5 Relaxing Wellness Staycations to Find Your Bliss

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.

This year you can staycation and save up to $400 per couple with the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit, (which will surely make your shoulders feel a little less tense). After such a momentous year, 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 staycations and let the pressures and worries of today’s crazy world drift away.

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.

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.

Tea for Two, Two for Tea at Grey Gables Inn

Steep yourself in some blissful relaxation and pampering at Grey Gables Inn & Spa, a historic inn located in the heart of Pembroke. Schedule a relaxing massage at the spa before heading out on the town for some shopping downtown, then end the day with a chef-prepared meal at the on-site restaurant.

Where to Eat: If you need to take a break while you shop, The Courtyard Bistro in downtown Pembroke has a hidden patio tucked away in back that will make you feel like you are in a magical tropical paradise. You will also love an old fashioned afternoon tea in the Tea Room right at the inn.
What to Do: Challenge your yoga skills with a SUP yoga class  on the Ottawa River with AWE Yoga and see if your inner calm translates into increased balance.

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.

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  (MKC) on July 30 to August 1 or Sept. 17 to 19 in 2022 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 rejuvenation getaway package includes your accommodation along with champagne and chocolates, a chef-prepared dinner, breakfast and a $90 spa voucher per person.

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