Fairmont Heritage SFO: An urban retreat nestled in history

The wise traveler is the wise planner.

If you could plan your travel calendar to luxuriate in fabulous destinations that offer the same level of sterling standards of service in legendary castles, private lodges, storied places and modern retreats around the world, wouldn’t you grab the opportunity? You just need to determine where you want to go and when. With this new privilege, you are assured that each property is a guaranteed illustrious gem in itself.

Imagine an itinerary that includes skiing down the dramatic snowy ranges of Whistler, Canada for the New Year, basking in the glorious sun in Acapulco, Mexico after swimming with the whale sharks in Isla Mujeres in summer, exploring the natural wonders in Santa Fe after a delicious authentic Mexican meal or searching for the Big Five in avant-garde style while in the tented camps in Kenya the rest of the year.

Every year, as the passionate travel director of the family, I am tasked to find places to take my family and our close friends to celebrate various milestones. Through this inherited tradition from our late parents, we truly believe that nothing beats creating timeless memories in exciting destinations. We believe that this philosophy, like other families embrace, is one of the main reasons for our unwavering unity. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to experience the Fairmont Heritage Place in Ghirardelli Square, in San Francisco. I can finally say I found the solution to my yearly dilemma of choosing where to take my loved ones next, at a fraction of its cost. It is a private residence club that you may consider as your second home located in the historic San Francisco waterfront. In this deluxe sanctuary caressed by the Pacific Ocean, take advantage of Fairmont Heritage Place’s 53 residences from lofts to three-bedrooms with uncompromising attention to detail, the finest comforts of home and a true reflection of the local destination, each property offers privileged access to an array of personalized services and amenities.

My childhood friend Edwin Santos and I will never forget walking through the corridors to our two-bedroom suite at the Fairmont Heritage Place. We admired the original red bricks that lined the centuries-old foundation of the walls and ceilings. If only these repositories of history could speak, perhaps they would narrate sweet tales of the Ghirardelli chocolate legendary fame. Who would ever think that this luxurious urban retreat, now a private residence club under the illustrious Fairmont brand, used to be the site of a factory known for its luscious confections established in 1893?

As the fog was beginning to settle along the romantic bay front, Fred Karpik, Fairmont Heritage sales manager, welcomed us at the owner’s lounge where there was a fine selection of wine and cheese, a regular afternoon delight here. He led us to what seemed like a secret backdoor, up the stairs and down a few flights to witness the most breathtaking view of the Ghirardelli Square by the nostalgic waterfront. We stood seemingly breathless for a few moments as we slowly made our way to the brick outdoor fireplace as the sun was beginning to set beyond the horizon. The original, massive marquee signage of the Ghirardelli factory outlined with flickering light bulbs proved to be a testament to the hundreds of years that have gone by.

Fred shared that in 1893, Domingo Ghirardelli’s sons purchased a block of property on the San Francisco waterfront for their progressive chocolate business. The Ghirardelli sons built the Chocolate Building, Cocoa Building, Power House, and Clock Tower. Come to think of it, the world’s very first passenger cable car system made its initial run in the city 20 years earlier. In the 1960s, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory moved, and the prominent Roth family purchased Ghirardelli Square. Like much of the city by the bay, the Ghirardelli Square is a luxury real estate treasure with a rich history.

Walk around the scenic waterfront where charming shops, bars and restaurants abound. At the Fairmont Heritage Place, this urban retreat experience is the epitome of urban chic luxury, where the extraordinary is standard yet you can avail of all these fabulous opportunities.

Fairmont Heritage Place, the private residence club division of the global luxury hotel company Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, is a collection of extraordinary residences offering vacation home ownership in some of the world’s most sought after locations. The advantages of fractional home ownership include having a spectacular second home, staffed by Fairmont’s dedicated owner services team, available for 35 days per year, and with 1/10th deeded fractional ownership that can be enjoyed from generation to generation. You and your family also receive preferential treatment at property restaurants, golf courses and other facilities as well as access to Fairmont’s entire portfolio of hotels and resorts. As with whole ownership, fractional owners can buy and sell their shares as they desire or even have it leased when you wish. Owners at Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square also benefit from the exciting Owners Event Series which provides unique and exclusive events just for their owners.

For as long as Fairmont Heritage Place owners own their Fairmont Heritage Place home, they earn the privilege of being a member of the exclusive Fairmont President’s Club Circle level, which is limited to the most important patrons worldwide of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and represents the by-invitation only of Fairmont’s President’s Circle program. The President’s Club Circle tier designation provides Fairmont Heritage Place owners exclusive benefits and VIP services, including special year-round Fairmont Hotels & Resorts concierge services that provide exclusive access to the unique leisure and business experiences available at all Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

It all starts with a warm welcome at their North Point entrance. Chauffeured house car within a certain appointed distance could transport residents and guests to where they wish. They will stock up your refrigerator for you with what you request. You can whip up your own culinary delights in the privacy of your residence or have the Fairmont Heritage prepare them for you.

Fairmont Heritage’s Frances Torrejon and Anna Mariano Morris, of Filipino descent, graciously shared that their concierge can even reserve you a table at renowned restaurants like Gary Danko’s or the romantic Ana Mandara just nearby. The Ferry Building marketplace, a gourmand’s paradise is within the area as well as the aquatic park and the AT&T Park where you can watch an exciting Giants game.

Edwin and I raced up the embarcadero, took an adventure up Mt. Tam and traipsed along the Lion Street stairs. Another nearby attraction we explored is the California Academy of Sciences where one will be mesmerized by the museum and aquarium exhibits, including the rainforest, planetarium, and 40,000 animals housed less than one roof. For live entertainment, the San Francisco Symphony performs at the Davis Symphony Hall just within the area of Fairmont Heritage, Ghirardelli Square.    

A great option for multi-generational getaways, guests looking for extra space to entertain, extended-stay visitors or groups of friends traveling together, nightly rentals at Fairmont Heritage Place are now available in destinations ranging from the mountains of Colorado to the bustle of San Francisco.

Feel at home around the world. Ownership at Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square opens doors to some of the world’s most memorable addresses. In addition to coming home to the Bay Area, you also have access to a reciprocal use program that offers up to five weeks at participating Fairmont and Raffles hotels, resorts and residential properties worldwide. With locations throughout the world, these distinctive hotels — including The Plaza Hotel in New York, The Fairmont Banff Springs and London’s Savoy — promise traveler’s unparalleled settings, rich experiences and lasting memories. Worthy to note, Fairmont Makati, an urban sanctuary housed in the most stunning tower complex ever to grace is scheduled to open on Dec 3 this year. Check out their introductory rates.

Precious memories with family and friends are an enduring treasure. Forge them at the Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square your luxury home nestled in history. Even the wise magi who followed the luminous star to their choice destination will tell you that it is always beneficial to plan your travels.

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For more information log on to www.fairmontheritageplace.com

Philippine Airlines flies direct from Manila to San Francisco daily. For reservation please call 855-8888

(Email the author at miladay.star@gmail.com)