Grafton, Ontario, Canada-

Okay so we have visited many day spas and resorts, but when we read an email about an experience that is just tough to find in the States, we ventured north of the border to a little town called Grafton, Ontario, Canada, and what we found is a step back in time, where cell phones and computers are of no use, but the art of relaxation is! Ste. Annes Spa, which gives new meaning to a destination spa gives its guests an experience they will want to tell all of their friends and family about, we sure did..

Set back two miles from highway 401, you really will wonder where you have ventured to when you arrive. Their goal is to have you escape the everyday life and feel the real art of relaxation through spa services and excellent dining. The historic castle-like estate is part of 500 rolling acres that on the most perfect day will have you looking at amazing views of Lake Ontario that you just will not find anywhere.

When you arrive the attentive staff will greet you and give you a short itinerary of what you can expect during your stay. Followed by a 15 minute tour of the property, you will be ready to check into their splendid rooms, which are just like a high end Bed and Breakfast and then you will also be ready for your services. The best thing about Ste Anne’s is that the spa experience stays with you as your go from services to dinner in the same robe you have been relaxing in all day…. Not a bad way to spend an entire day…

The outdoor courtyard area is a great way to enjoy lunch and with the walking trails and the gazebos and hammocks surrounding the rear of the property there is something for everyone at every time of the day.

Before you start your services, you will have the opportunity to relax in their waiting area, which is lined with couches and chairs that made it feel like colonial living. It was similar to relaxing in my own living room rather than the regular bustle of some spas. Sit back and relax… fall asleep if you must….it will be just that easy.

One of the spa treatments available is a relaxation massage outside in one of the gazebos. It was very private and totally relaxing with the soft summer breeze and only the sound of the birds and rustling leaves. The Swedish Massage and the Deep Tissue massage are some of the best services offered. Try the 1 and ½ hour massage.You will not want to leave when your therapist is done.

Anyone who stays at Ste. Annes and does not spend a portion of their day in the Eucalyptus Steam room and outside in the grotto is missing the best part of the spa experience. This is a must do. We spent a good portion of our afternoon after services between the steam room and the grotto. The grotto area is very small which makes it as about as intimate as the entire property.

After your services, step into the award winning Four Diamond dining room. The menu headed up by award winning Executive Chef Christopher Ennew was creative, the serving sizes appropriate, the food superb and the service excellent. Would you believe that they have soufflé on the dessert menu every evening!

The lunch menu offered very health conscious options and a full salad bar. The wheat flatbread pizza is simply amazing and all of the ingredients just ooze freshness. The staff was all very gracious, courteous and friendly, putting you at ease from the first minute until we regretfully had to leave to go back to reality.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we finally made it back to the East Suite. Part of 15 rooms within the Main Inn that features private bathrooms and fireplaces, the East Suite is unique in its own as it was built as wedding chapel in the 1940’s for the original owners of the property. Not sure we have ever slept in a church before, but there is a first for everything.

Each one of the suites has its on identity and unique décor and again no modern amenities like televisions or phones, they do their best to keep you away from any disruptions.

So whether you have a large group or just want a weekend to escape what we call everyday life, St Annes has something for everyone. We really like the Stress Express Day Spa package they offer. It includes round trip transportation on VIA Rail from Toronto, lunch, afternoon tea, $100 spa allowance and your choice of one group wellness class. Talk about whisking away for the day, St. Annes will make it happen.

After two days at St. Annes, it was tough to leave.. This is one of those places you wish you could call your own… spa services.. maid services and a four diamond experience all around just don’t come everyday… This is a place you will cherish each and every minute relaxing at St. Annes at the end you will know is money well spent, so much your body will tell you so.

Ste. Annes Spa is located at

RR1 Grafton, Ontario, Canada
K0K 2G0
Reservations can be made by calling 888 346-6772