Canada’s Iconic Rimrock Banff to Reopen in 2026 as Emblems Collection’s First North American Luxury Wellness Retreat

In a transformative move that signals a new era in North American luxury travel, the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, Alberta is set to become the first Emblems Collection property in North America. Scheduled for a full-scale renovation beginning in October 2025, the reimagined Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection will debut in summer 2026, reshaping the landscape of high-end hospitality in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Perched high on Sulphur Mountain, just minutes from the Banff Gondola and the historic Upper Hot Springs, the Rimrock has long offered a balance of seclusion and accessibility. Since welcoming its first visitors in the 1880s, this iconic site has been synonymous with wellness, renewal, and natural elegance. Now, in partnership with Oxford Properties Group and Accor Hotels, the property embarks on a journey to fuse its rich legacy with forward-thinking design and curated luxury under the prestigious Emblems Collection brand.

This bold redevelopment underscores a growing trend in global tourism—where travelers seek not only luxury but also authentic experiences, cultural resonance, and wellness-driven escapes. The revitalized Rimrock will be more than a retreat; it will be a destination where luxury and nature coalesce, setting a new benchmark for mountain hospitality in North America.

Emblems Collection: A Curated Luxury Experience

Part of Accor’s portfolio of luxury brands, the Emblems Collection is a carefully curated ensemble of unique, high-end hotels and resorts around the world. Each property in this collection is selected for its distinctive identity, intimate sense of place, and uncompromising commitment to elegance.

With Rimrock Banff joining its ranks, the Emblems Collection is making its North American debut. This launch aligns with the brand’s ambitious global expansion, which includes:

• Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa in the United Kingdom – A heritage country house set in the English countryside
• Elatos Resort in Greece – A wellness sanctuary located on Mount Parnassus
• Hotel Bellevue Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy – A high-alpine masterpiece of Italian design and luxury

By 2025, Emblems Collection expects to have 15 properties signed, with a vision of 60 globally by 2032. The Rimrock Banff is poised to become a flagship property in this lineup, exemplifying the brand’s core values of refined design, cultural depth, and experiential travel.

Redefining Mountain Hospitality

The upcoming transformation of Rimrock Banff isn’t just about a visual upgrade. It’s about crafting a deeply immersive experience that invites guests to reconnect with nature, themselves, and the cultural roots of Banff.

The renovation will be led by Studio Collective, a renowned design firm celebrated for its emotive and immersive aesthetic. Their vision will fuse modern sophistication with the raw beauty of the Canadian wilderness, creating an atmosphere where luxury flows organically from the landscape.

Highlights of the transformation include:

• A mountainside infinity pool with panoramic views of the Bow Valley
• Vitality pools, ice immersion baths, and thermal experiences designed for all-season wellness
• Elegant panoramic saunas, meditation rooms, and movement studios to encourage introspection and physical renewal
• A bespoke expedition centre that helps guests plan and engage in custom outdoor adventures, from hiking to wildlife tours

Each detail will be intentionally crafted to harmonize with the surroundings, reflecting Banff’s natural serenity and cultural spirit.

An Elevated Wellness Destination

The Rimrock Banff’s transformation places wellness at the forefront, addressing the rising demand for healing retreats and mind-body rejuvenation in travel.

Guests will be invited to embrace seasonal rituals and participate in restorative therapies inspired by local traditions. Whether it’s a mindful winter sauna, alpine yoga at sunrise, or a guided forest meditation, the experience will be rooted in a sense of place.

Expect immersive offerings such as:

• Indigenous wellness ceremonies and storytelling
• Culinary experiences inspired by the land’s natural bounty
• Curated retreat packages focusing on stress reduction, detoxification, and adventure

This pivot toward eco-wellness and experiential luxury places the Rimrock Banff at the vanguard of the next generation of travel experiences.

Gastronomy Rooted in Land and Season

Food and drink will be central to the resort’s reimagination, with new dining concepts that blend seasonal ingredients, regional flavors, and culinary artistry.

Guests can expect:

• A signature restaurant that honors Alberta’s culinary heritage through locally sourced meats, wild herbs, and foraged produce
• An elevated cocktail bar serving craft beverages inspired by Canadian terroir
• Tasting menus designed to reflect seasonal shifts and cultural traditions

Each plate and pour will tell a story—of place, history, and identity—making every meal a sensorial journey through the Canadian Rockies.

Sustainability & Stewardship

As part of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rimrock Banff has a deep responsibility to preserve and protect the natural environment it calls home.

The redesign will prioritize:

• Sustainable architecture using reclaimed and eco-friendly materials
• Energy-efficient systems to reduce the property’s carbon footprint
• Waste reduction programs, composting, and green supply chain practices
• Partnerships with local Indigenous communities to guide environmental and cultural programming

This commitment ensures that luxury and environmental responsibility walk hand-in-hand, reinforcing Banff as a model of sustainable tourism.

Investment in Canadian Hospitality

The transformation of Rimrock Banff is backed by Oxford Properties Group, one of the world’s leading real estate investment and development firms. With more than C$80 billion in global assets, Oxford is deeply invested in shaping Canada’s tourism future.

The Rimrock redevelopment is part of Oxford’s recent announcement of over C$2 billion in investment activity in Canada’s hospitality sector. This strategic move not only enhances regional tourism but also positions Banff as a leader in high-value experiential travel.

A Timeless Destination, Reimagined

When it reopens in summer 2026, the Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection will offer travelers a deeply transformative experience. It will be more than just a place to stay; it will be a portal to discovery, wellbeing, and natural harmony.

Key elements to look forward to:

• Luxury suites with floor-to-ceiling mountain views
• Personalized itineraries and outdoor excursions
• All-season wellness and culinary retreats
• Exclusive Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty member experiences

Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a personal renewal, or an immersive cultural adventure, this revitalized resort promises to deliver an unforgettable encounter with the spirit of Banff.

Plan Your Visit

Opening Date: Summer 2026
Renovation Begins: October 2025
Location: Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Nearest Attractions: Banff Gondola, Upper Hot Springs, Banff Town Centre
Loyalty Program: ALL – Accor Live Limitless

Why Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection Is a Must-Visit in 2026

• First Emblems Collection property in North America
• A seamless blend of modern design, wellness, and mountain tradition
• Backed by Accor and Oxford Properties’ global luxury leadership
• Located in the heart of one of the world’s most iconic national parks
• Designed for intentional, experience-driven travelers

With its bold new vision, the Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection is poised to redefine what it means to travel luxuriously in the wild. It’s more than a renovation—it’s the next great chapter in the story of the Canadian Rockies.

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