Even though Hockley Valley Resort Spa is less than an hour from Toronto, it feels like a million miles away. As you approach the resort and its 28 pristine acres, you instantly feel a sensation of relaxation, which continues throughout your stay.
Checking into the luxuriously appointed Vice Regal Suite I’m impressed by the magnificent wrought-iron spiral staircase leading to a king bed, Jacuzzi tub and elegant four-piece bathroom. After dropping off my luggage and inspecting the lower spacious sitting area with fireplace, I head to the spa.
I was greeted with a plush, comfortable robe and slippers. My treatment gave me access to the Oasis Cafe, the “Whisper Zone” Lounge, fitness facility, locker room, indoor and outdoor pool and sauna.
I chose the Aromatherapy Healing Body Treatment – and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my day. This 70-minute treatment consisted of a full body scrub followed by an aromatherapy cream application and hot stone back massage, which had me melting into the table. The package included a mini hydration facial, a relaxing scalp massage and lunch at the Oasis Cafe.
The treatment started with two deep breaths of the essential oil to relax and set the tone. Then, a sugar scrub was applied all over my body gently exfoliating my skin. After rinsing off, the technician applied rich cream and the relaxing hot stone massage began.
When my body was finished, it was on to my face. They cleansed, exfoliated and hydrated it, quenching my dry, thirsty skin and making it glow for days. The icing on the cake was the scalp massage — heavenly.
I left the spa radiant, refreshed and glowing from head to toe. My normally dry skin was smooth and silky for days and the specially formulated products didn’t cause any sensitivity.
If you love the products used in your treatment, they’re available in the gift shop. Some of the products they used are Laver Au Naturel from Caledon, Bridlewood Soaps from Orangeville, Naturopathica and Jan Iredale.
One of my favourite spots in the Hockley Valley Resort was the “Whisper Zone” (No cell phone calls). It was filled with comfortable armchairs, chaise lounges and a beautiful fireplace. I lingered for 30 minutes after my treatment, not wanting to leave the quiet, comfortable space where they provide colouring books, magazines, newspapers, tea and coffee.
The spa treatments aren’t the only draw at this resort. The food is a close second! I chose to eat at the Cabin restaurant. For lunch, I indulged in the beet salad, speckled with smoked goat cheese, shaved Brussel sprouts, beet crema, roasted grapes, Adamo Estate maple syrup and mustard vinaigrette, organic arugula and pecans — a delightful combination of ingredients.
Dinner was delectable. I dined on pan-roasted chicken, kabocha squash and bacon stuffing, mascarpone potatoes, roasted parsnips, sautéed greens, finished with bacon jus. Of course, I couldn’t leave without tucking into dessert! The Pear Upside Down married poached pears with vanilla cake, caramel sauce and a port wine gelato. A Cranberry Sparkle (non-alcoholic in my case) perfectly complimented this meal.
The Hockley Valley Spa is the perfect girlfriend’s getaway, with special packages like Wellness Wednesday and a Bachelorette Package. The spa has carefully arranged the chairs in the manicure and pedicure room so you can indulge in your treatments together. It’s located down the street from the Adamo Estate Winery where you can enjoy a wine tour or tasting as a part of your girls’ weekend.