This 5-star resort and 27-hole golf course has re-opened with guest safety paramount

Summer holiday options are limited this year with the Canada/U.S. border closed, European destinations off limits and Caribbean vacations requiring a post-holiday 14-day quarantine period. Fortunately, Quebec is home to several world-class resorts. One caller to Aaron Rand’s top-rated program on CJAD recommended Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie, ninety minutes past Quebec City in the picturesque Charlevoix region. The caller said that she and her husband saw the television coverage of the G7 meeting, and decided to visit last summer. Their visit exceeded their expectations.

Fairmont Le Manoir RichelieuWe have visited Le Manoir Richelieu on several occasions – and can confidently say that this resort is full marks for its Five-Star rating. For self-isolation weary Montrealers, Le Manoir Richelieu is an ideal antidote. There are numerous outdoor activities, including two heated outdoor pools.  Golfers will be attracted to the 27-hole championship golf course, which has been open since early June. By mixing the 9-hole combinations, you can play two to three different 18-hole games.

In addition to being a first-class resort, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is located in a small population centre, with lots of wide-open spaces, making it easy to social distance. The resort was constructed in a bygone era of large and elegant public areas, extra-wide corridors on the room floors and large reception areas at the elevator banks.

The resort has 405 elegant guest rooms and suites; an all-day dining restaurant with summer terrace, a scenic 27-hole golf course, and a wide variety of outdoor activities. Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is a family-friendly resort operating year round.

Fairmont Le Manoir RichelieuThe Charlevoix Region is one of Canada’s most picturesque, with its rolling hills meeting the mountains of the Canadian Shield. The St. Lawrence River is much wider here, and forms a backdrop to much of the scenery; in addition to playing an ongoing role in the region’s economy. There are many fascinating artisans to visit in Charlevoix, and Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is an ideal base for your explorations.

First impressions are important, and the moment you walk up to the Grand Hall, you are impressed with the rustic grandeur of the main lobby, reminiscent of your rich uncle’s chateau in France. To the left is la verrière, a floor to ceiling glassed-in sitting area that overlooks the gardens and river beyond.

The accommodation floors have the spacious wide hallways of an elegant era, with contemporary decor in soft yellows and white trim. Our superior room was equipped with king bed and a Jacuzzi overlooking the river. The views are fabulous! The comfortable rooms have all the features that you’d expect in a 5 Star luxury resort.

Guests may access the Multi-Sports Centre via a second floor enclosed walkway, where you’ll find the 24-hour fitness centre, the indoor and two heated outdoor pools (one for families and a second lap pool). Moments Spa has 13 treatment rooms, 3 duo treatment rooms and a large relaxation lounge.

Travel Planner
There are some terrific packages presently being offered: The Stay Close package features a second night for free. For every night purchased, you receive a second night during that stay. I asked Caroline Ouellette, Director of Sales & Marketing; “You mean if I book two nights, I get another two nights during that stay. I pay for two nights and get four?” Her immediate reply; “Yes Peter – you’ve got it right. Another way of taking this promotion would be to take a second room for the same night. Great for families or two couples. However, we really recommend a minimum 2 nights stay.” This promotion runs until December 22, 2020, but you must make your reservations by July 8. If you cannot take advantage of the Stay Close offer,  the Quebec Resident package includes a 30% discount on any room category until December 22, 2020. Visit www.fairmont.com/richelieu or call: 1-418-665-3703

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts have instituted enhanced protocols to ensure the safety of guests and staff. From no-contact check-in to electronic check-out. To ensure accuracy, we have copied the following information from the resort web site for the Restaurant and Accommodation categories. You’ll find detailed information for all aspects of your visit on the website: www.fairmont.com/richelieu   

ALL SAFE protocols for guests and staff

We have introduced intensified hygiene & prevention measures to ensure your safety. The ALLSAFE label verified by Clifton represents our new elevated cleanliness protocols and standards and provides assurance that these standards have been met in our hotels.

• Social distancing enforced in all common areas.
• Employees given comprehensive safety and hygiene training.
• Contactless check- in, check- out and payments carried out whenever possible
• Reinforced cleaning program in public areas with frequent disinfection of all high touch areas.

Restaurants
• Gloved & masked welcome greeter offers hand sanitizer and mask upon arrival
• Mandatory screening for all diners, which may include a temperature check
• Seat allocation to promote physical distancing
• Envelope / pouch to place masks in while dining
• Shift to disposable menus and/or disinfection between each use
• Change of items / disinfection of all touchpoints on table between diners
• Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting for both front and back of house with EPA-registered chemicals, proven effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19
• Masks & gloves for all restaurant workers, front and back of house

Accommodations
• 48 hour “resting period” between guest stays, followed by cleaning and disinfection
• Stayover housekeeping service every third day and wellness checks daily
• No housekeeping service while guest is in room
• Personal Protective Equipment worn by all room attendants and changed after each guestroom
• Enhanced focus on disinfection of all guest room touchpoints, plus continuation of extensive training and auditing
• Continued use of EPA-registered disinfecting chemicals, proven effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19