Iris purchased
Spirit Ridge Resort in Osoyoos has struck a franchise deal with Hyatt Hotels to become an Unbound Collection by Hyatt property.
The 226-suite-and-villa resort on Osoyoos Indian Band land will also undergo a $5.2-million renovation of suites, public areas, meeting rooms, swimming pools, restaurant and fitness centre as part of the pact.
The resort will remain open while renovations are done in stages.
While Chicago-based Hyatt has 679 properties in 54 countries, it reserves the Unbound Collection for unique hotels that offer story-worthy experiences.
“With Spirit Ridge’s rich history, Hyatt guests will be able to experience the incredible indigenous culture this resort has to offer and to create new stories at Spirit Ridge,” said Scott Richer of Hyatt Canada.
“Spirit Ridge is an exciting addition to the Unbound Collection by Hyatt and were are delighted it is our first Canadian property for the brand.”
Spirit Ridge is adjacent to Osoyoos Lake, Nk’Mip Winery, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre and Sonora Dunes Golf Course.
Currently, there are only six other Unbound Hyatt hotels in the world – Driskill in Austin, Texas, Royal Palms in Phoenix, The Confidant on Miami Beach, Hotel de Louvre in Paris, Carmelo Resort in Uruguay and Coco Palms in Hawaii.
Spirit Ridge retains its name, but will also get the Unbound Hyatt distinction and all the online booking, membership and marketing advantages that comes with being part of the huge, multinational Hyatt brand.
The resort will keep its 130 employees and general manager Daniel Bibby It’s business as usual at Iris in Kelowna after the sale of the Iris chain of 147 optical stores to New Look Vision for $120 million.
The Iris store, beside Browns Social House at the corner of Highway 97 and Burtch Road, will keep its name and continue to be headed up by partner and optometrist Dr. Paul Clark.
The acquisition makes Montreal-based New Look Vision the largest retail optical company in Canada with 379 stores under the Iris, New Look Eyewear, Vogue Optical and Greiche & Scaff banners.
“The addition of Iris as a stand alone business unit within New Look Vision will permit the combined entity to take advantage of economies of scale and share resources and knowledge that will benefit our customers at a time of growing demand for eye care
For being good to its employees, community, customers and environment, Kelowna-based GreenStep Solutions has been named to the Best for the World Overall list.
The list is put together by B Lab, a non-profit organization that tracks and serves businesses that use themselves as forces
Steve MacNaull is The Okanagan Weekend’s business and wine reporter and columnist. Reach him at steve.macnaull@ok.bc.ca.