If you have been feeling the impact of the past couple of years and all the stress it’s brought with it, we have good news for you. There is no better time to connect with yourself, family, or friends, than on an Ontario summer staycation.
After such a momentous few years, we all need a little “me time” – a little pampering, and a little bit of peace and quiet to let our minds roam free.
Book one of these relaxing Ontario getaways and let the pressures and worries of today’s crazy world drift away.
Healing Reset at Dimensions Retreat
Dimensions Retreat offers seasonal all-inclusive healing getaways in the beautiful Algonquin Highlands. Book one of their two-day retreats and spend the night in a modern and minimalist cabin nestled on the shores of a 40-acre lake, deep in the forests of Haliburton Highlands. Connect your mind and body as you explore meditation, mindfulness, forest bathing and more in this five-star environment. (Dates for summer 2023 are from Aug. 8 to 21 and Aug. 27 to Sept. 15)
Where to Eat: Dimensions offers a chef-prepared, plant-based and protein-enriched menus that will keep you creatively refreshed from the moment you arrive.
What to Do: Your stay includes forest bathing, sound bathing, a flotation therapy session and biosound therapy session. You can also choose from the many additional services, including a relaxing massage, mindfulness training, psychotherapy, and more.
All Inclusive Wellness and Relaxation at Grail Springs
Choose from one of the many relaxation and wellness packages at Grail Springs Health and Wellness Spa in Bancroft and have your every need taken care of from the moment you step over the threshold. You can expect to find luxurious accommodations, guided nature experiences, plant-based meals, yoga, meditation and more.
Where to Eat: Imagine not having to even think about meals for your entire stay? Grail Springs provides all meals, and each is vegan and prepared to maximize nutrition and detoxification.
What to Do: Choose from the many services like massage therapy, Reiki, or meditations, yoga, or take a leisurely stroll through the property’s hundreds of acres before unwinding in the hot and cold thermal tubs.
Romance and Wellness at H2H Cottage Co.
What could inspire a relaxing getaway more than a cottage retreat that gives you the time and space to refresh and rejuvenate? H2H Cottage Co. offers two cottages to rent on Kennisis Lake and Bitter Lake in Haliburton. Soak in the on-site soaker tub, or take it down a notch and while away a summer evening on a hammock, gazing up at the stars. As a pet friendly accommodation you can event bring along your fur baby. Your stay here will end feeling relaxed and ready to take on the world!
Where to Eat: If your significant other is joining you, make a reservation at the romantic fine dining restaurant, Rhubarb, in nearby Carnarvon.
What to Do: Have a mini reset by booking a SUP yoga class or Thai massage, or plan a leisurely hike in Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve, nearby.
Retail Therapy and Spa Love at Perth Best Western
Who says a little retail therapy isn’t as beneficial as a day at the spa? Well now you can have both at the same time! The heritage town of Perth is known for its wealth of boutique shops and it’s also home to a well known spa, conveniently located in the Perth Best Western Parkside Inn, and only feet from the downtown core. Spend your day alternating between browsing unique and artisan finds and being pampered with a relaxing treatment. Choose from one of the hotel’s spa packages like the “Ready to Relax” overnight that includes a $100 spa credit and access to the mineral salt pool and steam room.
Where to Eat: Dine at one of the many fabulous restaurants right in Perth, or make the short drive to Carleton Place to the award-winning Black Tartan Kitchen or the waterside Boulton House Restaurant, both excellent choices.
What to Do: Amp up the relaxation with a leisurely paddle on the Tay River from Perth Major Outfitters, or unwind with a round on the Perth Golf Course, both experiences are within walking distance of the hotel.
Spa Day, Relaxing Night at Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa
The stunning terrain of Haliburton Highlands is the backdrop for Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa, a boutique hotel and spa that caters to those looking for an escape from the everyday. Enjoy the 45-minute water circuit before or after a spa treatment like a hot stone massage or a soothing facial. If you book their Best Rate package you can look forward to a gourmet, candlelit three-course dinner at the on-site Twin Fires dining room.
Where to Eat: Into the Blue Bakery is a less than five-minute drive from the inn and is your go-to if you have a hankering for a delicious, wood-wired pizza. These folks are seasonal; open from May to October.
What to Do: You could easily occupy yourself all day on the resort with access to activities like swimming, boating, tennis and more, but if you must wander, head to Purple Door Pottery Studio, just a few minutes from the inn.
Breathwork and Rejuvenation at Lakepoint Cottage Resort
With their first retreat taking place in 2023, Lakepoint Cottage Resort is inviting guests to share in the bliss at their location on Golden Lake. Practice breathwork and mindfulness while taking advantage of the location's lakeside location for a cold plunge after you sweat it out in the on-site sauna. This retreat is all-inclusive and features gourmet meals and accommodations.
Where to Eat: Gourmet meals are offered by the resort, so you can spend more time connecting with nature, and yourself.
What to Do: Your days will be full of activities geared towards helping you unwind and relax. Take part in a yoga class first thing in the morning, then explore the physical and mental benefits of the breathwork guru, Wim Hoff, before doing a cold exposure and ice bath. In your down time you can explore the beauty of the lake and refuel your spirits bathed in the beauty of nature.
Realign Body and Spirit with a Creekside Yoga Retreat
A relaxation retreat doesn’t have to be all about pampering and relaxation. At Madawaska Kanu Centre you can spend your days exploring your inner yogi with Creekside Yoga, learning the asanas and finding your centre to take back with you to your day to day life.
Where to Eat: A full meal and accommodation package is offered by MKC, and the hearty, locally sourced dishes will be the perfect accompaniment to a weekend spent unwinding.
What to Do: You won’t want to travel far from the relaxing space that is MKC. Wander the trails, swim in the Madawaska River or lounge on an Adirondack chair on the massive on-site patio.
Bonus:
Sands on Golden Lake
With a name like the Sands you know this spot must have a fantastic sandy beach (and they do!). Beyond the phenomenal beach, this resort also offers spacious rooms, chalets or cottages, along with an on-site restaurant and spa, all overlooking the stunning Golden lake in the Ottawa Valley. Their spa packages will keep you relaxed from your first moment to your last.
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