Henry Wu’s urban oasis in Canmore, AB

CANMORE, AB-When he was asked why Metropolitan Hotels, owners and operators of upscale, contemporary hotels in Toronto and Vancouver would build a resort just outside Banff National Park, here's what Metropolitan president Henry Wu had to say.

Grand Rockies Resort bedroom

"Grande Rockies Resort will not only be Metropolitan Hotels' first resort property, it is also our first project in Alberta. We're thrilled to be a part of this beautiful community.

"A departure from our existing downtown properties in Toronto and Vancouver, our intention with Grande Rockies Resort is to bring a contemporary and urban oasis to Canmore, giving the community the sophisticated stay and experience which they deserve."

Grande Rockies had its soft opening starting in November, with rooms being added as they come online. At press time, the construction was expected to be completed by late June.

Designed by Paul Waddell, the theme of the 150-room resort is urban luxury. The resort is a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and features one and two bedroom suites along with penthouse suites.

It's located in Canmore, just 15 minutes from the gates of Banff National Park.

This community has expanded dramatically in the past 10 years as moneyed buyers from nearby Calgary and around the world have scooped up the area's mushrooming vacation properties. While prices peaked two years ago, the community is still in great demand due to its proximity to skiing, hiking and golf - not to mention the mountain views at every turn.

"We have three golf courses in Canmore plus several more around the region, Banff and Kananaskis," says Martain Cloutier, general manager. "One of them in Canmore is Silvertip Golf Resort, which is a PGA course, home of Stephen Ames, a professional golfer."

Gadget lovers will appreciate the Mia shower/bathtub at Grande Rockies Resort. It has timing and temperature setting, overhead shower, body massage, top light, back light, sauna, radio, steam and telephone.

The horseshoe-shaped resort will also have a courtyard that overlooks the well-known Three Sisters mountains, a great setting for weddings.

The resort accommodations feature fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and rich wood cabinetry. The euro-alpine feel is completed with spa-inspired bathrooms that include state-of-the-art steam showers and soaker tubs. Complementing the bathrooms are Gilchrist and Soames eco-friendly amenities.

Plasma televisions, gas fireplaces and luxurious down duvets and Italian-Fretté linens are also included in every suite.

Elegant conference and banquet facilities, opening soon, will offer full motion teleconferencing, meeting rooms and broadband connectivity. There will be 2,100 square feet of conference facilities in the main building, and 750 square feet in the second building.

"It's an incredibly bright space, with views of the mountains and lots of natural light," says Matt Stuart of Right Mind Media, PR company for Grande Rockies Resort.

For families, there's a heated indoor swimming pool with a giant frog and toadstool plus a waterslide, in-room dining options, fitness centre and spacious full kitchen equipped suites.

Grande Rockies Resort is the first luxury brand hotel to arrive in Canmore. The concierge staff are Les Clefs d'or trained, which provides guests with a high level of service. The knowledgeable team can create travel itineraries based on guest's personal needs.

Metropolitan's famed Senses culinary team is designing the theme and philosophy of Grande Rockies restaurant and cuisine. Vincent Leung will be head chef at the new restaurant, named Habitat. He comes to Grande Rockies from Senses Restaurant in Toronto, where he was sous chef.

"Chef Leung will bring to the menu a little Asian flare, with of course, a touch of the Canadian Rockies and local produce," said Cloutier.

Cloutier feels that Canmore as a destination will become much bigger. "The valley is wider here, and it's more relaxed than Banff, without the crowds and intensity of tourist bus tours," he says.