40 - Suaday, December 10, 1989 - North Shore News NOTHING SPARED AT LUXURY HOTEL Chateau Whistler a stylish weekend escape Great Escapes is a new column designed to introduce readers to the local travel possibilities on our doorsteps. From delightful day trips to weekend getaways, Great Escapes will have ideas for singles, couples and fanilies, It will be published every second Sunday, alrernating with David Wishare's Travel Talk colunin. WINNIFRED MATHER-HILLMAN celebrated her 81st birthday in style — rather than bemoaning the passage of years she kicked up her heels as the first official guest of Canadian Pacific’s Chateau Whistler Resort. Her husband, Charles Hillman, wanted to arrange a surprise bir- thday present for Winnifred. He comacted the Chateau to arrange for a booking, and his plan so the cosy, library-like Mallard Bar to enjoy their drinks while taking advantage of the spectacular view of Blackcomb Mountain, Because both the Wildflower escapes Peggy Trendelt-Whittaker caught the fancy of reservations manager Ann Ward that the Chateau treated the couple toa free stay and dubbed them the of- ficial First Guests. “He was such ad sweet guy and he was working so hard to get a nice present for his wife,’’ says Ward, who booked the couple in atthe grand apening last month. To judge from Winnifred’s apres-soiree critique, the Chateau is on its way to fulfilling its prom- ise of excellence. ‘lt conipletely lived up to our expectations."’ en- thused Winnifred, a loyal CP chateau fan who has been “thritled with al! the chateaux (she’s) ever seen, from the Frontenac to Banif Springs.”’ How does it compare with CP's other resort offerings? Well, ap- parently, it doesn’t. ‘It's dif- ferent,"’ says Winnifred. ‘*The other chateaux are on the formal side, but this is more light-hearted and airy.”’ For those people who hate to make decisions, Winnifred was pieased to note that there is only one main dining room in the Chateau, the Wildflower Cafe, which is divided up into areas for telaxed bistro dining or a more formal, intimate dining experience. She and Charies enjoyed a ‘real gourmet dinner,’’ then retired tu Cafe and Mallard Lotsige are the main cating and celosing areas on the Chateau, says Winnifred, “you don't have to wonder where the action is." Christmas At the Inn Since the Hillmans’ stay, how- ever, a smaller tapas bar called La Fiesta, designed to appeal to thase in the apres-ski spirit, has opened its doors. Although Peter) Martin, the resort's interior designer, agrees with Winnifred that the country estate-look Mallerd Bar is indeed the “germ of the Chateau,"’ skiers looking for live entertainme:dt and a party atmosphere, wil! probably think that La Fiesta is the place to be. Ward says other guests — many of whor booked in Auguse for the hotel's mid-November opening -~ have also been “thoroughly im- pressed’ with (he resort, which in- cludes such highlights as an in- doer/outdoor pool and jacuzzir, 18 fuxuacy retail stores and art gal- feries, ancl health club, complete with masseur, Perhaps the chiteau’s greatest feature is its location at the base of Hlackcomb Mountain. Shien can strap on their skis at the door and take the chain up tor a diy’s shi- ing, then return in the evening, check their skis in with) an atten: dam aid head for daa Fiestis. Sparts lovers’ heaven? You bet. Most of the 443 rooms are al- teady booked for the holidiy See Luxury Page 42 Come and enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas at a beautiful year-round resort on Vancouver tsland. Stay any 3 nights includiag Christmas and feast on 2 dinners and 3 breakfasts prepared by our chef. All this for only I Heo RESORT. $15,995 double OCCUPA For reservations of further ‘nfarmation Call 1-800-605-7327 of in Vancouver call 266-2213 OO HEWS photo Terry Patera CHATEAU WHISTLER general manager David Roberts shows off Whister's latest landmark, LIMITED AVAILABILITY Special Roseway bonuses will reduce prices quoted. Taxes additional. e Jan. 3, 1990. Panama Canal — 14 days San Juan-Los Angeles, $2,875 CDN, including air, ‘ess Roseway bonuses ¢ Feb. 11, 1990. Around Hawaii to San Diego plus 1 night hotel $2,110 CDN. less Roseway bonuses « Feb. 21. 1990 — as above, but San Diego-Hawaii @ Feb. 27, 1990 Hawaii to San Diego, as above. Combine Feb. 21 & Feb. 27 into one 16 day cruise, San Diego-Hawaii & return, for only $3,013 CDN. less Roseway bonuses Jan. 11, Feb. 26 & March 12, 1990 Jewels of Caribbean, 7 days Curacao to San Juan, fram $1565 CDN. less Roseway bonuses Phone now to Joanne, Sue or Bev 926-4344