A couple weeks ago, I packed my bags (my first attempt at travelling with just a carry on – what an unequivocal disaster that was) and headed west to the Fairmont Pacific Rim in downtown Vancouver for their annual Fashion Takes Flight Fashion Show. For three nights we were pampered with lavish dining experiences, a spa day, private excursion to Capilano Suspension Bridge, a seaplane tour of Vancouver’s pacific harbour and an award winning cocktail tasting experience that I only partially remember because the drinks were free (more on that later).
Let’s start this off with a brief description the Omakase sushi longboard we ate at RawBar in the Lobby Lounge. It took four servers to carry it over to us and about 30 seconds for me to demolish it. Accompanying the sushi was a flight of cocktails created to represent each of the dresses showcased in the hotel’s lobby. The dresses are switched out frequently which means the cocktail flight is continuously changing. As I take my job very seriously, I sampled each of the ones on hand.
Day two we headed to Capilano Suspension Bridge, which has been a long standing item on my bucket list. We were spoilt with private access to the park before it opened for the day. Standing on that bridge solo was pretty insane and I am so grateful for the experience. And for the absence of wind.
Later that afternoon I headed to the spa, where I had lunch, a massage and an unscheduled nap.
We kicked off our last day by having breakfast with all the Canadian designers who were in town to show their pieces at that evening’s show. I loved this part of the day – I always find it so inspiring chatting to people who are passionate about what they do. After some mimosas and avocado toast (heaven forbid I branch out with breakfast) we walked down to the dock below and boarded a Harbour Air seaplane for a tour of Vancouver Harbour from the sky. Another first for me, another incredible experience.
The next couple hours went like this:
- A horrifying realization that I forgot to pack an outfit for the fashion show (thank you carry-on)
- A sweaty jaunt to Zara to purchase multiple tops in the hopes that one would suit my last pair of clean pants
- Another unscheduled nap upon returning my room
- Sushi in the bathroom while doing my makeup and watching Below Deck on the TV built into my mirror
- Another realization that the only shirt that went with my pants was actually see-through… but fuck it, I’m late and #freethenip
- Arrived at the fashion show 23 minutes late
- Drank 2 glasses of champagne and half a glass of Chardonnay because I hate Chardonnay
- Found my seat
We sat front row and had the best view of beautiful pieces from designers across the country, talent from Vancouver to Montreal. After the catwalk, we headed to the second floor for the trunk show where we had a chance to shop the collections in person.
This brings us to my favourite part of the trip and favourite feature of the hotel – dinner at Botanist restaurant. We enjoyed the full tasting menu and were served by the 11th best bartender in Canada. (I wonder if I’ve ever been the 11th best at anything, ha…)
The restaurant takes it’s inspiration from nature reflected through the jungle-themed decor, flower pressed menu and creative dishes. Accordingly, the cocktails each represent an element – air, water, fire and earth. The first drink came in a large glass bird meant to emulate the air. The second drink called “the cove” was in a large glass bowl symbolizing water. The third came in lantern, filled with smoke and symbolized the power of fire (it smelled like a bonfire… I just feel it’s important to add this detail). The fourth drink is a mystery thanks to the previous elements.
A big thank you to Fairmont Pacific Rim for having us at their beautiful hotel, Tourism Vancouver for hooking us up with all the cool adventures and Harbour Air for showing us Vancouver from the sky!
Links to Explore Below:
The Fall for Gold Package here
Botanist here
The Lobby Lounge here
