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THE
AERIE
Perched in the bucket of a backhoe, dressed in faded Bahamian whites, Maria Schuster scanned the vista she hoped to see the rest of her life--the verdant Malahat mountains sloping down to the aptly named Spectacle Lake and backed by the distant Olympics. Maria had fallen in love with Vancouver Island on a break from running her luxurious hotel in the Bahamas. She was now seeking the consummate place to retire and build one last resort (an oxymoron if I ever heard one). Turned down on her first choice property, she was scouting the Malahat area, just North of Victoria, to find a substitute. She spotted a man working in a field and asked him about land for sale. He said he wasn't selling his 100 acres, but he'd show it to her. Hoisted up in his backhoe, Maria found herself face to face with her first choice property. Due to her advanced backhoe-bucketing skills, no doubt, the man relented and sold her some acreage.
I can assure you no falcon ever had it this good. Visiting The Aerie this spring, I found it still wonderfully small at 22 rooms, yet sporting a full spa and indoor pool. Food to match the view, a European flair, and friendly service made me want to nestle down for the duration. The land reminded the Austrian-born Maria so much of southern Europe, she designed her swan song as a Mediterranean-style mansion and built it right into and around its mountain. Markus says, "We could have bulldozed the mountain, but we decided to move with it instead." What evolved is an intriguing series of intertwined and turreted buildings with Spanish tile roofs winding their way through the gardens up the mountain. Each building quarters several rooms or suites. Most of the guestrooms are on several levels, producing architectural interest, outstanding views, and a feeling of sequestered privacy.
500 square feet balcony with glass windbreaks, bouquets of fresh flowers, a wet bar, and (hidden) entertainment center complete the scene. My entertainment, however, was sitting on the balcony, taking in the view and watching the denizens of Seattle arrive by helicopter for dinner. You too, could 'Fly with the Eagles,' an Aerie package which includes flying their guests by helicopter from Seattle or Vancouver to The Aerie for dinner and the night (both breakfasts are always included.) If you land here in June, the first thing The more active can play tennis or swim and then kick back in a hot tub. Anybody still edgy? Head to the adjacent Aveda Health and Wellness Center, for heaven's sake. From facials to body masques and massage to make-up, renewal here is certain. Hungry? Perfect. Dining at The Aerie is very important and very good. A rave review of their restaurant is in Memorable Menus. The Aerie folks genuinely believe in giving the day a good start. So much so, they serve breakfast twice. First, an early morning elf leaves a basket of gooey rolls and hot coffee outside your door. Then when everyone is up and at 'em, it's on to the dining room for a proper breakfast. Lingering over gravlox-eggs Benedict with the sun streaming in and Sparkle Lake doing its thing, is, indeed, a fine way to start a day. My day's first dilemma comes in ordering my picnic lunch--Sevruga Caviar and Blini and champagne or perhaps, the simpler Herb Focaccia Sandwich with Smoked Chinook, Onion Confit and Capers followed by House made Chocolate Truffles? Such difficulties! Once decided, The Aerie can assist in transport by selling me a back pack with a detachable wine cooler. Goodness! Now, where exactly to picnic? Perhaps I shall head for a beach or the fjords, ferry to a Gulf Island, hike a mountain or the ocean's shore. There are rainforests, cider works, farms and ornamental gardens to explore. Sailing, scuba diving, golfing and fly-fishing are nearby. Victoria, 20 minutes down the road, has a fine museum. I choose none of these. I find a little corner of the garden, with a falcon's-eye view, and let my soul absorb my new-found aerie. There's a moral to this story: When you go to Vancouver Island, never turn down a ride in a backhoe bucket. By Kate Crawford May 2000 LINKS WITH ATTITUDE The Aerie has a wonderful website for you to peruse, check out their packages and make reservations. Bernard Callebaut Chocolate makes The Aerie's award-winning turndown goodies. Travel information for British Columbia. Travel information for Vancouver Island. |
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