A few weeks ago, I casually mentioned that I was going up to Muskoka, Ontario for a few days.
“Camping?” one friend asked.
“Do you have a cottage there?” another inquired.
“Roughing it up north?” yet another assumed.
Er… not exactly…
We were off to #GoSeizetheSummer with Travelocity.ca, and I was very much looking forward to my very first mini-vacation in cottage country. Just 2.5 hours north of Toronto, and located in the heart of the Muskoka Lakes region, the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa combines luxury and adventure for the ultimate retreat. Named one of the ten best resort views by National Geographic, this Canadian resort boasts an array of indoor and outdoor activities year-round.
We are keen on planning a week-long, semi-local vacation for the summer of 2014, so it made perfect sense to take a jaunt up to the resort for a couple of days to test-drive the hotel, amenities and activities. Plus, I knew two friends who were vacationing at the property the following week, plus a host of other readers who have expressed interest in the resort, so I reasoned that my review would also help those planning their own upcoming vacations.
However, since we covered quite a lot in the two days we were there, I’ve decided to break up my review into two parts; today, I’ll chat about our first day right up to dinner, and tomorrow, I’ll conclude with our after-dinner activities, as well as our second day at the resort. Hence, sit back and be prepared to be taken to paradise… Ontario-style.
PART ONE
As you may know, we booked the hotel through Travelocity.ca – and it couldn’t have been easier! I love the flexibility, wide variety of properties to choose from, and most of all – the amazing prices.
We arrived at the hotel just after 12:00pm to find that we had received a complimentary upgrade (which is always a nice surprise, and always a welcome way to begin a vacation!). However, as our room was not yet ready, we decided to enjoy a leisurely lunch down at “The Deck” poolside grill and bar. As the temperature soared close to 30°C, I was thankful for the large sun umbrellas and gentle breeze blowing in from the lake.
After lunch, I decided to do a quick walk-through of the grounds. Here, I found a vacationer’s paradise: a sea of lounge chairs, unobstructed views of the majestic Lake Rosseau at every turn, and a plethora of swimming options, including the Rosseau private sand beach, a heated indoor/outdoor pool, the Paignton House outdoor pool, hot tub and wading pool, and a Spa outdoor pool with hot tub open year-round and whirlpool.
There was an equal mix of children, couples and older folks milling around, all taking in a sunny day on the patio. Hence, the atmosphere was upbeat and mellow, all at the same time.
We made our way to our room, which was located in the main building – a Studio with a King, Sofabed, Water View, Fireplace and Balcony. (Click here for rates.)
The room – though very spacious – had a quaint, cottage feel to it – “pretty as a picture” was the first thing that came to mind. In addition to a small dining table (which is most welcome when travelling with younger children), the room featured a kitchenette with pantry area, refrigerator, stovetop and microwave. Also available (and appreciated) – dish cleaning supplies, silverware, pots, pans, dishes and glasses. Yes, this truly is a place that you can call home for a night – or a week. And just outside – a large, comfortable balcony that overlooked the grounds and lake.
Of course, even though our room and view were simply stunning, we took advantage of the glorious weather and headed poolside for a few hours. The Paignton House Outdoor Pool seemed to be the unofficial kids hangout, and with views of the lake, plus access to beer and frozen-chocolate-banana drink concoctions, even the adults seemed content to lounge around.
As the afternoon wore on and the weather cooled, we retreated to our room for a few arts and crafts. The small dining table was a wonderful place for the boys to chill out and have a little structured fun, while my husband and I arranged a light dinner in the enclosed kitchen.
And that, friends, seems a good place as any to wrap up the first part of my review. Tomorrow, I’ll be back to chat about our after-dinner nature walk, as well as our second day at the resort. Until then, there are only a few days left to #GoSeizetheSummer – make it count!
Yay – I’ve been looking forward to this post (and the next installment too!). Your pictures are SO clear and amazing…looking at the photos made me miss the resort already (isn’t the decor soooo amazing? Cottage-feel yet so luxurious. And the pool areas…we spent most of our time there on our visit!).
Our whole family fell in love with the resort – and it made my British-born husband fall in love with Canada even more – SO much natural beauty!
Thank you Ella! Just an old iPhone for the photos – crazy, right?
I so miss the cottage-yet-luxury feel. Seriously thinking we need to take the kids there in the winter to go tobogganing :)
Beautiful pools and I love the large inflatables on the lake! With a never ending supply of those frozen cocktails I could see myself enjoying an extended stay there.
Hahaha I wish I could say that I had a never-ending supply… I probably would have hung around the pool all day if I had!
looks beautiful there !
It is breathtaking :)
That view is stunning! I’m from BC so I love to see water and greenery during a vacation. The frozen-chocolate-banana drink concoction looks rather yummy!
It’s rare that I’m surrounded by such beauty – I suppose BC residents can take it for granted, because it’s such a beautiful province!
OH MY! That view is literally jaw-dropping beautiful! I think you made the perfect choice in holiday location, Lena! Wow!
All of the comforts of home, but the luxury of time away! I could personally see myself also being VERY happy there :D
Thank you Soozle :) I’m so happy we went on this “fact-finding” mission – makes next year’s vacation plans that much easier!
Beautiful! You could close your eyes and almost imagine being in the Caribbean. As much as the view is impressive, I actually am more taken by the room with the luxurious bed.
And the bed was sooo comfortable, Tricha! :)
What stunning views! Looks like a wonderful resort. I can’t wait for Part 2!
Thanks Heidi – working on it this morning!
Beautiful view of the resort and great pictures Lena! I’d love to visit this place before Summer is over.
There is certainly time to squeak out a visit Marissa – fingers crossed you can make it work!
WOW this place looks stunning!!
Angie, it was paradise!
Looks like a gorgeous destination and that frozen concoction….yummm!
Uh huh… definitely delish!
That really is a beautiful resort
It’s one of the most beautiful resorts I’ve ever stayed at, Debbie!
This looks beautiful! I will have to add it to my list of places to visit!
Please do Emily!
Looks amazing there, will have to keep it in mind for future holidays!
Indeed, Judy – I think you’d love it!
Well… that’s decided it – next summer Lake Rosseau here I come !! :) I like the fact that you had a kitchenette in your suite, great for breakfasts for the not-so-early risers.
Haha perfect Flora! Yes. the kitchenette came in handy – we brought drinking boxes and cut up fruit for the kids, and cheese and meats – it saved us from having an expensive dinner and helped with snack time too!
someone where I used to live is building a house that somewhat looks like that (except hotel entry) but only bigger. crazy!
I think I read about that house in the paper!
The pictures look great! Sara and I stayed at the Marriott in Whistler a few years ago…the best sleep ever!
Oh, that’s so good to hear Teresa!
How beautiful! I love the cute look of the room. So not every day hotel.
We stayed at a hotel in Saint Andrews by the Sea last summer, and this year it was sold to Marriot to be part of their signature collection. I can’t wait to stay there again. It’s just going to get nicer.
That’s exactly how I feel when I see a hotel is re-branded a signature Marriott :)
That view is so beautiful! I can’t believe you took those great photos on an old iPhone!
I also love the look of the room – so “homey” to me, as ours uses a lot of reds and florals :)
You bet – I often ditch my camera and just tote along my phone. And the room was SO warm and welcoming – we loved it!
I would love to live there.
Hahaha you and me both!
I’m so in love with that view!
It is rather fetching :)
Such a beautiful, relaxing property – fortunately, close to home, too!
We hope to explore this part of our great country next year.