When you’re planning your next getaway with friends and/or family, you want it to be an epic experience, where nothing has been left on the table in terms of originality. Think themed adventures (like murder mystery or whodunnits), corporate retreats that staff will love instead of dread, intimate group getaways or memorable family gatherings with enough space to avoid that one member who drives you crazy (you know who we’re talking about).
Live like the rich and famous (for a few days at least) and have a group adventure to remember at one of these fabulous retreats.
Almonte Old Mill Manor
Having the run of this historic manor for a weekend or longer is the perfect setting for a girls’ weekend or family getaway. With six rooms and sleeping up to 12 guests in a lovingly restored historic stone building this accommodation has it all: an on-site heated salt-water pool and hot tub, complimentary kayaks, canoes, SUPs, and fishing roads, and if you love to golf, the Mississippi Golf Club is just a short walk away. Bring the whole family or just the girls and giggle the night away in front of a roaring fire while lounging on a four-poster bed.
The manor is just a short drive from two shopping destinations – Almonte and Carleton Place. Dine at the manor with a catered three-course meal served in their elegant dining room.
The Bear Stand
Bring luxury to a whole new level with a stay at the architecturally designed The Bear Stand in Haliburton Highlands. This 3,400 square-foot four-bedroom retreat is set on a 99-acre property on Contau Lake, offering the best in Scandinavian-esque style to create a sumptuous yet minimalist and unforgettable experience.
Explore the two-and-a-half kilometres of private trails, relax in the Japanese wooden soaking tub, enjoy the Finish sauna, or lounge in front of the floor to ceiling windows in the living room and contemplate the beauty of nature.
Nevis Estate
Steep yourself in history in this historic building in the heart of Perth. With six rooms sleeping up to 12 people, Nevis Estate is ideal for a girls getaway, bachelor/bachelorette, or family retreat. It’s also within walking distance of downtown Perth, with loads of boutique shops for everyone to shop their hearts out during the day, then relax by the outdoor pool in the afternoon.
Don’t worry about your breakfast when staying here, it’s included! At the end of a day exploring Perth, check out the on-site lobby bar for a cocktail (or two), or stop in at 1827 Wine & Cheese Lounge for a glass of wine and charcuterie plate.
Lehlewa Lakeside Retreat
Pronounced ‘lay-lay-wa” in honour of Sharbot Lake Algonquin First Nation, this lakeside has more than enough room for larger families or gatherings, with three accommodations to collectively accommodate 12 guests. The accommodations include a five-bedroom cottage with a wood-burning fireplace, and two beautifully appointed two-bedroom cottage/cabins for overflow.
Nestled on the shores of beautiful Sharbot Lake, you won’t run out of experiences for everyone to enjoy here. You will be minutes from Sharbot Lake Provincial Park, and within a short distance of craft brews at Kick & Push Brewery or excellent dining at Belong Sharbot Lake.
The Haliburton Post House
Book a corporate retreat everyone will love at The Post House in Minden. As an exclusive-use, year-round private retreat, guests will have the exclusive use of the entire retreat for up to 32 guests in 16 bedrooms, not to mention a private chef for sumptuous dining. Their meeting room, aptly named the "Great Room" is perfect for meetings to get down to business or brainstorm for an amazing future.
The Post House also books individual getaways, so you can host a wedding or group retreat, and then come back again later without booking the entire accommodation.
Myers Cave Resort
With a historic lodge boasting seven bedrooms, plus five cottages sleeping between two and six people, and an adjacent suite, Myers Cave Resort is the perfect place for large groups to come together without anyone having to sleep on the sofa bed. Book the whole resort and wander their five acres of land that includes a beach and turbulent rapids. This is your ideal team building resort, complete with a tailor made experience for your group.
For family reunions or weddings, the on-site heated swimming pool, hot tub, and pristine private beach means plenty of opportunities for some down-time and to keep little ones occupied. Use one of the complimentary canoes or kayaks to explore beautiful Marble Lake, or maybe do some fishing.