Elite Traveler September-October 2018

elite traveler SEPT/OCT 2018 117

Get out of town… 24 hours in Mont Tremblant No visit to Montreal is complete without a stint in Mont-Tremblant. Escape to the mountains and enjoy a weekend getaway a quick 45-minute flight from downtown Montreal. While it may not be the Rockies of Western Canada or the Alps of Europe, Tremblant is regularly featured in National Geographic’ s World’s Best Ski Towns, and for good reason. Almost 100 runs of varying abilities, plenty of restaurants and amenities in the town, and celebrity homeowners like Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones add a hint of exclusivity to this welcoming resort town. tremblant.ca

TOP ROOMS

JOHN LENNONANDYOKOONO SUITE Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

TWO-BEDROOMPENTHOUSE Hotel Nelligan

Combine accommodation with a history lesson when you book the 1,378-sq-ft suite where the infamous “Bed-In for Peace” took place in 1969. Optimizing the star power of the suite, you’ll be surrounded by charming artifacts of the time, such as a TV showing archival footage and a tape recorder with old interviews. You can even don virtual reality headsets that recreate the moment in history. The hotel offers an urban market with produce from locals and a wellness center. From $1,969 per night. Contact David Connor, regional vice president, reservations@fairmont.com, +1 800 257 7544, fairmont.com

Nestled in the heart of the Old Port, Hotel Nelligan pairs old-world chic with new-world luxury. Set in a century-old building, stone walls are perfectly juxtaposed next to polished, plush furnishings. Book the Two-Bedroom Penthouse for panoramic views from your 510-sq-ft private terrace. Or, after a night spent soaking up the delights (both atmospheric and alcoholic) of nearby Rue St-Paul, relax with a soak in the Jacuzzi tub. From $900 per night. Contact Guillermo Coronel, general manager, concierge@hotelnelligan.com, +1 514 788 2040, hotelnelligan.com

MONTREAL MUSEUMS

Exterior view of the Pavillon Claire et Pierre Bourgie at theMontreal Museum of Fine Arts

TheMontreal Museum of Fine Arts houses over 43,000 works, including paintings, photographs and sculptures. Within the museum, the Bourgie Concert Hall hosts lectures and recitals. Don’t miss Jean-Willy Kunz reimagining some of Couperin’s early work on the organ this October. Located in the Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Biosphère, Environment Museum educates visitors on environmental matters. There is a roster of temporary exhibitions year round but the permanent immersive exhibits, focusing on the science behind weather, renewable energy and building sustainable neighborhoods, will keep you and the kids entertained for hours. Come nightfall, the sphere turns into an incredible light show that reflects the season. You can find 22,000 plant species at the Jardin Botanique , alongside greenhouses, cultural gardens and a tree pavilion. For peace and tranquillity head to the Monastery Garden, which is inspired by Medieval monks and their focus on cultivating medicinal plant life. For a totally unique and immersive experience, head to the Courtyard of the Senses where you’ll be blindfolded and guided through the space via touch, taste and smell. mbam.qc.ca, parcjeandrapeau.com, espacepourlavie.ca

THE PENTHOUSE Hotel Le St-James

ROYAL SUITE The Ritz-Carlton Montreal

Montreal’s The Ritz-Carlton offers the brand’s usual elevated standard of service, situated in the heart of downtown. The Royal Suite is a stunning space, decorated with thoughtfully curated artwork and beautiful chandeliers. Spread over a vast 4,700 sq ft, the suite mixes old and new — cozy fireplaces with tech that remembers your temperature preferences and adjusts accordingly. Tired from shopping on St Catherine Street? Relax in the saltwater pool that overlooks the city or sample one (or many) of the delicious cocktails at Maison Boulud. From $9,000 per night. Contact Andrew Torriani, CEO and general manager, reservations@ritzmontreal.com, +1 514 842 4212, ritzcarlton.com

A tranquil escape in the heart of Old Montreal, stay at The Penthouse in Le St-James to enjoy breathtaking views over the Old Port. The former Merchants Bank has been transformed into 60 luxurious rooms while maintaining the character of the original grand architecture. The Penthouse spreads over 3,500 sq ft and includes a 1,500-sq-ft terrace that offers unbeatable panoramic views of the city below. If you’re seeking privacy, enter through the private elevator and enjoy in-room dining with well-equipped kitchen and separate dining room which seats 10. From $5,900 per night. Contact Elizabeth Glimenaki, general manager, reservations@hotellestjames.com, +1 514 841 3111, hotellestjames.com