18, 2025
We love a good hotel stay, so much the better when there is something special to indulge in. Over the summer is the perfect time to encourage clients to treat themselves to an upgrade that makes their stay extraordinary.
I Scream, You Scream
Velvety chocolate berry cup from HYPE (Photo Credit: Fairmont Waterfront)
The Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver is home to ARC restaurant, renowned for its stunning harbour views as much as its creative and locally sourced cuisine. ARC has partnered with HYPE Chocolate for a fun summer pop-up that will appeal especially to kids at heart. The pop-up features summer treats, with flavours distinctive to Fairmont Waterfront, including a signature Lemon, Wildflower Honey & Thyme sorbet, “an affectionate nod” to the hotel’s rooftop garden and bee apiary.
Guests can also enjoy a Salted Chocolate ice cream, featuring sea salt from Vancouver Island or a Vanilla Bean & Brown Butter Croissant flavour crowned with edible gold, a decadent indulgence if ever there was one.
“We’re delighted to partner with HYPE Chocolate to bring their bold, locally crafted sweet treats to our Waterfront space through this bespoke and vibrant pop-up”, said Mike Pagnacco, Director of Food & Beverage at Fairmont Waterfront. “This collaboration is a celebration of local talent, playful indulgence, and the kind of unexpected, elevated experiences that we love sharing with our guests.”
The pop-up – adjacent to ARC Restaurant’s Patio – will be open 11 am-7 pm on weekends throughout July, August and the first two weeks of September.
Drift away on relaxation
Drift Sound Meditation at Parkside Hotel and Spa (Photo Credit: Parkside Hotel and Spa, Victoria)
Over on the Island, the Parkside Hotel and Spa, Victoria has introduced DRIFT, a floating sound meditation. The first of its kind in a Victoria hotel, the experience offers deep relaxation while you float.
The 75-minute sessions are led by Certified Sound Practitioner Pilar Munoz, and feature “harmonious blend of crystal alchemy bowls, gongs, and other sacred instruments designed to soothe the mind and body.”
"We're proud to introduce this immersive Sound Journey as part of our continued commitment to reimagining wellness," said Parkside Spa Manager Jen McDonald. "By blending sound therapy with the calming properties of water, we're offering guests a unique opportunity to pause, reset, and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings."
The small group sessions offer guests a quiet respite from the world, floating on a mat in the warm water, while “sound waves ripple through both body and pool, promoting a profound sense of release, mental clarity, and restoration.”
The Drift series launched July 17, 2025, and continues every Tuesday morning and Thursday evening for eight weeks through early September. Sessions are $60 per person, and advance registration is required due to limited availability. Guests are encouraged to wear light, comfortable clothing or a bathing suit. Plush robes are provided.
Bathe in the Whistler Forest
Explore the Forest around the Chateau (Photo Credit: Fairmont Chateau Whistler)
Back on the mainland and up the road to Whistler, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler has a range of activities available for guests. From pickleball to waterfall hikes, guests have their choice of amusements and diversions.
To up the indulgence factor, guests can upgrade their stay with a small-group Forest Bathing and Foraging program.
The two-and-a-half-hour excursion sees participants led on a mindful walk through the lush forest near the hotel, connecting with the land in a special way by using every sense. Along the journey, the guide will highlight the fungi and flora of the region, offering special insights into area.
The Forest Bathing and Foraging program is available to hotel guests for $50 and is bookable through the hotel.
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