A Day in the Life of a St.Anne's Spa Goer: Part 1

St. Anne’s Country Inn and Spa is rated one of the world’s top all inclusive resorts according to www.canoe.ca/travel. It is a destination spa that started out as a simple farm house from the 1850’s which was later taken over and restored by the Corcoran family in 1981. Since then many changes have taken place to the over 550 acre lot, including many new spa amenities such as Canada’s only full-immersion mud baths. The beautiful grounds also include an outdoor hydrotherapy grotto, exercise rooms, full day spa facilities and can house a 100 occupancy level (60 over-night and 40 day spa guests).

My wonderful adventure all started with one winning phone call. I was a lucky winner of St. Anne’s monthly Spa Lotto. They sent me an e-mail advertising the chance to win 1 of 25 spa lotto prizes. I won a free Caribbean Foot Rejuvenation session. To be included in the draw, you just need to get on their mailing lists.

To make the trip to Grafton, where St. Anne’s is located, I decided to add the Carpe Diem Day Spa to my package, which includes a lovely 3 course lunch, $100 spa allowance, choice of 1 fitness class and Afternoon tea and complete use of all facilities. The cost of this package goes for $185, though they often have many seasonal specials. This package is currently on sale for only $149, but you better hurry as there is limited availability to this deal.
I took advantage of this full day of relaxation over the Easter Sunday holiday. I hadn’t realized that it was a holiday weekend when I originally booked it, but it worked out ever better for me as the spa was not as crowded. St. Anne’s is open all year round. The only day they are closed is for Christmas Day.

The day started with a relaxing ride aboard the Via Rail train. St. Anne’s helped with the booking. For an extra $60 dollars, I upgraded to the Stress Express Day Spa Package which includes round trip transportation from Union Station. This was my first time on Via Rail and I quite enjoyed it. The lakeside views with the morning sum beaming off the Ontario waters set the tranquil mood of the day. Last time I visited St. Anne’s I drove, which defeats the relaxation you get when you have to stay alert and concentrate on the hour and a half drive home to Toronto. I recommend upgrading to the Stress Express package to any booking. With the price of gas these days, driving doesn’t really save you that much and it is definitely worth the splurge to take the train!

I was warmly welcomed by my friendly host, Gary, who promptly picked me up at the station in Cobourg to St. Anne’s. We drove through quaint downtown Cobourg with a population of around 18,000. The drive to the spa is only around 10 minutes or so. I thank Gary for the mini tour through the town. I learned quite a lot in the short drive and would love to come back to Cobourg in the summer with my family.

The drive into the estate of St. Anne’s includes winding rounds with lovely views of the many rolling hills that cover the over 570 acres land. The Main Inn looks like an old castle, with its beautiful granite stonework. After my initial check in I was given a brief orientation to the spa. There is a beautiful sun room where guests are asked to wait for their treatments. This beautiful room is surrounded with windows which let the natural sunlight in and includes several comfortable and homey couches where you can freely indulge in a cat nap. I know I did.

Next, I was shown the gift shop area where you can buy any of the Aveda products you enjoyed in your treatments or perhaps some beautiful clothing or swimsuits, if you’ve forgotten yours. The lovely outdoor hydrotherapy area, which includes a hot tub, cold plunge pool and warm lap pool was shown to me next. One cannot help but take in the aromatic scent of the Eucalyptus steam room as you pass through on your way past the fitness room where the classes are held. Then it was off to the dining room which overlooks the large estate.

After my tour I headed straight to the women’s change room to unload my stuff and get suited to hit the treadmill in the workout room which was recently moved to the main inn. St. Anne’s does offer a larger fitness centre with an indoor pool. This area is held about 1 km north of the site and St. Anne’s staff will porter you there if you wanted. I only had about 45 min till my first treatment, so I opted for the closer on site gym. There are 2 workout areas. One is in the basement area and consists of some free weights and bench. I chose the upstairs gym which is equipped with a treadmill, elliptical, stair climber and recumbent bike. My 20 minute run included a lookout of the main reception hall. I could not have picked a better day – sunny blue skies without a cloud in them.

After my run, I headed to the change room to freshen up before my Caribbean Foot Rejuvenation treatment. I was greeted by my friendly aesthetician, Mary. My experience started with a soothing foot soak with Aveda’s Caribbean Bath Soak, followed with a Caribbean Body Scrub to exfoliate my feet and calves. Then I was asked to lie down to have a hydrating mask applied to my feet and legs which were then wrapped in heated towels. While my feet were wrapped, I received a relaxing neck, shoulder and scalp massage. I was able to choose between 3 aromatic scents: Ylang Ylang, Rose or Vanilla. I chose Vanilla for its sweet smelling aroma.

I felt quite pampered and completely relaxed after this treatment. The scalp massage was so soothing and comforting. My aesthetician was professional and friendly. She did not short change me of the 30 minute treatment (since I have been in the past at previous establishments). My skin never felt so smooth. I wanted to know more about the products, so Mary accompanied me to the St. Anne’s boutique. The rich Caribbean Therapy Body Cream sold for $41, while the Body Scrub, which is infused with rich oils like avocado, was priced at $50. The Bath Soak could be taken home for only $38. I would recommend the Caribbean Foot Rejuvenation to anyone needing some TLC for their wearied feet. The cost of this treatment is normally $65 for a half hour session.

Jealous yet? Just wait till you read about the second half of my day in my next post. You won't want to miss it!