A girlfriend getaway in Ontario's autumn themed countryside started with the worst kind of autumn themed weather. The rain and wind of a two hour drive whipped up an epic storm, and ominous clouds threatened further and imminent drenching.
All the more perfect when we took that final winding country-style driveway with Ste. Anne's historic and luxurious spa nestled at the end. The clouds and the rain finally let up and proper Ontario-style holiday weather set the scene for relaxation.
Road signs gave a little more guidance - "Prepare to Unwind" the first said - and we did! "Take a breath ... and relax," said the next. And by the time the third sign told us "Yield to your inner self," ... we already had!
Ste. Anne's is 400 acres of rolling countryside in Ontario's Northumberland Hills. It's more than 35 luxurious and rejuvenating spa treatments. It's gourmet farm-to-table fare, hammocks in the woods, and a fireplace in your room. It's all that great stuff you expect from a spa, but the thing Ste. Anne's prides itself on the most? It's the people! Ste. Anne's website says "When we ask guests what they love most, the answer always focuses on the people!"
And here's why I agree - Megan! That Ste. Anne's Signature Facial was SO relaxing. But Megan could tell that this customer was a chatter. A half hour later and I knew all about spa history, what's great to eat (everything!), and what to see and do. And finally, I drifted into spa mode. Peppermint essential oil and calming music set the scene. And that facial was a perfect combo of dreamy relaxation and skin rejuvenation.
Ste. Anne's also takes pride in a non-traditional relaxed-style spa atmosphere. Forget the spaaing in silence rule you might find elsewhere and feel free to chat up a (quiet) storm with the ladies. Stretch and meditate your way through a relaxing yoga class, Take time out for board games or puzzles. Or my favourite - spend an afternoon dreaming in a massage chair.
Number one way to convince both your mind and body that you are really committed to all this relaxing? Don a fluffy Ste. Anne's robe - now go hang out in public. And repeat this line three times - "No one has ever been stressed in their bathrobe." Now take your relaxed self to dinner at Ste. Anne's posh dining room - in your robe!
Day two of our spa getaway started with more robes and relaxation. Then on to a steamy eucalyptus sauna, outdoor water therapy at 'The Grotto' and a little animal therapy with horses and a pair of very friendly barn cats, We strolled fall-coloured gardens and ended up in hammocks under the trees.
And that's were our spa story ends, because hammocks inevitably lead to snoozing. And that inevitably leads to two ladies returning home to busy lives totally relaxed and rejuvenated!
Enjoy a little relaxation and rejuvenation yourself right here: Ste. Anne's Spa
And take home some sweet treats from here: Ste. Anne's Bakery
All the more perfect when we took that final winding country-style driveway with Ste. Anne's historic and luxurious spa nestled at the end. The clouds and the rain finally let up and proper Ontario-style holiday weather set the scene for relaxation.
Road signs gave a little more guidance - "Prepare to Unwind" the first said - and we did! "Take a breath ... and relax," said the next. And by the time the third sign told us "Yield to your inner self," ... we already had!
Ste. Anne's is 400 acres of rolling countryside in Ontario's Northumberland Hills. It's more than 35 luxurious and rejuvenating spa treatments. It's gourmet farm-to-table fare, hammocks in the woods, and a fireplace in your room. It's all that great stuff you expect from a spa, but the thing Ste. Anne's prides itself on the most? It's the people! Ste. Anne's website says "When we ask guests what they love most, the answer always focuses on the people!"
And here's why I agree - Megan! That Ste. Anne's Signature Facial was SO relaxing. But Megan could tell that this customer was a chatter. A half hour later and I knew all about spa history, what's great to eat (everything!), and what to see and do. And finally, I drifted into spa mode. Peppermint essential oil and calming music set the scene. And that facial was a perfect combo of dreamy relaxation and skin rejuvenation.
Ste. Anne's also takes pride in a non-traditional relaxed-style spa atmosphere. Forget the spaaing in silence rule you might find elsewhere and feel free to chat up a (quiet) storm with the ladies. Stretch and meditate your way through a relaxing yoga class, Take time out for board games or puzzles. Or my favourite - spend an afternoon dreaming in a massage chair.
Number one way to convince both your mind and body that you are really committed to all this relaxing? Don a fluffy Ste. Anne's robe - now go hang out in public. And repeat this line three times - "No one has ever been stressed in their bathrobe." Now take your relaxed self to dinner at Ste. Anne's posh dining room - in your robe!
Day two of our spa getaway started with more robes and relaxation. Then on to a steamy eucalyptus sauna, outdoor water therapy at 'The Grotto' and a little animal therapy with horses and a pair of very friendly barn cats, We strolled fall-coloured gardens and ended up in hammocks under the trees.
And that's were our spa story ends, because hammocks inevitably lead to snoozing. And that inevitably leads to two ladies returning home to busy lives totally relaxed and rejuvenated!
Enjoy a little relaxation and rejuvenation yourself right here: Ste. Anne's Spa
And take home some sweet treats from here: Ste. Anne's Bakery