IT’S TIME TO LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER GREAT ADVENTURE!
Last year’s Divine Destination Collection retreat in Montebello was a safe and relaxing foray out into the world after a year and a half of social isolation due to COVID-19.
Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to affect our lives, so travelling to the exotic and fascinating locations around the world that The Divine Destination Collection is known for is still not possible, so co-founders Deb Niven and Allison Frame are planning some great adventures close to home for this winter, spring, and fall.
First up is a Winter Wellness Weekend…Oh Snow Much Fun at the newly renovated JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa from March 10 to 13, 2022.
“Located in the heart of Muskoka on a granite bluff overlooking Lake Rosseau and only two and a half hours away from Toronto, it’s the perfect place to take in the beauty and serenity of winter,” says Allison.
“Besides exploring this fantastic winter wonderland, there will be lots of time to try out the hotel’s brand new HydroSpa with 11 spa treatment rooms – including a Vichy room for hydrotherapy services, as well as massage beds and oxygen facials – as well as relax in front of a roaring fire with a good book or a glass of wine.”
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Restoring minds and bodies
Allie Chisholm-Smith, who accompanied the group to Montebello, will also be heading to Muskoka to lead yoga sessions. In addition to teaching yoga for 25 years, Allie has also studied Ayurveda, a natural approach to health, and will offer daily reflections on how to restore minds and bodies after the last two years of uncertainty and isolation.
But since there is no better healing power than the magic of nature, there will be several opportunities to explore the local countryside, including a special Night Owl Snowshoeing Adventure with naturalist Robin Tapley, who brings together his experience leading expeditions to Antarctica and Galapagos Islands with the many opportunities for adventure found in Muskoka. This will of course be followed by hot chocolate and s’mores around the bonfire.
There will also be a surprise “off the beaten” path winter activity to take in the great outdoors that is geared for all fitness levels, as well as lots of opportunities to go skating or hike through the area.
Comfort and companionship
Throughout the three-day retreat guests will indulge in great cuisine and wine, and truly experience the Danish sensation of hygge – which is all about finding comfort, pleasure, and warmth in soothing things such as a cozy atmosphere and friendship.
The resort has four outstanding restaurants on-site, including Teca, where The Divine Destination Collection guests will be welcomed with classic Northern Italian cuisine and homemade pasta, such as the restaurant’s signature lobster ravioli paired with hard-to-find Italian wines. It’s no wonder Teca has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the past seven years.
In addition, an exclusive Ice Ice Baby party will be held in sparkling ice caves overlooking Lake Rosseau. These transparent geodesic domes will create an elegant, otherworldly atmosphere for the group’s farewell dinner.
And as always, a special surprise or two will be awaiting to add to the fun in Muskoka!
Health and safety is a priority
The Divine Destination Collection is committed to keeping its travellers safe, so if you would like to attend this relaxing and rejuvenating retreat in wonderful Muskoka, you must be fully vaccinated. That means two doses of NASI and CDC approved COVID-19 vaccines, plus a booster shot, if applicable.
The JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa is also committed to providing a safe and clean experience.
For added peace of mind, you can book a spot now by clicking on this link, make a $700 deposit – and be able to cancel without penalty up to January 27. Full payment is due on January 28.
After that date, if non-travel orders, lockdowns, or any threat still exists, travel deposits will be fully refundable.
Currently, lockdowns are in effect for Ontario until January 26, but due to the fast-moving Omicron variant, some experts are predicting a rapid peak and swift decline, which is what happened in South Africa, where Omicron was first detected in November. Modelling studies in the UK also suggest that Omicron cases will peak in mid-January. These predictions make mid-March a safe date for this trip.
If you have any hesitation with the winter drive to the resort, please contact Allison and she will be happy to arrange a private transfer to/from the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa for you.
In addition, if you live in Ontario, you may be eligible for a tax refund for travelling within the province under the new Ontario Staycation Tax Credit program.
This is a temporary program created by the Ontario government to encourage Ontarians to explore their province while helping the tourism and hospitality sectors recover from the financial impacts of the pandemic. You may be able to claim 20% of your accommodation expenses when filing your 2022 Income Tax up to a maximum of $1,000 as an individual, or $2,000 for a family, and receive up to $200 or $400 respectively.
More to come in 2022!
Muskoka is not all that is in store for you in 2022! Allison and Deb are busy scouting out locations for more fabulous retreats for the late spring and fall. All locations will be an easy drive from Toronto and will include that one-of-a-kind mix of luxury, adventure, and spirituality that makes The Divine Destination Collection so unique.
There are still a few spots left on the Muskoka Winter Wellness Weekend…Oh Snow Much Fun so make sure you reserve your spot today. Remember, you can cancel for any reason until January 27 and have your deposit fully refunded without any penalty!