How often do you take a pause in your life? In today’s hectic society, taking a pause from the daily grind for proper self-care is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Self-care is a huge part of staying healthy, in both mind and body.
I try to practice self-care on a daily basis with something as simple as a walk in nature, watching a favourite TV show, or even quietly sipping on a cup of herbal tea. But once in a while, I need much more than an hour or two; a complete reset. A pause. A chance to re-evaluate and re-energize.
Ste. Anne’s Spa is my go-to destination for that much-needed me-time. The Yoga Retreat at Ste. Anne’s Spa is a delightful combination of a yoga retreat and a spa experience all in one perfectly-wrapped package. It’s a rejuvenating and invigorating two-night, three-day yoga and spa retreat with a delightful blend of pampering, indulgence and mindfulness.
Yoga Retreat
If you want to get the most of your yoga retreat at Ste. Anne’s, you must go with an open mind and heart, and be prepared to feel completely transformed.
Something magical happens when a group of like-minded individuals gather together for a yoga retreat. Firstly, you discover the astonishing serendipities; while we all have different backgrounds, we share a commonality. We are all open and ready to receive. Whether that’s receiving love, guidance, healing, validation, or clarity, we opened our hearts and souls for nurturing.
Our yoga retreat instructor, Francesca, has a warm and welcoming demeanour, allowing for guests to quickly let their guards down and open up. Francesca makes it easy for everyone to form a lovely bond – by the end of the retreat, you’ll have made new friends.
Francesca guided our group through a series of gentle yoga such as slow flow, restorative, yin and yoga Nidra. The yoga and meditation classes will force you to be more self-aware and self-reflect. Taking the time to stop and take a closer look at who you are, what you want and what you need, is something I encourage everyone to do at least once or twice a year.
I particularly enjoyed our meditation walk in the Meditation Garden. Even though it’s November and all the leaves have fallen, the garden and the fresh air along with the striking statues and the sound of the wind chimes made for a mindful stroll.
Spa Treatments
In between our yoga practice, I enjoyed a Reflexology session followed by a Rose Garden Massage. Reflexology is one such old healing method in which certain spots of the feet are given gentle pressure that energizes and relaxes the body. The reflexologist can also pinpoint certain areas of the body that need attention; Penny was able to identify the areas of my body that have an issue. She was right about every single one, including my digestive issues and cervical spine and joint issues. The Rose Garden massage is a relaxing light massage using infused oil distilled from Ste. Anne’s gardens.
Meals
The cuisine at Ste. Anne’s is delectable, especially for gluten-free foodies like me. Almost everything is gluten-free – you’ll love the fresh bread they bake daily, as well as the gluten-free desserts. There are also dairy free, vegan and vegetarian options too.
Be prepared to eat… a lot. You’ll be fully satisfied with a full breakfast, three-course lunches and dinners. The Yoga Retreat guests enjoy a mix of meals in the Main Inn, and privately in the Farmhouse. You are welcome to join the group for meals, however, if you wish to have some alone time, that is also accepted. Our group enjoyed a catered lunch in the Farmhouse, as well as an afternoon tea; but were also able to enjoy both in the Main Inn on other occasions as well. Yoga guests also enjoy a special treat – a private chef who prepares a three-course dinner for the group in the Farmhouse kitchen.
A favourite treat for many guests is the afternoon tea – so many delicious flavours to choose from- along with a gorgeous display of savoury samplers. The best part is you can enjoy high tea in your spa robe and slippers!
The Farmhouse
There are rooms in the main inn, as well as several cottages a walk or quick drive away. Yoga retreat guests all lodge in the Farmhouse, just steps away from the Main Inn. My room had a four-poster bed with a fireplace, and a claw-foot tub in the bathroom with a separate rain shower.
Amenities
The Fieldstone Grotto is one of the key features at Ste. Anne’s, with a current, outdoor hot tub, and the icy plunge pool; sauna, steam room and whirlpool (with light therapies) in the change rooms; and, my personal favourite, the Eucalyptus steam room.
The ladies locker room is very well stocked with towels, hair and body washes, and even cotton balls, Q-tips and plastic baggies for wet bathing suites. You’ll find staff always keeping the room refreshed and cleaned.
What to Bring
All you need to bring to Ste. Anne’s is some yoga clothes, undergarments and a swimsuit or two. When you’re not in your yoga clothes, you’ll be likely wearing the signature Ste. Anne’s bathrobe, provided by the front desk upon arrival. Slippers can be provided, but you may wish to bring your own. Don’t forget to bring your own wine and corkscrew if you choose to have wine with lunch and/or dinner!
If you plan on visiting the fitness centre, you may wish to bring running shoes. There are a few hiking trails as well, so you may want to bring running shoes, hiking boots, or rain boots if you wish to explore the grounds.
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There truly isn’t another destination spa in Ontario that matches Ste. Anne’s atmosphere, accommodations and all-inclusive meals. Anyone who enters Ste. Anne’s as a bundle of nerves will undoubtedly leave feeling relaxed, heart full and peaceful.
Enter to Win
One lucky reader will win a Day Spa for Two at Ste. Anne’s!
Day Spa for Two includes:
- 3-Course lunch
- Afternoon tea
- Use of Ste. Anne’s signature robe
- $120 spa & wellness allowance per person
- Complete use of the facilities
- 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
To enter, fill in the Rafflecopter below.
66 Comments
hope to take my friend or sister-in-law.
I would bring one of my sisters to get pampered.
I would be a real treat to be able to take my best friend Kristine.
I would take my mom. It’s been a rough year after losing my brother. She definitely deserves some time to take care of herself and yoga would be so healing for her. ??
I would take my mom. Her husband just passed away and has not been doing well at all. Would love to be able to spend time with her.
I’d take my wife
I’d take my friend Arlene, who’s just been through an ordeal of waiting 20 days to have her severely broken shoulder operated on.
I would take my friend Laura, we both deserve a day of pampering!!!
I’d take my husband for a kid free weekend away! Thank you for the chance!
I’d bring my book and my mom!
I would take my sister-in-law who is the best aunty to my children and a loving mother to her own two kids! Would love to treat her to some much-needed R&R!!
This would be amazing!!!
I would love to bring my eldest daughter who has had a rough year! 🙂
I would love to take my daughter for some rest and relaxation.
My best friend and I have wanted to go to Ste. Anne’s for quite some time. This would be awesome if I could treat her.
I would love to win a trip to St Anne’s spa. It would be a perfect getaway to connect with my husband. Thanks for the chance!