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The Winner of “Name It To Win It | Teddy Bear Edition” is…

Posted on May 16, 2012 by rachel

The team at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel would like to thank everyone who participated in our recent “Name it and Win it to Win it – Teddy Bear Edition” Contest.

We had almost 50 creative names entered in the contest. With so many great name suggestions it was hard for us to choose the win worthy name. But after going through every one of the names submitted, we are excited to announce the winner!

The winning name for our Signature Hotel Teddy Bear is…

Oliver Bear

Congratulations to Marilyn Erickson, who will be receiving a $25 Gift Certificate to use at the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in this edition of “Name it to Win it”.  Keep your eyes open for future contests – Who knows what we might be naming next!

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Our partnership with Canadian company, Ancient Secrets

Posted on May 14, 2012 by rachel

As the Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s epicenter for wellness, the line of products chosen to be used at the Boathouse Spa & Baths was critical. To find the right line of products, internationally recognized spa consultant Catherine Swinscoe was hired to search out just the right partner.

After an extensive search, Swinscoe introduced the Oak Bay Beach Hotel team to a line of products called Beauty through Balance by Ancient Secrets, a Vancouver-based company. Sherina Jamal, owner of Ancient Secrets, prides herself on the use of local ingredients – including Pacific organic seaweed and Canadian glacial clay from the West Coast of BC – sustainable harvesting, and gentle processing methods to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.

“The Beauty through Balance line of products will provide Oak Bay Beach Hotel guests with treatments that offer healing spa experiences through the benefits of the sea,” says Swinscoe. “This partnership has created a truly authentic and luxurious West Coast experience.”

The raw ingredients in the Beauty through Balance products include a range of rare earth elements, minerals and vitamins that help rejuvenate the body. Additional benefits come from the anti-oxidants and pure essential oils that are infused into every Beauty Through Balance product for a luxurious feeling and scent.

“We are excited to partner with the Oak Bay Beach Hotel,” says Jamal. “Our shared commitment to high quality and natural ingredients means that guests will experience elements of the sea both in the products used during their treatments and from the remarkable Oceanside setting of the Boathouse Spa & Baths.”

The Boathouse Spa & Baths will offer a full range of spa experiences incorporating the products from Beauty Through Balance line including body wraps and facials that detoxify, clarify and revitalize skin and the complexion. Products from this line will also be available for purchase in take-home sizes packaged in eco-friendly containers made from hemp and bamboo.

“The new Oak Bay Beach Hotel is so much more than just a hotel and spa – it’s truly a hub for wellness, offering the ultimate in mind, body and soul relaxation,” said Kevin Walker, longtime owner and developer of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. “We are grateful that Catherine Swinscoe was able to introduce us to Sherina Jamal from Ancient Secrets. We look forward to sharing her passion for natural ingredients with our guests.”

In addition, Jamal will be offering educational and wellness seminars at the Boathouse Spa & Baths for guests during special events. Seminars will cover topics that range from healing and anti-aging benefits from the sea,  super foods for the skin and a guide to natural skin care solutions, among others.

In collaboration with the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Beauty Through Balance has also graciously provided a selection of products for the VIP welcome baskets and gift bags at the upcoming David Foster Foundation 25th Anniversary Miracle Weekend, to be held May 25 – 27, 2012 in Victoria, BC. For more information on the Miracle Weekend, visit www.oakbaybeachhotel.com.

 

 

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From the Manager’s desk…

Posted on May 9, 2012 by rachel

By Michelle LeSage, Hotel Manager

 The David Foster Miracle Weekend is fast approaching and the Oak Bay Beach Hotel Team has been very busy preparing for this very special weekend.   We are thrilled to report that after learning of our unanticipated delay in the hotel’s opening a host of partners have stepped up to assist us with staging this world-class event.  We are overjoyed by the generous support that has been shown by all our suppliers as well as the amazing group of hoteliers in our community.

A very special thank you goes out to the “Grand Old Lady”, The Fairmont Empress, who has opened up her doors to allow us to host the Miracle Weekend in their fine hotel.  Our team is thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside their team of professionals in support of this very worthwhile cause.  So don’t be too surprised when you see the Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s Rolls Royce and Coach parked outside the Empress front doors!

Thank you Victoria for helping us to help the Foster Foundation give the Gift of Life!

Michelle Le Sage

Hotel Manager

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The David Foster Foundaton Gala Weekend

Posted on May 9, 2012 by rachel

As many of you know we are supporting the David Foster 25th Anniversary Miracle Concert on May 26. We chose to sponsor this event for several reasons. First – it’s a good cause and helps support the families of children needing organ transplants and helps to raise awareness of the critical need for organ donors throughout Canada and the United States. Second – it is a great event that will be good for Victoria — showcasing our fabulous city and many of the talented people that have come from Victoria.

We would like to encourage as many of our friends and colleagues to purchase tickets to the concert. They would make a great Mother’s Day gift or present for a client or employee. There are still great seats available so get yours now.  To purchase go to www.selectyourtickets.com or call 250.220.7777.

There will be a ton of great performers. So far confirmed – Josh Groban, Sarah McLachlan, Kenny G, The Canadian Tenors, Ruben Studdard and Sinbad. Celebrities coming to the event include Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky and Alan Thicke. More will be announced soon. This will be a night to remember with media from all around the world in town to cover it.

For those of you who are interested, more tickets to the Gala Dinner have just been released at $1,000 per person and we can arrange those for you if you like.

Please show your support for this cause and help show the world what a great and supportive community we live in.

If you can, please help get this message out to your friends and colleagues.

Regards,
Kevin and Shawna Walker

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Sales Update

Posted on May 9, 2012 by rachel

By Brad Neufeld, Director of Sales

We are making steady progress through the VHS suites offered in Phase 4, and the incentives are being well-received by clients interested to purchase now before opening. We expect to see the end of Phase 4 in the next 6 weeks, and then we will be into Phase 5 with a different program. If the 3.25% lease back and the 105% buyback are of interest, I do want to encourage you to come talk to us now, and avoid the disappointment later. And if you have been looking for a special reason to finally come to Victoria and take a detailed look at the project in person, we have a very special incentive for you…

We have a limited number of VIP concert tickets for the David Foster Foundation Miracle Concert on Saturday May 26. If you are seriously interested to consider purchasing one of our properties, and you will work with my sales team to schedule a tour of the building in the time leading up to that weekend, you will receive 2 VIP tickets to the Saturday concert. And if you are willing to proceed to purchase a VHS property before the concert, we will give you 2 tickets to attend the full gala celebration event on Saturday May 26 (reception, dinner, auction, concert and after-party – these tickets are being sold for $1,000 per person) – this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! These tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Speak up now, or miss the opportunity altogether….the choice is yours! I hope to hear back from you soon!

Brad Neufeld
Director, Sales &  Marketing
Cell: (250) 516-5220

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“Name It To Win It” | Teddy Bear Edition!

Posted on May 9, 2012 by rachel

Our opening team is at it again pondering names for our signature hotel Teddy Bear. The hotel has a long history with plush animals in our guest rooms to greet each and every guest, and we are excited to continue this tradition.

We were so overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and suggestions we received in the naming of our Spa treatment rooms, that we once again wanted to give our community another opportunity to be a part of it. Tell us your suggestion. If we end up choosing your idea, you will win a $25 Gift Certificate that you can use anywhere in the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel!

What we’re looking for: As you can see from the photo, our’s is a Brown Bear. We have named him “Ollie Bear” (OB), and he has been hibernating for a few years while the hotel has undergone its transformation and is excited to welcome guests to Oak Bay and the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.  Can you come up with a better name?

How the contest works: Submissions will be accepted on our Blog. Starting May 9 2012, fans can start posting their win-worthy name right on this Blog Post. Our team will review all the entries. If we choose the name you have posted on our blog you will receive a $25 gift certificate. Here are a couple of our guidelines:

  • You must “like” our Facebook fan page in order to enter the contest.
  • Beneath this blog post, please submit your entry in our comment section
  • The winner will be contacted through email.
  • Once we have confirmed with our winner, we will announce them and their winning idea on Facebook and our blog.
  • If the winning name was posted by multiple people, the individual who posted it first will win.
  • This is a challenge to come up with better ideas than us, so winners will only be chosen if we like your ideas better than our own!
  • Contest closes at midnight on May 15th 2012

 

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Organ Donation Awareness week!

Posted on April 24, 2012 by rachel

This is Organ Donation Awareness week, and the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is honored to partner with the David Foster Foundation and their support for families in Victoria through our 10 year, $2 million dollar pledge through The David Foster Foundation Theatre and our collaboration for the Miracle Concert Weekend.

The David Foster Foundation supports families with children in need of major organ transplants, and the team at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel feels strongly about supporting the foundation and ensuring families are continually helped in their time of need. 346 Canadians died last year while waiting for a donor organ, The Oak Bay Beach Hotel and The David Foster Foundation want to improve this statistic.

April 22 – 28 2012 is Organ Donation Awareness Week; if becoming a donor matches your personal values we encourage you to become a donor today.

learn about the David Foster Foundation’s “Days In Wait” website, visit: http://daysinwait.com/

“Live life. Pass it on.”

For more information on how to become a donor visit: https://transplant.bc.ca/OnlineReg/bcts.asp

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Invitation to Perform at the David Foster Foundation Miracle Weekend!

Posted on April 12, 2012 by rachel

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel, in celebration of the 10 year collaboration launch with the David Foster Foundation and the 25th anniversary of the Foundation, will host the Miracle Weekend Event at the Fairmont Empress while construction crews continue their work to finish this world class resort due to open this summer.

Throughout the weekend there will be the opportunity for musicians to perform for a fantastic list of guests and world class entertainers. The Hotel will be hosting several events and opportunities to perform; including an evening reception, brunch event and concert after-party. Local musical artists are invited to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity. We are looking for Victoria’s best and brightest musicians.

Instrumental and vocal musicians in keeping with the spirit of David Foster music are invited.

Your entry should include:

  • a link to one YouTube video or online sample no more than 5 minutes in length,
  • one page resume highlighting your proposed music set and your musical accomplishments,
  • contact information,

Please submit your material to: miracleweekendaudition@oakbaybeachhotel.com no later than Friday April 27/12 at 5:00pm

Shortlisted musicians will be contacted in May. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

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Sales Update

Posted on April 5, 2012 by rachel

by Brad Neufeld, Director of Sales

Have you seen our ads on TV? Heard the ads on the radio? Seen us in your local or national paper? We made a decision early in January that the timing was right to start a media blitz featuring our hotel investment suites as we are gearing up toward the Grand Opening, and the old adage “be careful what you wish for” is certainly proving true. We have seen an unprecedented level of activity on the sales front in response to what we believe are some very compelling messages. It has been fascinating to watch the market shift from the careful, cautious client who was very concerned to ensure that we would actually complete the project, to clients now walking in the door prepared to make a purchase decision within days.

With the unique incentives being offered to VHS purchasers in our current Phase 4 Release, the timing simply couldn’t be better to purchase an investment suite with us. One of the sales aspects that has proven to be a pleasant surprise is the number of local Victoria buyers that have “caught the vision” for what we are creating, and are taking advantage of the opportunity to own the first true revenue property ever offered for sale in Oak Bay. For the local buyer, Oak Bay is a very desirable place to own property. Historically, this area remains without peer for steady increases in property value. With our oceanfront location in the heart of the Golden Mile, and the headache free model offered with our Vacation Hotel Suites, this is your chance to own your piece of our state-of-the-art, spectacular 5-star hotel property. Why not give us a call to see how you can buy before the price increase that will apply as soon as we open? Couple that with the enhanced lease revenue, and the option to sell the property back to us in 5 years for a contracted 5% gain in value, and you have a window of opportunity that will soon be closing.

Please call or email myself or Dale Sproule anytime, and let’s get to work together to see if we can create an investment solution that works for you.

Brad Neufeld                                                   Dale Sproule
Director, Sales                                                 Sales Consultant
(250) 516 5220                                                (250) 812 5736
bneufeld@walkerhospitality.com                dsproule@walkerhospitality.com

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A Dear Friend Lost: Joe Smith

Posted on March 23, 2012 by therese

 

We miss you Joe! You will forever be in our hearts and memories and your legend will live on in the new Snug.

This has been a very sad week for our work family at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. On Tuesday we said goodbye to one of our own, our legendary and beloved Snug bartender, Joe Smith.

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel family is sad to inform our friends and colleagues of the sudden passing of our beloved friend, colleague, and confidante, Joe Smith. Joe passed away on the morning of Tuesday March 20th after being diagnosed with cancer a short time before. Joe was employed at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel for over 28 years, and planned on returning to the new Snug as head bartender once again. While the hotel has been closed for redevelopment, Joe has continued to be employed by the Walker’s proving his commitment and loyalty to the family and to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

We are deeply saddened that Joe will not reach his goal of pouring the first pint in the new Snug Pub. In honour of Joe, we are inviting close friends and family to attend a reception at our downtown offices. There, we will do our best to “recreate” The Snug and give Joe a proper Oak Bay Beach Hotel send off. A reception will be held following the funeral service at McCall’s. Please see below for more details.

 

Funeral Service for Joe – Joe’s Obituary

Where: McCall’s

When: Saturday March 24th @ 1PM

 

Reception 

Where: 1111 Wharf Street

When: Saturday @ 4pm (following the funeral service)

Click here to read a short history of how Joe came to be The Snug’s legendary and most cherished bartender.

Click here to watch a video tribute to Joe Smith.

 

 

 

 

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