RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/23/13 --

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this release.

TripAdvisor has announced its 11th Annual Traveler's Choice Awards celebrating the most outstanding travel properties in the world. Sonora Resort, a Relais & Chateaux property, was voted a top resort in three categories - 4th for Best Luxury Hotel in Canada, 6th for Best Hotel in Canada, and 14th for Best in Service in Canada.

"We are thrilled to be voted top resort in three 2013 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards," said Wynne Powell, Sonora Resort president and CEO. "To continually receive 100 per cent rated reviews is a testament to the dedicated team we have at Sonora Resort. We thank our guests for taking the time to write about their experiences every year."

Sonora Resort is located within the "Discovery Islands" - true to its name, where guests have the opportunity to view an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat including eagles, grizzly bears, sea lions, dolphins and killer whales, all while enjoying luxurious amenities, comfort, and gourmet cuisine.

Guest comments on the TripAdvisor site include:

A honeymoon paradise - simply magical;

Perfection in Canada;

It is one of those "special" places that you want to show everyone closest to you;

The chef is a master and the service is impeccable;

Sonora Resort is a once in a lifetime experience;

The Service was consistently excellent and genuinely warm from every staff member I encountered.

"Having celebrated 10 strong seasons, these latest triumphs are a fantastic start to 2013," added Sean Ross, Sonora Resort general manager.

Sonora looks back at the last decade on Sonora Island as one of careful transformation, with some history behind it.

The owner of Sonora Resort, the 110-yr-old successful, BC-based H.Y. Louie group, visited Sonora over many years - mostly for fishing, and so when the property became for sale in 2002, H.Y. Louie purchased the land, later adding 120 acres, completely rebuilding the facilities and adding a wealth of new experiences, guest lodgings, oceanic world-class spa and amenities. The tried and true Sonora Lodge officially welcomed guests as "Sonora Resort" in 2003, and after the loving and carefully enriched overhaul, transformed Sonora from a fishing camp into something much much more grandeur. Sonora Resort's charm and gourmet cuisine earned coveted Relais & Chateaux status in 2009, became a celebrated member of Virtuoso and Conde Nast Johansens, and now boasts being part of some of the world's highest guest rankings and one of the most luxurious properties in Canada.

"We pride ourselves in offering world-class service in a breathtakingly beautiful, nature-surrounded setting. British Columbia has become a favourite destination for many travellers around the world, and the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Awards highlights this fact. We are honoured to be listed as one of the best."

Sonora Resort reopens on May 1st for the 2013 season.

A link to Sonora Resort on TripAdvisor is here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635703-d267600-Reviews-Sonora_Resort-Sonora_Island_British_Columbia.html

Sonora Resort on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ksYPQDl2S8

News Release from TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/PressCenter-i5678-c1-Press_Releases.html

About Sonora Resort

Sonora Island is located within the Discovery Islands at the mouth of Bute Inlet, one of the deepest inlets in North America. Guests reach Sonora Resort by boat or air, approximately 50 minutes by private helicopter from Vancouver. Sonora is a Relais & Chateaux property and unique in the world because of its secluded location, abundance of natural beauty and wildlife, with luxury accommodations and gourmet cuisine. Sonora welcomes guests from May to October each year. The guided grizzly bear tours at the nearby Orford River are offered in partnership with the Homalco First Nation, from August to October. Additional Sonora Resort highlights include a tennis court, conservatory, and the Island Currents Spa with six treatment rooms including a Couple's massage room, outdoor hot and cold mineral pools, fitness facility and relaxation room.

www.sonoraresort.com

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