News from Abigail's Hotel

Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer.

~Geoffrey B Charlesworth

Spring Fever!

We're all catching it, whether it's spending time in your garden, spring cleaning your home, having drinks on a patio or taking a leisurely stroll, Spring is the season that awakens the soul and revives the senses. In the city of gardens, we come alive somewhat earlier than the rest of the country and we have a variety of packages and add-ons to fit everyone's agenda, from gardeners delights to romantic escapes or land and sea adventures. Call one of our Guest Service Agents or visit our website to customize a vacation that is right for you.

Secret Gardens Tour

Gardening is a year round passion in Victoria which has resulted in a vast array of beautiful and unique gardens. Our new "Secret Gardens Tour" with Victorian Garden Tours will give you exclusive access to a selection of the city's most beautiful private and public gardens, developed by local gardeners, some of which have garnered international recognition. These informative, fully narrated and guided customized tours will introduce you to gardens both creative and colourful along with points of interest en route. So bring your camera and comfortable shoes and enjoy Victoria's secret world of gardens!

Add $185 to any of our room rates

Includes:

A 4 hour custom guided and narrated tour of select "in peak" public and private gardens with Victorian Garden Tours
Price is based on 2 people.
Tours run from 9am - 1pm
Complimentary shuttle with guide/owner/operator Joan Looey in a 6 passenger van
Pick up and drop off at the hotel
A keepsake gift from the hotel

Tours are based on availability.

Space is limited. Reservations required, at least 7 days in advance. Please contact the hotel directly to book.

Call 1-800-561-6565

The Butchart Gardens at its best

A trip to Victoria is not complete without a visit to The Butchart Gardens. This spring and summer, spend a day meandering though the vast displays of vibrant colours and fragrances at one of the world's premier gardens.

Packages starting at $263 CAD

Visit our website for more details

Summer Fireworks

Every Saturday at dusk from June 29-August 31, enjoy the spectacular fireworks display combining stunning visual effects and music. Get there early to find a spot, bring a blanket to sit on (available to borrow from the hotel) and a jacket or sweater as the evenings can be cool.

Rejuvenate yourself at The Pearl Spa

Rejuvenate your mind and body from head to toe with these signature treatments at the Pearl Spa. A fabulous Mother's Day gift idea or girl's getaway!

Feet Retreat - Soothing relief for feet and lower legs combining the benefits of aromatherapy, sea salts, hot and cold massage techniques and paraffin therapy. $60.00

Escape Facial - Instant glow petite facial. $85.00

Massage Sampler - Incorporates three different types of massage; choose from Hot Stone, Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue or Swedish. $149.00

Contact the hotel at 1-800-561-6565 to book your appointment or visit our website for a full Spa menu

Recipe of the month: Halibut Ceviche

In celebration of Halibut season, Chef Matt is sharing his delicious Ceviche recipe:

1 pound of fresh Halibut (skinless)

Zest and juice of one each - Orange, Lemon, Lime

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 ounce Triple Sec

1 ounce Tequila

3 Green Onions chopped

Slice the Halibut fillet in half lengthwise, then slice thin (1/4 inch thick)

Mix well with all ingredients

Let sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours

Taste and add salt if needed

Serve immediately on a leaf of Butter Lettuce

Enjoy!

Chef Matt

Upcoming events

Race To the End of the Earth

Royal BC Museum

May 17-October 14

Race to the End of the Earth recounts one of the most stirring tales of Antarctic exploration: the quest to be the first to reach the South Pole in 1911-1912. The exhibition explores the epic adventures of Norwegian Roald Amundsen and Captain Robert Falcon Scott of the British Royal Navy on their respective 3,000-kilometre (1,800-mile) journeys from the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf to the Pole and back.

Island Farms Victoria Day Parade

May 20

Starting at 9:00am

Celebrate Victoria Day at the 115th annual Island Farms Victoria Day Parade! Look for Daisy and Farmer Vicki and the Island Farms float at the city's largest parade event, complete with marching bands, floats and more. The parade starts from Mayfair Shopping Centre at 9:00am and proceeds along Douglas Street, finishing downtown at the intersection of Douglas & Humboldt.

JumpShip

June 14-16
Wharf Street/Inner Harbour

JumpShip 2013 will showcase the world's best freeride mountain bike riders, on a professionally designed course featuring urban, industrial and nautical themes never before seen. Jumpship will bring mind blowing skill and fearless competitiveness to a new level. With an outdoor lifestyle expo, food vendors and beer gardens there is something for everyone, whether a fan of cycling or not.

Set against a picturesque backdrop of yachts, tall ships and beautiful buildings, Jumpship brings freeride mountain biking into the heart of an urban centre to create a free heart-stoping experience like no other.

TD Victoria International Jazz Festival

June 21-30

Ten hot days and nights of the coolest music in town! This year's line-up includes Bettye Lavette, Esperanza Spalding Radio Music Society and Herbie Hancock.

In This Issue

Spring Fever

Secret Gardens Tour

The Bucthart Gardens

The Pearl Spa

Recipe of the Month

Upcoming Events

Social Spaces