Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Where the wild things are
A SMALL RESORT DEEP IN THE CANADIAN WILDERNESS WITH LIMITED WI-FI MAY NOT BE A PLANNER ’ S FIRST PICK , BUT CMW ’ S CATIE OWEN DISCOVERED FIRST- HAND WHY IT ’ S TRULY THE PERFECT CHOICE .
A s you fly over Vancouver ’ s coastal mountain range in a seaplane , the resort reveals itself to the passengers like the opening sequence of a film . New arrivals will meet their hosts at a dock surrounded by the forest , itself framed by a greeting : ‘ Welcome to Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge ’. This is home for the next few days .
I jonied a small and exclusive Destination Canada group to experience a potential new incentive on Vancouver Island that the organisation was investigating . Jennifer Attersall , director of Incentive Travel , Destination Canada explained the drive behind the visit : “ They are leading a powerful movement towards embracing wellness and elevating free time as the new gold standard of luxury .
“ We firmly believe that Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is set to redefine what incentives can be while catering to a new generation seeking extraordinary adventures .”
Only accessible by plane or by boat , Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge can be found on the island ’ s coastal rainforest .
The Clayoquot Sound itself is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , where the resort shares the land with a range of thriving flora and fauna which the resort works to live with harmoniously . Sustainability is at the heart of the property , from its food to its spa ingredients . However , sustainability includes the environmental and beyond in Canada . The Lodge acknowledges that it resides on the traditional territory of the Ahousat First Nation , and maintains friendships with the Ahousat , Tla-o-qui-aht and Hesquiaht , as Clayoquot operates in their territories .
Home from home Our first proper look at the hidden lodge was from a western-themed horse and cart , followed by champagne on arrival . If the thrill of a seaplane wasn ’ t enough of an icebreaker , custom cocktails in the Lodge ’ s scenic bar , The Ivanhoe , prompted plenty of conversation while our unusual lodgings were being confirmed .
Of the seven locations in Ballie Lodges ’ worldwide portfolio , Clayoquot is the only one that offers a luxury
Sarah Cruse , general manager , Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Image courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
‘ glamping ’ experience . All 25 of these large canvas tents come equipped with large double beds and private living space – complete with wooden floors and a temperature-controlled cast iron fireplace . The tents are nestled along the river and waterfront of the Clayoquot Sound , hidden by the rainforest teeming with the sounds of wildlife .
At the centre of the camp , named The Outpost , tents are also used for private dining and communal leisure spaces . But it ’ s the versatility of The Outpost ’ s tents that are particularly intriguing to intimate groups . It ’ s easy to imagine a small board meeting in one of these tents while looking at its dining layout , and the inspiring and calming ambience our group experienced when sharing industry stories and insights over dinner .
Sarah Cruse , general manager of Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge , talked about the appeal of Clayoquot for events : “ You can have a meeting in the woods , beside a river , or in the tents . You don ’ t need a boardroom .”
Unplugged There ’ s another unexpected draw to Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge which might initially seem counterintuitive to meeting planners . We discovered it when settling into our tents : a total digital disconnection . Back at The Outpost , there ’ s a strong Wi-Fi connection to link devices back to the outside world . But , when you step away from your meeting ‘ in town ’, it ’ s just you and the wild surroundings .
This setup lends itself well to small but crucial meetings , where the aim is to limit distractions and iron out the issues of the day . It also has an unexpected appeal – security . For some meetings , there might be a need to keep a tight lid on upcoming happenings and developments , and the off-the-grid resort and its remote privacy make that a much easier task .
The Lodge ’ s disconnection creates an incentive that immerses guests in wellness and the Canadian outdoors . It ’ s
54 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 126