Welcome to #CheckedIn, a travel series where we take you along to some of the trendiest and most unique hotel experiences around. Join us as we give you the 411 on all the ins and outs of these locations, what to expect and where you should ‘check-in’ next!
Last month, STYLE Canada checked-into Muir Halifax, a refined and elevated boutique hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Read on for all the details.
The Vibe
Photo provided by Muir Halifax
Immediately upon entering the Muir hotel, you want to move in. This place IS quiet luxury. Muir’s style is understated and modern. It has an understated nautical feel with the hallways feeling like you are on a luxury cruise ship. Designed with thought and intention, Muir follows a distinctly local narrative inspired by the enduring spirit and character of Nova Scotia. From thoughtfully curated experiences oceanside, to a secret speakeasy, the moment you walk into Muir Halifax, you’ll be overcome with a sense of subtle ease that washes away your worries of the day .. and being so close to the ocean doesn’t hurt.
Muir thoughtfully integrates art to draw you into a story of the region’s mood and raw beauty. From original landscapes to a handcrafted tapestry and True Colours Art Gallery, the vibe at Muir provides you with a space of wonder and awe the moment you walk through their doors.
The Neighbourhood
Find Muir within the heart of downtown Halifax, in the new Queen’s Marque district. The Queen’s Marque is a newly renovated part of the popular waterfront boardwalk. A modern space including top tier restaurants, shopping and Interlude Spa. Just steps away you can find the original part of the boardwalk with adorable little huts of food and fashion. Walk a little further and you will find historical museums such as Pier 21. Fun fact, our grandparents immigrated here from Italy and the Halifax port is where they first entered the country!
Photo provided by Muir Halifax
What we love most about the neighbourhood is that you never truly need to leave the premises as there is something for everyone in the Queen’s Marque and at Muir. Our visit happened to take place during record rainfall. Needless to say, we felt pretty lucky that we were at Muir where there were indoor options for us to truly feel like we could still make the most of our getaway.
The Room
Photo provided by Muir Halifax
Take to your luxury ocean vacation at Muir. Each thoughtfully curated room and suite is designed by Canada’s Studio Munge and is a subtle nod to the beauty that resides along the shore. With richly textured white oak walls and floors to local commissioned art, and custom fixtures and furnishings, Muir is a place like no other.
Photo provided by Muir Halifax
Cascading floor-to-ceiling windows are an invitation to stir out of your dream-like state (just remember to close the blinds when you are showering!) Designed with quality, bespoke Canadian-made furniture and fixtures, your room is your modern East Coast sanctuary. Comfort is found in the luxurious beds, original paintings by Nova Scotian artists, granite bathtubs, handcrafted in-room bars, and triple-paned sound-proofed windows with bedside controlled blackout drapes and elegant lighting. The moment you walk into your room, we know you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a dream world. We also loved the tartan blankets specific to Muir.
Photo provided by Muir Halifax
The Extras
Where to start with the extras of this hotel .. the amount of things to see on premise are more than the average hotel. Some of our favourites included:
One of Canada’s top 100 restaurants, is located conveniently within the hotel, the menu is a modern take on the classic Atlantic cuisine. For breakfast we recommend the blueberry pancakes and for dinner get their homemade bread to start! Whether ordering in room service, sitting in their dining room or on their patio the cuisine was always spot on!
Photo provided by Muir Halifax
BKS is the exclusive speakeasy open only to hotel guests and clients of Muir. We stopped by for a before dinner drink and their full cocktail (and mocktail) list did not disappoint! It was also unique that they offered low alcohol options. Although the weather didn’t allow for us to sit outside, the outdoor patio had stunning views of the water.
Windward Wellness is the hotel’s on-site wellness centre. From the newest workout equipment to the sauna, salt + steam room and spa pool this area was the focal point of our stay. A true area to unwind.
Photo provided by Muir Halifax
Interlude Spa is located directly through Windward Wellness. Although it is not a part of the hotel, we made it a part of our stay and would highly recommend you do as well. From manicures to facials to full body treatments. We opted for the signature massage that did not disappoint. Whether you are a local or visiting, we can’t imagine a better day than having a massage at Interlude and then wandering into Windward Wellness to decompress by the spa and salt room. 10 out of 10 experience!
Peacock Wine Bar located right beside Muir in the new Queen’s Marque district, was the perfect spot to drink and eat away a rainy night. It was fun! Great vibe, trendy decor, attentive staff and exceptional food. Definitely try the burrata, oysters and their take on the Cacio e Pepe.
Photo provided by Muir Halifax
True Colours Art Gallery is the on-site gallery directly beside the Windward Wellness in the hotel. The space was curated to showcase local artists and is also open for private events. A unique feature of Muir that you don’t see at many hotels.
This August, art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of artistic forms at Muir Hotel’s True Colours: Artist Talk series. Occurring on the first Friday of each month, the series will feature a rotating collection of regionally curated art pieces at the property’s True Colours Art Gallery, the private gallery open exclusively for guests of Muir.
The Verdict
We will be back! Hopefully sooner than later!
