Baillie Lodges’ new-look Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Canada’s magnificent Vancouver Island has reopened today following an extended seasonal closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The imposed hibernation offered no rest for the team on the ground, which took the opportunity to complete an AU$2million makeover on the acclaimed property.
Upgrades have included a full renovation of the luxury lodge’s 25 campaign-style tent interiors for a more contemporary look and feel, while specially commissioned furnishings from local designers create a real sense of the Canadian wilderness. An updated itinerary of outdoor adventures has also been introduced, with a series of signature experiences now included in the rate.
Clayoquot’s reopening comes as many of Canada’s interprovincial travel restrictions are expected to ease for residents by July*.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge joins Baillie Lodges sister properties Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Huka Lodge in New Zealand and Silky Oaks Lodge in Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest which is set to open in spring this year. The company’s flagship property Southern Ocean Lodge was destroyed in the bushfires on Kangaroo Island in early 2020, and its rebuild is currently in the planning.
The first stage in Clayoquot’s renovations has seen an interior refurbishment of its 25 luxury tents, leading with a lighter, more clean-lined vibe with luxurious linens, new king beds and generous lounging areas. The tents maintain their individual styles with views opening directly to Clayoquot Sound and ancient evergreen forests. A second stage in the renovations will take place after the 2022 season, and include refurbishments to the Cookhouse Restaurant, bar and central guest facilities, as well as a makeover for the Healing Grounds Spa.
Renowned for its range of exhilarating adventures from horse-riding, whale- and bear-spotting to canyoning and scenic helicopter flights, the new-look Clayoquot features an itinerary of signature experiences to showcase the natural highlights of Vancouver Island, and align it with the inclusive nature of the existing Baillie Lodges properties.
Lodge General Manager Sarah Cruse has returned to lead the team at Clayoquot along with her loyal Canadian staff. Some familiar faces from Baillie Lodges have also joined the Clayoquot family: Executive Chef Asher Blackford, formerly of Southern Ocean Lodge, has taken the helm in the kitchen while Assistant General Manager Kate Hollick, formerly of Longitude 131°, is already enjoying this very different wilderness setting.
Ms Cruse said the team couldn’t wait to be opening the luxury camp after an extended break.
“The whole team here is excited to welcome guests back to Clayoquot, to show off its new looks and share all that Vancouver Island has to offer, from Chef Asher’s wildly beautiful, locally sourced dishes to adventures on horseback or by helicopter in this magnificent wilderness,” Ms Cruse said.
*https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid
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