Winter weekend escapes from the city can provide sweet relief from the hustle and bustle, and recharge your batteries to get you through the long, hard season. If a relaxing weekend away cozied up by a fire enjoying great wine and food sounds like a dream, then these relaxing spots, most outside of the GTA, are perfect for you.
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka
In just a two-hour drive you could be enjoying an upscale, modern chateau. This resort offers Italian dining, a spa, a lakeside lounge and classy accommodations. The cozy rooms come with fireplaces, and you’ll have access to plenty of other amenities too. The Muskoka area tends to slow down during cold season, so if you’re looking for a low-key getaway, winter is the time to escape.
Drake Devonshire
If a lakefront stay in a 19th Century boutique hotel with great food and wine sounds like your scene, the Drake Devonshire is where you’ll want to head this winter. The Devonshire is located amongst Prince Edward County’s wineries, so you can enjoy a tasting or two. The Drake’s hip restaurant also offers great eats. Things tend to slow down here in the winter too, so you can count on a relaxing stay.
Langdon Hall
Langdon Hall is perfect for a low-key relaxing weekend, and especially if you’re looking for something romantic. Their intimate gourmet dining, wine tasting and cooking demos will keep your taste buds satisfied and the tranquil spa will make sure your stay is relaxing.
Millcroft Inn
Get cozy in the country. This elegant little resort in Caledon offers accommodations in a mill and manor house. All suites come with a Jacuzzi tub and a fireplace. Take a dip in the hot springs surrounded by waterfalls, or take advantage of their top-notch spa treatments. Your weekend escape is just a short 30-minute drive away from Brampton.
The Briars
Enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Simcoe from your cozy 1840s era room. The resort has tons of activities to enjoy including, ice skating, cross-country skiing and winter hikes. Once you’re done outside enjoy some delicious food. They have both fine dining and casual eating options to choose from. The Briars is one of the closer resorts to the GTA, so in just an hour and a half drive you’ll be enjoying your weekend away.
Algonquin Eco-Resort
This resort is perfect for the environmentally-conscious person looking for a nature-based weekend escape. Surrounded by wilderness in Algonquin park, Eco-Lodge is powered by 100% micro-hydro electricity from a local waterfall. The resort has one of the largest trail systems in Ontario and it’s perfect for cross county skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. This resort offers seclusion in spades: it’ll be just you, the trails and a fresh bed of snow.
Viamede
Nestled in a forest alongside Stoney Lake, Viamede boasts an upscale experience for relaxation and adventure. Enjoy one of their private forest trails, or a relaxing afternoon lounging at the indoor pool and sauna overlooking the lake. Food and drink won’t be an issue here; Viamede has three restaurants that offer farm-to-table fare and their wine cellar is fully stocked with over 100 select wines. Foodies will definitely enjoy their five, seven and nine-course gourmet tasting menus.
