If you’ve been following along, you guys know how much I love experiences for celebrations. Roy and I don’t usually get each other gifts for birthdays or holidays, but we usually will go on a little weekend getaway or try some sort of experience together. However, since we’ve had Miles, we haven’t yet gone away together – just the two of us. This year, after over a year of raising a kid, we finally had the chance to enjoy my birthday at Ste. Anne’s Spa! I’ve been dying to go to this place for ages and we felt so grateful for our babysitters (grandma and grandpa), and fortunate to take the time for some R&R and self-care!
We left Saturday morning and drove about an hour and a half to Ste Anne’s Spa where we would stay overnight. We left Sunday evening feeling like it was just enough time to experience everything we wanted to!
First, we checked into our room for the weekend at the Eagle’s Nest cottage. Ste. Anne’s has a few different accommodation types: rooms in their Main Inn and rooms in cottages that are a little drive from the Main Inn. Although, we had to drive about 5 minutes or so to our room, it was far more private than the Main Inn accommodations. They do have a shuttle service that will pick you up and drop you off as you request so if you’re not fond of the driving, that’s a option too! In the summer, you might enjoy the walk but not so much in the winter! We only used this service to and from dinner because we didn’t want to worry about driving after a few drinks (or many in our case)!
We started off our day with a Gentle Yoga class. It is truly a gentle practice of yoga focusing more on relaxation, breathing and stretching. For a girl who enjoys her quiet time, it was a great way to get my mind into unplug mode for the weekend.
After, we changed into our robes and swimsuits and headed over to check out some of the amenities. We decided to relax in the massage chair/quiet room where we took our time to enjoy a little chair massage and the view the winter frost! The robes provided by the spa is almost like a uniform that everyone wears all day, and everywhere. I only changed into clothes for dinner time and that was because it was after spending the entire day using the all the facilities.
Around mid-afternoon, we headed over to the dining area in our robes (obviously), and enjoyed Afternoon Tea. There’s one thing I have to mention about the food. As part of the day/overnight package, you have included 3- or 4-course meals, but you can always order more! Although portions are generous and options are abundant, you can try something you’ve had your eyes on or ask for an extra serving if you’re feeling extra hungry! There are also snacks, coffee and tea stations around the facilities to help keep your belly happy between meals!
Then, we had some time before dinner and decided to check out the Eucalyptus Steam Room, the outdoor hot tub, cold plunge and lap pool (warm water). Although not something I wanted to do, Roy convinced me to try the cold plunge and then the hot tub and it was surprisingly refreshing and energizing. I should add that this area is pretty small. Sunday was much busier than Saturday so we found ourselves getting a bit cozy and friendly with strangers more so that day. They are however expanding so hopefully we can enjoy the hydrotherapy pools the next time we go!
Dinner was our favourite meal here. If it’s on the menu order the duck. It’s ridiculously delicious! I should also note that Ste Anne’s doesn’t have a liquor license but don’t worry, you can BYOB! In fact, we brought over two bottles for dinner and nearly finished it all! We had the best time talking about everything – it almost felt like we were catching up! We spent over 2.5 hours at dinner and it was the perfect end to our spa day!
The next morning, we woke up naturally and not to the cry of a baby which was glorious! It was so refreshing and we quickly headed over to grab breakfast before enjoying the facilities again. There were a variety of breakfast options as well as endless coffee 🙂
We had booked a massage since the overnight and day package includes a credit of $120 towards a spa and wellness experience. I decided to try something I’ve never tried before and went for the Contouring Mud Wrap treatment. It was such a unique and relaxing experience! The treatment starts off with a hot stone massage and ends with a mud wrap. I left feeling like jello and soft like Miles’ butt!
We spent the rest of the day going through the amenities again and enjoying a final meal for lunch where we ordered an extra dessert to share! Before heading home, we also made sure to stop at the bakery. The dining area serves some their baked goodies there so if there’s anything you love, chances are they you can grab it for your car ride home. We made a little stop to make sure we grabbed some treats for Miles and his grandparents!
I honestly don’t have anything bad to say about this place. The staff were accommodating and genuine not only to us as “media” but I watched as they treated all their guests with care! Even when we asked for extra desserts or to switch our wet robes for new ones, they encouraged it! I truly forgot what it was like to take time for ourselves. We left feeling recharged and decided that weekend getaways might be difficult on a regular basis but date nights once a month is going to be a thing. Self-care is important in any form and we should make an effort to make time for it no matter how crazy busy our lives get. I’m so looking forward to visiting again soon…maybe this time in the summer when the grass is greener and the wildflowers grow!
Our schedule for the weekend:
*A special thanks to Ste Anne’s Spa for gifting us a special weekend away.
