Rimrock Banff Transforms into North America’s First Emblems Collection Sanctuary with $2 Billion Backing

(IN SHORT) Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection—overlooking the Bow Valley near downtown Banff—will close in October 2025 for a full-scale renovation and relaunch as Accor’s first North American Emblems property in summer 2026. Owned by Oxford Properties Group and a capital partner, the resort has welcomed guests since the 1880s and currently blends historic allure with mountaintop seclusion. Studio Collective will spearhead a redesign featuring an infinity pool, vitality and ice baths, panoramic saunas, meditation and movement studios, an expedition centre, and locally inspired dining and wellness experiences. Emblems Collection properties are defined by unique identities, authentic connections to place, and enduring elegance. This transformation reinforces Oxford’s multi-billion-dollar investment in Canadian hospitality and marks a significant milestone in Emblems’ global strategy, which includes upcoming openings in the UK, Greece, and Italy by 2026.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 2025-Jun-30 — /Travel PR News/ — Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection—perched majestically above the Bow Valley just moments from Banff’s vibrant centre—is set to evolve into North America’s inaugural Emblems Collection haven. Owned jointly by Oxford Properties Group and a strategic capital partner, the resort will close in October 2025 for a comprehensive metamorphosis, reemerging in summer 2026 as the flagship for Accor’s newest luxury arm, fusing its rich heritage with a forward-looking design vision.

Since first welcoming visitors to its restorative hot springs in the early 1880s, this mountaintop retreat has embodied the serene spirit of Banff National Park. Although the current edifice dates to 1993, the site’s century-long tradition of hospitality and renewal remains woven into every corner. Tucked between the Banff Gondola and historic Upper Hot Springs, Rimrock Banff has long balanced secluded serenity with easy access to the valley’s must-see attractions.

Over the decades, guests have been drawn to sweeping panoramas and deep connections with the wilderness. The Emblems Collection’s debut here will honor those cherished qualities while introducing a fresh layer of sophistication. Each Emblems property is celebrated for its singular character, authentic sense of place, and timeless elegance—tenets that will guide Rimrock Banff’s transformation.

“We don’t just open hotels. We craft tomorrow’s legacy. As North America’s first Emblems property, Rimrock Banff will unite the raw beauty of nature with Emblems’ refined luxury to create a peerless mountain retreat. Our partnership with Oxford Properties Group ensures this vision becomes a stunning reality,” said Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems.

Studio Collective—renowned for designs that evoke emotion and immersion—will lead the resort’s ambitious reimagining. Highlights include:

• A mountainside infinity pool overlooking the Bow Valley
• Seasonal vitality pools and ice-immersion baths
• Panoramic saunas and dedicated meditation spaces
• Movement studios and an expedition centre spotlighting Rockies adventures
  Thoughtful material selections and sustainable practices will ensure guests enjoy a seamless blend of modern refinement and the region’s elemental beauty year-round.

Post-renovation, Rimrock Banff will offer uninterrupted vistas of Banff National Park and sensory-rich experiences rooted in local lore. New culinary venues and bars will draw on seasonal ingredients and Banff’s heritage, while bespoke wellness programs will encourage reflection and exploration amid the mountains.

“For generations, Rimrock Banff has stood as a beacon of adventure and tranquility. Together with Accor, we are reinvesting in this landmark to elevate its historic charm and cement its status as North America’s premier mountain retreat. This project underscores our confidence in Canadian hospitality and follows over $2 billion of recent investments here,” added Tyler MacDonald, Senior Vice President and Head of Hotels at Oxford Properties Group.

This Canadian debut joins a prestigious lineup of upcoming Emblems properties: Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa in the UK (opening late 2025), Greece’s Elatos Resort eco-wellness sanctuary, and Italy’s Hotel Bellevue Cortina d’Ampezzo—both slated for 2026. With 15 properties signed by the end of 2025, Emblems is poised for continued expansion across North America and beyond.

Media contact

Audrey De Sousa
Senior Director Corporate Communication
Audrey.de-sousa@accor.com

SOURCE: ACCOR