With just over a month until the new year, there’s no better time for a wellness check, a mental detox, and some eco therapy. We all know that balancing hectic schedules and busy lives with peace and wellness is vital. So plan a visit to one of these healing sanctuaries or wilderness retreats for a healthy dose of calm to get centered.
Restorative Retreats
Holistic wellness retreats combine yoga, meditation and spiritual restoration with organic, plant-based, guilt-free nutrition and detox programs for mind, body and soul healing.
Image credit: Grail Springs Retreat For Wellbeing
Grail Springs Retreat For Wellbeing, Bancroft
Grail Springs is a private sanctuary near Bancroft devoted to providing a transformative experience in a picturesque natural setting. All-inclusive packages from two to over twenty nights are available, as well as special programs like SOULSHOPS, a diverse series of guided meditation workshops.
Shanti Retreat, Wolfe Island
Unplug and unwind on beautiful Wolfe Island, a short ferry ride from Kingston. Restorative yoga weekends are designed to nurture the body with hatha yoga, and the mind on 11 tranquil acres of garden and private lakeside shoreline.
Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre, Wyebridge
Get back to the basics with silent, mindfulness meditation, vegetarian and vegan juice and soup cleanses, and nature walks on their 150-acre property of treed forests and meadows just a short drive south of Midland.
Scandinave Spa, The Blue Mountains
This spectacular indoor and outdoor wellness and spa experience is dedicated to quietly refreshing body and spirit. The newest addition to their facility is the Forest Bathing Trail, a self guided forest walk. Shinrin-Yoku, or ‘forest bathing’ originated in Japan and is the practice of reconnecting with nature and benefiting from the peace and tranquility of the forest.
The Hive Centre and Bee & Bee, Leskard
Designed for groups, this super unique retreat north of Bowmanville offers customized workshops and events like soundscape meditations, Shinrin-Yoku, edible wild food walks, and B&B accommodations. The retreat Centre is located in a heritage church.
Image credit: Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat and Spa
Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat and Spa, Cobourg
Recently opened in the picturesque hills of Northumberland County, this retreat is surrounded by forest with a grand view overlooking Lake Ontario in the distance. Experience personalized yoga sessions, forest meditation and calming in-room massage on your path to rejuvenation.
Ste. Anne’s Spa, Grafton
Head to Canada’s largest (and voted favourite) destination spa for wellness classes that include yoga and meditation. In addition to its renowned on-site services and accommodations, you’ll want to give your taste buds a wellness treatment at Ste. Anne’s Bakery, just a kilometre down the road from the inn and specializing in freshly prepared, gluten-free goodness.
Elmhirst’s Resort, Keene
In the heart of the Kawarthas, you’ll find an oasis that prides itself on farm fresh cuisine, outdoor adventures and indoor pampering. Seasonal Yoga Your Way Weekend packages offer a variety of wellness classes, workshops, meals and access to all the resort’s amenities and planned free activities.
Grand Wellness Centre, Brantford
For something a little different, try an authentic European beer bath and beer spa treatments using hops, barley and yeast. These ingredients are great for exfoliation, elasticity and hydration of the skin. Pair it with cool glass of Ramblin’ Road draft beer and cheers to zen!
Plug Into Nature
Treat yourself to wilderness therapy. Watch sunrise steal across the lake and steam up the forest canopy. Listen to the soundtrack of wind in the pines, with leaves and snow crunching underfoot.
Northern Edge Algonquin, South River
Experience the best of Algonquin Park hospitality and comfort at this restorative nature retreat. All-inclusive getaways include cozy accommodations, organic and locally-sourced meals and tailored outdoor and healing activities.
Algonquin Log Cabin Weekend with Voyageur Quest, South River
Lounge fireside and gaze up at the vast, untainted night sky from a rustic, authentic log cabin tucked in the forest on Surprise Lake, just outside the northwest corner of Algonquin Park.
Wolf Den Nature Retreat, Algonquin Highlands
Situated on the Oxtongue River close to the west gate of Algonquin Park, this beautiful forest lodge features hostel-style accommodations as well as four independent eco-cabins. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the good nature vibes and connect with other hikers, photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Image credit: Cabinscape
Cabinscape, various locations in Southern Ontario
Eco therapy begins the moment you arrive at one of these Insta-dreamy, off-the-grid, solar-powered tiny cabins. Each remote cabin comes equipped with lake views, rugged landscapes, wilderness trails, and picture-perfect privacy.
Onthe9, Mono
If your ‘me time’ means ‘solo time’, check out this adorable little cabin perched on the edge of a little lake, perfect for a weekend of reading, relaxing and recharging. It’s part of a larger B&B property so you’ll also have access to the main house. And this little slice of heaven is less than an hour’s drive northwest of Toronto.
Explore more ways and places to exercise mind, body and soul health in Ontario. Be well!