Let’s face it – we spend most of our days bleeding cash for things that don’t excite. Braces for kids, new roof, weeping tile ( weeping hysterically, actually), orthotics, textbooks, trapping racoons that weren’t invited to the picnic and insurance just in case.
So when an offer comes along to go away with other writers for a weekend of fun and service/ product testing in Blue Mountain Village in Collingwood, no one responded faster with a “count me in” than me. After all, it was my first ‘business trip’ in 15 years.
I slipped out of my house while my teenagers slept just before 8:30 -leaving a note-“did not want to wake you, have fun studying for exams-sorry to be missing one of my favourite weekends all year with you (sarcasm breeds like bacteria)- I am off to my Blogfest xoxoxox Mommy.” I arrived at the front desk at the Westin Trillium House first, like a keener. Cute bellhop takes luggage to my room. Room is a beautiful suite with no muddy shoes at the door and a spectacular bed and ensuite. There were treats to greet- a note from the Westin, chocolates, wine and gear for the beach. My Itinerary read like a play by play of fun-starting first with a relaxing soak in the tubs at Le Scandinave.
This place is heavenly – it has 6 pools, a sauna, and my personal favourite-a Eucalyptus steam room- all nestled in the woods with so many places to relax and dream you want to stay for the weekend. My favourite ritual is to go from the Thermal tubs to the Nordic pools-invigorating in the way it brushes up against hypothermia -and then I sit outside around the beautiful outdoor fireplaces. Soon after, I go to fall asleep in the steam room on the top shelf and wake to wonder if I am in London at the turn of the 19th Century.
Scandinave attracts mainly women – so the fact that there is a sign asking you not to talk- shows their sense of humour. While it is true that on three other occasions I have been shushed there repeatedly by the staff – I have never been thrown out. Apparently a guy did a cannonball into one of the pools once-just cuz- and was thrown out. Good to know what the boundaries are. I must say though, if you can’t afford a big holiday- an afternoon in this place will do the trick.
Next, delicious lunch in the village at 3 Guys and a Stove, followed by 6 1/2 holes of golf(it was raining and we had people to meet and martini deadlines ) at Monterra Golf course. Sara -other fellow blogger (see DIY) and fellow single mom – and I were greeted at the course by the Pro who said “we all bet you would not show”. It had been raining most of the day and the course was like a sponge. We got paired up with two guys named Rob – who were almost as funny as us-but not quite.
It became apparent to Sara and me that women do not typically play golf in the rain. We were the only girls for miles. Hmmmmm. Note to self.
The course is beautiful and a short walk from the Westin. At one point you have to press the cross walk signal to get across the street in your cart. The proximity of everything made all the difference. As moms we drive everywhere, live in our cars and have to think about directions more than we care to. Our weekend in the Village was especially wonderful because we walked to everything mainly carrying nothing more than a slim card key.
Sunday morning I got up, went for a run, picked up a latte, further explored the Village and promised myself I would bring my girls back very soon for a weekend. The only question is how to choose the season as it has so much to offer all year round.
Mathilde- thank you so very much for reading, commenting and subscribing. Please check out my other blog as well as I think it will interest you -my family is not broken.wordpress.com
thank you for reading and commenting and subscribing!n
This is a good blog post and I defer to you what you have said here. I have already subscribed to your RSS feed in Thunderbird and will be your regular reader. Thanks for your time in writing the post.
it was wonderful getting to know you Christine in this beautiful place-n
Great post Nancy!
Eucalyptus sauna – totally my fave part of the spa as well!!
I have told a few people about how nice it was to get to know you and share our stories about our parents who are ill. You are a great listener, Amreen. Hope to see you soon.
What a lovely synopsis of our fun girls’ weekend! Meeting you and chatting away over delicious food was one of the highlights for me! I really enjoy your blog, even more now!
Yes Sara- could not have been teamed up with a funnier, kinder golfer than you! Just perfect. I think my sneakers are only now dry-let’s stay in touch-xn
I loved that ‘I just lost the bet’ guy – yes, I must forever golf in the rain to meet men now! So fun Nancy – glad we could share it. I saw you out runnign when I was driving home but didn’t want to disturb your peace!
thanks so much Idas. Glad you have experienced this place- it is a real treat.
Lovely! I have been to the Scandinave outside of Mt. Tremblant about 8 or so years ago and the memory of it never leaves me. Just heavenly.
Last summer we had dinner at 3 Guys with our friends and all of our kids and they were so gracious to us despite the spirited children in tow.
Glad you had such a nice time, well deserved meets well enjoyed.