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Experiences / by Sarah Nagué
Photographer / Celia Spenard-Ko

Keeping up with the Joneses

A taste of the luxury life

Sponsored Content

 

Memorable trips don’t necessarily have to take you to the other side of the world. Nor do nearby summer escapades have to be the same old story year after year. While staying close to home for your summer vacation this year may not expose you to a new world of cultural and gastronomical discoveries, there are ways to make sure your trip is a truly unforgettable expedition.

Last month, the Charlevoix Casino invited WRG Magazine and other media to enjoy a two-day luxury retreat at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu to celebrate its 20th anniversary. We accepted the impromptu invitation, and soon found ourselves on an over-the-top adventure that was too indulgent not to gloat about.

We arrived in Charlevoix, arguably one of Quebec’s most picturesque places and UNESCO biosphere reserve, and headed straight for Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault, one of the area’s many orchards where guests can sample some of the region’s local libations. Taking in the fresh mountain air north of Quebec City, we started off the trip with a private tasting of some of the province’s quintessential flavours. From the requisite ice wine and apple cider to the less common (but equally refreshing) plum liqueur, the sweet drinks progressively melted away any anxiety lingering from the city and helped us settle in for the night ahead.

And now a word of advice: the best way to make the most of your experience is to choose one of the smaller artisan Cidreries rather than one with a logo you recognize from your local grocery store. You’ll get to drink and chat with the owner of the orchard, rather than some hired hands, and really get to appreciate the love, effort, and flavours that goes into each drink you sample. It’s also worth visiting early, doubly so on the weekends when the city crowds drive up. You’ll have more time to get to know the proprietors and what better way to enjoy a weekend of excess than to hit the sauce before lunchtime?

Of course, learning about how the various liqueurs are made and hearing anecdotes about the history of the orchard really does make the experience all the more fun. When we visited the Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault, the family treated us like guests in their home. The owner’s granddaughter shared her stories about her grandfather’s venture, which started almost a hundred years ago, and about how some of her family’s delicious products came to be – all the while pouring us fresh drinks and keeping us just happy enough. Just remember, when you’re in a tasting room you’re not in a bar, so if you really love a particular product – and you will – don’t empty it yourself in front of the staff. They’ll appreciate that you show your enthusiasm for their products by buying them. Therefore, the best thing to do is to bring some good eats (nice cheese, bread, caviar (why not) and buy a bottle to enjoy with your fancy picnic in the orchard.

When the booze does start to to hit you, don’t even think about driving; that would be dangerous and irresponsible. Also, forget taxis – those are for people that want to confine themselves to the lanes of the highway. Our advice? Call a helicopter.

The good people from Héli-Charlevoix will send a pilot to you no matter where you are to pick you up and whisk you to wherever it is you’re staying in no time at all. Helicopters are the way to go. For one, they can travel at up to 200 km/hr. To add to that, pilots can land them virtually anywhere offering a flat 75ft x75ft flat surface. What’s also fun is looking down at the magical scenery revealing itself as you blow by way up above.

Having a chopper on demand also means you can go where you want on the way to your hotel. Héli-Charlevoix offers a variety of packages that can take you places you won’t soon forget. For example, you could book the package ‘Relax at the Beach,’ a one or two hour escape to an otherwise-inaccessible beach where you’ll be left to our devices with a feast of local specialties. When you do finally head towards the Fairmont, make sure to let the staff know you’ll be arriving by helicopter. People in the hospitality industry tend to be extra nice to those that are too good for road travel. Combine that with a privilege membership card so you can skip check-in and head straight to your to your plush room for a power nap before the night’s fun.

After a refreshing lay-down it’s time to take advantage of staying in a luxury hotel casino. If you’re travelling in a group like we did, warm up for dinner with a quick blackjack tournament. Guests can book a table whenever they want. To get even more of a high-roller vibe going, reserve the VIP room. The casino will make sure to get their best croupier on the case to keep you entertained while the chips changes hands on the table. If you like a little amuse-bouche with your gambling, the casino will happily supply you with delicious appetizers and cocktails on-demand.

Even if the cards weren’t in your favour, you’ll quickly forget about your lighter pockets when you sit down for dinner at the chef’s table. Upon request, the Manoir offers guests a private dining experience with the chef himself in a specially reserved room next to the kitchen. The mouth-watering five-course meal (or more if you’re in a gluttonous mood) comes with carefully selected wine pairings and is made even better by banter with the chef and maitre d’, who will cater to your every need (whether you’re in the mood for something in particular or are just a picky eater.) It’s hard to imagine a better way to dine with friends.

If dinner hasn’t knocked you into a food coma, head up to the jacuzzi or pool for a midnight dip. While most pools aren’t open to guests late into the evening, you can request this little extra from the hotel before arriving. If you really want to impress, have the staff greet you on the pool deck with some champagne, or maybe something stronger. We’d suggest the pool if you want to keep your energy up for the night, or a decompressing sit in the hot tub if you’re keen to get back under your duvet.

Whether or not you decide to sleep during the night, make sure to get up early for a morning massage at the hotel spa. The hotel offers spa services for a little extra, so all you have to do is book the appointment when you reserve your suite and show up for some pampering.There really is no better way to start your day than with a massage. You’ll relieve all the tension you built up the previous night betting a month’s wage at the poker table before you even sit down for breakfast. High end hotel brunches are as decadent as brunch comes, and for that reason alone we highly recommend opting for that over the à la carte menu. Relaxed, refreshed, and recharged, you can start to think about your plans for the day.

Also, remember that the area around the casino is full of fine dining options, luxury shops, and fun low-impact activities to enjoy. Take the afternoon to visit a chocolatier. The flavour pairings concocted by master chocolatier Tony at Chocolaterie Cynthia were mind-blowing. Setting our suspicions aside, we tried his combination of blue cheese and dark chocolate and were surprised to discover it was actually amazing! If sweets aren’t your thing, you can always hit up local attractions or play a leisurely round of golf, and if you’re feeling more adventurous you can try your hands at stand-up paddleboarding.

We never really thought of going to a casino for a luxury getaway, but our trip to the Manoir Richelieu definitely made us glad we gave it a try. Between the stunning scenery around us, the “our wish is your command” accommodation, and the helicopter ride, it’s not hard to see why. Naturally, a vacation like this doesn’t come cheap, but if you have better luck at the slot machines than we did you may even be able to cover one more helicopter ride before coming back to reality.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Casino Charlevoix, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, the Cidrerie et Verger Pedneault, Héli-Charlevoix, Amerispa and Chocolaterie Cynthia for the great escape.

Sponsored Content

 

Memorable trips don’t necessarily have to take you to the other side of the world. Nor do nearby summer escapades have to be the same old story year after year. While staying close to home for your summer vacation this year may not expose you to a new world of cultural and gastronomical discoveries, there are ways to make sure your trip is a truly unforgettable expedition.

Last month, the Charlevoix Casino invited WRG Magazine and other media to enjoy a two-day luxury retreat at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu to celebrate its 20th anniversary. We accepted the impromptu invitation, and soon found ourselves on an over-the-top adventure that was too indulgent not to gloat about.

We arrived in Charlevoix, arguably one of Quebec’s most picturesque places and UNESCO biosphere reserve, and headed straight for Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault, one of the area’s many orchards where guests can sample some of the region’s local libations. Taking in the fresh mountain air north of Quebec City, we started off the trip with a private tasting of some of the province’s quintessential flavours. From the requisite ice wine and apple cider to the less common (but equally refreshing) plum liqueur, the sweet drinks progressively melted away any anxiety lingering from the city and helped us settle in for the night ahead.

And now a word of advice: the best way to make the most of your experience is to choose one of the smaller artisan Cidreries rather than one with a logo you recognize from your local grocery store. You’ll get to drink and chat with the owner of the orchard, rather than some hired hands, and really get to appreciate the love, effort, and flavours that goes into each drink you sample. It’s also worth visiting early, doubly so on the weekends when the city crowds drive up. You’ll have more time to get to know the proprietors and what better way to enjoy a weekend of excess than to hit the sauce before lunchtime?

Of course, learning about how the various liqueurs are made and hearing anecdotes about the history of the orchard really does make the experience all the more fun. When we visited the Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault, the family treated us like guests in their home. The owner's granddaughter shared her stories about her grandfather’s venture, which started almost a hundred years ago, and about how some of her family’s delicious products came to be - all the while pouring us fresh drinks and keeping us just happy enough. Just remember, when you’re in a tasting room you’re not in a bar, so if you really love a particular product - and you will - don’t empty it yourself in front of the staff. They’ll appreciate that you show your enthusiasm for their products by buying them. Therefore, the best thing to do is to bring some good eats (nice cheese, bread, caviar (why not) and buy a bottle to enjoy with your fancy picnic in the orchard.

When the booze does start to to hit you, don’t even think about driving; that would be dangerous and irresponsible. Also, forget taxis - those are for people that want to confine themselves to the lanes of the highway. Our advice? Call a helicopter.

The good people from Héli-Charlevoix will send a pilot to you no matter where you are to pick you up and whisk you to wherever it is you’re staying in no time at all. Helicopters are the way to go. For one, they can travel at up to 200 km/hr. To add to that, pilots can land them virtually anywhere offering a flat 75ft x75ft flat surface. What’s also fun is looking down at the magical scenery revealing itself as you blow by way up above.

Having a chopper on demand also means you can go where you want on the way to your hotel. Héli-Charlevoix offers a variety of packages that can take you places you won’t soon forget. For example, you could book the package ‘Relax at the Beach,’ a one or two hour escape to an otherwise-inaccessible beach where you’ll be left to our devices with a feast of local specialties. When you do finally head towards the Fairmont, make sure to let the staff know you’ll be arriving by helicopter. People in the hospitality industry tend to be extra nice to those that are too good for road travel. Combine that with a privilege membership card so you can skip check-in and head straight to your to your plush room for a power nap before the night’s fun.

After a refreshing lay-down it’s time to take advantage of staying in a luxury hotel casino. If you’re travelling in a group like we did, warm up for dinner with a quick blackjack tournament. Guests can book a table whenever they want. To get even more of a high-roller vibe going, reserve the VIP room. The casino will make sure to get their best croupier on the case to keep you entertained while the chips changes hands on the table. If you like a little amuse-bouche with your gambling, the casino will happily supply you with delicious appetizers and cocktails on-demand.

Even if the cards weren’t in your favour, you’ll quickly forget about your lighter pockets when you sit down for dinner at the chef’s table. Upon request, the Manoir offers guests a private dining experience with the chef himself in a specially reserved room next to the kitchen. The mouth-watering five-course meal (or more if you’re in a gluttonous mood) comes with carefully selected wine pairings and is made even better by banter with the chef and maitre d’, who will cater to your every need (whether you’re in the mood for something in particular or are just a picky eater.) It’s hard to imagine a better way to dine with friends.

If dinner hasn’t knocked you into a food coma, head up to the jacuzzi or pool for a midnight dip. While most pools aren’t open to guests late into the evening, you can request this little extra from the hotel before arriving. If you really want to impress, have the staff greet you on the pool deck with some champagne, or maybe something stronger. We’d suggest the pool if you want to keep your energy up for the night, or a decompressing sit in the hot tub if you’re keen to get back under your duvet.

Whether or not you decide to sleep during the night, make sure to get up early for a morning massage at the hotel spa. The hotel offers spa services for a little extra, so all you have to do is book the appointment when you reserve your suite and show up for some pampering.There really is no better way to start your day than with a massage. You’ll relieve all the tension you built up the previous night betting a month’s wage at the poker table before you even sit down for breakfast. High end hotel brunches are as decadent as brunch comes, and for that reason alone we highly recommend opting for that over the à la carte menu. Relaxed, refreshed, and recharged, you can start to think about your plans for the day.

Also, remember that the area around the casino is full of fine dining options, luxury shops, and fun low-impact activities to enjoy. Take the afternoon to visit a chocolatier. The flavour pairings concocted by master chocolatier Tony at Chocolaterie Cynthia were mind-blowing. Setting our suspicions aside, we tried his combination of blue cheese and dark chocolate and were surprised to discover it was actually amazing! If sweets aren’t your thing, you can always hit up local attractions or play a leisurely round of golf, and if you're feeling more adventurous you can try your hands at stand-up paddleboarding.

We never really thought of going to a casino for a luxury getaway, but our trip to the Manoir Richelieu definitely made us glad we gave it a try. Between the stunning scenery around us, the “our wish is your command” accommodation, and the helicopter ride, it’s not hard to see why. Naturally, a vacation like this doesn’t come cheap, but if you have better luck at the slot machines than we did you may even be able to cover one more helicopter ride before coming back to reality.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Casino Charlevoix, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, the Cidrerie et Verger Pedneault, Héli-Charlevoix, Amerispa and Chocolaterie Cynthia for the great escape.

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