Christie's Mill Inn & Spa

Ontario provides such a stunning array of varied landscapes that lends itself perfectly to those seeking a romantic getaway. Regardless of the season, there is a charm when visiting Ontario Resorts that is unmatchable. Scattered throughout the province these hidden treasures provide serenity and a mysticism that will help your love blossom. Resorts of Ontario offers 100 unique resort hotels, lodges, cottages and inns, each with their own unique qualities. From sunrise to sunset, our goal is to make every moment of your stay worth sharing with your loved one to create lasting memories and romance that will carry on past your vacation.

Our resorts are the ideal location for a picture perfect wedding. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by lush and beautiful forests or overlooking a calm lake. Your guests will love sharing in the scenic ceremony and reception as much as you. They will thank you for providing them the perfect reason for their own romantic escapes.

Couples Massage at The Pillar and Post at Niagara on the Lake

When you stay at an Ontario Resort, you control the days events. So whether you’re the type that wants to go for a morning stroll with coffee in hand to watch the sunrise across the lake or if you prefer to sleep in and have breakfast in bed; we work with you to make sure your day starts off right.

After any vacation, people always talk about the food. Our resorts recognize the importance of providing exceptional meals. It’s not often that people can feel pampered when dining but that is what you can expect from these culinary teams. Each course is prepared to the highest quality. The aromas from the kitchen will cause your mouth to water. The visual presentation is a photographic delight and the flavours are to die for.

What could be more romantic than treating yourselves to a couples massage, letting your muscles loosen while soaking in a hot tub and detoxifying in the sauna. Of course that is just a taste of the treatments and relaxing experiences available through our resort spas and you can add to and customize your relaxation with things like a mud wrap, facial, manicures and pedicures.

As your day winds down, pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy the silence of the surrounding nature in each others arms. One those cooler nights, a crackling fire adds to the perfect ambiance of your romantic getaway. Next time the two of you need to getaway, come on up to our place and visit www.resortsofontario.com to find your perfect romantic retreat.

It’s no surprise to us that some of our resorts took this honour but if you aren’t familiar with the terrific resorting experiences Ontario has to offer, we encourage you to come on up to our place for your next getaway. With activities like a year round indoor hockey rink at Nottawasaga, fantastic activities like skiing and the new Ridge Runner roller coaster at Blue Mountain and the ever fun water park at Great Wolf Lodge; you’ll leave with new memories as a reminder of the fun you can have when you visit an Ontario Resort.

The first weekend of November is behind us and what a great start to November it was. It was nothing but sunshine and mild fall temperatures in Resort Country. Over the last few years, I have noticed a trend where we see most of October being wet and cool (with the exception of Thanksgiving weekend,) but come November, the temperature starts to climb back up. That trend looks to be continuing again for 2011 which means there is still time for you to getaway and enjoy some fall activities in Ontario’s beautiful natural landscapes.

By now most of the leaves have fallen meaning there is an increased opportunity to see and photograph wildlife in their natural habitat. Moose and deer are on the move as they start their fall rut. Bears are busily searching for food as they bulk up for winter. Birds are starting their migration. Fall fishing is raved about as well.

There is a lot to be said for hiking in the fall. While you have likely missed the fall colour change, there is still reason to get out. The smells and sounds of fall are ever-present come November. The soft crunching feel and sound of the drying leaves are unmistakable and if you are patient enough, you might actually hear and see animals approaching. As the cool weather sets in, there is also a calming stillness in the fall air.

Fall mornings are especially tranquil when you wake up to see the morning fog rolling around the lakes. Combine that with a cup of coffee or tea and the sound of a loon calling and you are starting your day off the right way. Then once your day unwinds, take in the spectacular pastels of colour across the sky and reflected on the water as the sun begins to set.

This coming weekend, November 11-13, Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville is featuring Jann Arden as part of a girlfriends getaway package. Click here for all the details and to book your getaway package.

On November 19th, Pinestone Resort in Haliburton is hosting a Superstars Tribute live show beginning at 7:30 pm. Overnight packages start at $259 per couple which includes 2 tickets for the show and dinner buffet. Phone 705-457-1800 for more information.

For something even more laid back and relaxing, check out the “Spa Your Way” package from Pillar and Post in Niagara on the Lake from $195 pp. which gives you a $100 spa credit that you can use to alleviate all your pre holiday stress.

View our monthly newsletter for even more great fall packages and sign up to receive specials emailed to you directly.

• Relaxing and comfortable accommodations with options for solo travelers or large family groups.
• Fantastic Golf: Pinestone Resort is offering a fantastic special of 2 for 1 golf on Tuesdays. This is a great opportunity to challenge your game on their par 71, 6,204 yard course designed by Jack Davidson.
• Full conference facilities. With 10 meeting rooms, they can easily accommodate groups from 10 – 250 people making it a great place for you to hold your next wedding or conference.
• Dining at Heatherwood Restaurant. This beautiful restaurant was designed with true north decor and provides fantastic views of stunning sunsets. Heatherwood Restaurant a very sought after restaurant in Haliburton so be sure to make a reservation.
• And now they add the new spa with an assortment of treatments that will leave any guest feeling completely rejuvenated.

Of course, if you are going to Haliburton, the town is beautiful, it is a short drive to Algonquin Park, and there are many beautiful lakes in the area. Haliburton is also a terrific spot to see the fall colour change in all it’s glory.

A stay at Cobble Beach’s Inn offers 10 fantastic suites, the raved about links style course, year round activities including winter fun such as snowshoeing, cross-country, dog sledding and of course for downhill enthusiasts Blue Mountain is only an hour away. When you aren’t golfing in the summer, take some time to relax at the spa, or do some exploring and head up to Tobermory and experience Bruce Peninsula National Park. (I recently visited the park and The Grotto is a must see in Canada!) Cobble Beach also offers perfect facilities to host your next meeting and a romantic location to have a wedding.

On Friday August 26th, Cobble Beach is pleased to welcome world-class celebrity Chef Mark McEwan. Working with Cobble Beach’s executive Chef Tim Johnston, Chef McEwan looks to craft a menu inspired by his summer cottage favourites. Anyone who wants to enjoy world-class cuisine would not want to miss this. This event starts at 6 p.m. with Chef McEwan doing signings of his newest cook book – Good Food at Home. Following that, there will be a cooking demo and dinner at 7. This is a great chance for you to come out and meet a very talented chef and taste his creations. Tickets are only $99 and can be ordered from Greg Gutowski, Clubhouse manager by calling 1-888-278-8112.

Resorts of Ontario is very pleased to welcome Cobble Beach to our membership. This is a beautiful resort in a stunning location that offers unique experiences for all past, present and future guests. To view a complete listing of all our amazing resorts visit www.resortsofontario.com.

While the next season may still be several weeks away there are some great benefits to it.

• Bugs tend to be less active. Not sure about others but at my place, the deer flies were bigger and meaner than ever this summer and it seems their season is coming to an end. I think the hot, dry July also did it’s part to lower the mosquito population… I am happy to say I have only had 1 bite in over a week and I live in a very low-lying, swamping area.
• The beautiful colours on the trees. Our most northern resorts typically start seeing the colour changes around the middle of September, Algonquin usually starts changing the last week of September and with the Kawarthas and Eastern Ontario getting colour peaks into October.
• Wildlife viewing and hearing. Have you ever heard a moose during the rutting season? A loon call during a fall morning canoe ride? A wolf howling? Once labour day passes, resort country tends to be quieter allowing for opportunities to hear the natural surroundings. And as the leaves drop, the forest is more exposed allowing for more viewing opportunities.
• The smell. Fall has that unique smell (caused by decomposing leaves and plants,) but combined with the cooler air it provides a fresh scent.
• Fishing. With fewer people out on the lakes, that means less pressure on the fish meaning more opportunities to catch the big one. The less boat traffic also makes casting more enjoyable without the constant up and down motion.
• Hikes become even more enjoyable. It is a lot easier to hike in the fall when you aren’t drenched in sweat from the extremely hot humid days. Again because of fewer people traveling to get away, the trails are less busy providing more wildlife viewing possibilities.

While the summer has been great, with lots of fun had; the fall season opens up new opportunities. With summer’s end unofficially only 4 weekends away it might be time to start planning your great fall escape. We are here to help; give us a call, visit our website or send us an email.

Of course, at Golden Beach, adults can also cool off while swimming the days away in their outdoor pool. You can grab a rod and head out fishing for some of the monster bass that call Rice Lake home. You can add some activity to your day, by also going for a hike, grab the horseshoes for a tournament, play a round of tennis and much more. There is still some limited availability this summer so give them a call while the temperature is hot.

Chef Rory Golden was on hand to show some of his culinary creations preparing a delicious looking arctic char with a maple sauce. Deerhurst produces their own maple syrup from their 800 maple trees on site. In addition they grow their own herbs and spices as well as having bee hives for honey.

New at Deerhurst is the one the lake water park ”Splash Zone,” which is the perfect way to cool off. They also have the adventure activities on site such as hummer tours through the beautiful Muskoka landscape. In the winter there is skiing, snowmobiling, golfing on one of their two courses etc. Of course there are also the relaxing activities such as the spa treatments available through Deerhurst Shizen Spa.

Deerhurst is a beautiful all season resort and we encourage you to come on up to experience all the Deerhurst and Muskoka has to offer.

Part 1 http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/1065547769001.000000/deerhurst-resort-pt1of2/

Part 2 http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/1065628630001.000000/deerhurst-resort-pt2of2/

While there, Jenn also got to experience first hand the fantastic artistic abilities of Gertrude Sorenson. Gertrude started the resort in 1967 as what was then known as the Bear Trail Inn. Guests at the resorts can view Gertrude’s work in her art studio located on site. She also takes the time to teach painting.

Of course at Couples Resort, you can spend the day relaxing in the beautiful accommodations complete with the jacuzzi tubs and many that have private outdoor hot tubs as well. The food is phenomenal and you never have to leave your room as you can have your meals provided by room service.

To view the clips of Couples Resort click these links:

Part 1 http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/1063866317001.000000/couples-resort-pt1of3/

Part 2 http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/1063861565001.000000/couples-resort-pt2of3/

Part 3 http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/1063885864001.000000/couples-resort-pt3of3/