2020, The Clayoquot Season With a Difference

Despite the absence of guests, a property immersed within such a dense ecosystem requires an incredible amount of attention. This summer has seen soft refurbishments and general gloss over of the 33 guest tents, tens of kilometers of trails maintained, new mountain bike trails cut, pruning and weeding of the many acres of fields, newly revitalized staff areas and of course keeping the veggie garden, bees, dogs, and horses happy and healthy. The horses alone require constant caretaking, it’s no small job keeping the 40 beasts fed, groomed, and stables cleaned.

Having previously been at the helm of CWL in 2016, Sarah Cruse was warmly re-appointed General Manager in 2020 under the Lodges new ownership following an acquisition by an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners, LLC. KSL Capital Partners having simultaneously begun a joint venture with Australian contingency Baillie Lodges, have introduced CWL to the Australian based luxury accommodation mogul as their first international luxury lodge. “Any additions to the portfolio will be carefully selected to ensure they meet Baillie Lodges well-established hallmarks of irreplaceable natural locations…”, writes Maureen C. Richardson of KSL.

Joining Sarah in the management of CWL is newly recruited Assistant Lodge Manager Kate Hollick, and Executive Chef Asher Blackford. Both Kate and Asher have worked at Baillie Lodges properties previously, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to their Canadian counterpart. “Looking forward, there’s plenty of good news in store for Clayoquot and our friends. Plans are at hand for a new look and fresh experience of this magnificent wilderness.” told Sarah. In a year where hindsight has not been 2020, the devoted and passionate team have kept the heartbeat of the Bedwell sound going. Come May 13^th 2021, the first wave of guests will be welcomed at the dock by a carriage drawn by healthy horses, happy dogs, and a friendly smile.