A Vancouver Island lodge reachable only by boat, helicopter or floatplane is one of the best hotels or resorts in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveller.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge located northeast of Tofino has landed on the travel magazine’s “The Gold List 2023,” which highlights top global accommodations based on its editors’ opinions.
“Consider ‘The Gold List’ the answer to the question our editors get asked more than any other: what are your favourite places to stay?” wrote Condé Nast in a post on its website.
Calling it a “Pacific Coast twist on the traditional African wildlife safari,” the magazine says Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge was “ahead of its time when it debuted in the heart of Vancouver Island’s UNESCO-designated Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve in 1995.”
The lodge features 25 “luxuriously appointed” white canvas tents, including rainforest deluxe or ensuite, waterfront deluxe or ensuite, and hillside family, all in the style of turn-of-the-century prospectors.
The smallest tent measures 517 square feet, while the largest is 1238 square feet, according to online suite descriptions.
“A Baillie Lodges-led reimagining of the tents’ interiors brings a fresh new contemporary look to the accommodations with signature clean lines, generous appointments and pared back, refined luxury,” read one description.
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Guests can utilize the lodge’s spa, enjoy on-site gourmet dining or take in the surrounding nature when canyoning, fly fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing or going on a heli-adventure.
“Activities were designed to help guests reconnect to nature and themselves before most people even knew how much they needed a digital detox,” added Condé Nast.
“And right from the start, the hotel embraced a regenerative approach to tourism, aiming not just to preserve but to improve the surrounding wilderness and livelihood of the local First Nations people.”
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge was the only hotel or resort in Canada mentioned on this year’s list, alongside places like Halekulani in Waikiki, Hawaii; Commodore Perry Estate in Austin, Texas; and Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.
Rates start at around $2,900 per night.
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Ethan Morneau
