The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is always thinking outside the box when it comes to sustainable initiatives and its commitment to the environment. Taking an unprecedented look “inside the box” for the hotel’s new beekeeping initiative is a first of its kind for an airport property to take on and call its own. With 24 colonies happily residing in their new homes at McDonald Beach Park, located just five minutes from the hotel, Sous Chef, Brent Stevenson has his hands full tending to a million busy honeybees.
In partnership with the Honeybee Centre, The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is anticipating a ton of the liquid gold harvest and twice the amount the following year. It’s no wonder that Executive Chef, Kamal Silva is planning a signature line-up of honey harvest offerings as well as a multitude of uses such as sweeteners for teas, coffees, yogurt, waffles, pancakes, dressings, garnishes, cocktails and more.
“After many months of coordination with YVR, our hives are now installed and are a first for any airport and hotel partnership,” says Executive Chef, Kamal Silva. “We’re already seeing the fruits of our bees’ hard work as they forage and produce some of Richmond’s best local honey. In just the first couple of weeks, I’ve tasted raspberry and
blueberry notes in our honey that will continue to be infused with flowers and herbs throughout the season. Tasting honey from the hives brings back childhood memories in Sri Lanka where I use to smoke the neighbour’s bee hives in the night and use a stick to pull out the golden treasure. The bee stings would give me away the next day and inevitably land me in trouble with my parents.”
Book a stay at The Fairmont Vancouver Airport and take advantage of all the great summer rates for business or pleasure. In addition to experiencing gracious Fairmont hospitality, explore Richmond for its diverse offerings from bustling Asian Night Markets to eco-adventure whale watching tours and more. Reservations can be made by calling 1.800.441.1414 or are just a click away at www.fairmont.com/vancouverairport.
ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS
With over 60 distinctive hotels, including the iconic Fairmont San Francisco and Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an unrivalled collection of properties located in some of the world’s most coveted destinations. Known for its warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences, this global hospitality brand features classic hotels that imbue a sense of heritage, sophistication and social importance and are often considered destinations in their own right. Fairmont is also committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 95 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded residences, estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.
