Nova Scotia Luxury Hotels

Nova Scotia has lots to offer the traveler looking for luxurious vacation experiences or a sumptuous hideaway. From a 5 star golf resort to a world renowned wilderness lodge, from AAA 4-diamond hotels to acclaimed country inns, today's Nova Scotia luxury traveler can have it all. You can relax in comfort while exploring some of the world's top rated vacation locations! In 2012, Frommer's named the Bay of Fundy among its top worldwide destinations, while Travel & Leisure magazine regularly places Cape Breton among the world's best islands. Nova Scotia's South Shore is rated among the top rated coastal destinations in the world by National Geographic Traveler.

Luxury accommodation options include locations around the province. In Halifax, the Prince George Hotel (not part of an international chain) is probably pre-eminent in Halifax. They have a friendly, well-trained staff, superior rooms with highspeed wireless connections, Aveda bath products, and a central downtown location. The Prince George's restaurant, Gio, has also garnered accolades. The Marriott Harbourfront, Prince George, and Westin Nova Scotian all have 4-diamond ratings from AAA/CAA. According to AAA, such "establishments are upscale in all areas. Accommodations are progressively more refined and stylish. The physical attributes reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout. The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail."

As for smaller properties, the sole member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World group is Trout Point Lodge in the southwestern part of the province. This small wilderness resort offers guided excursions, fishing, kayaking, star gazing, mountain bike safaris, in-room massage, hot tub & sauna in addition to cooking classes. Trout Point is also inspected and recommended by Conde Nast Johansens, "an unequalled collection of luxury, boutique, and country house hotels, inns, resorts, and luxury spas." The Lodge has spacious junior suites, suites, and cottages as well as acclaimed dining. It even has a privacy policy to protect its well-heeled guests' anonymity! USA TODAY Travel placed it among the world's top 10 eco lodges in 2012. It is also a member of Select Registry: Distinguished Inns of North America.

Canada Select is the national rating agency for Canadian accommodations. It grants a star rating (from one to five stars, and also giving half stars) to each member property. Where the quality of facilities is superior, a property may be awarded a half-star above its criteria rating. According to Canada Select: 4 stars "indicates exceptional quality in all areas of facilities and services offering superior quality throughout the property in areas of guestrooms, bath and common areas. The property typically provides laundry/valet service as well as many additional amenities. A 5 star property is luxurious at a world standard, offering outstanding facilities, guest service and amenities." Canada Select upgraded and changed its rating standards for 2007, so new rating levels exist for many properties.

For example, Fox Harb'r Golf Resort and Spa is Nova Scotia's only 5-star resort, while Victoria's Historic Inn in Wolfville is a 5-star property in the B & B category. Owned by the multi-millionaire co-founder of the Tim Horton's restaurant chain, Fox Harb'r offers a well-reputed golf course, fine dining, and its own landing strip! Another luxury inn is DesBarres Manor Inn in Guysborough, which has a 4 1/2 star rating from Canada Select. Lunenburg's Mariner King Inn also scores 4 1/2 stars. In Cape Breton, the Birches has earned 5 stars as an Inn, as has Trout Point Lodge in Yarmouth County.

The three provincially-owned resorts— Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa, Liscombe Lodge Resort and Conference Centre, and Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa — have all seen better days, but maintain a minimum standard of quality. The provincial government announced $2.8 million in renovations for the resorts in 2012. All have AAA/CAA 3 diamond ratings.