When I think of winter in Ontario I'm always trying to make plans on how to stay warm!!! I'm making vacation plans to leave the country to warm getaways and fun spa trips to be wrapped in warmth and rejuvenate my winter skin.
Last year was so much fun with a girl's trip in January we thought let's do it again. This time let's make it two nights and head down the 401 past Toronto to Grafton Ontario. The luxurious Ste. Anne's spa with its many outside pools and fantastic spa treatment rooms https://www.steannes.com If you've read other posts of mine you know there isn't a spa I've been to that I don't love! This was different, this was splendor at its best.
There were four of us making the trip. The planning process was so easy. I called the toll-free number and the person helped me plan the perfect getaway. They asked a couple of questions about our group dynamic and what we enjoyed doing. I explained it was a family girls' trip and a secret present for my mother. They set us up in the Loft, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms a kitchen, and a living room with access to a hot tub that only we and one other room share. There was a winter getaway package that made this like an all-inclusive package. We had all meals covered as well as afternoon tea and enough spa credit to do two treatments and also a wellness class.
Ste. Anne's is just over two hours from Kitchener down the 401. I recommend you go the day before you have your treatments booked and sleep there the night of your treatments as well. That way you get the most out of the package and the property. We arrived in time for a tour of the property, getting our wristbands set up that open lockers and our room door. This was so convenient we barely carried anything around with us. I do recommend taking a photo of your locker number as after several hours of bliss I had an embarrassing moment where I couldn't get my locker open thinking my bracelet was not working. After getting someone from reception to help me they realized I was at the wrong locker lol They say it happens all the time, not sure if they were just trying to make me feel better.
After we got set up we were ready for our first meal afternoon tea. We had a feeling with it being a wellness center the food is where it was going to lack, we were happily wrong. The food was plenty and delicious. We never left a table hungry every menu says to ask if you need more but never did that happen. We had brought treats for our room but never opened them as we couldn't think to eat another thing!
The Loft isn't on the main property, we shuttled to and from as needed which was great. We were able to park our car at the Loft and leave it there the entire time. The spa doesn't have a liquor license which is great because you can bring your own selection to meals and not have to pay crazy pricing for your favorite drinks. For the first dinner, I brought a special bottle to toast the girls!
There is something on the menu for everyone, meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans all food needs are met at every meal. The dessert menus are fantastic!
The Loft is a great room option for a larger group. This gave us a chance to relax after dinner and get cozy and talk before bed. If you are looking for evening entertainment this isn't the place. The beds are so comfortable and the bedding is just begging for great sleep!
When we set up our getaway I got help from a spa coordinator to set up all our treatments and classes. This was so helpful as they helped to make sure our meal times were booked and we still had time to take in the pools. You don't want to miss our rush your time in the pools!
The pools are the main draw. Especially in the cold winter. There are several different temperatures but I stayed in the hottest one. It was explained we should make our way around the different pools but I felt best when warm.
The whole property just lends itself to tranquility. The statues outside, the meditation garden. There is a fire pit with chairs all around to enjoy star gazing. At nighttime, the property is lit beautifully as an enchanting historical farmhouse.
While you wait for blissful treatments you can lounge inside on couches and chairs in different areas that have a unique character to every room. Bring a book and curl up by a fire. There are boards to play throughout, and challenge someone to a game of chess while sipping delicious spa water or a cup of tea with granola.
There is a good selection of treatment options. I chose a facial and body treatment. My body felt ready for the winter still ahead!
This spa is regularly in top 10 lists in Canada and I see why. If you love to spa and get to find that time to relax every once in a while this is the place for you. The best part is when you can make the trip with people you love. Seeing others that you know deserve some downtime and getting to relax in this luxury setting can only make you feel even better. If Ste. Anne's is not on your spa bucket list it should be!
If you are interested in spas around Ontario find more of my blogs below.
Shangri-La Toronto https://www.myontarioadventures.com/post/ontario-adventure-32-girls-night-away-in-toronto
Hunstville Deerhurst Resort https://www.myontarioadventures.com/post/ontario-adventure-30-romantic-winter-getaway-in-huntsville-ontario
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