Sonora Resort Becomes New Member of Relais & Chateaux

After participating in a stringent selection process, Sonora Resort on Sonora Island has been elected for 2009 to the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association, whose membership consists of some of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants from around the world.

Relais & Châteaux is known for its extremely strict admission standards, and only a limited number of applicants are considered each year. In the past 55 years, only 13 Canadian hotels and 3 restaurants have been selected to become members of this prestigious group. Each new member is anonymously reviewed and must embody the Relais & Châteaux '5 C' philosophy – Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm and Cuisine.

Sonora Resort joins the Relais & Châteaux select list of prime travel destinations in BC: the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, the Aerie in the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver's boutique Wedgewood Hotel and the Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux Restaurant, Lumiére.

"Relais & Châteaux has recognized Sonora as 'unique in the world' because of the resort’s breathtaking location in the Discovery Islands where guests have the opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat including grizzlies and orcas, while enjoying luxury, comfort, and gourmet cuisine," said Wynne Powell, President of Sonora Resort. "There are few places in the world that can offer such natural, untouched beauty while at the same time providing the luxury, personalized service, and cuisine of a five-star hotel," said Powell.

"Sonora Resort Canada," says Brenda Homick, North American Director of Relais & Châteaux, “reflects the ultimate, unique experience, and exhibits the ideals for which Relais & Châteaux is renowned: fellowship, personal generosity, a unique sense of place, harmony, and a genuine sense of being. It is an idyllic retreat which represents an exciting addition to the Association."

Sonora’s uniquely themed guest lodges offer spacious rooms with top quality linens, fabrics and goose down duvets. Guests at Sonora’s Sea Lion Pointe enjoy ultra-luxurious rooms and sweeping fireplaces, with an interior décor that mirrors its exterior surroundings. The art collection in Sea Lion Pointe is one of the largest commissions of BC art in the world, and the glass, wood and kelp art pieces were created specifically to reflect the water and wildlife of Sonora Island and the inlets and bays within the Discovery Islands.

Because of its Oceanside location, guests always have a selection of fresh fish or seafood at Sonora. Executive Chef Matthew Stowe prepares Avant Garde cuisine with a focus on local products, modern techniques and the traditional systems of the kitchens of France. Sonora’s Chef devises tasting menus each night all paired with fine wines from British Columbia and the major wine regions of the world. Menu highlights include Pemberton beef cooked sous vide, butter poached lobster with black truffles and for dessert the chefs take on "peanut butter and jelly", complete with port wine "pearls" and peanut butter "powder." The sea air and spectacular sunsets add to an unforgettable dining experience at Sonora.

Sonora Island is located within the Discovery Islands at the mouth of Bute Inlet, one of the deepest inlets in North America. Guests reach Sonora Resort by boat or air, approximately 50 minutes by helicopter from Vancouver. Newly established as Relais & Châteaux in January 2009, Sonora is unique in the world because of its secluded location, abundance of natural beauty and wildlife, with luxury accommodations and gourmet cuisine. Sonora welcomes guests from May to October each year. The guided grizzly bear tours at the nearby Orford River are offered in partnership with the Homalco First Nation, from August to October. Additional Sonora Resort highlights include a tennis court, conservatory, and the Island Current Spa and Wellness Centre with five treatment rooms including a couples' massage room, outdoor hot and cold mineral pools, work-out facility and relaxation room.

More information: Sonora Resort

More information: Relais & Chateaux