American World Traveler Summer 2019

69
The Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Victoria’s Best Kept Secret
by Susan Campbell, photos: The Magnolia Hotel
TTucked away on a quiet corner, and
a very short walk to Victoria’s lovely
Inner Harbour, is a stellar luxury
boutique stay well worth seeking out. And it’s
easy to miss. Though the structure is only 20-
years-old, it was designed to blend in beautifully
with the restored heritage buildings lining
the streets, so it doesn’t jump out at you
as being a modern hotel. But once inside,
you’ll see why some folks might want to keep
this spot a secret. With only 64 rooms, this
award-winning hotel can book to capacity
quickly. And I guarantee, once you stay there,
you’ll want to return. I know I do. Here are
few reasons why.
Inviting Ambience
The day I arrived, Victoria’s damp drizzle had
me seeking warm refuge. So, I was delighted
to discover the big cheery fireplace in the
lobby, but even more excited to discover that
my luxurious corner suite also had its own
fireplace. And the deep soaking tub with topshelf
bath amenities was also very welcome.
Wrapped in their signature soft robe and
slippers and cozy in an overstuffed arm chair
after my soak, it was hard to leave. But, I’d
heard that their brand-new restaurant had
just won some prestigious mentions on “best
of” lists, so I had to dine there.
Outstanding Dining
First, lets talk about the bar. The bottom floor
of the new Courtney Room restaurant is
dominated by a massive bar stocked with
some killer good mixologists. You can
instantly tell that these guys take their libations
seriously since their work station looks
more like an apothecary counter than a bar
set-up- there’s even a spray bottle for misting
absinthe! So, I asked then to surprise me with
one of their signature cocktails. The result
was an interesting shade of mauve due to the
locally made Empress 1908 purple gin they
used.
Next, it was up to the more upscale dining
room. Though the menu is small, what they
do, they do very well. The focus is on classic
French style twists on locally sourced ingredients
and proteins. I thoroughly enjoyed my
steak, it was done to perfection, and the
seafood tower at the next table looked excellent,
too. But to truly experience the talent
and creativity of this culinary team, it’s recommended
you try the “Chef’s Tasting
Menu”- five courses of seasonally inspired
dishes with an option to pair with wine and
caviar. Next visit, I will do so. I will also take
time to visit their on-site spa.
Thoughtful Extras
The beauty of staying at a boutique spot is
often the personalized service. And the staff
here really went above and beyond and they
offer many ways to make the stay more
enjoyable. The “Curated Maps” program is a
prime example. They’ve created hard copy
maps along themes like “Bikes, Beer &
Blooms” or “Beautiful Boutiques” with all the
spots to visit in the immediate area. They also
give guests complimentary bikes to help
them explore the surrounding attractions with
ease.
www.magnoliahotel.com
American World Traveler Summer 2019