The Sophistication of Pacific Rim capital meets the charm of traditional British style in Victoria-home of the Ocean Pointe Resort Hotel & Spa. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts World-wide, the hotel offers a harbor-front location and parklike grounds with sensational views of both the snow-capped Olympic Mountains and the historic, seaside city skyline at the southern tip of Vancouver Island.

In the lobby, warmed by two large fireplaces and enhanced with original works by revered Canadian artists, a sweeping two-story window provides a breathtaking view of the Inner Harbour. Buests stepping outside find endless stretches of sea walks and enjoy short ferry jaunts from the hotel dock to such stops as the Royal British Columbia Museum, parliament buildings, downtown's lively promenade, and many other legendary attractions.

The hotel offers 250 deluxe rooms and suites, all with fine Ascot cherrywood furnishings, contemporary fabrics in rich colors, and such fourd-diamond amenities as plush bathrobes, minibars, cooffee makers, iron and ironing boards, two phones(one cordless), dual data ports, voice mail, and fax capability. Some have kitchens, and most have water views.

The OPR Penthouse Suite features a 25-foot floor-to-ceiling window with views from the loft bedroom, a formal dining area, kitchen, bar, fireplace, and Jacuzzi. The Wintergarden Suite's deck provides a raised cedar hot tub with private view of the twinkling harbor lights. The Gazebo Suite, an all-time favvorite, boasts a kitchen, living room, dinning area, master bedroom, and large furnished outdoor deck with gazebo.

According to Conde Nast Traveler, Ocean Pointe offers "both of Victoria's best restaurants." Its Victorian Restaurant, a member of the Chaine des Rotisseures, combines exquisite Pacific Northwest fare with candlelight, crystal, brocades, and cheerywood. The distingushed wine list holds numerous Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence and features a vertical selection of Chateau Lafite-Rothchild vintages dating from 1888.

Less formal and a bit more family oriented, the Boardwalk Restaurant capitalizes on the freshest products of the Pacific Northwest. Diners gather both indoors and outdoors on the waterfront terrace. Rick's Lounge& Piano Bar contributes live entertainment and an impressive selection of fine ports, cognacs, and single-malt whiskies. In keeping with the hotel's reputation for epicurean pleasures, a wine shop stocks international, rare, and a ward-winning British Columbia vintages.

Groups find superb facilities for business and social events. Well suited for gala evenings, conferences, and corporate meetings, a variety of flexible spaces-including reception areas, hospitality suites, boardroom, and ballroom-easily accommodates gatherings of up to 400.

Both business and leisure travelers enjoy the aesthetic and wellness programs of a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, and squash, racquetball, and tennis courts. Whale-watching and other excursions leave right from the resort's dock. While some tee off in a yearround paradise of scenic golf courses, others pursue wine tours, browse through a wonderland of shops and art galleries, and visit Butchart and other gardens that mark Victoria as the Garden City of Canada.