Helicopter ride from your Vancouver hotel to British Columbia’s Wine Country

It’s no surprise that a great city like Vancouver is home to a number of incredibly luxurious hotels, and for the past 15 years, the Shangri-La Vancouver has been one of them.

Located in the tallest building in the heart of downtown, with a stunning setting between city, mountains and ocean, this Western Canadian hotel is the first of the group’s two North American properties, the second being the Shangri-La Toronto (the group’s second smallest hotel, with just 119 rooms, second only to the Paris hotel.) British Columbia style meets Shangri-La’s Asian heritage in 15 stories of rooms and suites, Carlino restaurant and the Chi Spa and fitness centre, which connects to the outdoor pool and hot tub.

Now, to celebrate its monumental 15th anniversary, Shangri-La, Vancouver has partnered with renowned British Columbia winery, Phantom Creek Estate, to create a four-day, three-night stay package for two that encompasses all that Shangri-La and British Columbia have to offer.

I checked in for a few days in June and was one of the first to experience what the hotel calls “new heights of luxury.”

Day one of the package begins with a peaceful, relaxing check-in and arrival to the hotel’s chic and luxurious Orchid Balcony Suite.

At just over 1,300 square feet, this premier suite is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed panoramic views of downtown, perfect for gazing out while unpacking in your suite or enjoying afternoon tea. On lovely evenings, you can enjoy your tea on your spacious private balcony before jumping into the incredibly deep marble bathtub to end the night. Nothing says relaxation and pampering quite like a soak in our iconic bathtub.

Day 2 is your first official full day in British Columbia. Wake up and head to downtown Vancouver where you, your guests, and your personal photographer will board a private Skyluxe helicopter.

Put on your headset and live out your “Top Gun” fantasy on a 1-hour flight over picturesque mountains, rivers and lakes, then land in the Okanagan Valley to spend the day at Phantom Creek Estate. Novice wine lovers and connoisseurs alike will enjoy private tastings and tours of the estate, vineyard and winery, where you can learn about the Okanagan’s exceptional terroir while tasting newly released wines pilfered from the barrels right before your eyes.

The tour concludes in the Founder’s Cellar Dining Room, where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable multi-course lunch with wine pairings in a glass-enclosed room surrounded by barrels. The estate’s culinary team uses fresh, local, seasonal ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Unique keepsakes, including a signed bottle of Phantom Creek Vineyards Cuvée (the favorite of the day), will serve as a memento of your day in the vineyards. (Insider tip: You won’t be able to leave without grabbing a scoop of gelato from the tasting room cart. Trust us.)

Once you’ve had your fill, hop back in the helicopter for another trip through the clouds. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. Head downtown to dine at Black + Blue Steakhouse or Coast. Or, if you’d prefer to stay closer to home, try Shangri-La’s own restaurant, Carlino, which serves up comforting yet elegant Northern Italian cuisine and a fantastic wine program if you’re still thirsty.

Of course, after a tiring day of helicopter rides, wine tasting and fine dining, a four-hour spa day is a must, and the Shangri-La and Chi, Spa team are more than happy to help you out. Because there’s nothing quite like a pampering spa, guests who experience the Luxury at New Heights package can also enjoy an Alchemist’s Retreat.

Start with a relaxing soak in the infinity bath, followed by an exfoliating scrub and thermal mud mask. Afterwards, you’ll be washed in a eucalyptus-scented steam shower before receiving a facial and full-body massage. The entire spa retreat is secluded in a personal “mini spa” – a bathtub, shower, massage table, and more – all in a chic treatment room with a little lounge and fireplace. As a spa lover, this was a perfect and wonderful final day.

Enjoy a free morning or afternoon to explore all Vancouver has to offer, from fantastic shopping and dining to underrated neighborhoods worth exploring.

We loved exploring the Gastown district along the harbour – the streets are lined with cute shops, restaurants and cafes. If the weather is nice, head over to the marina where the little ferries are constantly leaving and hop on board to head over to Granville Island.

See Vancouver from the water and admire the city skyline, then stop at Granville Island Public Market, home to artisan markets, produce and farm stalls, restaurants, bars and entertainment.

When you end your stay with a leisurely late afternoon check-out the next day, be sure to save some space in your suitcase for some memorable souvenirs. I picked up a box (or two) of Northern Birds Nanaimo Bars. When you’re in British Columbia, you should snack like a British Columbian, right?

The “Luxury at New Heights” experience package is priced at $22,690 for two people and is available until November.