ENJOY THE SIMPLE LIFE AT ELDORADO RESORT
Boater-friendly with many services, this lakeside retreat is a true Okanagan getaway with endless activity, modern comfort, and the utmost convenience.
Many rural towns and cities have a grand resort with an eclectic mix of accommodations, amenities and dining options, which reflect a longstanding history with a modern flair. Some are tucked away amongst rolling hills while others are sprawled along a few blocks in a vibrant downtown commercial centre.
The Okanagan’s Eldorado Resort isn’t located in either location. Instead, it stands dominant along the shores of Okanagan Lake close by to the dynamic downtown of Kelowna and the breathtaking countryside where grapes are the foundation of several award-winning wineries.
Currently owned and operated by Kelownabased Argus Properties Ltd, the resort’s recent past is an interesting one. Following the purchase of the iconic Hotel Eldorado (circa 1926) in 2014, followed by acquiring the neighboring and modern Manteo Resort in 2016, a vision of one sole resort at a waterfront location became a reality.
Considered one of the top resort destinations in the Okanagan valley, visiting boaters will take delight in its modern marina with its easy access to the open water, while those looking for a little R&R will find it at every turn.
“The purchase of these two properties now offers so much more for visitors to enjoy,” says General Manager Brent Lavery. “Guests now have access to all of the facilities and excellent services throughout the grounds – at one time this was not available.”
Accommodations
Spanning 29,264 m (315,000 sq ft) with a capacity upwards of 500 guests, The Eldorado Resort can cater to practically every whim. One of the many highlights, however, is its expansive 1,000-foot waterfront boardwalk, which allows seamless access across the property, whether guests are staying at the Manteo Hotel, which also rents spacious, two- or three-bedroom villas, or the more iconic Hotel Eldorado with its tastefully-appointed and heritage-themed rooms. There’s also the modern Arms Wing with six, one-bedroom waterfront suites and a renowned roof-top deck with stunning views of Okanagan Lake, providing the perfect backdrop for wedding ceremonies or other elegant events.
Dining
Via the boardwalk, guests are afforded several dining options. For example, Manteo’s SmackDAB Restaurant offers an expansive waterfront patio or private use of the ViewRoom for a more intimate personal dining experience (it can accommodate up to 20 guests). All of this is combined with great views of the lake, an enticing menu and of course, refreshing, expertly-crafted beverages.
More dining opportunities can be found at the Hotel Eldorado. There’s the Boardwalk Patio (situated next to the lake), the Lakeside Dining Room, the Hotel Eldorado Lounge plus its exclusive Whisky Room, complete with tasting flights from more than 100 different brands of whisky, and a certified Whisky Ambassador.
In between dining experiences, however, all guests can relax in any of the five whirlpools (three inside and two outside), cool off in the two outdoor or two indoor pools, or simply catch some rays on the private sand beach, located along the boardwalk. Exclusive tennis court access is also onsite.
The Eldorado Marina and More
There’s no doubt that the Eldorado Marina is boater-friendly. It’s easily-navigable whether boaters are coming or going, and is designed with a north and south dock, offering a total of 126 slips. What’s unique – compared to many other marinas – is that all slips are outfitted with a boat lift,
providing the ability to securely lift boats out of the water, thus offering protection from damage from rough water or other inclement conditions.
Within its 126-boat capacity, moorage memberships are available on an annual basis, while ten slips are reserved for resort guests and even for public transient boaters looking for moorage during their stay in the Okanagan. Transient boaters also have access to three welcome docks to use any of the dining facilities for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Another highlight along the slips is the resort’s dockside Boathouse. It consists of two fuel pumps (at the gas dock), plus ice, water, and basic sundries. It’s also where transient boaters or resort guests can register for a boat slip or guests can reserve a boat rental. The rentals range from modern bowriders, runabouts, and pontoon’s to tricked-out wakeboard boats and personal watercraft. Kayaks and paddle boats are also available to rent and enjoy at the private beach.
“Our whole vision at Eldorado Resort is providing a waterfront experience for visitors to the Okanagan they can’t enjoy anywhere else in the region,” says Lavery. “We like to think that our guests and boaters at Eldorado Resort will run out of time, before they run out of things to do during their stay here.”