14 JUN 2010: Living in a sprawling metropolis like Toronto or other large cities one must endure the noise, pollution, traffic jams and incessant ringing of cellphones.   It’s enough to send someone fleeing to the serenity and calm of the countryside.  Ste. Anne’s Spa, voted Canada’s Best Spa from 2006-2009 by SpaFinder Reader’s Choice awards, captures the best of a country and spa retreat.   This sanctuary is located less than 90 minutes east of Toronto in Grafton.

This spa visit was going to be different – my wife Heather was coming along.   As readers of this column know I’m a self-confessed spa addict.   My wife – a spa virgin.   

If you are going to introduce someone to the spa lifestyle why not start with one of the best in terms of setting, range of treatments, professionalism and relaxed atmosphere.  So after 25 years of marriage we decided to break new ground – visiting a spa together.

I knew Heather would fall in love with Ste. Anne’s with its 500 acres of woods, walking trails, and carpet of green grass set against a heritage stone inn.    Our late spring visit showcased Mother Nature’s floral display with an unobstructed view of Lake Ontario.   Ste. Anne’s has 15 individually appointed rooms in the main inn and 13 rooms in 6 cottages within walking distance.   The cottages are ideal for booking small groups.

Don the robe, lose the pretense

Each guest, whether they stay overnight or just the day, are given a warm and unpretentious welcome by bubbly reception staff.   They will answer any questions and make you feel at home whether it’s your first visit or your tenth.  Then you go off on a quick tour so you are familiar with all the facilities and activities.    

The Blue Room

We go to our room in the main inn, aptly named the Blue Room.  The powder blue colour permeates throughout – from the carpet in front of the bed, the Victorian style wallpaper design filled with idyllic country scenes to blue porcelain night lamps and blue chairs.  The fireplace however didn’t emit blue flames!  It’s not quite an TSN sports zone look but I did appreciate the World Heritage coffee table book with its spectacular images and the game of Scrabble (there are no TVs).  I scored lots of points in Scrabble but my smugness in winning didn’t help scoring later!

Let the Treatments Begin

One of the most difficult decisions to make when visiting Ste. Anne’s is what treatments to choose.   They offer everything from mud baths, aromatherapy, Thai massage, Reiki, reflexology, shiatsu, body masques and wraps, scrubs, facials, plus many signature and seasonal treatments.    All the treatments in their 25 treatment rooms feature the Aveda line of lifestyle products.

Heather and I both get facials – she had a Customized Facial where they determine what ingredients would be most suitable for your skin type.  I chose the Earth Stone Facial and Alicia was the one given the task to transform my tired looking face.

After choosing my oils tangerine and coconut, Alicia went to work beginning with a soothing foot soak and scrub.   My face was crying out for attention and Alicia began the multiple step process of cleanser, exfoliant, toner, eye cream, moisturizer, masque and balancing infusion.  Finishing off with a pleasurable scalp massage my face was now a clean, toned, moisturized machine.  

Heather thoroughly enjoyed her facial and found out useful information on what kind of products would best suit her skin type.   A sign of the professionalism is the esthetician provided advice on the best products for her skin – not just the product line they sell.       

A Fruit Infusion

I love fruit – eating it, smelling it and now having it part of a body treatment.   When reviewing the list of treatments my eyes immediately zeroed in on the 60 minute Citrus Sun Treatment.

Ashleigh, my therapist started the treatment with a foot soak then it was down to business.

Lying first on my back she applied a sweet and energy inducing mix of grapefruit and sugar and gave me a full body scrub and exfoliation.   My body never smelled so good – who needs Polo cologne when you have grapefruit and sugar.

Next I was led to an oversized bathtub filled with warm water and mixed with orange peel, skim milk and lemon juice.  How healthy is that!   One is so tempted to drink the water.

After rinsing off it was time to lay back and drift off as Ashleigh applied her talented hands on my needy body.    The aromatherapy massage was just the right tonic to get my body free of stress and the fruity aroma of my body made me feel healthier already.  

Stop snoring, I’m meditating

Besides treatments, Ste. Anne’s offers a full range of wellness related programmes and classes from yoga, stretching, bosu-stability ball, guided walks and meditation.  I chose to participate in a meditation class.   

Arlene, led the class of five ladies and I.    After lying down on mats and putting eye pillows in place, we focused on the melodic music in the background and Arline taking us on a soothing journey of body and mind relaxation.   Retreating ever deeper into a relaxation state the lady beside me took it a step beyond – she started snoring.   Of course all the ladies assumed it was me – the burden of being a guy in a spa.   

Food Therapy

Fresh, locally grown, and delectable dishes accompanied by many guests in bathrobes describes the dining experience at Ste. Anne’s.   How civilized?   Leaving the cocktail dress at home and just wearing a robe to meals is perfectly acceptable and even encouraged.   

Another nice touch – you can bring your own alcohol.  They don’t have a liquor licence so a huge savings.    Unlike other spas Ste. Anne’s won’t give you attitude if you decide to indulge in a dessert.

Ste. Anne’s is very interested in working with travel agents and developing packages.  They work with VIA Rail for those who don’t want to drive up to Ste. Anne’s.  They have worked with some agencies and do pay commission but feel there are many opportunities to expand this and work with both leisure and business groups – from bridal parties, family reunions, and corporate and incentive groups.

Jim Corcoran, the owner of Ste. Anne’s and a leading figure in the spa industry in Canada envisions a total wellness village in the next few years.  Still retain the charm and serenity, but offer even more wellness programmes and expand the water therapy rooms as well as guest rooms.   

Ste. Anne’s offers a complete range of both day and overnight packages as well as seasonal and special packages.   My wife now is a converted spa enthusiast after her visit to Ste. Anne’s, though I diplomatically had to tell her we can only afford one spa addict in the household.

For More Info:  www.steannes.com

Top to bottom: Spa owner Jim Corcoran, Our very own Chris Ryall - probably snoring, grapefruit line