After we checked out of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, we headed into the rockies to Fairmont Banff Springs which was about a 45 minute drive away.
“Located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel stands as a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff, Alberta. Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies”, has been providing legendary hospitality to our guests for more than 130 years.
Fairmont Banff Springs is a year-round luxury mountain resort that offers a championship golf course during the summer, unparalleled skiing in the winter, the award-winning European-style Willow Stream Spa and authentically local dining experiences, including a true Canadian chop house at 1888 Chop House and French favourites with Canadian charm at The Vermillion Room“
Fairmont Banff Spring Heritage Tour
We started off our stay with a tour of the hotel. It was built over 100 years ago so there was so much history behind the walls. It honestly looks like a castle and it felt like we were transported back in time. We even got to see some of the Holiday Suites which were decorated to the nines. You can reserve them and experience a Christmas Wonderland in the rockies.
After the tour we checked into our room which had the most breathtaking view of the Rockies. We then headed out to roast some marshmallows and enjoy some hot chocolate. I definitely burnt the marshmallows immediately haha
Later that evening we enjoyed a four-course private dinner in Grapes Cellar. The coolest part of dinner was a cheese tasting at dessert where the chef came out and explained each cheese and it’s pairing. I’m not a big cheese person and even I was impressed. I couldn’t try all of them because of being pregnant but I LOVED the presentation and it made me understand why people love cheese so much.
The next morning there was a sunrise hike planned for us. It sounds earlier then it is considering the sun rises around 8:30am that time of year, but I decided to sit it out because I felt like I was over exerting my pregnant body and didn’t want to get sick. Everyone who went on the hike said it was a hard but worth the views. I did have a little fomo looking at everyones epic photos but sometimes you gotta do what’s best for your body and ultimately I’m glad I made that decision.
I haven’t been that limited with pregnancy yet but this time I really needed to limit myself. I would recommend the hike though cause it seems epic! Instead we got a little sleep and ordered room service before venturing out to see more of the property.
Pull & Bear belted puffer jacket
ASOS boots
Later on we had a spa treatment at the Willow Stream Spa where I had a prenatal massage that was SO good. The masseuse was really knowledgeable and they had these special pillows that contoured to my belly so I was able to lay on my stomach. I haven’t laid on my stomach in 4 months so it was nice to be able to and feel like I was getting a normal massage for once.
The Spa is equipped with waterfalls, mineral pools, steam rooms, saunas eucalyptus inhalation rooms and an outdoor whirlpool with mountain views. I was so sad I couldn’t do the hot tubs but the massage was more than enough to help me feel rejuvenated.
Hanifa Sia Maxi Skirt
After the spa we got ready for pre-dinner cocktails at Santa’s bar and I of course got a mocktail. Then we headed to the Santa Suite for dinner. During Christmas time at the Fairmont Banff Springs you can rent out the Santa Suite for 14 guest and have a catered dinner. It was such a cool experience and we even had a guest appearance from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The dinner was reminiscent of Thanksgiving with all the fixings and super delicious. And then we were treated with an assortment of desserts. The Santa Suite is so beautiful decorated. Every corner and detail is thought out, it felt so magical.
The next day was check out. It was a snowy send off so getting to the airport would take a bit longer. We enjoyed a breakfast buffet which was included in our stay and had so many options and then headed back to the room to finish packing.
I’m not normally a cold weather vacation person but Im so happy I was invited on this trip by Fairmont to experience this beautiful winter escape in Banff. It was the perfect holiday trip.
