he Ritz-Carlton has always been synonymous with luxurious hotels and a high-end lifestyle. With locations around the world, their hotels and residences have touched cities like New York, Boston and Beijing, but Canada has been spared the Midas touch so far. Fortunately, this will change when the West coast’s big city opens the Residences at Ritz-Carlton.

If you’re looking for the best of the best, then you may want to consider moving into this ultra elite building when it opens in 2011. And if moving on up is in your fiscal future, might I suggest the $28-million penthouse that will be the crowning feature of this 60-storey high-rise. At this price, it will be Vancouver’s priciest condo. Wouldn’t you love bragging about that at every charity gala and cocktail party in town?

When complete, this colossal living space will total 7,400 square feet and will trump other expensive VanCity condos by at least $10 million. So, to the anonymous U.S. businessman who paid $18 million for a 48th-floor penthouse in the Private Residences at Hotel Georgia, sorry – you may have a beautiful penthouse, but your bragging rights have been taken away.

Originally, developers intended there to be three penthouse suites, but a strong demand for something large and in charge caused them to change their minds and merge two suites into the $28 million behemoth currently on the market. With three spacious bedrooms, two dens, a formal dining room, a kitchen fit for a culinary genius and a butler’s pantry, the penthouse is big enough for a family and ensures there will be plenty of room for entertaining guests. After all, your friends will be dying to see the sweeping views of the coastline from your privileged vantage point.

Some extra perks include hotel-like amenities, such as around-the-clock room service, a concierge and housekeeping services. Several clients have already expressed interest, so if you want a chance at this upper-crust dwelling, act now. Or, if the price tag is too steep, then make sure to befriend those who purchase it. After all, Vancouver looks so much better when you’re sitting on top of the world.