Take a Helicopter to British Columbia’s Wine Country from This Vancouver Hotel

It’s no surprise that a city as spectacular as Vancouver is filled with incredible luxury hotels, and for the last 15 years, the Shangri-La Vancouver has been one of them.

Situated in the tallest building in the heart of downtown, spectacularly surrounded by city, mountains, and sea, the Western Canadian hotel marks the group’s first of two Northern American hotels, the second being the Shangri-La Toronto. (It’s also the second-smallest property in the group — second only to Paris — with just 119 rooms.) British Columbian style melds with Shangri-La’s Asian heritage across 15 floors of guest rooms and suites, Carlino restaurant, and the Chi spa and fitness center that opens up to the outdoor pool and hot tub.

Now, to kick off and celebrate the momentous 15th anniversary, Shangri-La Vancouver has partnered with iconic British Columbian winery Phantom Creek Estates to create a four-day, three-night stay and package for two that encompasses all Shangri-La and British Columbia have to offer.

In June, I checked in for a few days to be one of the first to experience what the hotel calls “luxury at new heights.”

Day one of the package begins with a peaceful, relaxing arrival and check-in to the hotel’s chic and opulent Orchid Balcony Suite.

Clocking in at a little over 1,300 square feet with floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping around the room, this premier suite gives unobstructed panoramic views of downtown — perfect for gazing out while unpacking and enjoying an afternoon tea service in the suite. On a nice evening, you can enjoy your tea from your oversized private balcony before ending the evening by hopping into the incredible deep-soaking marble tub. Nothing says relaxing and luxury quite like an iconic bathtub moment.

Wake up on day two, your first official full day in British Columbia, and head into downtown Vancouver, where you, your guest, and your own personal photographer will get into a private Skyluxe helicopter.

Don your headset and live out your “Top Gun” fantasy for the hour-long flight over picturesque mountains, rivers, and lakes. Then, you’ll touch down in the Okanagan Valley for your day spent at Phantom Creek Estates. Wine-loving dabblers and enthusiasts alike will enjoy a private tasting and tour of the sculptures, vineyards, and winery, where you’ll learn all about the Okanagan’s exceptional terroir while sipping on upcoming releases thieved from the barrel right in front of you.

Finish your tour in the Founder’s Cellar dining room, where you’ll be dining in a glass room surrounded by barrels for an unforgettable multi-course lunch and wine pairing. The Estates culinary team provides an experience with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients like no other. Unique personalized keepsakes, like a bottle of their Phantom Creek Vineyard Cuvée (my favorite of the day), signed by the makers, will commemorate your day among the vines. (Insider tip: You cannot leave without getting a scoop of gelato from the cart in the tasting room, trust me.)

With a full belly, you’ll return to your helicopter for another trip through the clouds. The rest of the evening is yours. Head downtown to dine at Black+Blue steakhouse or Coast, or if you’re looking to stay close to home, there’s Shangri-La’s own Carlino, which serves up comforting yet elevated Northern Italian food with a wonderful wine program if you’re still thirsty.

After an exhausting day of flying around in helicopters, wine tastings, and fine cuisine, naturally, a four-hour spa day is all but required, and the Shangri-La and Chi spa team are all too happy to make that happen for you. Since nothing says luxury like a lavish spa, guests experiencing the Luxury at New Heights package will also enjoy the Alchemist’s Retreat.

First, enjoy a restful soak in the infinity bath, followed by an exfoliating scrub and thermal mud mask. Then, you’ll hop into a eucalyptus-filled steam shower to clean yourself off for your facial and full body massage. The entire spa retreat is sequestered in your personal “mini spa.” Everything from your bath, shower, and massage table is in a chic treatment room with a little lounge and fireplace. As a spa lover, I found this day to be the perfect and phenomenal final full day.

Use your free morning or afternoon to enjoy all Vancouver has to offer, from great shopping and dining to underrated neighborhoods worth exploring.

I loved wandering around Gastown, a neighborhood along the harbor with streets lined with cute shops, restaurants, and cafes. If it’s a beautiful day, head down to the marina, where little ferry boats are constantly sailing, and hop aboard to Granville Island.

You’ll be able to see Vancouver by water and soak in the city skyline before stopping at the Granville Island Public Market, which is filled with artisan markets, produce and farmer stalls, restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

Be sure to save room in your suitcase for all the memorable keepsakes as you wrap up your stay with a leisurely late afternoon check out the following day. I indulged in a box (or two) of Northern Bars Nanaimo bars because when in British Columbia, do and snack as the British Columbians do, right?

The Luxury at New Heights experience package, priced at $22,690 for two guests, is available through November.