Invigorated and renewed

It was a casual and cloudy drive back to Calgary. Thankfully uneventful, apart from our little detour into Banff.

With time on our hands, we decided that this was as good a time as any to explore the world-renown Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. This gorgeous old historic mountain retreat sits on the edge of the Bow River with the Rockies in view from every window. The old limestone hotel is what I would characterize as the closest building to a Castle that I’ve seen in Canada. It has grand foyers, elegant surroundings, a boldly designed limestone exterior, warm rich lighting and décor that reflects intimacy at every corner. And I just loved the Christmas decorations that cast an ethereal charm to this ‘Castle in the Rockies’ in all it’s splendour.

We spent a good hour checking out the endless hallways, magnificant stairways, boutiques and their luxurious spa (way too expensive for my meagre budget), and after having our curiosity satiated, we made our way back to Calgary, leaving the snow behind (I actually enjoyed my time in the fluffy white stuff, believe it or not!).