If You Don't Ask, You Don't Get...

I’ve just returned home from the most incredible escape to the Rocky Mountains. While I usually disappear out to Whistler, this time, I had the chance to enjoy the Alberta side with the most magical trip to Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff.  As we sat in the President’s Club Lounge in the Banff Springs Hotel on the last day of our trip we reflected on the magic of our week, and arrived at the conclusion that our experience only heightened as we personally engaged in the experience. By engaging I simply mean, investing, asking, participating actively. Let me explain.

Our trip started at the Chateau Lake Louise. The most picturesque setting. We had been upgraded to a President’s Club Gold Floor room with arguably the most spectacular view of Lake Louise. My companion had noted it was my birthday, and upon entering our room, we were met with a bottle of champagne and the most photo-worthy cheese platter. No detail was overlooked. Our Gold Floor Concierge took care of everything we asked for. The stay was incredible. We quickly found ourselves easing into the comfort of being spoiled.

The next stop on our adventure, Jasper Park Lodge. Upon arriving, we were greeted by the concierge before we even made it to the door of the main lodge. We were whisked away, luggage and all in the big black SUV to our accommodation in the brand new Stanley Thomson cabin. From the look on the concierge’s face from the moment he noted our room number, we knew we were in for a special experience. Initially the idea of having a driver on call seemed odd. We tried to plan our way around not being too much of an “inconvenience.” Yet, we realized, he really was more than happy to do it. Inside our 4 bedroom private, newly rebuilt/renovated chalet, was yet another surprise. A beautiful bottle of wine and fine Canadian cheeses, and the best tasting locally produced honey. Although our skiing was hindered by some extreme temperatures, we were tickled to have found ourselves in the stunning Spa in the main lodge. We flowed with the unexpected and out of our control circumstances. The staff picked up on our cues as we allowed ourselves to become more and more expressive of our enjoyment. At every opportunity they found ways to surpass our every expectation (of which we truly had none!)  We were certain our next stop couldn’t top this one.

 As we pulled up to our final destination, the legendary Banff Springs Hotel, the magic started all over again, we were personally greeted by the Director of Sales who stood in the cold to greet us with two beautiful gift bags. A bellman seamlessly in tow taking our bags before we could even digest our personal greeting. He lead us through the front doors of the ‘Castle in the Rockies.” A personal tour of the main level, and we found ourselves standing once again at the desk of our President’s Club Gold Concierge. One of the quickest check-in experiences in history and we were personally escorted to our room, where the fabulous bellman had thoughtfully placed our luggage at the foot of the bed. There was absolutely nothing for us to do or worry about. Instead, we opened the curtains to reveal a view that literally stopped by heart! Our room high in the castle overlooked the Bow Valley and Mountains. I am certain I must have blinked a few times to be certain my eyes weren’t playing tricks.

The next morning we were met by our very own Professional Ski Instructor provided by the hotel. He packed us up and off we went for a personally guided day at Sunshine Village Ski Resort. Without effort we followed our leader and enjoyed the best of the best the mountain had to offer. Run after run of the best terrain. We skied all but one peak of the sprawling resort. I’m certain on our own we’d have found a chair and stayed put on runs we liked. Instead, he challenged us and pushed us to make use of our abilities, turning this into one of the best ski days of my life. 

On our last day, we had wanted to join the historical tour of the castle, however, it’s timing coincided with our scheduled transportation back to Calgary. Without hesitation, our Concierge was on it. Schedules were rearranged, and an Ambassador reassigned to meet us following our morning Yoga Session for our very own tour of the Castle. By the time we were done and retreated to the Lounge to wait for our transportation, we could not help but recount all of the magical moments on this incredible trip. As we planned to share our praise, we realized one thing… the more we engaged through the course of the trip, the more the hotels seized the opportunity to make it even more special. 

There really is something to be said for “if you don’t ask, you don’t get.”  It is a basic human need to feel special, to feel needed. When we open ourselves up to the idea of allowing others to give, simply by exposing our needs and desires, both of our human needs can be met, and a magical experience results.  

Give it a shot…what would you like from the world?