Virtuoso Insights - June/July 2008 - (Page 36) Ivy-covered icon: The Fairmont Empress. English-style lampposts embellished with flowers. A fter a few months that could only be described as challenging, I decided to take Anna Maria’s concept a bit further and make afternoon High Tea the highlight of a mid-week holiday in Victoria, British Columbia. Described as “more English than England,” Victoria is celebrated for its lovely gardens, lively pubs, and revered tea ritual taken at the city’s iconic hotel, The Fairmont Empress. My friend, Laura, was onboard with the idea, and within a few days we found ourselves onboard the high-speed catamaran, Victoria Clipper, for the scenic transfer between Seattle and Victoria. After a pain-free pass through customs, we walked the short distance to the elegant, chateau-style hotel. Named for Queen Victoria — who also carried the title Empress of India — this ivy-covered Grand Dame certainly deserves her regal rank. Since 1908, she has proudly stood watch over Victoria’s Inner Harbor and, to celebrate her hundredth anniversary, the hotel has planned special events throughout 2008 and created everything from a centennial garden to a commemorative tea blend. Although we arrived well before noon, as Virtuoso guests we were provided early check-in and shown to our Deluxe Harbourview Room. Set in a corner on the fifth floor, the oversized room was bright and cheerful, done in fresh, yellow chintz and featuring a high ceiling, marble bath, and large, walk-in closet that included such thoughtful amenities as a coffeemaker and even an umbrella for inclement weather. Luckily for us, no protection was needed as we set out to explore the city. Before we left, however, I made two important calls. The first was to the Empress’ historic Tea Lobby to reserve our place for the next day’s esteemed event. I also contacted the hotel’s Willow Stream Spa for a reflexology treatment that afternoon (this was vacation, after all). Laura and I set out down Government Street, which marks the heart of old Victoria’s shopping district. The largest city on Vancouver Island and capital of British Columbia, Victoria has done much to preserve its grand, Edwardian architecture. The streets are even more beautiful during the summer months, when flower baskets hang from the English-style lampposts. After a latte and focaccia at the laid-back Serious Coffee (632 Yates Street) and some power window-shopping, we Victoria is celebrated for its lovely gardens, lively pubs, and revered tea ritual taken at the city’s iconic hotel, The Fairmont Empress. More High tea on page 38 P 36 Virtuoso insights
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