With everyone now back to school and work, you’ve most likely already wondered when you can plan your next getaway. Although it may seem impossible to take off sooner than later, there is sure to be a relaxing retreat not too far to escape to for a mind, body, and soul rest + rejuvenation. For those in Toronto and the GTA, these gems are only a drive away.
Yoga + Wellness Escape
Nestled in the hamlet of Thornton, Ontario, The Vidya Centre is perfect for a wellness day trip, overnight stay, or weekend getaway. Create your own schedule to enjoy yoga and pilates, nutritional counseling, massage therapy, infrared sauna, life coaching, cold-press juices, nature walks, and 100% gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian cuisine. If you’re looking to feel better about yourself inside and out, you can even check in for a week to cleanse and detox under the supervision of a Registered Holistic Nutritionist.
Luxury Glamping
Somewhere between traditional camping and a hotel experience is where you’ll find the world of glamping, or luxury camping. Long Point Eco-Adventures provides wilderness suites in Norfolk County, where you’ll enjoy natural views, sounds, and sensations, as well as large beds, flush toilets, and running hot water for a sink and outdoor shower. The accommodations are cozy, and the outdoor adventures are family friendly, with zip-lining, kayaking, mountain biking, and boat tours, too.
A Muskoka Retreat
It’s not difficult to understand why in the world to visit, offering towering trees, sparkling lakes, and recreational activities galore. Deerhurst Resort is situated lakeside in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country for four seasons of beauty and fun, gourmet local food, and modern accommodations with rustic charm. We especially love and appreciate their green initiatives, supporting local and organics, composting and recycling, and fuelling their Hummer Tours with bio-diesel recycled from the cooking oil from their fryers.
The Karma Cabin
Slow down, with some slow living, and organic, vegetarian slow food at The Giving Tree B&B in Collingwood. Hosts, Chai and Andy, are micro-organic-farmers and aspiring homesteaders, and these two know how to cook! Guest enjoy veg and gluten-free breakfast options, with organic green juices, fair-trade coffee and teas, and often visits from baby Oscar, and the neighbour’s friendly dog. The cabin is private, solar powered, and minutes away from Blue Mountain and the Scandinave Spa.
To get away from one’s working environment is, in a sense, to get away from one’s self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change. –Charles Horton Cooley
