2008 Getaway Guide

Get Out of Town and Escape to Ontario’s Natural Vacation Destinations for Some Fun and Relaxation

WILDERNESS RETREATS

june_08_kukagamilodgepic  Kukagami Lodge – Wahnapitae

Immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of the Northern Ontario forest. Sleep in the peaceful silence of your own private log cabin. Dine on salads picked fresh from our organic gardens. Swim in the clean, clear water of our spring-fed lake. Relax by the shore as you watch loons dance upon the water. Kukagami Lodge is a summer paradise. Walk through the forest, kayak or canoe on the lake, or just sit back with a good book. Let our wood-heated sauna steam the toxins out of your system, then step into the cool water of Kukagami Lake to vitalize and refresh. Get back to nature in comfort! Leave the city behind as you step back a hundred years to the simple life: away from electricity and running water, away from the fast life, and into the stillness of the forest. Kukagami Lodge offers all-inclusive packages for summer getaways: lodging, three meals daily, snacks, canoes, kayaks, a little sailboat, hiking and mountain biking, swimming, reading and relaxing, and the ever-popular sauna. We are located six kilometers from the nearest road, so we bring you across beautiful Kukagami Lake by boat. Open July 20 through Thanksgiving for summer season, and Dec 26-March 25 for cross-country skiing.

Kukagami is located 35 km northeast of Wahnapitae. Visit our website for rates and stories at www.kukagamilodge.com Write: Kukagami Lodge, Wahnapitae, ON. POM 3CO (705) 521-6587. Email: lodge@kukagami.infosathse.com. Find us on the map halfway between Sudbury and Lake Temagami.

Smoothwater of Temagami

Temagami is famous for old growth pine forests and wilderness canoe tripping. Experience this magical place through our yoga and painting retreats, hiking weekends, wild plant cooking classes, and wilderness canoe tripping. In the winter come for snowshoeing and cross country skiing on a wilderness trail system without snowmobiles. Enjoy our organic, wild and regional foods as a guest at our wilderness lodge.

Contact us: www.smoothwater.com / 888-569-4539 / temagami@ontera.net

HEALTH RETREATS

Maple Ki Forest ™ Spirit Waters – Tamworth

Established in 1986, Maple Ki is a tranquil, beautiful retreat nestled amidst rocks and trees of the magnificent Canadian Shield and features stunning views of a pristine lake and river with rapids. This spacious waterfront hideaway offers cozy rooms and a soothing ambience. Make Maple Ki your home away from home and your sanctuary for relaxing and revitalizing the body, calming and centering the mind, healing the heart, and uplifting the spirit. Hatha yoga instruction is offered each morning either on the platform beside the lake or in the yoga studio overlooking sparkling lake waters. Savour superb vegetarian cuisine. Encourage deep relaxation with healing bodywork sessions and infrared sauna. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake, a walk on the woodland trails, a paddle across the lake and along the river, or a nap in the hammock. Unwind, unfold and emerge renewed. Perfect for individuals retreating in solitude or with loved ones. Group rentals available.

Midway between Toronto and Ottawa just north of Napanee. Contact Julianna Norrie (613) 379-2227, email info@mapleki.com and visit www.mapleki.com.

june_08_nonpareilpic  Nonpareil Natural Health Retreat – Stirling

Specializing in raw organic juice fasting, cleansing and detoxification. Getaway to this 173-acre country estate. Indulge in the simple pleasures of country life, being cared for and nourished. Awaken your inner power. Experience our new medical grade SaunaRay far infrared sauna. Recharge and revitalize your energy through raw juices and power drinks, rest and relaxation, yoga, relaxing full body massage, reflexology, nutritional consultations, moor mud baths, reiki, emotional energy balancing, and long walks through rolling acres of maple forest. This is a powerful program and a permanent makeover from the inside out. Swim at the Crowe River under invigorating waterfalls, relax in hammocks and enjoy quiet evenings under the stars. Only 2-1/4 hours east of Toronto.

Call (613) 395-6332. E-mail nonpareil@sympatico.ca, view our website www.nonpareilholistic.com. Address RR#3, 658 Wellmans Road, Stirling, Ontario, K0K 3E0

URBAN & COUNTRY SPAS

june_08_millcroftpic  The Millcroft Inn & Spa – Caledon

The Millcroft Inn & Spa is an oasis of tranquility nestled amid the rolling Caledon Hills in Southern Ontario's Hills of Headwaters region ww.thehillsofheadwaters.com - located less than an hour from downtown Toronto and Pearson International Airport. The Millcroft features award-winning “Four Diamond” accommodation and cuisine, a 9,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art full-service Spa/Wellness Centre, and a trail system that spans the secluded property's 100 wooded acres. For a unique blend of historic rural charm and sophisticated hospitality, travelers need look any farther than The Millcroft. With just one visit, guests have little doubt The Millcroft is THE definitive country retreat.

Visit www.millcroft.com or call toll free 1-800-383-3976. Email: millcroft@millcroft.com

Highfields Country Inn & Spa – Zephyr

This is both a day and destination healing retreat, situated on 175 acres of secluded privacy, less than an hour’s drive northeast of Toronto. They offer packages for couples and singles (male and female) and there is no single supplement. The chef prepares local organic and natural foods, served in the converted century barn dining room or in the solarium overlooking the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Their Spa offers over 40 different treatments, including organic facials and body wraps. Come and enjoy the outdoor pool, tennis court, 175 acres of hiking trails, indoor sauna and fitness facility.

View the website at www.highfields.com and call for reservations at (905) 473-6132.

june_08_puresimplepic  Pure + Simple SPA – Toronto

Rejuvenate your sun exposed skin with an Urban Renewal Facial and hydrating oxygen treatment from Pure + Simple. Established in 2000, Pure + Simple has become Toronto’s favourite facial place. (Voted Best Facial in Toronto Life and NOW Magazines). The Ayurvedic inspired facials – from the Pure + Simple Facial (A classic European), to IPL (the best in AntiAging), will have your skin glowing and your spirits refreshed. Your skin will experience the best of natural and organic skincare products made by Pure + Simple, Jurlique, and Naturopathica. An Oxygen treatment will not only hydrate your moisture starved skin but the cool of pure oxygen will leave you feeling energized and refreshed. With three locations in the popular urban centres of Yonge/Eglinton, Yorkville, and King West, with a new spa coming to Oakville in August, Pure + Simple is a convenient urban oasis.

Yonge/Eglinton, 2375 Yonge Street, Toronto, Tel: 416.481.2081 Yorkville, 27 Bellair Street, Toronto, Tel: 416.924.6555 725 King Street West, Toronto Tel: 416-366-8558 Website: pureandsimple.ca, Email: spa@pureandsimple.ca

Hillcrest Valenova Inn & Spa – Port Hope, Ontario

This grand CAA/AAA 4-Diamond standard of excellence is located just an hour east of Toronto. Ranked among the Top 10 Boutique Spas worldwide, you’ll enjoy a rare level of customization and service. Step back in time to the tranquility of our 1874 Victorian mansion set atop 15 wooded acres.  A healthy menu with an emphasis on organic, natural produce and meats is prepared daily by our culinary team.  Award-winning specialties include Stress Management, Weight Rebalancing and Detox programs. Dr. Hauschka products are used in the spa and available for purchase as well as our very popular Mighty Leaf tea.  "We have traveled the Caribbean, USA, Europe and many of Ontario's spas and the Hillcrest Valenova is in a class all by itself. There is truly no comparison." Jan Rhodes & Michael Wright

Contact us:  Toll Free: 888-253-0065 (within Canada), Tel: 905-885-7367 – Visit www.thehillcrest.ca - Email: info@thehillcrest.ca - 175 Dorset Street West, Port Hope, ON L1A 1G4

COUNTRY RETREATS

Thirteen Moons Culinary Wellness Retreat – Norwood

A beautiful and affordable place for individuals or small groups to find peace, nourishment and inspiration. Located two hours northeast of Toronto, lush cedars gently hug you as you wind your way up the driveway to your secluded home away from home. The artist-designed, light-filled building offers magnificent views of the 186 acre property from each room. Sleep comfortably in our cozy beds or camp under the stars. Our specialty is culinary education that assists clients in making the transition to a healthier lifestyle. Your relaxing getaway features fabulous organic vegetarian meals lovingly and creatively prepared by a holistic nutritionist/cookbook author. Let our gifted therapists pamper your body with their soothing treatments. Spend quiet time by the water, walking the labyrinth, or exploring the trails. Ideal location for celebrations or time away with friends.

Contact Louise Racine, RR1, Norwood, Ontario, K0L 2V0, call (705) 652-9329, email louise@thirteenmoons.ca, or visit www.thirteenmoons.ca

june_08_bridgewater  Bridge Water Retreat – Tweed

A relaxing adult getaway. Hidden among the trees along the beautiful Skootamatta River are over six acres of nature at its best. 1850s riverfront log home with attached studio, 1820s log lodge, beach studio, cozy cedar cabins and over 1,000 feet of riverfront provide the perfect setting for your relaxing getaway. The towering marble and quarts cliffs overlooking the rapids, the sweet scent of the cedar forest, the natural sand beach and attachment to the Price conservation area all combine to create a unique experience only found at Bridge Water Retreat. www.bridgewaterretreat.ca

New Life Retreat Centre for Wellness – Perth

A lovely meeting and health retreat near Perth, 3.5 hours east of Toronto in lovely Lanark Highlands. Features include: swimming, nearby canoeing and kayaking, walking trail, hot tub. We’re known for our excellent vegetarian cuisine (raw food is a specialty). A lovely heritage house on 100 acres sleeps 17 and space for a dozen more is being created this summer. NLR is suited to corporate or government meetings thinking “outside the box”, plus workshops, individual stays for rest and healing, weddings and family gatherings.

Telephone (613) 259-3337, or find much more information at www.newliferetreat.com, email nlrinfo@newliferetreat.com.

june_08_robinsnest  The Robins’ Nest Straw Bale Retreat — Norwood

Pamper yourself with a soak in the hot tub, delicious healthy meals, quiet strolls in the woods, walk the labyrinth, enjoy therapeutic treatments. Specializing in personal or small group retreats of 10 or less, Robins’ Nest provides a tranquil space for people to step out of stress and get back to nature. Come on your own or with some friends; for a weekend or a week, you decide your stay. Bridal party getaways, birthday parties, “mental health” escapes, or pick your own reason! The aesthetically pleasing strawbale house aids in this relaxing atmosphere. One day to full weekend workshops are also available.

Located at 1150 County Rd. 40, Norwood. For information visit our website www.robinsnestretreat.com, or call (705) 639-2284.

june_08_harmonydawnpic  Harmony Dawn retreat – Rice Lake

Harmony Dawn is custom-built for healing and self-transformation groups, utilizing both Feng shui and the latest sustainable energy technologies. Nestled into the Northumberland Hills off Rice Lake, just 1-1/2 hours from Toronto, Harmony Dawn has drawn rave reviews from guests for its “feel”, location, and hospitality, especially its innovative, healthily balanced cuisine. It has been voted one of the “greenest” buildings in Canada. Open year round; group size: 8-22. Kindly book at least 6 months in advance to get the date of your choice.

Call 705-696-2066 or visit us at www.harmonydawn.com

Ecology Retreat Centre — Hockley Valley

Located 75 minutes north of Toronto in the beautiful Hockley Valley, this spacious centre is surrounded by 200 acres of natural forest and pristine streams. There are accommodations and meeting spaces for groups of 20 to 80 people, hiking trails, an inground pool, and a 76-foot stone labyrinth. Registered massage therapy is available by appointment. We specialize in international vegetarian cuisine with flexibility for other menu options.

Call 1-800-486-5460, email bookings@ecologyretreatcentre.com, visit www.ecologyretreatcentre.com

june_08_sugarridgepic  Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre – Midland

“A Natural Experience,” Sugar Ridge is located 90 minutes (150 km) north of Toronto. We are just minutes from Midland, but a world away. A newly constructed retreat centre, Sugar Ridge respects the balance of its surrounding natural environment. The main retreat room, as well as five of the 10 private cabins, are straw bale constructed. The 4200 sq. ft. retreat centre is available for groups up to 50 people. This four seasons retreat offers peace and tranquility spread over 150 acres of majestic forests, rolling hills and lush meadows. The nearest neighbour is 3,000 acres of protected provincial land making up the Wye Valley. Sugar Ridge offers an exceptional combination of experiences to explore the body, mind and soul. You can join a retreat, let us help you create your own group retreat or have your own personal retreat. The owners, Liz and Kurt Frost, are both yoga teachers and psychotherapists, offering yoga classes, day programs and weekend retreats for groups or individuals. Sugar Ridge is the perfect place to explore nature at any time of the year. Wildlife abounds year-round and bird watching is spectacular. Wholesome vegetarian meals are prepared using organic foods and produce from our own garden when possible. Let us help you rediscover yourself.

Contact Sugar Ridge at info@sugarridge.ca or 1-866-609-1793 (Canada) or visit our website www.sugarridge.ca

Wolverton Hills — Pontypool

At Wolverton Hills you feel like you are “far from the maddening crowd.” Just over an hour east of Toronto you will find peace and solitude at our private property on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Rent our quaint cabin for a day, night or as long as it takes to rejuvenate at our country getaway. It can’t get any easier! All you need to do is bring and prepare your own food. Wolverton Hills free range eggs are provided. Enjoy a fully-equipped and very comfortable cabin, including cozy duvets, linen and towels. Sit under the stars at night next to the water’s edge and enjoy a toasty bonfire. Swim in our healing spring fed two-acre pond or hike through the rolling hills on 200 acres of interpretive trails. Relaxing aromatherapy massages and other rejuvenating treatments are available. Visit donkeys and other hobby farm critters. Also visit owner/operator Debbie’s pottery studio and watch her create Wolverton Hills Pottery. Ideal for writers, artists, or couples who need to recharge and reconnect to the earth.

Check out our website for video tours, rates, information www.wolvertonhills.com or call 905-986-0848.

Cherry Valley Retreat - Thornton 

I would like to introduce to you a new day retreat centre near historical Thornton, about 40 minutes N of the 401 off the 400.When you visit this renovated farm house you will literally feel like you have stepped back 100 years into the past. Enjoy the ambience of this century building filled with precious items from yesteryear. The gorgeous singing Carolina poplars will serenade you as you take in the fresh country air and beautiful scenery. Cherry Valley Retreat is offering workshops and healing sessions for self and soul growth to expand your mind and discover your intuitive gifts. Please visit the website for workshop information www.cherryvalleyretreat.com. nhuber@cherryvalleyretreat.com 905-895-2871 or 705-458-9528

WORKSHOP RETREATS

june_08_livingcentrepic  The Living Centre – London

Spirit of the Earth, The Living Centre & Living Arts Institute was founded in 1983 as an eco-spiritual education sanctuary. Organic since the beginning, this beautiful 50-acre forest sanctuary is filled with inspiring gardens, orchards, earthship greenhouse and a medicine wheel herb garden, with over 1000 species of plants. The Institute is an educational branch of the Centre offering comprehensive wisdom based education and the highest quality leading edge training, to bring forth leaders in the fields of Wholistic health, Eco-Spirituality and Peace Consciousness. The Institute offers diploma and certification programs in Conscious Living, Herbalism, Shamanu: Earth Wisdom Teachings, and Ayurvedic Living Nutrition. The inspiration of the centre is based on the principles of the Sevenfold Path to Peace. Directors Walter Shantree Kacera, PhD, DN, and Lorenna Bousquet-Kacera are founders and directors. With 35 years experience they are internationally celebrated visionaries, authors, educators, nutritional researchers and world peace workers.

Spirit of the Earth, The Living Centre (519) 652-9109 or (519) 652-0230, email info@thelivingcentre.com www.thelivingcentre.com
Northern Light Centre — Singhampton

Enjoy herbs and Healing Workshops with Heather Bakazias, a herbalist and wildcrafter who works in the Wise Woman Tradition. She makes her own massage oils, tinctures, herbal teas and facial preparations. During her summer Herb Workshops you can learn to recognize common herbs, their medicinal properties, and how to make tinctures, oils and salves. Most of the workshops, held outside on 50 acres of beautiful land, teach the identity of different herbs, weeds, and flowers. You will learn their values, when to harvest, and how to dry your own herbs.

For more information on upcoming herb weekends contact Heather Bakazias (705) 445-7565 or write Northern Light Centre, Box 77, Singhampton, ON, N0C 1M0. Visit www3.sympatico.ca/heathersherbs/  

Aziza Healing Adventures - local and international

Bliss Wellness Journeys, Retreats and Getaways in breathtaking Canadian, US & International locations offer optimal comfort and superior cuisine. Ideal for women, couples, singles, corporate and private groups. Journeys combine creativity, journal writing, reflection, yoga, hiking, Spa treatments and personal time for all the fun you’ve been missing. Come remember who you are. Relax, replenish and reconnect to what matters. Explore what fun feels like amongst kindred spirits. Engage in creativity, nature, and gentle adventure. Delight your spirit. Lighten your being. Improve your life.

For upcoming events with The Travelling Therapist please visit www.aziza.ca, check Vitality's seasonal Resource Directory, or call (416) 696-0086.

Northern Edge Algonquin – Algonquin Park

A welcoming sanctuary providing an intimate connection with nature. This solar-powered retreat is set on a quiet lake at the northwest corner of Algonquin Park, less than three hours from Toronto. The Edge is easily accessible by train and public transportation. Their mission is to provide experiences in nature that help us to rediscover ourselves, empower one another and heal our connection to the earth. Unique “Quest for Balance Retreats” feature yoga and introduction to sea kayaking. Shamanic training programs include a two-year training with Martha Lucier, frequent presenter at the Whole Life Expo. Art retreats, women-only events, executive retreats offered year-round. Slow down and enjoy colourful organic, locally-grown foods and accommodations in fresh forest air. Unique learning opportunities and inspiring staff.

Call toll-free 1-800-953-EDGE or visit www.northernedgealgonquin.com. For Shamanic Studies Programs, visit www.shamanismcanada.com

INTERNATIONAL

Himalayan Holidays

Tibetan practitioner, Amchi Kunga Chotak, invites you to join him on an extraordinary 15-day journey to some of the most beautiful locations the Himalayas have to offer. His personal knowledge of these regions will ensure that your holiday is a memorable, enriching adventure on August 25 to September 9th. All ground travel, guided excursions, accommodations and most meals are included.

For itinerary: www.amchikunga.com/himalayanholiday.html or call: (416) 466-8152. This travel opportunity is presented by the organizers of the annual MysoreYoga Retreats to India. To learn more about safe, affordable and exciting trips and yoga retreats to India and Asia visit: www.mysoreyogaretreat.com.

YOGA & MEDITATION

june_08_yogamindbodypic  Yoga Mind and Body - Burk’s Falls

Shanti Vana, located west of Algonquin Park, only 2-1/2 hours from Toronto, invites you and your children for our weekend retreats. Shanti Vana is located in a pristine ecosystem with fresh air and clean water on 100 acres of beautiful forests, gardens, and ponds and it is a welcoming, peaceful, and healthy living home. Vegetarian meals are well-balanced and heartwarming, provided with organic vegetables from our gardens. Invigorating yet deeply relaxing Yoga Classes and Satsangs are held in Sivananda tradition. Walking the 108 Solar Lanterns Peace Labyrinth at night, connecting to nature, and sharing the wisdom of our renowned guests can inspire peace and contentment.

Visit: www.yogamindandbody.ca. Email: beata@yogamindandbody.ca. Call: (705) 387 1879

Still Point – Bay of Quinte

Still Point Yoga Retreat Centre is on the beautiful Bay of Quinte, about halfway between Toronto and Ottawa. Still Point has been offering yoga retreats for over 14 years. There is lots of Hatha yoga, satsang, meditation, dharma talks, workshops and a lot of quiet time for rest and relaxation. The meals are vegetarian and very special. Come read a book, write your journal, rest in community or fully participate. The more casual yogis can do a wine tour of Prince Edward County or go to the Sandbanks.

Call (613) 476-8061, or email stillpoint@kos.net, www.stillpointyogaretreat.com