Maharani (mah-ha-ranee): Queen or Princess.

Snow falling. A palatial suite at the Hilton. Wood burning fireplace. Cozy robe and slippers. Balcony doors opening to crisp air and mountain views. A private mansion, multiple course dinners and drinks in abundance awaited me at Whistler’s Cornucopia Festival.

Whistler may be far away from the regal courts of India, but it sure made me feel like a Rajasthani Royal, if only for a night.  Stepping out of my stressful, busy avatar into the heels of today’s modern Maharani  looking for a little indulgence, relaxation and grandeur from her destination – I escaped to Whistler for the weekend.

I don’t ski. I don’t snowboard. And I’m certainly not into adventure sports. I find out there’s a lot more to Whistler than just its slopes.

Here’s my guide to becoming next in line to experience a Royal Getaway in Whistler:

FEASTING LIKE A QUEEN

Whistler is passionate about its food scene. Celebrating its 17th year, Whistler’s Cornucopia is a food and wine extravaganza featuring wine tastings, luncheons, seminars, multiple course dinners, gala events and parties which spanned 11 days this year from November 7-17. As a guest of Whistler Tourism, I had the opportunity to attend a few sumptuous events where royal gluttony got the best of me:

Chef’s Table Luncheon with Espana
We were whisked away to Rainbow Estates to a private contemporary mansion with wood features, floor to ceiling windows and epic views of snow-capped mountains before heading on a culinary journey into the flavours of Spain with Espana’s Chef Neil Taylor. All 5 delicious Spanish tapas courses were paired with free-flowing wines, sherries and beers (helps to sit right next to the wine table!). Food, drinks and travel talk with new people was a highlight. Espana is located at 1118 Denman Street in Vancouver.

The Mexican Corner: Fiesta Mexicana Para Amigos
4274 Mountain Square, Whistler
After lunch, we made our way back to the Whistler Conference Centre for a seminar with Chef Edgar Navarro who shared with us his delicious authentic Mexican recipes topped off with the best margaritas in town.

Black’s Pub: Law of Attraction | Love Affair Between Crafted Beer and Cuisine
4270 Mountain Square, Whistler
Partnered with Whistler Brewery, Black’s Pub presented a 4 course beer pairing and full sized courses. Although I tend to like lighter beer, one of my favourite ones was a darker craft beer with chocolate and orange bitter flavourings.

Tour de France Blanc Wine Tasting
We ended our weekend with trying 6 different French wines with presenters Barbara and Iain Philip taking us through the northern and southern regions of France.

Craving More Local Restaurants? Try these:

Alta Bistro
#104-4319 Main Street, Whistler
This restaurant is passionate about its food, wine, cocktails and above all else – ingredients are local and ethically sourced. Check out their blog for the latest news: http://www.altabistro.com/portfolio/

The Royal Taste of India
230-4370 Lorimer Road, Whistler Market Place
Continue your love affair with royalty with traditional and fusion inspired Indian cuisine in the heart of Whistler, owned and operated by the Nijjar family.

RELAXING LIKE A ROYAL

To relax in true Maharani fashion, book yourself the Prameswari Queen or Balinese Relaxation Massage at the Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa located inside the Hilton Whistler Resort where we were hosted. Taman Sari features a range of massages inspired by century-old traditions among Javanese Royalties. My Sunday morning at the spa was simply divine.

NATURE’S KINGDOM

Fresh snow, crisp air, blue skies. Sometimes I forget how awe-inspiring nature can be. Take a moment to enjoy and respect nature’s kingdom. Whistler is truly set against a royal backdrop in BC’s wonderland.

 

How’s that for a Royal experience?

For more information on Whistler, visit www.whistler.com.