Local Experiences Archives

European Holiday Markets Worth Travelling For

November 18, 2025

Twinkling squares, centuries-old traditions and the scent of mulled wine in the air — if you’re craving a festive getaway, these are the holiday markets worth travelling for in 2025.

Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz — Vienna, Austria

Dates: 14 November – 26 December 2025
Few cities do nostalgia quite like Vienna in December. At Rathausplatz (featured in our header image), strings of lights droop from towering trees, children swirl around the ice rink, and vendors hand out warm punsch in ceramic mugs. Come for the atmosphere — stay for the vanilla-scented pastries and beautifully crafted ornaments.

Old Town Square Christmas Market — Prague, Czech Republic

Dates: 29 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
Prague feels made for Christmas. In the shadow of its Gothic towers, the Old Town Square fills with carollers, wooden stalls and the glow of one of Europe’s most impressive holiday trees. Don’t miss a warm trdelník, rolled in cinnamon sugar and served piping hot.

Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market — Budapest, Hungary

Dates: 8 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Budapest’s most beloved market blends old-world charm with festive creativity. Browse handmade ceramics, sip spicy mulled wine and tuck into hearty favourites like goulash served in a bread bowl. As the sun sets, the surrounding buildings light up with cascading illuminations.

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market — Cologne, Germany

Dates: 17 November – 23 December 2025
Set beneath the dramatic spires of Cologne Cathedral, this market delivers pure holiday spectacle. More than a hundred red-roofed stalls sell everything from artisanal woodwork to gingerbread hearts, while the city’s giant Christmas tree anchors the scene.

Winter Wonders — Brussels, Belgium

Dates: 28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Brussels stretches its celebrations across the city centre, creating a lively trail of more than 250 chalets, light projections and a charming Ferris wheel. It’s also the perfect place to sample seasonal Belgian treats: think warm waffles, speculoos and rich hot chocolate.

Christkindelsmärik — Strasbourg, France

Dates: 26 November – 24 December 2025
Often called the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg’s centuries-old market unfolds across the city’s half-timbered old town. Expect glowing lanterns, Alsatian specialties and some of the most beautifully decorated streets in Europe.

Amsterdam Christmas Markets — Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dates: 15 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
With ice rinks, cosy pop-up markets and canals draped in fairy lights, Amsterdam turns into a winter postcard. The city’s neighbourhood markets are especially charming — smaller, more local, and perfect for browsing with a warm stroopwafel in hand.

Tallinn Christmas Market — Tallinn, Estonia

Dates: 22 November – 27 December 2025
Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town becomes a storybook come to life each winter. Expect a traditional village square, twinkling lights against medieval stone walls, and steaming mugs of glögi (Nordic mulled wine). Rumour has it, this was home to Europe’s first public Christmas tree.

Louise Penny’s Guide to Quebec’s Eastern Townships

September 23, 2025

Where the bestselling mystery author finds inspiration, connection, and really good cheese.

When we caught up with Louise Penny, she had just returned from London, England — not to promote a book or attend a literary gala, but to retreat. “Oddly enough, I go to London to be quiet,” she says with a laugh. “This little village can be quite hectic.”

The village she’s referring to is Knowlton, Quebec, where she resides for most of the year. It’s also the real-life setting that inspired Three Pines, the fictional home of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache in her bestselling mystery novel series.

From lakeside trails and butter tarts to monastic cheeses and her own newly opened Three Pines Café, here are the spots she recommends to friends and family visiting the Eastern Townships.

Buzz Café, Knowlton

“First, you have to sleep in,” Penny says with a smile, when asked where she takes visiting friends. “Then we go to Buzz, which has fabulous coffee.”

This cozy Knowlton café is where she starts most mornings — especially when their homemade butter tarts are on offer. Penny praises the café’s owners for their support in helping her launch her own nearby spot, Three Pines Café. “The guys at Buzz were so helpful in getting the café up. They acted really as the midwives to the café, which was incredibly generous of someone who could consider the new café to be a competitor — but we’re not.”

Three Pines Café & Brome Lake Books, Knowlton

In 2024, Penny opened Three Pines Café, located beneath Knowlton’s independent bookstore, Bromelake Books. “The entire building came up for sale, and I was afraid that someone who bought it might want to convert it into apartments or something else and get rid of Brome Lake Books, which I couldn’t allow to happen.”

She set to work turning the lower floor into a café that reflects the fictional bistro from her novels, complete with fieldstone fireplaces, cushy armchairs, and a welcoming, homey feel. “I want people to bring your laptops, sit at one of the tables, and work all day if you want to — just make yourself at home,” she says.

The café is open to the public six days a week, but Mondays are reserved for a cause close to Penny’s heart. “It’s reserved for a local dementia support group. They do activities, have lunch, and spend time in a setting that feels like home. Or a club. Not something institutional.”

Manoir Hovey, North Hatley

“This hotel is one of my favourite spots in the region,” Penny says of the lakefront Relais & Châteaux property. “My husband and I were married here — well, our ceremony was at the little church overlooking North Hatley, and then our reception was at Manoir Hovey.”

She returns regularly for lunch on the terrace or a massage at the spa. “I always book the same thing: just a good 90-minute massage,” she says. “I love going to spas. I really think I’d like to die on a spa massage table,” she jokes. “What better way to go?”

Built in 1900 as a private summer home inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, the manor is now one of Canada’s most charming boutique hotels — known for its top-rated restaurant, Le Hatley, a tranquil lakeside spa and pristine outdoor pool.

North Hatley General Store

Penny insists that this century-old store is worth a stop. “It inspired the general store in my books,” she says. “You can find everything there. Where else can you buy steaks and fresh produce, but also a hammer, rain boots — and even a coffin? You can buy a coffin there!”

From local maple syrup to hand tools and hardware, the shop remains a reliable (and delightfully quirky) community fixture. Stepping inside is like walking into a bygone era, so it’s no surprise it sparked a fictional counterpart in Three Pines.

La Rumeur Affamée, Sutton

This beloved épicerie and bakery in Sutton is a go-to for Penny. “There are pastries and breads of all kinds, sandwiches. It’s good for breakfast,” she says of the neighbourhood fixture, housed in a historic brick building. “This one inspired the bakery in my books. I really mined the entire area for inspiration.”

Head to La Rumeur Affamée for buttery croissants, crusty sourdough, and shelves stocked with Quebec cheeses and artisanal jams — perfect for assembling a picnic or cozy breakfast spread.

Coldbrook Path

Back home in Knowlton, Penny often walks her two golden retrievers, Muggins and Charlie, along the lake. “As the leaves turn, it’s just the most spectacular place to be.”

She’s referring to the Coldbrook Path, a scenic trail that winds past creeks, bridges, and wooded stretches before hugging the edge of Brome Lake. The 3.3-kilometre route is flat and peaceful, with benches and lookout points along the way. A longer network of trails connects to Foster and the Quilliams-Durrell Nature Reserve, offering even more quiet corners to explore year-round by foot, bike, snowshoe or ski.

One of Canada’s most prestigious mountain retreats set to reopen under luxury brand

June 30, 2025

Rimrock Banff, one of the most iconic retreats in the Canadian Rockies, is poised to redefine mountain luxury as the first Emblems Collection property in North America.

Owned by Oxford Properties Group and a capital partner, the resort will undergo a fully transformative renovation beginning in October 2025 and will reopen in summer 2026 as a flagship for Accor’s newest luxury collection brand, blending its storied legacy with a visionary redesign.

Poised high above the Bow Valley, just minutes from downtown Banff, the property balances seclusion with proximity to the Banff Gondola and historic Upper Hot Springs. Though the current resort opened in 1993, this site has welcomed visitors since the early 1880s, when travellers first arrived seeking its natural springs for rejuvenation. For more than a century, this intimate retreat has embodied Banff’s spiritual calm, cultivating a legacy of timeless charm, renewal, and elevated hospitality.

For decades, Rimrock Banff has offered a sanctuary in the heart of Banff National Park — a place of sweeping mountain vistas and a deep, immersive connection to nature. Its reinvention marks a new era, one that elevates its essence while preserving the authenticity guests have long cherished. The Emblems Collection brings together exceptional properties, each one defined by a unique identity, intimate sense of place, and a refined, enduring elegance.

A visionary redesign

Studio Collective, renowned for its immersive and emotive design philosophy, is spearheading the visionary redesign at Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection, shaping a contemporary retreat that seamlessly balances modern refinement and sustainability with raw natural beauty.

This evolution introduces captivating new elements that redefine the guest experience, including: a breathtaking mountainside infinity pool with sweeping views of the Bow Valley, vitality pools, ice immersion bathing, panoramic saunas, meditation rooms, movement studios, and an expedition centre designed to offer guests insight into the adventures and activities available in the iconic Canadian Rockies. Wellbeing at the resort will be prioritized through thoughtful curation, offering year-round, season-to-season immersion within the natural elements while fostering profound introspection and exploration.

Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection will be a serene mountain retreat where nature and luxury exist in perfect harmony. Uninterrupted views of the national park’s wild beauty will be preserved and enhanced, immersing guests in a renewed sense of place that captures the charismatic allure of the Canadian Rockies.

At the heart of this new chapter are enhanced experiences centering on wellness, connection, and sensory-rich dining, with new restaurant and bar experiences drawing inspiration from the land and seasons, as well as the stories of Banff.

From panoramic alpine vistas to thoughtfully designed guest experiences, this is where outdoor exploration, culture, and deep restoration in nature converge. For more information, visit rimrockresort.com.

In Prince Edward Island, a waterfront spa redefines sustainable luxury

June 9, 2025

I’m not used to resting for an entire day. It doesn’t come naturally to me, and I often get anxious if I’m not being productive.

A trip to Mysa Nordic Spa in Prince Edward Island, just under an hour’s drive east of Charlottetown, quickly changed that.

My zen switch, which I thought was broken, finally switched on. As I dipped into the heated pool, I felt my troubles melt away. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sounds of nature at work.

Mysa, which opened in 2022, is a family-owned spa operated by The Murphy Group. Focused on the traditional Nordic practice of thermal cycling, guests are encouraged to split their spa sessions between hot and cold circuits, which include a eucalyptus steam room and sauna, before settling into a relaxation space. Currently, guests can select from a handful of summer packages, including Mysa’s golf, spa and wellness package that includes two rounds of Golf at two of PEI’s 18 courses, a two-night stay at nearby The Great George Hotel, and two Mysa spa passes. Available until June 30, and priced at $749 per guest, it’s a great way to enjoy the wellness offerings of Mysa, while seeing more of PEI.

Following my spa session, I sat down in a bean bag chair to enjoy a novel for the first time in what felt like ages. But I soon set it aside, instead choosing to enjoy the view – the coast of St. Peter’s Bay and its plethora of greenery, the waves crashing into the land, and blue as far as I could see. Then I cheated—I was, after all, told to listen to my body above all else— and made my way to the gazebo, known as the socializing space, where friendly people repeatedly called the spa’s restaurant “the best on the island.”

After pre-selecting a dinner time slot (lunch reservations are not required), I scanned the menu and selected several seasonal offerings, where ingredients are sourced from the property’s greenhouse. Sipping on a glass of Nova Scotia wine, when my food came, I understood what everyone was talking about. The freshness was apparent, the flavour profiles full, and Chef Seth Shaw’s skill was inherently obvious.

The best part of Mysa, Prince Edward Island’s only Nordic spa and one of the Spas of America Top 100 for two consecutive years (and one of just 15 Canadian destinations on the list), is that operator Isaac Murphy made it all sustainable.

What started as a Covid-inspired project continues to attract locals and visitors alike in the three years it’s been open. The 18-acre property uses woodchip gasification to turn scraps of dead trees into fuel that powers the pools, the restaurant, the cottages, and everything in between. Wood chips are sourced using a practice called sustainable thinning, which means even the dead trees are carefully picked, intentionally removed from spaces where they were otherwise getting in the way.

My home base for the night, one of 17 personal cottages on the property, was just what I needed: a quaint, fair-sized space with a fireplace and couch, a queen-sized bed, a small sitting area, a four-piece bathroom and, most importantly, a water-facing balcony. Each cottage is outfitted with sustainably made amenities, and some have fireplaces.

I capped my stay with one of the spa’s newest treatments, an Indian head massage, which can be booked alongside traditional RMT massages and relaxation massages. I sat in the chair, the practitioner’s fingers rubbing the knots from my skull, and had trouble – for the first time in a long time – keeping my eyes open. It was different, I realized, than the Nordic spas I’d visited in the past. It’s about a holistic experience.

The simplicity of the experience drew me in; the air felt cleaner, the view more captivating, the respect for nature and commitment to sustainability apparent. It was luxurious in its simplicity: no complicated scheduling needs, less people around, and more about honing in on what wellness means to us as individuals. The refreshing, calming aroma, the sweet sounds of the relaxing music, and the natural wood tones and peaceful energy that surrounded every inch of my awareness all made my mind quiet.

And I basked in the luxury of it.

This story first appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to subscribe to the digital magazine.

Staycation: Self indulgence awaits at The High Acre in Dundas, Ontario

May 14, 2025

Opened in 2023 inside a restored 1867 Victorian farm house in Dundas Ontario, The High Acre is an exceptional adults-only boutique inn that exudes quiet luxury.

With just four beautifully-appointed suites, The High Acre provides an opportunity to disconnect and enjoy an intimately personal getaway, with minimal disruptions.

The suites, which sleep two people, feature a private infrared sauna, a hammam-inspired steam room, and a free-standing soaker tub, meaning guests can skip the hassle of booking an appointment and enjoy spa-like relaxation at any time of day. The hammam is enhanced with a handcrafted essential oil blend from certified clinical aromatherapist Marianne Toupalik, promoting deep breathing and refreshing the senses using notes of eucalyptus, grapefruit and peppermint. Additionally, guests can practice self-care through yoga, meditation, and breathwork, with guided sessions available in the suite or the on-site studio. Other shared amenities include a heated outdoor hot tub and an outdoor heated pool, open May 1 to October 1.

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Each of the spacious rooms features a blend of modern furniture, luxurious linens and cozy amenities like plush bedding, soaker tubs, flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and individually controlled heating and cooling systems. Ensuite bathrooms are equipped with upscale toiletries, fluffy towels, and bathrobes for added comfort. All of the rooms also feature fireplaces, lounge areas, and a full kitchen, making them perfect for romantic getaways or extended stays.

Guests can enjoy a breakfast spread of freshly baked croissants, farm fresh eggs, jam and butter, and a selection of coffee and tea from the comfort of their rooms, in the inn’s cozy dining area, or on the outdoor patio in the warmer months.

What to do in Dundas

Dundas, roughly 15 minutes from Hamilton, is a small town with a big personality.

It’s close to several hiking trails, including those within the famous Niagara Escarpment and Royal Botanical Gardens. For the best panoramic views, head to Dundas Peak, tucked along the Bruce Trail. Several waterfalls, including Tew’s Falls (the tallest waterfall in Southern Ontario) and Webster’s Falls, are less than a five-minute drive away from The High Acre.

Nearby cultural landmarks include the Art Gallery of Hamilton and Dundurn Castle, whose gardens boast beautiful blooms from May to October.

Downtown Dundas is home to a handful of restaurants, cafes and charming boutiques, making it a pleasant spot to spend an afternoon strolling, dining, and shopping.

Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. is the main brewery in Dundas, and it offers a fantastic selection of craft beers and their signature beer pie pizzas. Wine lovers can explore the abundance of vineyards found in Niagara-on-the-Lake, approximately an hour’s drive from Dundas.

This article first appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of OFFSHORE Travel Magazine. Click here to access the digital version. Click here to subscribe to the newsletter.

Abercrombie & Kent unveils Geoffrey Kent’s ultimate 2026 private jet journey

March 26, 2025

Abercrombie & Kent has announced a travel experience like no other: Around the World with Geoffrey Kent: An Inspiring Expedition by Private Jet.

Departing October 2026, this custom-designed itinerary, crafted and hosted by A&K founder Geoffrey Kent, offers an unprecedented exploration across five continents. With just 48 guests aboard a fully customized Boeing 757, this journey combines the less visited regions of Australia, India and Portugal with a range of destinations most travellers would struggle to find on a map, such as the Cook Islands, Sumatra, Mozambique and Côte d’Ivoire.

Step back in time in the Cook Islands and explore the 600-year-old ruins of Arorangi’s “lost village,” then dive into the dazzling waters of Aitutaki’s Vaka Lagoon, where tropical fish shimmer in every hue.

From Adelaide, savor world-class regional wines, then plunge into adventure with a heart-pounding shark cage dive. Get up close with Australia’s unique wildlife at a private sanctuary, then journey to Kangaroo Island—Australia’s own Galapagos—where kangaroos, sea lions, and koalas roam freely in their natural paradise.

Unlock a rare opportunity with exclusive helicopter access to the closed-to-the-public Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, witnessing firsthand the groundbreaking efforts to save one of the world’s most critically endangered species.

Immerse in Goa’s vibrant heritage, tracing Portugal’s influence through its architecture and flavors. Indulge in an unforgettable epicurean experience at the historic Figueiredo Mansion, where the owners welcome you into a world of exotic spices and storied traditions.

Venture into Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, where sugar-white sands meet sapphire seas. Set out on an island-hopping ocean safari, then feel the rush of a sunset dhow cruise and the exhilaration of dune boarding over golden sands.

Experience the pulse of West Africa in Abidjan, where the past and present blend seamlessly. Wander through the UNESCO-listed streets of Grand-Bassam, join in the rhythmic intensity of a traditional drumming performance in Fakaha, and celebrate the region’s rich culture at a dazzling gala dinner.

Sip your way through Madeira’s famed vineyards, savoring world-renowned wines while taking in panoramic coastal views. Hike through lush, emerald forests, then set sail on a private catamaran, watching dolphins dance along the sparkling coastline.

A personalized experience

To personalize the experience, A&K offers Design Your Day activities catering to diverse interests.

In Rarotonga, guests can choose a cycling tour with a Storyteller guide, a fishing charter, snorkelling with turtles, or a walking tour with local guides. In Adelaide, options include a guided nature walk at Cleland Conservation Park, a charter flight to Kangaroo Island, a wine tasting at Bekkers Wine, or a behind-the-scenes tour at Jurlique Farm followed by a spa treatment.

Experience luxury in the skies

A&K’s chartered Boeing 757 offers the utmost in comfort and style with 48 first-class, fully lie-flat seats and a range of amenities. Throughout each journey, a dedicated cabin crew (complete with executive chef) provides peerless personalized service, remembering each guest’s preferences and ensuring their favorite drink is ready without having to ask, whether that is a fresh espresso or champagne and caviar.

Experts are with guests every step of the way. Leading them is the A&K Tour Director, a virtuoso organizer who keeps everything running flawlessly. An onboard physician is on hand to manage any medical needs, while a dedicated Luggage Manager handles each guest’s bags between destinations. And a professional photographer travels with guests to share tips and capture the magic, in images that are guests to keep.

“Our team’s passion is what truly makes these trips so special,” says Epting. “From our air crew who make every flight feel like home, to our tour staff who bring destinations to life with meticulous attention to detail, it’s clear that our dedication shines through. Time and again, guests tell us they’d follow this exceptional team anywhere, and that’s the greatest testament to our commitment.”

For more information on Around the World with Geoffrey Kent: An Inspiring Expedition by Private Jet, Oct 02 – Oct 25, 2026 ($198,500 per person, double occupancy; $19,850 single supplement) visit https://www.abercrombiekent.com/all-journeys/private-jet-journeys, call 800.554.7094 to speak with an A&K Travel Consultant or contact your travel advisor.

This tour operator is offering a series of self-guided cycling trips through Italy

February 28, 2025

Building on last year’s successful launch of self-guided cycling tours in Italy, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a trailblazer in cycling vacations and leader in active travel, is introducing three new extended itineraries for 2025, offering travellers a deeper dive into the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Italy’s la dolce vita.

These longer trips align with the growing trend of slow travel, combining multiple weeklong routes to create seamless adventures that prioritize immersive and sustainable experiences.

“We think that with the expense and time it takes to travel these days, a longer bike tour just makes sense,” said Maria Elena Price, co-owner of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours. “Not to mention, spending more time in a place – getting to know it in the more immersive and intimate manner that exploring by bike provides – is so much more enriching, rewarding, and overall, a more sustainable way to travel.”

Designed for travellers who love the freedom of choosing their own pace while enjoying the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing key details such as accommodations and route mapping are taken care of, these new adventures offer deep dives into three famed regions: The Dolomites, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany.

For details on all ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ guided and self-guided cycling adventures in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America, visit ExperiencePlus.com.

Tauck is launching two new river boats in France for 2026

October 25, 2024

Tauck has announced that two new ships will be joining the company’s fleet of award-winning riverboats in 2026.

The two ships, which have not yet been named, will launch in spring 2026 following construction next year in Serbia and The Netherlands.

The two newbuilds include a 135-meter vessel that will sail on Tauck itineraries along the Rhone. Accommodating a maximum of just 130 guests in sixty-eight cabins, the 135-meter ship will boast twenty-two spacious 300-sq. ft. suites on its upper (Diamond) deck, thirty-four roomy 225-sq. ft. cabins primarily on the middle (Ruby) deck, and twelve 180-sq. ft. Category 1 cabins on the lower (Emerald) deck.

A slightly smaller (125-meter) sister ship will host up to 124 guests along the River Seine, with accommodations including twenty 300-sq. ft. suites on its Diamond Deck, thirty 225-sq. ft. cabins (mainly on the Ruby Deck), and twelve 180-sq. ft. Category 1 cabins on the Emerald Deck. At 180-sq. ft., the Category 1 cabins on both newbuilds will be 20% larger than the Category 1 cabins found on Tauck’s other riverboats.

In keeping with Tauck’s tradition of welcoming solo travelers, all Category 1 cabins on the new ships will have the single supplement waived on every sailing.

In addition, Tauck opened its 2026 river cruises for preliminary bookings earlier this month and guests are now able to reserve space on the 2026 itinerary and departure date of their choosing.

All guests who book 2026 cruises now will have the opportunity to cancel their bookings, and receive a full refund of their deposits, when pricing and final itinerary details are announced in early 2025.

For more information, visit www.tauck.ca.

Four Seasons and Lucid team up for sustainable driving experiences

October 16, 2024

Global luxury hospitality leader Four Seasons and Lucid Group, Inc., maker of the world’s most advanced electric vehicles, announce a new partnership grounded in a shared vision of an exceptional, sustainable lifestyle.

The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to environmental stewardship and responds to a growing guest desire for added flexibility and unique, eco-friendly experiences during their stay.

Program elements include the following offerings at participating Four Seasons properties:

Complimentary driving experience

Based on availability and bookable at no cost both on-site and online, guests can reserve a Lucid vehicle for their own use. Concierge teams will also provide a suggested route map highlighting the best of the surrounding locales, allowing guests the flexibility and freedom to explore a destination at their leisure.

Chauffeured Lucid house car

Four Seasons guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the comforts of a chauffeured Lucid house car in addition to those available for guests to drive themselves.

Electric charging stations

Lucid is also providing electric vehicle chargers, as necessary. Lucid chargers are compatible with other electric vehicle types, allowing both hotel guests and community members to conveniently charge their own vehicles.

Program rollout is anticipated to begin this Fall at participating Four Seasons hotels and resorts in the US, with additional properties in North America, Europe and the Middle East to be added to the program in the months following.

For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com.

All-day pampering awaits at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa

October 14, 2024

Suspended on limestone cliffs above the rushing rapids of the gorge below, the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa provides an indulging, five-star retreat in the heart of nature.

Walking through the streets of Elora, you’d be forgiven for thinking you might be anywhere else but a small, Ontario town. All along Metcalfe and surrounding streets, stores housed in 19th century limestone sell everything from handmade silk lampshades spun in art deco designs, to locally-made home furnishings and used books.

Like any good small town, there are also a handful of comfortable cafes and ice cream shops selling those nostalgic Moosetracks and Bubblegum scoops.

But the lifeblood of the town is the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, a five-star, luxury boutique property with a fine-dining restaurant and full-service spa that’s perched above the rushing waters of the Elora Gorge.

About the Elora Mill

Opened in 2018 under the Pearle Hospitality Group, the Elora Mill has a long and colourful history that dates back nearly 200 years, to 1832 when William Gilkison, a Scottish naval captain, purchased 14,000 acres of land and settled the town on the banks of the Grand River. In 1833, Gilkison constructed a sawmill which served the town until the early 1900s.

Over the years, the property also had stints as a distillery (the site of the hotel’s present-day kitchen), as well as a flour mill that ceased operations in 1974, when it was converted to the Elora Mill Inn. Following the old inn’s closure in 2010, a $27 million renovation project saw the property reopen eight years later in June 2018 as the four-storey Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, turning the tiny town of Elora into a full-fledged luxury destination flanked year round by guests from all over the world.

Farm-to-table dining

On the first floor of the hotel, you’ll find the two-storey restaurant which features floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the rapids. Using a farm-to-table dining approach that extends to all menus, highlights include the lobster and smoked halibut agnolotti with seasonal hand-picked chanterelles and the field greens salad with pan roasted chicken, made using locally-sourced produce from the Pearle Farm.

Down below, guests can visit the restaurant’s recently opened wine cellar, which is home to more than 4,000 bottles. The Elora Mill’s team of friendly in-house sommeliers can also provide expert pairing advice on any dish.

Rooms with a view

Working with the original footprint of the mill, luxury interior designer Lori Morris was picked to decorate all 30 rooms in three styles—rustic, modern and French. There are eight room categories to choose from, with no two designed identically. Soft neutrals blend harmoniously with the natural limestone walls and exposed wooden beams. Lavish touches create an atmosphere so indulging, you find yourself longing for just one more day on a weekend getaway.

Throw open the balcony doors of the Terrace Suite and gaze at the rushing rapids of the Elora Gorge below. Additional in-room highlights include a king-sized bed, a seasonal indoor wood burning fireplace perfect for autumn nights, and a Nespresso coffee machine. At the end of the evening, retreat to your terrace and lounge by the outdoor fire with a glass of wine, or one of the afte rdinner cocktails that can be ordered to your room—we recommend the Campfire Nightcap, made with a smoky Sombra mezcal, sweet Amaro Montenegro, Crème de Cacao, cold brew espresso and agave. Or, slip off your oversized plush robe and into the soaker tub.

Elements of relaxation continue throughout the hotel, starting on the first floor at the spa, where cliffside views immediately transport you away from the stresses of daily life. Recently, Elora Mill introduced a series of day packages which include the Daybreak ($350 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), with a complimentary breakfast; the Midday ($425 from 12 to 5 p.m.) which includes lunch, and Seize the Day ($750 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), which is perfect for those looking for a full day of pampering.

Along with a signature body treatment, highlights of all three packages include use of the Nordic dry sauna, eucalyptus steam room, hot tub, and heated rooftop pool, which stays open year round. Cocktails, wine by the glass and small bites, like warm marinated olives, can be enjoyed pool side or in the relaxation lounge.

For rates and availability, visit eloramill.ca.

This article first appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of OFFSHORE travel Magazine. Click here to subscribe to your free copy.