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BORN OF THIS PLACE

Muir promises a refined and distinctly Nova Scotian hospitality experience, inspired by the region’s inherent grace, rich cultural history, unspoiled beauty and enduring character.

DISCOVERING MUIR

Muir brings a refined and distinctly Nova Scotian hospitality experience to Atlantic Canada.

Muir is an integral element of the Halifax waterfront, situated in the absolute centre of downtown. Inspired by the rugged architecture, resilient spirit and materiality of the region, Muir juts dramatically over the ocean, granting unprecedented ocean access and sweeping views. Refined, authentic and distinctly Nova Scotia, Muir strikes a balance between modernity and tradition, offering a hospitality experience that could not exist anywhere else.

Muir’s amenities, services and experiences are as elevated as the property itself. Drift, Muir's signature restaurant, draws on local, seasonal ingredients to craft modern interpretations of traditional Atlantic Canadian recipes. From early morning breakfast to a cheeky evening nightcap, Drift welcomes guests into an atmospheric space marked by a spacious bar and seasonal patio overlooking mesmerizing ocean views. BKS, a "secret" speakeasy, provides an exclusive experience complete with waterfront terrace and modern cocktails whose lineage nods to the area’s rum-running past. And in the surrounding Queen’s Marque district, the heart of Halifax’s burgeoning culinary scene, visitors will find further options of uniquely Nova Scotian dining experiences.

Revive mind, body and spirit at Windward Wellness, Muir's state-of-the-art fitness centre. Here, guests will find Technogym treadmills, ellipticals and rowing machines; yoga and spin rooms, complete with fitness classes; and a vitality spa pool and cold plunge pool. Wellness warriors can also indulge in a range of spa experiences, including a halotherapy salt room, infrared sauna and eucalyptus steam room.

Muir sits directly on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, offering intimate and immediate views from virtually all of the 109 rooms and suites. These inviting spaces are designed with honest materiality and quality craftsmanship, including Canadian-made furniture and lighting that embrace a modern interpretation of East Coast design and assure comfort, productivity and a distinct sense of place. Every room and suite displays an original Nova Scotia landscape painting, commissioned purposefully for Muir, which invites guests to become intimately acquainted with Nova Scotia.

At Muir, guests can browse rotating art exhibits at the private in-house gallery, True Colours, and explore the extensive multi-million-dollar public art collection throughout Queen’s Marque.

Salty air and unprecedented ocean access lead naturally to outdoor adventure. Visitors can inhale the fragrant aromas of the Atlantic, and feel the ocean breeze on their skin, during a guided yacht or motorboat excursion on the harbour, complete with panoramic views of Halifax's skyline, bridges, islands and shoreline. Muir offers easy-to-steer Delta Touring sea kayaks, as well as Kahuna Warrior stand-up paddleboards that allow guests to experience the thrill of skimming across the sea.

At Muir, guests are treated to a truly remarkable experience – a refined, welcoming space as singular in style, character and spirit as the place that inspired it.

AT A GLANCE

  • NAME: Muir – meaning "the sea" in Gaelic
  • ADDRESS: 1709 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia – part of the new Queen’s Marque district
  • ARCHITECTURE: MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Limited
  • INTERIOR DESIGN: Studio Munge
  • AFFINITY: An Autograph Collection Hotel – a curated selection of quality hotels around the world. Marriott Bonvoy Member.
  • SUITES: 109 rooms and suites
  • DEVELOPER & PROPERTY OPERATOR: The Armour Group Limited
  • DINING: Drift – modern interpretations of iconic Atlantic Canadian dishes | BKS – "sub rosa" speakeasy for guests and members only.
  • FACILITIES: Windward Wellness – ultra-premium wellness centre with high-performance equipment, vitality and cold plunge pools, halotherapy salt room, sauna, steam room, yoga and spin rooms. True Colours – onsite art gallery, featuring a rotating collection of regionally curated art pieces. Executive boardroom – available to guests for private use.
  • AMENITIES: Recreational – complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles and access to the Muir yacht and motorboat. Touring – car and driver service. In-room – Aesop premium bath products, in-room dining, ultra high-speed internet, bespoke personal bar stocked with local and international wines and spirits, and a Nespresso coffee machine.

QUEEN'S MARQUE DISTRICT

A cultural beacon for Nova Scotia and beyond, Muir is an integral element of the vibrant Halifax waterfront, and a key development in the new Queen’s Marque district. Sitting in the absolute centre of the downtown core, this urban district ushers in a new chapter to the iconic and historic neighbourhood, contributing to a story steeped in the rich mercantile and entrepreneurial spirit of the region.

Paying homage to Nova Scotia’s rich culture and heritage, Queen's Marque marries modernity with tradition, comprising luxury-leased residences, commercial offices, a multi-million-dollar public art collection, expansive public plazas and event spaces, a natural amphitheatre, and curated shopping and dining options. In the centre of the main square, massive granite stairs lead directly into the Atlantic Ocean, inviting visitors to forge an intimate connection with the surrounding sea. At the very heart of the district is Muir, offering a refined, distinctly Nova Scotian hospitality experience in a setting so "Born of this Place" it simply couldn’t exist anywhere else.

MATERIALITY

Designed by celebrated Nova Scotian architecture practice MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, with interiors conceived by award-winning Canadian designer Alessandro Munge of Studio Munge, Muir follows a local narrative inspired by the enduring spirit, character and materiality of Nova Scotia. Featuring an honest Born of this Place design, Muir's style removes unnecessary flourishes, creating a nuanced luxury of craft and substance that expresses the culture and history of the region. Honest materials like salt and pepper granite, sandstone, Muntz copper metal and walnut evoke a sense of place – nodding respectfully to the past while looking forward to the future.

LODGING

Guestrooms and suites, designed by acclaimed Canadian interior design firm Studio Munge, evoke a contemporary East Coast aesthetic. The attention-grabbing collection of bespoke furniture includes a walnut floating worktable, custom full-size bar, walnut-framed beds and white oak walls. The warmth of traditional Nova Scotia is reflected in a modern Muir tartan blanket and braided rug.

Expansive windows look out to immediate ocean views, flooding rooms with coastal light. In the spa-like bathrooms, rain showers, marble-lined tubs, teak shaving stools, Aesop skincare products and locally made bath salts encourage guests to relax and recharge.

STANDARD ROOMS:

  • King: 379-497 square feet
  • Accessible King: 506 square feet
  • Double Queen: 465-494 square feet
  • Deluxe King: 503-672 square feet

SUITES:

  • Junior Suites: 629-652 square feet
  • Shannon Suites: 710-804 square feet
  • Thrumcap Suites: 1,015 square feet
  • The Watch Suite: 2,075 square feet – one of the largest in the country, featuring 270-degree water views

ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE

When designing the Queen’s Marque district, celebrated Nova Scotian architecture practice MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects took inspiration from the historic, cultural and natural forces that have shaped Nova Scotia. The district's architecture applies historic details in a modern Maritime way, emphasizing pure, honest materiality that includes stone, metal, wood and glass. The result is a contemporary and dramatic silhouette, suggesting the grand sweep of a vessel and the graceful bend of a ship’s bow. Throughout the district, shapes, site lines and vistas connect to the harbour, with forms naturally extending into the water.

Muir’s architecture warrants close scrutiny to uncover the thoughtfulness, precision and craftsmanship involved in its design. From wharf vernacular and forms, embodied through the addition of thoughtful details like a wrack line, plimsoll line, ballast boxes and survey markers, along with Muntz copper metal engravings, every facet of Muir is considered, integrating historical symbols and markers in a meaningful, contemporary way.

Muir is constructed from sandstone sourced from Wallace Quarries in Wallace, Nova Scotia, creating a "sandstone district" that complements the existing sandstone in the neighbourhood. The "Light Chocks" are a pair of dramatic, glowing columns that incorporate abstract Fresnel lenses, similar to the lenses used in lighthouses throughout Nova Scotia. Located at the entrance of Muir, the "Light Chocks" appear to hold up the building, creating a signature entrance to the porte-cochère and lighting the way to the hotel. This architectural art installation is a shining example of "Born of this Place" design, inspired by Nova Scotian values, traditions and craftsmanship.

ARTISTRY IN ENGINEERING

During the construction of Queen’s Marque district, engineers navigated challenging architectural endeavours to realize the vision for the area. With a nod to the vast history that has graced the shores of Halifax, Queen’s Landing creates a direct and intimate connection to the magnificent Atlantic Ocean with 10 massive granite steps descending into the water.

At Queen’s Marque, a steel sheet pile cofferdam was constructed, encircling the parkade structure, which was built two levels below harbour level. The top of the cofferdam is set 9.5 feet above Canadian Geodetic Datum (CGD), which protects against high tide, storm surge and projected sea level rise.

Queen’s Marque and Muir were designed with the future in mind. A Sea Water Loop reduces Muir’s carbon footprint and contributes to one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the region. Water is drawn from the harbour, harnessing the renewable energy of the sea through active chilled beams for heating and cooling. Natural conduction is utilized to circulate warm and cooled air, eliminating the need for boilers and creating further energy efficiencies through heat recovery.

TASTE

Queen’s Marque district is well on the way to becoming Nova Scotia’s foremost culinary destination, offering thoughtfully curated dining options that blend progressive and familiar fare, and evoke a one-of-a-kind sense of place. Included in this collection are Muir’s onsite dining options, Drift and BKS.

DRIFT

Featuring modern takes on classic Atlantic Canadian dishes and traditions, Drift is an ode to Nova Scotia’s land, people and history. As elevated and distinct as Muir itself, Drift is set in an expansive yet comfortable dining room with detailed craftsmanship and premium materiality complemented by an outdoor patio with stunning waterfront views.

Drift offers a refined atmosphere where guests and locals can lounge by the fire, taste the latest vintage or sample a curated cocktail at the iconic bar. A menu inspired by the natural abundance and culinary traditions of Atlantic Canada includes ocean-fresh seafood and elevated takes on traditional fare, such as Blueberry Grunt and Hodgepodge. Handcrafted cocktails, curated wines, craft beers and premium spirits round out the menu with an emphasis on local distillers and regional ingredients.

BKS

Tucked into the third floor of Muir is BKS, a secret speakeasy with a hushed and moody vibe that offers a space for those seeking a refined retreat and premium experience. The intimate cocktail lounge is exclusive, open to registered hotel guests and members only. In warmer months, the creative libations are best savoured on the private waterfront terrace – the most sought after in the city, with the water almost close enough to touch.

A place of distinction, discretion and refinement, the speakeasy features classic and innovative cocktails with lineage inspired by Halifax’s Prohibition-era rum-running past, made with specialty premium rums, single malts and local spirits. Offering direct water views and exclusive access to an expansive outdoor terrace, the speakeasy overlooks the bustling esplanade.

ART

Each of Muir’s 109 hotel rooms and suites proudly showcases an original Nova Scotia landscape painting – commissioned purposefully for Muir – inviting guests to become acquainted with Nova Scotia through art.

Muir’s onsite art gallery, True Colours, features a rotating collection of regionally curated art pieces. The gallery is open to Muir guests for their enjoyment, and serves as an intimate venue for events and meetings.

Stimulating a deep and reflective connection to the region, a multi-million-dollar public art collection is foundational to the very fabric of both Muir and Queen’s Marque. Locally curated, the collection is inspired by the people and geography of the region, and showcases works by acclaimed local and international artists.

Commanding public art is placed throughout the Queen’s Marque district, including "The Sirens’ Calling", a towering series of four sculptures by renowned Canadian artist John Greer. Beckoning those who gaze upon them, the sirens – each facing a cardinal direction – speak to the dual role of the harbour as a place of departure and a safe haven.

Image: "The Siren’s Calling" by John Greer | Photo credit: Raoul Manuel Schnell

WELLNESS

Moments of stillness, reflection and renewal are offered in abundance at Muir. Unparalleled oceanfront access cultivates a calming and serene environment that naturally inspires deep thought and self-reflection. This overwhelming natural connection is matched by Muir’s ultra-premium fitness and wellness centre, Windward Wellness. Encouraging holistic reinvigoration, the centre is replete with a vitality spa pool, cold plunge pool, halotherapy salt room, sauna and eucalyptus steam room, along with high-performance fitness equipment, yoga, spin rooms and group classes.

NURTURING THE ENVIRONMENT

From locally sourced construction materials to fabricating techniques used in custom furnishings, Muir has sought to achieve the highest standard of quality while minimizing environmental impact.

Whether design, construction or the guest experience, Muir is committed to sustainable and responsible practices. Natural energy efficiency is achieved through a north/south axis, which allows for passive heating and cooling while minimizing solar heat gain. New building practices and high-efficiency windows welcome expansive natural light. Sustainable practices are built into all aspects of operations, reducing waste and natural resource usage while incorporating renewable energy sources. Muir also works with regional partners and suppliers to provide local products and ingredients, reducing its carbon footprint while providing an authentic Nova Scotian experience.

Materials such as granite and cobblestone are used throughout Queen’s Marque district,inclduing some granite reclaimed from the original seawall that stretches back 250 years. The cobblestone along Lower Water Street is also reclaimed, and estimated to be 200 years old.

BUSINESS AND GATHERINGS

At Muir, business travel is enhanced by high-quality food and beverage venues, a central business district location, access to an exclusive car and driver service, and a complimentary executive/board meeting room for eight. With comfort, convenience and functionality at the forefront of Muir’s design, guestrooms and suites offer well-appointed workspaces that feature bespoke floating walnut desks, triple-pane glass soundproofing and the fastest Wi-Fi available.

Guests seeking a memorable space for events or business meetings will gravitate to Muir’s colourful venues. The 1,200-square-foot True Colours gallery offers a dramatic harbour-facing backdrop for unique affairs and corporate events. The Wardroom – complimentary for guests – is a fully appointed, private executive meeting space for up to six guests. The Watch, embraced by the sea on three sides, boasts bespoke furniture and a commissioned art collection in a 2,075-square-foot event space that holds two private bars and private tasting room. And, as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, travellers can also reap Bonvoy rewards for their stay.

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