Jennifer Hunter

In July of 2009, I was fortunate enough to be a Diva for a Day and experience the luxury of Ste. Anne’s Spa!

Arriving in Cobourg on VIA Rail bright and early,we were transferred by a stretch Limo to the spa in Grafton about 15 minutes away. Upon arrival at the Inn, all of your needs are taken care of. You are met by friendly staff in a spacious reception area with fireplaces and plush sofas and are quickly checked in and given your itinerary for the day which outlines your times for chosen spa treatments, wellness classes and meals. As we were not spending the night, we received keys to lockers to keep our belongings in, and given cozy robes to change into. Cell phone and blackberry use is strongly discouraged while at the spa and there are signs posted to advise you of this. The serene environment is so evident from the minute you step into the reception area; you would actually feel guilty pulling out your cell phone or blackberry for risk of ruining the mood.

After a quick guided tour of the many amenities at Ste. Anne’s you are free to enjoy the facilities at your leisure. The property consist of the Main inn (which is part original fieldstone castle and a new wing which compliments the older part nicely and houses 15 guest rooms, spa facilities, and dining facilities), Sentosa (private and perfect for group or corporate functions yet close to the main facilities), Innkeepers (private Victorian farmhouse where a chef will even come and cook private meals for you), Haldimand (a beautifully renovated old school house), Farmhouse and Gables (located down a scenic path past the beautiful gardens), Birdsong (the former home of the original owners), and Dollshouse (self contained cottage 50 feet from the main inn). Standard, Deluxe and Superior accommodations are offered.

It is from the pool looking north do you get the best view of the Inn and its extensive gardens. From one of the cozy Muskoka chairs looking south, you see nothing but country fields and in the far distance Lake Ontario. As you plop yourself into one of the hammocks in a gazebo and open your book, you feel the stress of city life start to fad.

After a quick dip in the pool and nap on a lounger on the lawn, it was lunch time. Healthy but filling lunch options are presented along with dessert. You have the option of eating indoors or out on the patio overlooking the front lawn and gardens. After lunch I was off to the waiting area (beautiful sunny living area with plush sofas, huge windows, teas, coffees, chocolates) to meet my therapist for my heavenly Pure Aroma Message treatment. After that, a few minutes in the Eucalyptus Steam room was in order. Wellness classes at the spa include Yoga, Hikes and Meditation.

Afternoon tea at the Spa is another meal in itself with a buffet of delicious sandwiches and other treats. The selection of teas is marvelous.

The Inn does not sell alcohol but guest are welcome to bring a bottle of wine to dinner with them or to enjoy in their room.

I ended my visit to Ste. Anne’s with a quiet drive back to the train station, completely at peace and dreaming of my next visit.

Call or email me to learn more!