Canada’s natural wonders will meet ultra-luxury with the just-announced arrival of the first Ritz-Carlton standalone branded residential development in the country. Offering Toronto and Vancouver’s growing subset of ultra-high net-worth a new option for a year-round recreational escape, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Okanagan, Predator Ridge will make its debut in the picture-perfect resort community of, you guessed it, Predator Ridge. This marks the first world-class luxury brand to enter the slice of heaven that is British Columbia’s peaceful Okanagan region.
Developed by Wesbild Holdings Ltd. and set amid lush rolling hills, the vast Lake Okanagan, and sun-drenched vineyards, the anticipated project will come to market in 2026.
“For 33 years, Predator Ridge has evolved to become one of Canada’s premiere all-season resort communities, bringing regional and national success to the emerging Okanagan Valley,” said Brad Pelletier, Senior Vice President, Wesbild Holdings Ltd. “It is an honour to have been selected by The Ritz-Carlton, let alone be the host property for so many Canadian firsts. I’m incredibly proud of Predator Ridge’s initial vision and humble roots, but seeing the looks on The Ritz-Carlton executives’ faces when we toured them around our property and region was something I’ll never forget. This is the ultimate testimonial for what we’ve become.”
Conveniently located just 30 minutes from the zero-stress Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and at the heart of the North Okanagan’s Scenic Sip wine district, Predator Ridge currently features distinct neighbourhoods of award-winning homes, exceptional accommodation, and amenities. In addition to sipping and swirling, skiing, or hiking, residents and visitors can enjoy 36 holes of championship golf.
Image: Predator Ridge
The blossoming region began in 1991 as a rural golf course – the longest in BC. It added its first subdivision in 1999, followed by resort accommodations in 2005. Following its purchase by Wesbild in 2007, the Lower Mainland developer renovated the clubhouse, constructed the award-winning 18-hole golf course, now known as “The Ridge,” and added several new neighbourhoods.
In what will likely become a crown jewel of the evolving community, the future location of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Okanagan, Predator Ridge is a postcard-worthy panoramic vista of glistening lakes, varying shades of green, and towering mountain peaks. In short, it’s definitely worthy of the Ritz-Carlton stamp of approval.
“Predator Ridge is rugged wilderness juxtaposed with refined serenity in its most elevated form,” said Gordon Karau, Director of Planning and Product Development at Predator Ridge Resort. “This type of contrast creates an artistic tension that is an architect’s dream. We were saving the most compelling site to date, and when The Ritz-Carlton came into the picture, the stars aligned — right time, right site, right brand. We knew this piece of land deserved something special, and we’re glad we waited.”
Image: Predator Ridge
Like a match made on an elite dating app, the feeling was mutual. “When scouting new locations for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, we look for destinations that transcend the ordinary — places with distinctive style and discerning attention to detail,” says Sarah Khalifa, Vice President, Mixed Use Development, Marriott International. “Predator Ridge delivers all this and more with unmatched natural beauty and a clear vision of the property’s endless possibilities. When we stood atop the site, we agreed, ‘This is the real Canada’. This was a place unlike anywhere else.”
The arrival of the Ritz-Carlton residences will set the stage for enriching, coming-of-age change in Predator Ridge. Over the next decade, the community will see an expanded trail system, a local winery partnership with O’Rourke Family Estate, a world-class Okanagan Gondola collaboration, and new amenities and expansions. While it remains somewhat of a hidden gem, the Predator Ridge secret will soon get out.
“The combination of a special region, unique community, and global hospitality brand is the perfect foundation to celebrate Predator Ridge’s achievements with the world,” says Pelletier. “This has been our best kept secret, but we’re ready to tell this story because it’s a vision we’re passionate about.”
Image: Predator Ridge
According to a press release from Predator Ridge, there has been a growing consumer demand for branded, standalone properties within resort-style, amenity-rich communities.
Owners value the luxury and service that comes with brands they have come to know and trust, like the long-time, iconic Ritz-Carlton luxury brand. So, branded properties are an attractive proposition to these discerning buyers with pockets deep enough. Data shows buyers are willing to pay premiums for branded residences because they value the amenities and service associated with the brand – the overall global premium averages at 30%, with emerging cities leading the charge at 52%.
The Ritz-Carlton currently features residences in Montreal and Toronto, as part of their hotel facilities.
While affluent Toronto buyers have been historically drawn to the markets of Muskoka, Whistler, and Canmore, the Okanagan is emerging as a popular luxury real estate haven. According to the Predator Ridge 2021 Homeowners Survey, 8% of current second homeowners at Predator Ridge are from Ontario.
While the development has only just commenced, excitement is in the air. “We move mountains with our minds first,” says Gordon. “The equipment comes later.”
