Ste. Anne's Spa - It's Worth the Drive to Grafton
Sunday, March 23, 2014
If you asked me what I loved most about our weekend getaway at Ste. Anne's Spa, I would find it difficult to pinpoint any one feature in particular. The fact is, the entire experience was exceptional. From the time we checked into our private Sentosa Spa Cottage right up until we stopped off at Ste. Anne's bakery on the way home, I reveled in the quietude and serenity. After a tour of the main floor, we headed to the dining room for a lovely afternoon tea. But it wasn't just a cup of tea that we enjoyed. We had the option of selecting from their menu of tea plates. I chose the fruit and cheese platter: mini fruit skewers of seasonal fruit served with honey yoghurt dip, slices of old cheddar cheese, creamy brie cheese with cranberry and grape garnish, and crackers.
My husband ordered the sampler plate with Ste. Anne’s scones, which my husband raved about. The scones were served with tea cream and homemade strawberry preserves, a flax and sesame seed cookie, a chocolate chip cookie, a chocolate brownie, a caramelized pecan and orange biscotti, a cucumber sandwich with local sprouts, a smoked salmon canapé with lemon pesto, a mini fruit skewer, a slice of old cheddar cheese, a slice of creamy brie and crackers. Yes, this was just a 'sampler.'
In the early evening, my husband and I took part in an intermediate yoga class in the Fitness Inn Pavilion. This room with a view provided the ideal conditions for ultimate relaxation. It was cozy and warm thanks to beautiful hardwood flooring and a toasty wood fire place. The best part is that the yoga mats and accessories are all provided so you need not worry if you left yours at home. Classes must be scheduled in advance to ensure space is available but, for our first class, it was only my husband and I in attendance. We returned the following morning for an additional session and enjoyed it equally so.
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| Fitness Inn Pavilion - Ste. Anne's Spa |
Periodically during our stay, my husband spent some time in the eucalyptus steam room. It was right up his alley.
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| Eucalyptus Steam Room - Ste. Anne's Spa |
Myself, I preferred the 104-degree outdoor hot tub, cold plunge pool and lap pool in the Fieldstone Grotto. It was the first time I ever experienced swimming in the midst of snow flurries. Coo, wha' a sight!
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| Outdoor Hot Tub - Ste. Anne's Spa |
When we weren't busy devouring delicious and healthy foods (see more photos below), swimming in below freezing temperatures or resting in our beautifully appointed room, we could be found lounging in one of the many quiet rooms to be found in the main building. Each room had ample seating, games, puzzles, books, fireplaces and more, making for a truly enjoyable experience. The spa waiting room also offered fresh self-serve coffee, tea, granola and biscotti.
For our spa treatments, my husband chose an express facial and I relished in an incredibly soothing Chakra balancing massage. Was it ever amazing!
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| Spa treatment room - Ste. Anne's Spa |
The service at Ste. Anne's Spa was wonderful and I couldn't be more impressed with the constant maintenance of the locker rooms. Each time I entered the room, staff members were busily re-stocking with fresh towels and ensuring that the room was pristine. Within the locker room, there were programmable lockers to securely store your belongings, a dry cedar sauna, steam room, a colour therapy hot tub, change rooms, rain showers, washrooms, full-body mirrors and sinks with ample counter space. Forgot your bathing suit? You can borrow a clean spare from the basket in the locker room.
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| Ste. Anne's Spa - rain showers and change rooms |
While an overnight getaway at Ste. Anne's Spa can set you back $299 - $515 per person based on double occupancy, it is undeniably worth the drive to Grafton. Keep in mind that the rate includes four-diamond accommodation, a 4-course dinner, breakfast, a 3-course lunch, afternoon tea, use of Ste. Anne's signature robe, a reusable spa bag and slippers, $120 spa & wellness allowance and complete use of the facilities. My husband and I both agree that a return visit is in order, we loved it so much. With over 400 acres of scenic countryside, walking trails and an outdoor pool, I definitely want to return in the summer. Oh, honey! Our 10-year anniversary is coming up in July...
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| The archway - Ste. Anne's Spa |
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| The dining room - Ste. Anne's Spa |
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| Breakfast buffet - Ste. Anne's Spa |
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| Tomato spinach goat cheese salad - Ste. Anne's Spa |
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| Dessert! - Ste. Anne's Spa |
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| Spa waiting room - Ste. Anne's Spa |
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| Self-serve coffee and tea station - Ste. Anne's Spa |
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| Biscotti from the bakery - Ste. Anne's Spa |
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| Thank you, Ste. Anne's Spa! |
Pssst! Did you miss out on the chance to win a Spa Getaway for Two here on Toronto Teacher Mom? Fret not. My friend over at A Mother World is giveaway an amazing spa package at Ste. Anne's Spa. But hurry! It ends in a few days.
Disclosure: My husband and I received a complimentary weekend stay at Ste. Anne's Spa to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own
20 COMMENTS
This place sounds blissful! I would love to go with my partner for our anniversary this year! Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteHad I known how rejuvenating it would be, I would have gone years ago!
DeleteThanks for the mention! It was such a lovely time there.
ReplyDeleteNo problem! It was so nice seeing you there. Let's make it a repeat!
DeleteIt's on my list of places to go!
ReplyDeleteI hear it's expensive but worth it.
This place sounds amazing! A perfect little getaway for much needed relaxing!
ReplyDeleteWOW this place is absolutely GORGEOUS! I would want to live there never mind just going to stay for a day!
ReplyDeleteOMIGOODNESS! Fabulous! This looks amazing, and your photos have me pining away for a visit to this gorgeous place.
ReplyDeleteI was just swinging by to check out your site (actually found you from #UBP14), and got sucked into your "travel" section. Great post, I'm headed over now to read some more. :)
Wow, It looks amazing there !!! that hot tub is calling my name haha
ReplyDeletelooks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be at St. Anne's right now!
ReplyDeleteI live in grafton, but spa way out of my price range
ReplyDeleteWOW! This place looks AMAZING! Its so luxurious and relaxing! Will def check it out if ever in Grafton
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to go here forever. It looks so relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI just showed this to my boyfriend. He says one day I will get to go for a weekend. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThis place looks so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteomg this looks just so wonderful
ReplyDeletethis looks like a fabulous place to visit, unfortunately I am scent sensitive and would develop a migraine minutes after entering
ReplyDeletelooks like an amazing place , wish i was closer i would def go there , thanks for sharing :) Treen Goodwin Rafflecopter name :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like an amazing spa place.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to leave a comment here on Toronto Teacher Mom. Hope you have a great day!