A Hidden Gem: The Dazzling Allure of Azuridge
Tucked away in the rolling foothills of the Alberta hamlet of Priddis is a small but distinguished boutique property that uses indigenous Rundle rock and timber-beam construction to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment.
A cut above
Azuridge offers 13 guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that mirror the dramatic landscape on which it sits. Panoramic views abound – from the indoor banquet and meeting halls to the hotel’s interior public spaces to the famed OPAL dining room and accompanying outdoor patio, where Executive Chef Yoshi Chubachi incorporates his Asian and French influences with traditional Canadian cuisine.
Plenty of distinctive exterior spaces and corporate-designed, team-building activities allow for those guests with a more adventurous spirit to interact directly with nature.
“Azuridge rests atop 13 acres in the foothills of Priddis,” explains Jason Glynn, General Manager and CFO of the property. “We’re located in an area that boasts homestead ranches and family retreats, yet we are only a few kilometres from Calgary.”
Azuridge was built in 1997 at the behest of local entrepreneur Mogens Smed. The hotel changed hands a few times before becoming the private property of two local geologists. It officially opened to the public in early 2012.
Enticing enchantment
Hotel amenities include a 12-seat Chef’s Table made from the African Bubinga tree, as well as various banquet, luxury meeting, lecture and conference facilities, and the Tiger’s Eye Den lounge. A fitness centre, outdoor pond, extensive gardens and an outdoor gazebo (with a full kitchen and bar) add to the offerings.
Another big attraction of the property is the Flourish – The LIV Well Spa, which specializes in crystal therapy, personal exploration and development.
“Most of our cliental represents individual guests and couples,” says Glynn. “But we also get a lot of corporate and wedding business.”
Glynn credits much of the property’s success to the dedicated personnel who continue to focus on their guests.
“We truly are one team working collaboratively to deliver that quality experience,” he says.
The pandemic saw businesses move to smaller gatherings and Azuridge has taken full advantage of this trend.
“Most of our corporate business is local,” says Glynn. “But what used to be day meetings in pre-pandemic times are now turning into smaller two or three-day retreats.”
Glynn also points to the province’s strong oil and gas sector as responsible for some international cliental. And then there is the burgeoning film industry.
“We’ve had a few Hallmark movies film here,” he says, adding that the TV series “Sugar Mommas” will beginning filming onsite in May.
For corporate clients, in particular, Azuridge offers a 12-person boardroom, two meeting rooms for up to 60 guests or 40 in-classroom style with executive leather chairs and work-smart, built-in writing desks. There is also an advanced, tech-designed 103” presentative screen/HD flat screen TV, and hi-speed wireless Internet.
Refinement at its best
A hidden gem with broad appeal, Azuridge continues to attract a growing customer base from both far and wide.
- Western Hotelier Magazine