Staycationing at the Shang

I recently organized a surprise staycation stagette for my friend—visualize a slightly classier version of the usual bride-to-be debauchery—as being seven months pregnant I sadly can’t hop a plane to the main event. — Aleeza Khan

After much planning and prepping, I picked her up under a partially believable guise and off we went to the Shangri-La, where a few of our friends were there ready and waiting to surprise her. 

After some terrified sounding screaming (sorry to all guests there at the time. They were good screams, not fear-for-my-life screams as they may have come across) in the lobby, we headed up to our room.

Upon arrival to our executive suite, the amazing staff had laid out quite the feast for us—corresponding with her beach wedding—which we promptly dove into before hitting the pool deck with our Champagne.

While lapping up the sun on the pool deck, we took in the hustle and bustle of downtown, lounged on the daybeds, and soaked in the hottub. The pool deck is also adjacent to the spa, which made it the perfect location to pop to and from an infamous CHI Spa massage.

Once we’d soaked up all the bubbles (hot tub and Champagne) possible, we headed back to our room and got prepped for the night ahead.

Now, apologies for not sharing all of the evening’s details. It being a stagette and all, I’ve shared the dignified bits leading up to the evening and I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. . .

Needless to say, by the time the next morning rolled around, we were all quite ready for room service breakfast in bed in our hotel robes and slippers, which didn’t disappoint. The menu is extensive—there were eggs benedict, granola, and greasy spoon style breakfasts all round—and managed to satisfy all the girls who may or may not have been feeling slightly sensitive from the previous night’s shenanigans.

Even upon check out, looking slightly less together than on check in, the service was impeccable, and staff a dream. If you have a special event you’re organizing, or even if you don’t, you’ll be sure to love the Shangri-La. Whether you’re after some pool time, spa relaxation, or some drinks and dinner at the delectable Market by Jean-Georges, you can’t go wrong. I’ll be hitting it up again in future, for some relaxation time, and some slightly more raucous times, too.

Shangri-la.com/vancouver.