Most of us consider lingering in our pj’s a little longer on the weekend a complete indulgence, now picture being able to do this an entire weekend at a luxury resort set in the Canadian Rockies? Don’t pinch yourself, this isn’t a dream. The Jasper Park Lodge PJ Party is a long standing event held in the spring at the luxury wilderness escape in Jasper National Park. After seeing it previous years on social media with special guests such as Jan Arden, Terri Clark, Jillian Harris. It was a dream to be invited for the weekend with special guest being Serena Ryder set to perform!
So I invited my friend Ambika along and we left Calgary on the Friday to a beautiful sunny day and a leisurely drive through the beautiful Icefields Parkway. We arrived to check in early afternoon at the Jasper Park Lodge with the buzz of many other women arriving at the same time- about 300 to be exact!
FRIDAY NIGHT
We checked into our rooms, which were charming cabin style suites, complete with our welcome itinerary, a selection of sweets and a bottle of bubbly! The weekend hadn’t even started and it felt indulgent. The first night of the weekend is the PJ Party Kickoff. Held in the main ballroom, the entrance has an Alice in Wonderland feel and you are greeted by a candy and cocktail bar where Oh My Bartender (and funny enough my childhood neighbor) Micah Dew was flair bar-tending and serving up some delicious mixed drinks for all the ladies.
Along with cocktails were some delicious dinner and dessert options being serving buffet style throughout the ballroom throughout the evening. I have to say if there is one thing that you can’t beat, it’s the food at a Fairmont hotel. Screens lined the room and the Girls Club DJ’s started the dance party playing hit after hit into the wee hours of the night.
There is something about being filled with a room full of ladies, all dressed in PJ’s, comfortable and ready to let loose that’s just electric. The PJ outfits were incredible, one group was dressed identically head to toe as Mrs. Roper. Everyone was warm, welcoming and you instantly made new friends and joined in the dance party together. And dance we did! The music played spanned the ages and I think it’s safe to say everyone let their hair down and had a great time. Plus, you are already in your PJ’s. No sore feet from crazy high heels, being comfortable the whole evening, what a novel concept right?
SATURDAY ACTIVITIES
The next morning, after a leisurely breakfast and taking in the snow capped mountain ranges and bluebird skies surrounding the idyllic resort, we decided to split up and take in the sessions offered throughout the day. Breakout sessions included learning more about social media, hairstyles, how to build a terrarium or a collage, learn about wine tasting or mixology to name a few. And if you just wanted some down time, you could head to the spa or the outdoor heated pool and hot tub.
We also managed to sneak in a quick hike around the resort to take in some of the beautiful views and of course a requisite nap in our suites before starting the evening festivities all over again.
GALA DINNER AND SERENA RYDER
At first I was a bit defiant about the thought of getting out of my comfy clothes, but it was fun to change gears and get glam for the evening to be served an incredible 3 course meal by the JPL culinary team and then afterwards treated to an intimate and interactive performance by Canadian singer-songwriter Serena Ryder. She is such a talented, authentic performer, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience! Afterwards some of the ladies retired from the night, we took it upon ourselves to head to the lounge to try some of JPL’s signature cocktails and take in the late night karaoke bar before heading off to bed.
SUNDAY BRUNCH
Our final morning in paradise! Once again with beautiful spring weather, we made sure we got out and walked the resort one final time before attending the Sunday Mimosa and Caesar brunch with a pile of giveaways before everyone’s departure. The perfect way to end a fantastic weekend.
Well they say that laughter’s the best medicine and I can truly say I haven’t had that many laughs, met new friends and just felt carefree as I have in a while during my mini break at the Jasper PJ party. As most ladies, out there just busy in the throws of life, it was such a wonderful experience to have the ability to let your hair down, feel pampered and act like a kid again all at the same time. I already can’t wait for next year!
Here’s What You Need to Know to Get in on the Ultimate Girl’s Weekend!
WHERE AND WHEN DO TICKETS GO ON SALE?
The special guest is usually revealed and tickets go on sale around the second week of September. It books up pretty quickly so you’ll want to get on it! You will want to follow JPL Facebook page and Instagram as they usually announce there. I’ll also make sure to keep you posted so make sure to follow me on social, Instagram and Facebook!
WHAT DOES THE WEEKEND COVER?
Everything! The price is all inclusive and the resort is self contained. Rooms, food, drinks (except any specialty items or extra activities and services). You just show up and the rest is taken care of! It’s such a great package price for a full weekend away.
ARE PEOPLE REALLY IN PJ’s THE WHOLE TIME?
Most definitely! Although lots of ladies like to change throughout the day depending on the activities and of course bring and something dressier for the gala dinner. But to be honest, I changed out of my dress and back into my slippers right after it was done!
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER MUST DO ACTIVITIES AT JPL?
Since we found the weekend was action packed, there wasn’t a whole lot of time for hiking, ice skating on the lake or touring around the resort. It’s such a beautiful area and really something that needs to be seen, so if you can book an extra night or make time for an extra day I would highly recommend it. Also how could I not also mention that they are completely PET FRIENDLY!! So no worries, you can bring the pooch along for the fun.
* This post was in partnership with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. All opinions are my own.
