Our Story
Where Tranquility Meets Canadian Elegance
Back in 2003, Elena Marquez stood at the edge of what's now our property and thought, "Yeah, this'll work." She wasn't some hotelier with decades of experience - just someone who'd spent too many nights in soulless corporate hotels and figured there had to be a better way.
Elena grew up in Vancouver, spent her twenties bouncing between Europe and Asia working in hospitality, and came back to BC with a pretty clear vision: build something that didn't feel like every other cookie-cutter resort. She wanted a place where you could actually breathe, where the staff remembered your name without checking a computer screen, and where luxury didn't mean stuffy.
The first few years? Honestly, they were rough. Construction delays, permit nightmares, a minor flood in year two. But she stuck with it, and in 2006, we opened our doors with 32 rooms and a whole lot of hope. Fast forward to today - we've grown to what you see now, but we've kept that same approach: real hospitality, not the scripted kind.
"I just wanted to create the kind of place where I'd actually want to stay. Turns out, a lot of other people felt the same way." - Elena Marquez, Founder
Elena purchases the lakefront property after two years of negotiations. Local skeptics think she's crazy - the land's been sitting empty for a reason.
We open with 32 rooms, a modest restaurant, and a team of 15. First guest? A couple from Toronto who'd stumbled upon us by accident. They still come back every year.
Guests kept asking about massage services, so we built a proper wellness spa. Hired Sophia Chen, who's still running the place and making miracles happen daily.
Brought in Chef Marcus to reimagine our dining experience. The underground wine cellar was his idea - now hosts private tastings that book out months ahead.
We've added adventure excursions, upgraded all rooms with eco-friendly tech, and expanded our event facilities. But the core mission? That hasn't changed one bit.
No scripts, no corporate nonsense - just folks who genuinely care
Founder & Managing Director
Still shows up at breakfast service most mornings. Will absolutely tell you if something's not up to standard - but she'll do it with a smile.
Spa & Wellness Director
Trained in Thailand, Japan, and Switzerland before landing here in 2011. Somehow remembers every guest's pressure preference. It's borderline supernatural.
Executive Chef
Came from Montreal with strong opinions about poutine and even stronger ideas about local ingredients. His seasonal menu changes keep us on our toes.
Head Concierge
Whistler native who knows every trail, restaurant, and secret spot within 50km. If James can't make it happen, it probably can't be done.
Events & Conference Manager
Former wedding planner who's seen it all. Nothing phases her - not last-minute changes, not dietary restrictions for 200, nothing.
Adventure Excursions Lead
Ex-ski instructor who got tired of teaching snowplow turns. Now designs custom outdoor experiences. Has more energy than three normal humans combined.
Wine Director & Sommelier
Moved here from Lyon and brought her wine obsession with her. Her cellar tours are legendary - part education, part stand-up comedy.
Guest Relations Manager
The problem-solver. If you've got an issue, Priya's already three steps ahead fixing it before you've finished explaining. It's honestly impressive.
From empty lot to... well, this
Just land, a lake view, and a whole lot of potential. Elena stood here and saw what nobody else did.
Two years of permits, planning, and praying the weather would cooperate. It mostly didn't.
32 rooms, nervous staff, and a whole lot of hope. That first summer was a whirlwind.
Added the wellness spa after guests kept requesting it. Turns out, people really like massages.
Chef Marcus convinced us to dig out a wine cellar. Best decision we ever made.
Still evolving, still improving, but keeping the soul that made us different from day one.
Unfiltered feedback - the good, the great, and the "we need to frame this"