The Muir, A New Luxury Waterfront Hotel In Halifax, Nova Scotia

23.05.2024 - 15:27 / forbes.com / Nova Scotia

The newest and most luxurious hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia is the chic, five star Muir hotel, located in the Queen’s Marque district, a newly regenerated waterfront neighborhood in the heart of the city. Owned by local businessman Scott McCrea, the Muir (gaelic for “the sea”) is a gorgeous property, a worthy addition to Marriot’s exclusive Autograph Collection, a select group of unique, independent hotels around the world.

Designed in the shape of a ship’s bow, the Muir juts out dramatically over Halifax harbor, the largest ice-free port in the world. Nova Scotian architect Brian MacKay-Lyons, of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, has done a stellar job in designing the Muir and rebuilding the waterfront at the original landing place where the city began in 1749. The two-year, $200 million development of the Queen’s Marque District has transformed the Halifax waterfront from a somewhat shabby area into a buzzy, attractive place. There’s a wide boardwalk for running or strolling, places to relax, restaurants, art by local artists and a striking 60-foot tidal clock,

Muir’s interiors and furnishings, inspired by Halifax’s marine traditions, are the work of Alessandro Munge, founder of Canada’s Studio Munge. For Muir, Studio Munge created custom furniture and lighting, designed and made in Canada, to reflect the East Coast. There are even select pieces available for purchase. Each guest room and suite has a commissioned different Nova Scotia landscape painting and tartan blankets, designed especially for the hotel, a nod to the province’s Scottish history.

Decorated in a calming, muted color palette and arranged over five floors, most of the 109 guest rooms and suites have lovely views of the harbor and several have small balconies. The impressive top suite, the Watch, is 2075 feet, with expansive windows overlooking the harbor. Bathrooms include rain showers, some have marble tubs and all have Aesop amenities.

Windward Wellness, on the second floor, has a well equipped 24/7 gym with Technogym equipment, a small pool, jacuzzi, a salt room, sauna and steam room. For outdoor fitness, there are complimentary kayaks and bicycles, plus access to the Muir motorboat and yacht.

Drift, a sophisticated welcoming restaurant on the ground floor, offers a Modern Atlantic Canadian menu with a locally sourced seafood focus, including dishes like lobster bisque, salmon tartare and Nova Scotia mussels. Breakfast and lunch are also served in Drift.

Speakeasy BKS, on the third floor, has a waterfront terrace and creative cocktails. the stylish bar is only open to hotel guests or to private members who gain access through a discreet elevator from outside and by then knocking on a secret door.

Muir has an impressive