RELATED LINKS Return to 10 Great Golf & Spa Getaways

Hotels

• The castle like Fairmont Chateau Whistler, with 550 rooms, is the largest and most elegant of the village's accommodations. All rooms are attractively furnished and well equipped. Most luxurious are the "Gold" class rooms and suites, which provide at least one fireplace, extra amenities such as heated towel bars and a vibrating headrest in their Jacuzzi tub, as well as access to a private lounge where sumptuous breakfasts and afternoon hors d'oeuvres are served. There's an indoor/outdoor pool and a full service spa. Doubles from about $200 USD.

  604-938-8000
  www.fairmont.com/whistler

• The Pan Pacific Lodge is unbeatable for its views from the floor to ceiling windows in its 121 suites, all of which feature gas fireplaces, deep soaker tubs, and fully equipped kitchens. If you decide to cook in one evening, one of the very helpful staff members will deliver whatever you need to your room. There's an enjoyable Irish pub, Dubb Linn Gate, on the premises. Doubles from about $200 USD.

  604-905-2999
  www.panpac.com

• The Durlacher Hof has the gemutlichkeit of a charming inn in the Austrian Alps. It is customary, for example, to exchange your shoes for slippers at the front door. There are only eight rooms, each with pine furniture and goose down comforter, but no television or telephones. Breakfasts are bountiful, and refreshments are available throughout the day. Doubles from about $110 USD, which includes breakfast.

  604-932-1924
  www.durlacherhof.com

Dining

• Despite its whimsical name, the Bearfoot Bistro is serious about cuisine. Try the signature dish, wild caribou loin in a shoestring potato crust with candied ginger jus. There's a savvy sommelier to help you through the colossal wine list. Dinner for two, without wine, about $85 USD.

  604-932-3433

• Ristorante Araxi has had a reputation for fine food ever since its opening in 1981. The menu is strongest with Pacific seafood, much of it prepared with deft Italian touches. Try the alder smoked sea bass or the paella, a special treat, and don't pass up the gingerbread and pistachio cake for dessert. If you'd like to try a variety of excellent wines with your meal, ask the wine steward to match each course with wine by the glass; the cellar is one of British Columbia's biggest and best. Dinner for two, without wine, about $75 USD.

  604-932-4540

• The unpretentious Rim Rock Café is the place for fresh seafood, especially Atlantic lobsters from Nova Scotia. Oysters come in various styles, from raw with champagne vinaigrette to Rockefeller. Grilled ahi tuna is marinated in sake and soya and served with wasabi butter. Several meat dishes are also available. Dinner for two, without wine, about $75 USD.

  604-932-5565

Content provided by Passport Newsletter. For more hotel and dining information, please visit www.passportnewsletter.com (subscription required).