November, 2018
One of my favourite escapes from the city is this Inn & Spa located in the rolling hills of Caledon, Ontario. This is an annual trip for D and I, which usually falls in November for his birthday or in April for mine. I prefer the winter months, to fully take advantage of the outdoor spa and unwind from the noise and chaos of life sinking into this peace and tranquility.
My favourite Millcroft Inn package is the Two Night Package. Two nights, two glorious breakfasts, one 5 star dinner and access to all the amenities at the Inn & Spa. They have lots of package options so you are bound to find one that suits your style and budget. Mid-week will be cheaper than weekends.
We always reserve a Croft Room as we love having a wood burning fireplace especially during Canadian winters and it offers closer proximity to the spa and hot springs. The rooms are spacious with a bedroom loft, heated bathroom floors, and a back porch that faces a winter wonderland of trees. With some Croft Rooms, you can have your own private hot tub on the back porch, but we typically save that additional money for dinner out in Alton the second night – which I will talk about later. You still have full access to the outdoor Scandinavia spa type pools so unless you want the intimate privacy then just a regular Croft Room will do just fine. We always arrive early on our first day, build a fire, crack a bottle of our favourite Rioja and indulge on a small cheese board while we begin to unwind and let the stress melt away. We talk, we laugh and if it’s your birthday, you must share your goals and dreams for the upcoming year!
The Inn is situated close to Alton, which has an artistic vibe and is full of boutique shops. Within Alton Mills Arts Centre you will find shops, studios and galleries and worth the wintery hike through the onsite trails leading from the Inn to the Mill. Grab a warm beverage; coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and tour around the mill taking in the local artisan flare. When you return, head to the outdoor spring baths soaking as the snow falls around you and if you dare take the plummet into the polar plunge pool for those health benefits of boosting the immune system, reduction in inflammation, and the release of endorphins! Happy hormones released and you haven’t even had dinner yet! Since you have full access to the amenities complimentary with your stay, take advantage of the spa, sauna and the steam room to feel completely restored and refreshed. Continue to rotate between the areas for a couple of hours before showering and freshening up for dinner!
I love all things food and the Headwaters Restaurant does not disappoint! Located in the main mill of the Inn and overlooking the picturesque millpond and falls you have the perfect recipe for a truly extraordinary experience for all your senses. In advance of your stay and if you book a package that includes dinner, make a reservation immediately for the restaurant and request to sit in the ‘pod’ where you will have the breathtaking view of the falls while dining. You will experience impeccable service and a menu filled with an assortment of seasonal dishes which will leave you satiated. With an impressive wine list, why not have the Inn pair your dishes with wine. Sip, bite and repeat, but don’t forget to leave room for dessert. With the package, dinner is included and only alcohol is at an additional cost. You can make your way over earlier and enjoy a cocktail in the lounge where there is usually a local artist performing. Enjoy as bubbles from your glass of prosecco dance to the rhythm of the music.
My recommendations for dinner, of course you will want to hear it! As the menu changes seasonally this may not be on the menu, but really you can’t go wrong with any choice. To start the Scallop Mousseline which is surrounded by brussels sprouts and bacon lardons over a red cabbage puree paired with a refreshing white wine to bring out the combinations of flavours. The main – hands down is the chestnut crushed Venison Loin combined with roasted fig, maple glazed brussels sprouts, butternut squash puree, cranberry gastrique and Chianti jus – is your mouth watering yet?! The venison will melt in your mouth between sips of a boldly paired Cabernet. To round out your evening, 2 oz of 20 year old Taylor Fladgate (Port) with the white chocolate calvados mousse, caramel apple centre with caramel glaze and brown sugar crumble. The richness of the Port along the sweet caramel will leave you lingering for a while enjoying the view.
During your stay, you will want to take advantage of the state-of-the-art spa and the services offered. They have individual services and packages to suit your desires and again it is recommended to book these in advance and right at the time you book your package. We always opt for a couples massage and side by side pedicures. Lounging in robes, sipping tea, sampling the home-made granola, and reading in the lounge prior to our treatments is the ultimate way to unwind.
You can’t overlook breakfast at the Headwater’s Restaurant either which is typically included depending on the package you reserve. From made-to-order omelettes, croissants, muffins, assorted yogurts, local cured and smoked meats, cheese platters, fresh fruit, farmhouse bacon, home fries, and pancakes made to order, the selection is unending.
Night two? Looking for a dinner option? Located right on the main street in Alton you will discover the hidden little gem of Ray’s Bistro. I almost don’t want to share this little place because it truly is a best kept secret. Again, make a reservation in advance when you initially book your package at the Millcroft and if possible ask for Table 6, best table in the house in my opinion. On weekends, you will enjoy live music as you dine. An intimate venue with no website, a facebook page only, with the menu on a blackboard which changes daily. Here you will enjoy a farm-to-table experience as the menu is driven by what is available locally. It’s cozy, quaint and the service has that small town vibe. Depending on the menu, my recommendations would be the following – share the organic field greens with goat cheese and beets (large enough for two), oven roasted lamb, grilled veal chop or grilled tenderloin as your main and finish off with the home-made pecan pie. Ray’s is a third generation bakery after all. Add in some ice cream with your pecan pie and pair with a glass of ice-wine or Port. Trust me, you won’t regret this experience.
Now that your weekend has come to a close you will be heading back to the hustle and bustle of your regular life feeling a little more at ease and pampered. I hope you enjoy your stay.