Anyone else feel like you need to charge your batteries? For many of us, 2017 has been a nutty year, what with so much going on throughout our city and across the country. It can be hard to keep up!
Hubby and I were craving a little getaway, so last weekend we packed an overnight bag and headed to Strathmere.
I'd been to Strathmere in the past for weddings and corporate retreats, but I openly admit that until they invited us for a stay, I had no idea they had guest suites on site. Well boy oh boy, that was just the beginning.
Here's a cheat sheet for the amenities that await you at this gorgeous slice of countryside:
spacious guest suites
a full-service spa
yoga classes
10k of hiking trails
two hot tubs
a pool
a camp fire pit
a restaurant and café
some of the kindest staff you'll ever meet
I mean, get a load of the spa:
Strathmere seriously knocked our socks off.
From the moment we entered our spacious suite, we knew this place was special. Just a quick 30-minute drive from the concrete jungle of downtown, we felt like we were worlds away.
Our suite had a king bed, a dining area, sitting area, kitchenette, private patio, and spacious bath with tub and shower. Everything we could possibly need, even a fridge! And check out the views from our patio:
the retreat
Just a quick walk down the path brought us to The Retreat, Strathmere's hub of wellness services. This is where you'll find their spa, café, yoga classes, and hot tubs. It's an 18+ area which truly adds to the restful atmosphere.
the spa
Hubby and I headed upstairs to the spa to unwind. I indulged in a blissful Retreat Facial and I added on an eye treatment (go big or go home, right?). Strathmere's spa uses Éminence Organics, one of my favourite brands. Their gentle, natural formulas will work for just about anyone! Hubby enjoyed a Manly Pedi, which included buffing, massage, a mineral scrub, and a treatment mask for the feet.
The spa also offers a sizeable manicure station (they work with both normal polish and CND Shellac), as well as massage, waxing, brow and lash tinting, and full makeup applications. They have packages too, like a mani, pedi, bubbly, and chocolate-dipped strawberries for $112!
the retreat café
This is so much more than a café. The Retreat Café is a full service restaurant open from 8am til 10pm, serving everything from a great latte, to a post-yoga smoothie, to brunch, lunch, dinner, and snacks. And hubby and I tried pretty much all they had to offer.
The staff was absolutely charming, their patio was beautiful, and smart folks that they are, they even licensed the nearby campfire area. After we'd placed our orders for dinner, they invited us to take enjoy our glasses of wine by the fire while the culinary team worked on our meals. I MEAN REALLY.
Brunch the next morning did not disappoint, and they spoiled us with excellent lattes, strawberry rhubarb Belgian waffles, and a drool-worthy croque madame. All the fuel we needed to hit the hiking trails!
Any visit to Strathmere grants you access to their 10 kilometres of private hiking trails, and you can choose from 1k, 2k, or 4k loops. There's even a hidden picnic spot along the way and they'll pack a lunch for you to bring along! I'd rate their trails as beginner level: you'll be totally fine in your usual sneakers and there's no tough terrain.
I stopped along the way for a stretch:
5 fave things about strathmere
Welcoming, come-as-you-are attitude. Showing up in your sweats or stretch pants is A-OK!
There's an executive chef AND a master gardener, with ingredients from the neighbouring fields.
Affordable wines! The entire wine list hails from Ontario and there isn't a bottle over $35.
The spa: my facial with Anna was otherworldly with lots of massage. I almost fell asleep!
The great outdoors: at Strathmere, everywhere you look you're surrounded by nature.
win a $300 getaway at strathmere!
I loved Strathmere so much that I wanna send you there too! One lucky reader and their guest will experience Strathmere's Rest & Relax package worth $300. Here's what it includes:
Cozy overnight guest room
$50 Credit for The Retreat Café
Use of amenities: 2 outdoor hot tubs, nature trails, camp fire pit, and outdoor pool
Robe and locker rental
And you can add to your stay with spa services or yoga classes!
Sounds pretty darn great, eh? Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below! All entries are optional and the more you do, the better your chances of winning. Contest closes Sunday June 25 at 11:59pm EDT.
You don't need to be local to enter but you do need to be able to travel to Strathmere (just south of Ottawa) to enjoy your prize. Good luck!
