An Island apart

Fogo Island, Canada

Designed for curious travellers to discover special places without missing the essentials, this great Canadian escape begins with a detour to Montreal, a vibrant metropolis with singing accents and a beautiful introduction to modern Quebec. Between its way of life and preserved heritage, the city touches the heart, whether basking in the sun or under a blanket of snow.

After the town, head for Fogo Island. Off the north coast of Newfoundland (basically at the end of the world), it is one of those places that feels untouched by time. It is a destination that must be earned - you have to journey by plane, car and ferry to reach it - but once your suitcases are in the hotel, time stops and everything is pure relaxation and shared experiences.

FOGO ISLAND INN - A MODERN VIEW OF THE PAST

This hotel is first and foremost a vision - that of someone from the island who returned to preserve it. The concept is bold and unprecedented: to create a foundation based around art, craft and culture with a showcase hotel to welcome visitors. Designed by Canadian architect Todd Saunders, this futuristic ocean liner-like hotel stands in front of the Atlantic Ocean, with its steep and astonishing lines reflecting its surroundings. The project is driven by the entire community, and everyone has a place and a role to play: carpenters, seamstresses and cabinetmakers were involved in the construction of the hotel (everything is handmade and all the products come from the island or the province of Newfoundland); former fishermen guide you across the island; the chef grew up on the island. The result is a surprising blend of tradition, avant-garde design, and a remarkable ecological sensitivity.

Outdoors or indoors, alone or accompanied, there is always something to do, discover or taste - without necessarily planning in advance. The cinema, the libraries and the terrace, flanked by whirlpool baths and a huge fireplace, are odes to relaxation. Artists' studios have even been set up all over the island; design structures inspired by traditional houses intended to welcome artists from all over the world by offering them a space for free creation and inspiration.

WHILE TRAVELLING, WE LOVE

Staying in a hotel full of character in Montreal, facing the St. Lawrence Basin, with a bedroom and terrace with a view - travelling through Old Montreal with a private guide and then continuing to explore the city on your own - travelling through Fogo Island in the footsteps of the inhabitants whose families have inhabited the island for over four centuries, and discovering their stories, daily lives, songs and recipes - enjoying fine local dishes and wines, with the wilderness of the Atlantic as a backdrop - in the evening, setting up on the roof to admire the stars, from the hot tub or while sipping a cocktail with crushed ice from an iceberg - if the weather permits, climbing into the saddle to explore the coast or fishing village - discovering the secrets of making traditional boats with a local builder - setting off on a hike across the island to discover artists' studios set up here and there - admiring icebergs in spring and summer, picking berries in autumn, donning snowshoes in winter. Read more