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High-End Halifax: A Luxury Guide

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Welcome to your passport to the finest experiences Halifax has to offer. Nestled on the picturesque Atlantic coast, Halifax boasts an array of opulent accommodations, gourmet dining, bespoke shopping, and exclusive adventures that cater to the discerning traveler. Indulge in world-class amenities, embark on unique excursions like a heli-picnic on a secluded island, and unwind in luxurious spas. Let this guide be your compass to exploring the luxurious side of Halifax, where every experience is a testament to Nova Scotia's charm and elegance.

Getting to Halifax from the airport

Premier Car Service 

Looking for a reliable and comfortable transportation service? Premier Car Service offers top-notch transportation services to and from the Halifax International Stanfield Airport from any distance. Bookings can easily be made online, and due to Premier’s dynamic pricing model, it’s recommended to book early to guarantee the best possible fare. Once you’ve submitted your booking details, you’ll receive a reservation confirmation that entails all details, fees, and instructions. You’ll also receive driver updates, and your driver will receive updates on your flight information in case of any changes of schedule.  

Places to Stay: 5-Star Hotel

Muir Halifax

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Downtown Halifax
Pet Friendly

Perched along the Halifax waterfront in the Queen’s Marque district, Muir, a Gaelic word for “sea”, offers an experience that is distinctly Nova Scotian. This 109-room marvel is a beacon of luxury, thoughtfully designed to pay tribute to Nova Scotia and its people through all aspects, from the bespoke furnishings to the local art, and beyond.

Guests can enjoy a number of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre that extends into a dreamy spa area; indulge in a range of rejuvenating experiences, including a halotherapy salt room, cold plunge, infrared sauna and eucalyptus steam room, or simply lounge poolside. Hotel guests also get exclusive access to a private art gallery, as well as BKS, a secret speakeasy featuring a collection of carefully curated cocktails and savoury small plates. Muir is also home to Drift, a culinary love letter to Nova Scotia’s land, people and history, offering modern, elevated takes on classic Atlantic Canadian dishes morning, noon, and night.

From the central location to the stunning rooms, it’s no question that Muir, Halifax’s only 5-star hotel, sets the tone for top-notch luxury stays in Halifax.

Places to Stay: Glamping

Nalu Retreat

1972 Myra Rd, Porters Lake

Eastern Shore

Go beyond the beaten path and connect with nature at Nalu Retreat. Stay in a geodesic dome among the flora and fauna while enjoying the luxuries of a boutique hotel. Each dome includes a queen size bed, a well-equipped kitchen, a spa-inspired bathroom, and a fireplace, as well as a private deck equipped with a hot tub, propane fire pit, barbecue, and a seasonal outdoor shower. While there isn’t an on-site restaurant, Nalu offers gourmet farm-to-table meals for two crafted by nearby eateries that can be delivered to guests’ domes. Other amenities include a shared fire pit, walking trails, and a stargazing loft to soak up all the serenity this gem has to offer.

Places to Stay: Glamping

Nova Glamping

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8 Simmons Island, West Dover

Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
Pet Friendly

Experience Nova Scotia’s rugged South Shore with an offbeat island retreat at Nova Glamping. Located on an island just minutes from the famed Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, choose to stay in a geodesic dome that includes a private space with a hot tub and a fire pit, or get cozy in the log cabin, featuring two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a barbecue, and a private hot tub. All guests will have access to the whole island to explore, with shared access to a wood-fired barrel sauna. Feel at ease away from the city

When it comes to getting to and from the island, a boat and its captain will be at the ready to sail back and forth between 8am and 8pm, and will be available throughout the night in case of emergency.

Where to Eat

Drift
102-1709 Lower Water St 
Thoughtfully curated Nova Scotian dishes with a modern twist.

The Bicycle Thief
1475 Lower Water St 
Relaxed, yet refined Italian-inspired dishes from the land and sea in a bustling atmosphere.

The Press Gang 
5218 Prince St 
Fine seafood, meat, and game in a formal, historic atmosphere, home to one of Halifax’s largest oyster bars and one of Nova Scotia’s most extensive scotch selections.

Da Maurizio
1496 Lower Water St 
White-tablecloth fine dining offering an extensive Italian menu and fine wines.

Oxalis 
22 Wentworth St 
Authentic farm-to-table German and Austrian dishes paired with a curated wine and beer list in an intimate setting.

Bar Kismet
2733 Agricola St
An intimate restobar specializing in fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and inventive cocktails.

EDNA
2053 Gottingen St
A vibrant bistro offering brunch, local seafood, wines, and cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.

Highwayman
1673 Barrington St
Spanish-inspired tapas and pintxos with handcrafted cocktails in a cool, relaxed setting.

Lupin Dining
1196 West Petpeswick Rd
A cozy countryside restaurant serving up fresh Italian and French-inspired dishes with ingredients sourced straight from their garden.

Jewellery

FRIDA Fine Jewellery
1477 Lower Water St
An independent luxury Canadian jewellery brand, known for signature collections and distinctive beautifully made fine jewellery. Pieces are custom designed and handmade, using the finest quality of precious metals, ethically sourced gemstones, diamonds and pearls.

Art

Art 1274 Hollis
1274 Hollis St
Halifax’s premiere artist co-operative features over 20 local artists and artisans. This lively co-operative art gallery offers both fine art and fine craft with ever-changing new work of original paintings, jewellery, pottery, ceramic art, folk art, rug hooking, wool felting and fused glass.

Argyle Fine Art
1559 Barrington St
One of Halifax’s top commercial art galleries showcasing Atlantic Canadian art, representing emerging to established artists from Halifax and beyond.

14 Bells Fine Art Gallery & The Prow Gallery
5523 Young St & 1479 Lower Water St Unit 185
These two sister galleries offer one-of-a-kind, high-end pieces from working contemporary Canadian artists.

Furniture & Home Decor

Attica
3065 Robie St
A North End shop offering modern furniture and accessories by local and international artists and designers. From upholstered and leather sofas, to solid wood dining sets and creative lighting, Attica offers clients a unique selection of manufactured and handmade items.

Isle At Ease
2725 Agricola St
A whimsical North End boutique offering unique home decor, kitchenware, and other quirky home goods.

31 Westgate
104-5431 Doyle St
An award-winning home design business with a retail shop offering one-of-a-kind contemporary and classic furnishings, lighting, antiques, gifts, and gardenware from around the globe.

Bellissimo
2743 Agricola St
A North End boutique offering custom furniture, decor, antiques, rugs, and more.

Clothing

Slowly Slowly
5685 Cunard St
A light and airy boutique focused on sustainable, slow fashion, offering one-of-a-kind clothing, home, and apothecary goods.

Thief&Bandit
1673 Barrington St
A local clothing brand and boutique known for hand-drawn and printed eye-catching patterns and quality designs with an emphasis on sustainability.

Foreign Affair
5639 Spring Garden Rd
A contemporary women’s boutique offering a curated selection of clothing and accessories.

Another Shop Boutique
142-1715 Lower Water St
Nestled in the Queen’s Marque District, this women’s boutique offers a selection of unique, sustainably sourced clothing, footwear, and accessories.

FUM3E
1464 Brenton St
An upscale boutique offering designer garments, footwear, accessories for everyone.

Lisa Drader-Murphy
With a flagship location in Halifax’s Historic Properties, this boutique offers locally-produced fashions and a selection of local wines at the in-house wine bar, Libations.

Sattva Boutique
2453 Agricola St
Situated in North End Halifax, this boutique offers a selection of unique, sustainably sourced clothing, footwear, and accessories. This is the sister shop of Another Shop Boutique.

Visit Sable Island

Visit Sable Island National Park Reserve, one of the most secluded places in the world. Explore an isolated island of sand dunes, home to the world’s largest breeding colony of grey seals and over 500 wild horses.

Choose your adventure; book a Parks Canada guided experience with Sable Aviation, or go with a licensed operator. When it comes to licensed operators, Kattuk Expeditions and Picture Perfect Tours are known for providing exceptional experiences.

Kattuk Expeditions
Choose from two tours: a helicopter day tour, or a sunset tour by plane. On the helicopter tour, you can expect a full day of venturing the island, exploring the dunes and searching for wild horses. You’ll enjoy an organic, locally sourced picnic lunch before exploring the north beach seal colony. You’ll return back to the helicopter and reach land again by 6:30pm. Kattuk’s plane tour follows the same itinerary at a slightly later time, and you’ll stay on the island until dusk, before lifting off at sunset.

Picture Perfect Tours
If photography suits your interest, embark on a guided journey around Sable Island with Picture Perfect Tours. This tour company will provide photo tips and instructions to help you capture the wild horses and landscape of Sable Island. They’ll also be shooting photos of your experience from arrival to departure for you to download after the journey for your own keeping.
Picture Perfect Tours also offers a drawing workshop on Sable Island, led by Nova Scotia artist and author Briana Corr Scott. Throughout the adventure, you’ll stop, sit and draw for 30 minutes at a time at diverse locations so you have ample time to unleash your creativity. After the tour, you’ll receive a custom Sable Island gift pack from Briana and Picture Perfect Tours, including a collection of professional photos shot by your guide.

Heli-Picnic Island Escape

Venture to Sambro Island, home to the oldest working lighthouse in North America on a heli-picnic escape. Soar above the Halifax Harbour and the bustling city to the rugged coastlines of St. Margaret’s Bay where you’ll touch down on the secluded island. You’ll have it all to yourself as you explore the sparkling granite rocks and trails through the flowing grasses. With the wild Atlantic as your backdrop, settle into the local flavours of Nova Scotia with a locally sourced picnic. Savour Nova Scotian wines selected just for you, paired with a selection of charcuterie, cheeses, and fresh fruit, all curated by local vendors.

J Farwell Sailing Co.

J Farwell Sailing Co. offers a variety of tours and charters for all kinds of interests. From sunset wine and cheese sails to luxury catamaran moonlight cruises, you’ll have the option to book from a large selection of high-end sailing experiences around the Halifax Harbour and Northwest Arm. Looking for an experience beyond J Farwell’s standard offerings? No problem – this tour company offers fully customizable experiences tailored to your preferences.

Spas

Nature Folk
90 Alderney Dr
Located just steps from the Alderney ferry terminal on the Dartmouth waterfront, this modern bathhouse, sauna, and body work facility is the ultimate escape for some quick rest and relaxation. The bathhouse features a warm pool and a cold plunge pool, flanked by two large Finnish saunas. Guests can pamper themselves in the “ritual corner”, tucked away to the side, complete with body scrubs and clay masks to use in the shower. Take a moment for yourself in an infrared sauna room with some chroma therapy, or book a treatment to refresh your body, mind, and soul.

Oceanstone Resort & Hydrothermal Spa
8650 Peggy’s Cove Rd
Tucked along the rugged coastline of Peggy’s Cove, this seaside hydrothermal spa offers a one-of-a-kind experience featuring two vitality pools, a cold plunge pool, Kneipp river walk, salt-inhalation hammam, aromatherapy sauna, fireside recovery stations, outdoor showers, and more. Add a special treatment to your hydrothermal journey to take your experience to the next level, and tie the experience together with an interactive cooking and dining experience that includes a live demonstration by Chef, hands-on meal preparation, and an enriching communal dining experience.

The Wine Spa
1447 Hollis St
Wind down and feel your best with glamorous treatments at The Wine Spa. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, this spa offers treatments such as hair styling, makeup application and lessons, and manicures and pedicures paired with a sommelier-curated wine list. This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends before a fun night out in the city.