Inspirational and Transformative: A Wellness Escape at Dimensions Retreats

Shutting off isn’t my strong suit. I am a “go” person who is constantly burning myself out and living in the chaos of the day-to-day. So when I had the opportunity to stay at Dimensions Retreats and escape the daily storm, I took it and it was the best thing I could have hoped for.

From the first email I received, I knew this was going to be a wellness retreat unlike any other. They are so detail oriented to make sure you don’t have to be. You are asked your preferences about food, the temperature of your room and what kind of beverages you want in your room as well - from there, it’s time for you to let go.

When I arrived I was greeted by smiling faces ready to help me with orientation and taking my luggage to my cabin. Entering the cabin I was in awe. The view of the lake through the huge windows was the best beginning to unplug. The bathroom was so calming and gorgeously designed. I loved the essential oil bath salts that accompanied my bath once I got the chance to use it. The shower had great pressure and the lighting throughout helped to melt into the whole experience.

The beds were so comfortable! The pillows were the perfect firmness and coziness, the sheets were soft and the mattress wasn’t too soft or too firm. 

The food by Chef Miriam was incredible! It was fresh, creative and delicious. We brought snacks because we were unsure of how much we’d get between meals, but between the snacks in the reception area and the meals, we didn’t need any of our own food. We also got to enjoy Nectr drinks, a local company and lots of amazing Ontario tea and coffee.

The numerous activities we participated in were so relaxing and helped us connect with ourselves and with nature. My favourites were definitely the sound bath and the float tank… maybe even the freezing cold plunge into the lake actually.

I thought I was going to be so nervous going into the float tank and closing the lid but I told myself that I was going to go all in to every experience. It was so odd just floating there and I kept feeling like I had to hold myself up so I let out a big breath and just went with it. Floating around with nothing to do, not even to hold your body up is so relaxing. You wear earplugs, have calm music, and it’s completely dark (if you want) so you really can just let go.

The cold plunge was something completely different. You had to go into it knowing you were making this choice and that you were safe. We practiced calming breaths before we went in and Vanessa lead us through with so much reassurance. It was because of her that I could plunge into the freezing ice hole in the lake and last for two minutes. When we got out we had a huge energy rush and then felt very calm and happy for the rest of the day.

The sound bath at night was the best way to wind down. It was so nice to lay in the dome, covered in blankets and an eye mask and let the sounds ease you into a meditative state. This was probably the most relaxing and effective activity for me. I went into my room after this and sat for an hour listening to more calming music and just being still. I never do that and never even feel like I want to do that but I am going to change my ways because of it. Doing nothing and feeling that calm is such a beautiful way to end the day.

The photography meditation walks were awesome. Of course I always have a camera in my hand and I am always walking around, but how often to I stop to listen and feel every sensation. Definitely not often enough, because I started to appreciate even the smallest sound, like a stick breaking beneath my feet. Taking in every sense helped my system to regulate.

Dimensions was the ultimate relaxation and comfort and I couldn’t be more thankful for every person who made that retreat what it was. I hope to add visits here into my life a lot more often.