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GETAWAY
DAY TRIPPING IN ONTARIO
by Margaret Swaine Columnist and Author www.margaretswaine.com
Readers of this column will know that I typically write
about travel. However these days life is anything but typical or normal. At least for this year and likely into next, travel and routines will stay significantly altered. For the remainder of 2020 a majority of Canadians will chose more local, drive vacations over flights overseas. Europe may have opened her doors to Canada, but with the risk of flying and a two week quarantine upon return, I expect most of us won’t be rushing there anytime soon. That’s not all bad. Our hotels, restaurants, resorts, spas and attractions are in desperate need of our support. A vacation close to home is safer, more economical and helps support our tourism industry in its hours of desperate need. Shelter Valley Golf Course
Ste. Anne’s Spa
I’ve been pretty much house bound since mid-March. Normally I’d be travelling at least two weeks out of every four. I was more than ready to go somewhere, anywhere as long as it was safe, when my friend Anita suggested an overnight stay at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Haldimand Hills at the end of June. Toronto, where I live, was still in stage two shutdown, but other areas of Ontario were faring better and allowed to open spas and resorts. We selected their golf and spa package, drove ourselves in separate cars, and met up at Shelter Valley Pines Golf Club. We enjoyed a delightful game on this heavily wooded country course with its multiple elevation changes. Then we checked into our spacious two bedroom, two bathroom, accommodation in Maison Santé Nook, part of the Ste. Anne’s property. We were able to comfortably social distance there and on the patio where we had tea and later dinner. The next day we both went for a Swedish massage – our therapists wore masks as did we. I added on a much needed foot therapy
after the massage. We wrapped up our mini-escape with a nutritious lunch and then headed back to our homes and husbands. It was a lovely wellness break that felt safe and it was. That trip was over two weeks ago and I’ve had no repercussions. All sectors in the hospitality biz are adjusting to COVID-19 restrictions and this has led to some excellent opportunities for everyone. My husband and I have ordered meals from top restaurants that never before offered Page 32
