Posted : May 1, 2023
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
It has been a long, cold winter. Now that spring is finally here, we at York Durham Headwaters think it’s high time you disconnect from your everyday. Get some quality You time in as the weather—and your spirits—are improving. What better place is there to disconnect than at a luxury resort? Self-care is a big thing these days, after all, as we have realized over the past few years how important it is to reclaim joy in our lives. Whether you find joy by yourself, with a group of good friends, or with that special someone is up to you. Get started with your resort retreat this spring at one of these top spots in YDH.
The Briars Resort and Spa
55 Hedge Rd., Jackson’s Point
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa getaway, outdoor activities, delectable dining, or breathtaking lakeside views, the Briars Resort and Spa is your perfect destination. Rich in history and surrounded by nature, a visit to the Briars feels like stepping into another world—even though it is just a short drive from Toronto.
Pursue your passion at the Briars with popular recreational activities like a round at the Briar’s Golf Club, hiking and biking, and kayaking or canoeing. Spend time on one of the outdoor athletic courses for tennis or volleyball. In the evening, cozy up to one of several indoor fireplaces, or have S’mores outdoors by a campfire. If you’re in the mood for some group activity, take part in a history tour, a yoga class, dance classes, trivia nights, a scavenger hunt and so much more. This is a great relationship building activity if you are here with friends, family or a loved one. But if you’re enjoying time at the Briars on your own, it’s a great way to make new friends, too.
Enjoy traditional and contemporary favourites and fresh, seasonal dishes when you dine at the Briars. Whenever possible, their talented chefs use fresh, local and organic products, and featured desserts are made in-house. Pair your meal with a trip to the Briars Spa. This tranquil retreat with complete spa facilities provides the ultimate opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with your whole self—mind, body and spirit.
The Millcroft Inn and Spa
55 John St., Alton
Refresh your senses with fresh, country air and indulgent luxuries. The Millcroft Inn and Spa is where time stops and pleasure begins. Enjoy being surrounded by the lush landscape of rural Headwaters Region. There is no shortage of places to explore, with acres of outdoor trails and natural spaces just a short distance away, as well as nearby villages rich in history and culture.
Carve out time in your day to luxuriate in some much-needed self-care and holistic wellness at Millcroft’s on-site spa and hot spring pools. Discover unique and tailored treatments, designed just for you and your particular needs and desires. The Millcroft offers 17 areas for signature spa treatments, including private rooms, four dedicated hydrotherapy rooms, a fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, a steam room, a fully-licenced Spa Café, and so much more.
With all this disconnecting, you’re surely going to work up an appetite. Satiate your hunger at the iconic Headwaters Restaurant. Enjoy local flavours and a feast for the senses as you dine on fresh, organic produce and goods from local farms. And if you’re looking for a sweet finish to your meal, you’ll feel good knowing that the Millcroft’s honey and maple syrup is harvested sustainably from bee hives and maple trees right on the property.
Mount Alverno Luxury Resorts
20706 Heart Lake Rd., Caledon Village
Escape today’s hyper-connected world and immerse yourself deep in the breathtaking naturescapes of Caledon. Mount Alverno Luxury Resorts is the essence of rustic luxury, and it’s the perfect destination for reconnecting with yourself this spring. Take in the romance of the rolling hills, natural pond terrace, expansive hiking trails, and casual French-Canadian fine dining.
There are plenty of recreational activities in the small towns and villages surrounding Mount Alverno. Enjoy a round of golf at the Caledon Country Club, or spend the day shopping for one-of-a-kind finds in quaint downtown districts like Orangeville and Erin. If you feel like walking, running or biking a good trail or two, then you can explore scenic hiking trails from the property into the surrounding countryside.
After your day of adventure, come back to Mount Alverno and indulge your tastebuds with the culinary delights of the Vista Restaurant by Chef Denis, who has worked in restaurants throughout Europe, North America and the Caribbean. You’ll be delighted by redefined classic Canadian cuisine with modern French influences. Chef Denis’ dishes focus on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients, with a splash and pop of global spices to set them off and make them truly unforgettable.
Hockley Valley Resort
793522 3rd Line EHS, Mono
For your ultimate disconnect destination, relax and recharge with a night or two (or several!) away from your everyday at Hockley Valley. Stay in one of 104 luxury guestrooms, experience culinary genius in one of Hockley’s on-site restaurants, and avail yourself of their many recreational activities and facilities—including indoor and outdoor pools, an 18-hole championship golf course, and an 8,000 square-foot spa.
Reinvigorate yourself with a variety of lawn games, or with a bike or trek along eight kilometres of trails. Rejuvenate your senses with a spa experience that will bring you sheer bliss. You will find one-of-a-kind signature treatments as you focus on self-care, mindfulness and wellness. If disconnecting for you means a day spent outdoors on the green, then Hockley’s 18-hole championship golf course will blow you away. Designed by Canadian course architect Thomas McBroom, this course boasts some of the most breathtaking vistas in southern Ontario.
After your day of disconnecting from the outside world, experience the best in regional cuisine at Cabin or Babbo, Hockley’s on-site restaurants. Hockley always sources locally offered products, which the culinary team turns into memorable dishes for you to enjoy in an intimate yet comfortable dining area. Cozy up to the chefs’ bar for an interactive experience with Hockley’s chefs, or select a vintage from their extensive wine list. Now that’s indulgent!
