Discover Vancouver Island’s Little Italy
Our History
1984
The original owner Maria Schuster visited Vancouver Island and fell in love with the scenery. The views across the Saanich Inlet reminded her of Lake Como in Italy, so she made the decision to retire in our beautiful area on the Malahat. Maria had experience within the hospitality industry and was previously an owner for a hotel in the Bahamas, so she decided to open a property to welcome guests and showcase the area.
1991
Maria opened The Aerie, which was, at that time, a regular house that she then converted into a bed & breakfast. This is what is now known as our main building, or Villa Principale. The Aerie has a 180-degree view of the Saanich Inlet, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Baker. The design of the resort was inspired by elements of European Chateau styles and Vancouver Island wood was incorporated into the buildings. In the main building, Vancouver Island slate carvings from the original opening can still be found displayed in the common areas. Maria continued to build and expand on the property, soon adding the second building, Villa Aquila. The resort grew to a 35-room resort on 85 acres with a tennis court, gym, spa, and conference room and was designated as a Relais & Chateau property.
2004
Villa Cielo was added to the Aerie, 300 feet above the already built resort. Villa Cielo includes 1 and 2 bedroom suites as well as a junior and full penthouse, with a common area and kitchen. The original kitchen was used by the culinary team to demonstrate cooking classes for guests.
2009
The Aerie was shuttered that winter.
The beautiful property was left vacant until the GAIN Group purchased it.
2015
While the characteristics of the original structure and architecture itself was maintained, the rooms themselves were all original and were in dire need of replacing. The stunning Villa Cielo remains the only Villa with a Tuscan feel while all others have gradually become more modernized over the years. A new spa was added on October 28, 2016, the resort hosted its official grand opening as the new Villa Eyrie Resort.
2018
From there, the opportunity to take over the former Prancing Horse Bed & Breakfast became available and is now known as Villa Vista, hosting the Tuscan spa and 3 lovely guest suites.
