Tofino, BC --Guests attending a meeting at Clayoquot Wilderness Resorts & Spa for the first time have several clues that this is different than the "usual". It might be the instructions to pack light; it might be the thirty minute boat ride from the village of Tofino, located on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island; it might be the enclave of white canvas tents, reminiscent of the 19th century Great Camps that greets them; or it may be that the boardroom is connected by cedar boardwalks under the canopy of an Upside Rain Forest! What is obviously apparent once they arrive is the paradox of indulgent luxury and remote, untamed wilderness - and an opportunity to be part of a meeting like no other!
Located only a short and scenic flight from Vancouver, BC, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort's Wilderness Outpost at Bedwell River is a luxurious eco-safari style lodge. It is situated at the mouth of the Bedwell River where it spills into a nine-mile long fjord in the fragile biosphere of Clayoquot Sound - a UNESCO-designated reserve, and one of 408 in 94 countries. The Resorts' commitment is to live here in an entirely sensitive and sustainable manner, and guests will find that all aspects of the operations are environmentally low-impact and continually updated as technology allows.
Along with the luxurious amenities of the guest tents, meeting tents are equipped with state-of the art technology. Small to mid-sized retreats are best suited to the Bedwell River Outpost which can accommodate up to 50 in classroom style, or 75 for receptions in the new ranch-style cookhouse. A great white meeting tent holds 40 (classroom), and has four break-out tents
Reopening in 2007 is Clayoquot Wilderness Resorts' lodge, which overlooks the ocean and mountains and is fully equipped with 16 beautifully appointed guest rooms, a fitness facility, dining room for 45 people and a small boardroom or lounge. Wraparound decks can accommodate up to 45 for receptions.
Both facilities have complimentary wireless Internet access for laptops and central computers provide 24/7 Internet access to guests traveling light. A full range of state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment is available and the on-site Meetings & Retreats convener is there to assist around the clock.
Outpost guest tents along with the spa tents, offer decadently furnished, roomy, great white canvas prospector-style quarters built on discreetly-situated raised wooden platforms, connected by cedar boardwalks, all under the canopy of the rainforest and along the water's edge. In addition to the original games tent with its turn-of-the-century snooker table, poker table and board games, guests can now enjoy full-size billiards and foozeball with the addition of a second games room, complete with lounge and honour bar.
However, the best part of most meetings takes place outside the "boardroom" tents - and at Clayoquot Wilderness Resorts & Spa, the call of the wild is literally outside the door. World famous for big trees, Clayoquot Sound is also known for its big fish (that's no fish story!). Anglers can hook coho, sea bass, king salmon, and deep-sea halibut. Experienced, first-aid-trained wilderness guides ensure productive outings for 'catch & release' or catch & cold-pack for processing or shipping.
The Resorts sport fishing vessels feature state-of-the-art electronics and navigational equipment. Fully outfitted and coast guard approved, the fleet includes a 38' Hatteras Sport Fisherman, three 25' Robalo Centre Consoles, an 18' Campion, and two 25' Pursuits.
Equestrian treks to the summit of an extinct volcano, five star foraging through the forest, a hike on the Wild Side First Nations Interpretive trail and exploring the sandy beaches of secluded Flores Island, or chilling out with a spa treatment followed by a hot tub are some of the pre or post-meeting options available to the group. Kayaking, canoeing bear and whale watching are also popular activities and a wide range of team building activities can easily be set up upon request.
Guests are encouraged to travel light and the resort provides top quality adventure gear to go around at no extra charge. All ages and sizes can be outfitted in rain gear (yellow slickers, overalls, boots), Western style riding boots, survival-rated whale watching suits, state-of-the-art fresh and salt water gear and vessels, mountain bikes and helmets, and a full fleet of power and paddle vessels.
Comprehensive recycling governs food and beverage service, organic gardens reduce commercial dependency, gravity-fed turbines generate fuel-less electricity and hot water, toilets compost waste materials into organic matter, local men and women are employed, and all marine and land adventures are non-intrusive and conservancy-driven.
A variety of education-based naturalist and recreational programs are provided in order to contribute to the enhancement of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve Area. The Resorts' $3 million, five-year Environmental Legacy Program focuses on areas of research, conservation and rehabilitation and provide participants with a once-in-a lifetime, hands-on opportunity that allows them to leave their mark - and improve the world with programs such as Bear Mapping, Whale Acoustics, and Raptor Rehabilitation.
Rates for groups of any size can be obtained by contacting 1-888-333-5405 and more information found at www.wildretreat.com.
Media Contact: Deirdre Campbell, Tartan Public Relations, 250-592-3838 or 250-882-9199 , [email protected]
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