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Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

WIN a Ste. Anne’s Culinary Retreat (Value $1,100!)

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Okay, so by now, I know you may be a *little* envious of my recent Culinary Retreat to Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, ON. And trust me, I understand! Voted Canada’s Favourite Spa 2006 – 2013 (Spafinder Readers), the destination spa boasts an invigorating, Old World atmosphere, exceptional spa services and tantalizing menus.

Springtime-at-Ste.-Annes-Spa_thumbMy husband and I celebrated my birthday weekend with two glorious days of serenity, pampering, and most importantly, sumptuous gastronomic delights prepared by Ste. Anne’s talented culinary team. And to top it all off – a private lesson with Pastry Chef Khushroo, the world-renowned chocolatier and confectionery genius. If you happened to miss my posts, you can always check them out here:

Thirty-Six Reasons to Go on a Culinary Adventure
Recipe: Ste. Anne’s Almond Cookies
Gastropost: Ste. Anne’s Spa Dining Room Menu
Ste. Anne’s Spa: The Art of Chocolate

Well, the time has come to stop teasing you and offer up something BIG – you too can experience a Culinary Retreat at Ste. Anne’s! That’s right – one lucky reader will win a Culinary Retreat for Two at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, ON!

Included in the prize:

Overnight accommodations for two (2) in a beautiful deluxe room at The Main Inn (midweek stay; Mon-Thur)
A 3-hour culinary class (offered at dinner time) at their new culinary facility at Maison Santé
A 30-minute demonstration at Ste. Anne’s Bakery, which specializes in freshly prepared, gluten-free baked goods
$120 in spa allowance for each guest; you may choose from Ste. Anne’s full range of spa treatments
Breakfast for two, a 3-course lunch for two, and afternoon tea for two (see menus here)

For a total value of $1,100! Please note that transportation to/from the spa is not included in this prize, so whether you live near or far, you’ll have to find your own ride. Ste. Anne’s Spa is conveniently located just one hour east of Toronto. Trust me folks, this is a destination spa – worth the visit!

To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck all! 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelly Bouma

    I would love to win this retreat – what a relaxing, rejuvinating weekend it would be – oh yea, I guess I should take my husband but if he didn’t want to go I would take my sister

  2. Jessica Terry

    I would love to spend some time with my hubby without the kiddies. We havent been out since little man was born 9 months ago

  3. Holly Wright

    I would take my fiance, and I would love to go here! I added St Annes to my facebook and the place looks absolutely amazing, and close by!

  5. Michelle james

    I’d love to watch a cooking class.,, and I would take my friend Tina. We are longtime old buddies but never been on a trip together!

  6. Tara Knott

    I would take my hubby :) we could use some “us” time. Drooling just thinking of the culinary course. Thanks for the chance.

  7. Alison W.

    Full days at work, and studying part-time… I am dying for a break! I’d take my sister, who deserves a break more than anyone – 4 kids, full-time job, part-time university student!

  8. Ashley Levesque

    I think it’s obvious why I’d love to win this – it’s a fantastic prize! I would probably bring my best friend who owns her own restaurant and REALLY deserves a vacay!

  9. Michelle Michaud

    I would take my Mother, we both need a little R&R, good food and just to get away from it all!

  11. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    I would take my sister, since it’s a five min drive for me it’s a perfect prize!

  12. Stella

    Always wanted to go… Just got the body cream & am in love! I would take my cousin who needs a bit of a break. (And introduced me to the cream)…

  13. Alexa Reinink

    This sounds like a wonderful retreat- I would take my husband so we can take what we learn back home with us!!

  14. Angie

    I want to win because I need a break from my kids! I love them to pieces but sometimes mom needs a little getaway. I like fine dining so would really enjoy the culinary aspect of it. I would likely take my best friend who equally needs a getaway. Thanks for sucha great prize.

  17. Sharon Misiuda

    We have three busy daughters…my husband and I could use some time away to reconnect and eat a meal at our own pace!

  18. Francine

    Both hubby and I love to cook, and he secretly loves going to the spa! It would be nice for us both to “unplug” for a few days and relax!

  20. shana

    This is literally my most favorite place on earth. I love their burger…well, all of their food really. And I would take my best friend. We have a lot of memories there.

  21. Jennifer M

    O.M.G. this is amazing!! I have a very hard time relaxing so I could really use this getaway AND I love to cook…like LOVE it more than anything so the culinary aspect is the icing on the cake!

  23. Kathleen

    This place is on my wish list. I’ve never been but have heard such wonderful things. My sister loves to cook and I’d love to spend some quality time with her.

  24. michelle

    desperately need vacation, love cooking. would likely bring my sister; doubt my husband would be able to take off

  25. Dawn

    I would take my husband. We both need a little escape and we are both fans of fine dining!!

  26. Adriana F

    I would love to win this to learn some new recipes and also to relax. I would bring my husband with me.

  27. Renata Puntillo

    I’ve always wanted to stay here and would love to either take my hubby or my mom. Hope I win!!!

  32. valerie darsigny

    I love to cook and I am always looking for new technique and idea. I would love to win this and be able to cook better meals for my family. I will bring my husband with me :) (probably lol)

  33. Julie Dyer

    I love to cook but have never taken any lessons; what a wonderful environment to learn! I would bring my best girlfriend. She loves to cook as well and could use some pampering too.

  34. Rebecca

    I love love love food and cooking – the culinary retreat would be amazing! Please don’t make me pick who I would bring – maybe dh? Maybe a friend? This isn’t easy ;)

  35. Gillybeans

    A weekend away without my kids would be a first for my husband and me…..AND this would be PERFECT!

  36. aneta alaei

    I am a food lover who is always looking for new ways to feed people but I need this retreat for ME, have done absolutely nothing for myself for almost 7 years now and I would take my momma so that we could have some bonding time.

  37. Leigh-Ann Murphy

    I’d love to participate in the culinary class. And I would love to take my mother with me. She is retired this year and we have never done a mother daughter getaway before, she would be thrilled!

  40. Crystal D'Eri

    I would love to take my boyfriend. He needs to understand what relaxation rwally is. And we need this timw to become closer before starting a family.

  44. Teresa Valvano

    I can’t even begin to put into words how much I need this… I’d love to feel rejuvenated, refreshed, revived etc… And the culinary experience… Wow! I enjoy cooking but most of all eating. My fingers are crossed-I’ve read and dreamed about going to St. Anne’s Spa.

  46. Pamela

    I’ve always wanted to go to Ste. Anne’s. Looks beautiful and it would be amazing to try the cooking course and relaxing spa. Ahhh… I would take my sister as I know she would live it as much as me.

  47. Bonnie Henry

    I would so love to win this!! I am a single mom of 3 teenaged boys. If that’s not stress enough, I also lost my job last week, so a spa or relaxation trip would be fantastic. To have food involved too would be nothing short of heaven, I would bring my best friend who has recently split from her husband and is feeling very down and defeated right now.

  48. Carol slute

    I love Ste Anne’s Spa but have never stayed overnight! This would be amazing! It would be a nice getaway for hubby and I or a great girl’s getaway for a good friend and I!!

  49. Jessica

    I would love to win! My husband and I love to cook – so it would be a really fun getaway!

  50. Beth Whittington

    I would love to win as I’ve heard only amazing things about St Annes, and happen to also be a foodie !

  52. Lisa

    I turned 40 this year, so this would be a great celebration weekend with my hubby. Thanks for the fab giveaway…so amazing!!

  55. Terri

    I am in desperate need for some rest and relaxation. I would take my Mom because she loves to cook and she has done so much for me my entire life.

  56. Veronica S.

    I would take my best friend. I haven’t seen her in about a year since we moved. It would be a lovely way to connect.

  57. David Osborne

    This looks like a great way to relax and reconnect, I’d take a good friend from work.

  58. Mark V

    I would love to win as I hear so much about Ste. Anne’s but have never been and would take my sweetheart.

  59. Monique L.S.

    I need a getaway. I would go with my friend because I have been on new mommy duty for almost 21 months now, and it is time I relaxed and had some fun, and perhaps some uninterrupted sleep too.

  60. Sarah Gale

    It would be an experience of a lifetime!! I would want to take my fiancée with me, of course;)

  62. Lindsay T

    I’d bring my hubby, we like trying new things in the kitchen but are kind of limited with our skills!

  63. Jennifer

    I would love to win as I have never been to a spa! And I could really use a spa day getaway!!

  67. Kim Enos

    I would love to take my husband to enjoy the beauty and culinary treats that this spa offers:). It looks like a wonderful destination and escape from responsibilities!

  68. Ella Pretty Blog

    It looks like such a gorgeous place to visit – I can’t believe it’s only one hour from Toronto! I’d love to take my sister there – she’s always been such a big emotional support to me, and we have a ridiculously fun time together no matter what we do! And we’re forever exchanging new recipes-to-try with each other, so cooking classes together would be perfect ;-)

  69. Tony

    I heard about this retreat last year in Westjets Up Magazine during a flight to Toronto. Would love to experience this!!

  72. Shelley N

    I would love to go on this retreat since I love to cook and I would really enjoy a professional cooking class. I also would love to go since I love spas -I desperately need a massage! I would take one of my girlfriends -there are several who would like this. I would ask my best friend Dianne since she has been a loyal friend for many many years.

  74. Tara

    I would take my husband. We did go away for our anniversary, but with the kids. This would be wonderful for just us. The whole trip sounds perfect and yummy.

  75. Andrea Morley

    I would take my mom – I would love to have a mother daughter weekend with her!!!

  76. Stephen Gordon

    So I can take my lovely wife.She cooks all the time for guests at y BED and BREAKFAST. This would be nice treat for her.

  78. michelle

    I love to cook and I love the spa, my bestie and I could always use a night away from kids and husbands with great food, spa dates and a bottle of wine I am sure.

  79. Christine

    I would love to win to get a bit of me time! I would try to take my mom when she comes for a visit from Edmonton! Good mother daughter bonding!

  80. Ei Leen

    I’ve always wanted a private culinary class & this retreat sounds amazing! I’d take my mom.

  81. julia g

    I would like this culinary retreat because I have lost interest in cooking; my meals have become so stale. I would take my boyfriend.

  82. Leila

    Would love to celebrate our 10th year wedding anniversary with my dearest husband ❤️

  83. DARLENE W

    Sometimes you just need to get away for a while and what a great place to do it in. Experience an adventure. I would take my daughter who is 31

  84. Lindsay C

    I would love to go because I am a total foodie and I have been having a very hard year so far and need to get away. I would bring my mom because she is the one who gave me my passion for cooking and it would be a great bonding trip.

  87. Leslie W-H

    This would be a great place to spend my 50th birthday this summer – with my husband, and without my kids!

  88. Laura B

    Oh, I could use this very much! I’ve been hinting for years that I’d like a spa day, but so far, no dice. To have me time, to relax, feel pampered…these are all things I lack right now. I’ve eyed Ste. Anne’s for a while, but it’s either been out of my price range, or I’ve been unable to leave my kids overnight. They’re older now, so this contest is timely!

  89. Nicky J

    I would like to win this so I can send my parents. They would really enjoy it and deserve it.

  91. Yash

    I SOOO wanted this for mother’s day but hubs didn’t catch on to my not-so-subtle hints! But, I would still take him as my plus 1 :) Great givaway!

  92. Kris Wilson

    I’ve stayed at Ste. Anne’s Spa a couple of years ago. What a relaxing way to spend a couple of days; I highly recommend it. I’d like to win this because I really need some culinary classes ;) and I’d take my sister. Thank you Lena and Ste. Anne’s Spa for this giveaway.

  93. Stephanie

    I would love to win this because I don’t even remember the last time my boyfriend and I went away. I think it might have been a few years ago. I desperately need a break.

    My boyfriend and I are huge foodies, so I think this would be lots of fun!

  94. Alex

    Given that I love food, a culinary retreat sounds like my idea of heaven. Throw in some spa time and a relaxing setting, and it’s pretty much perfection. I’d be taking my wife, because I don’t think she’d forgive me if I didn’t take her! *grin*

  96. Cathy

    I’ve been cooking more since I went “clean eating” and would love some tips. I’d definitely be taking my hubby…It’s our 20th anniversary in August, so this would be a wonderful treat for surviving 10 years!

  97. Darlene Schuller

    I want to win just because I think it would be a wonderful way to spend some fun/quality time with my Mom.

  99. Brianne

    I would love to win this prize because my husband and I are complete foodies. I would definitely take him and we would enjoy the much needed time away :)

  101. ALICIA MILLETTE

    I want to take my husband with me so he can learn to cook delicious and healthy food for me :)

  104. Melinda L.

    I would either take my BF or mom. It would be a lovely birthday present for either of them

  105. Victoria Ess

    I would love to win this to treat me and my partner to a relaxing culinary escape!

  106. kaley davies Couper

    I have always wanted to go to St.Anne’s and would love to bring my best friend and hubby on a well deserved R&R vacation and we are HUGE foodies so the culinary experience would be the icing on the cake Thank you for the chance !~

  107. Preshus Me

    I want to win because it’s my 40th birthday this year and we don’t have the funds to do anything to celebrate. We’ll probably just go our for dinner, but a trip to a spa would be much nicer!

  108. Anu Chopra

    I have never been on a spa retreat and think this would be so much fun .. I would love to take my husband away for a nice mini-vacation!

  110. amber y

    I’d love to win because it looks and sounds amazing. Who wouldn’t want a couple days of relaxing? I’d take my boyfriend with me.

  112. Flora M

    I would take my close friend who has had a very rough couple of years (her son left her high and dry – long story – wrongful dismissal from her job of 12 years…). If ANYONE deserves a wonderful break and pampering it is her. Of course I would need to go along to be a fruit loop for her and provide a few comic antics to the trip LOL

  114. Debra R

    Wow, great food and relaxation, as well as some tutoring!! What more could you ask for in a trip! Thank-you for the chance to win this!! :)

  115. TW

    My sister! She’s a new parent. She’ll need some relaxation and she’s an amazing baker and cook so she would love to learn some new recipes! :)

  116. SweetPanda

    I want to win because I have never been to St. Anne’s and I have heard a lot of great review of it. I would take my hubby with me

  117. Kelly Colby

    I love this place, it is amazing! I have been there twice, but not for a long time, and would love to go back. I would take my Mom

  118. Mia P

    I would take my husband with me. We have both been working really hard for the past few months and it would be great to o away and be pampered. I have never been there before.

  121. Kayla Gilbert

    I would like to win, because I love learning about food and cooking. My boyfriend and I could also really use the Spa time :)

  122. Sandy

    I would love to go to Ste. Anne’s! If I’m to be brutally honest I’m not sure if I would go with a friend or my husband… what I do know, is that I am in desperate need of some relaxation and I LOVE their lotion. It smells divine!!!

  123. Pam

    I have been under a lot of stress recently at work and could use a rejuvenating night away with my hubby to reenergize and do something for myself.

  125. Doris H.

    I would take my hubby. What an amazing prize this would be to win!
    We would love to experience this because we have never gone away to a Spa or any retreat, mainly because of finances. Thank you for providing your readers with this awesome opportunity!!!

  127. Juliee Fitze

    I would like to win this for my sister and myself I could use a really relaxing day away.

  128. Judy C (Judy Cowan)

    I would love to getaway with my hubby if I won. I love to cook so this would be a perfect getaway, plus we have never been to a spa so it would be a new experience for both of us.

  129. Thalia GK

    I would take my husband with me. We haven’t had a overnight away from home together since our 16 month old was born! it would be a great time to reconnect over some good food and massages!

  130. Megan F.

    I would love to have a getaway with my hubby. We are both lovers of delicious food, so this would be a great opportunity to fall in love with food from a place we haven’t tried yet! Awesome!

  131. Jannette

    OMG I love this place! In the summer it’s so peaceful and relaxing just to lay in the hammock or a lounge chair…

  135. Rebecca

    I cant remember the last time my husband and I went away together. We both love food so this would be awesome

  137. Josie Tusa

    I would take my husband with me. We haven’t been away together in I don’t remember how long and this would be awesome!

  140. Tabitha P

    Seeing as my husband and I are both foodies at heart that would be one of the reasons to go, but also my husband and I *need* a retreat together so I guess that also answers who I would take ;) Sounds like a great retreat!

  141. Kath

    I would love to win this with just after going through this past winter and so far terrible spring.I would take my best friend with me.

  144. tanyab79

    I would love to win because I have always been curious to experience a culinary class. I would bring my better half because I am sure he would be very interested as well.

  145. Lina

    I’ve heard so many good things about St. Anne’s, so I’d love this chance to go there. I’d take my sibling.

  146. Lora

    I would love to get some hands on experience learning how to cook the ste Anne’s way! And I would take my good friend Jenny

  148. Nancy T

    I would take my hubby! We haven’t been away from the girls in quite a while and the last time was only for a night (2 years ago). :)

  151. Brandee H

    I would take my best friend. But I am tempted to go by myself and enjoy twice the spa treatments!!!

  153. laurel k

    My daughter lives near here and I visit her every year with my son her brother, so we would go here if I won thanks

  154. nicoleroannef

    I love to cook but my partner does not. I’m hoping he will pick up a few skills!

  155. Adrienne

    I’d take my food soulmate sister :) She’s always been my partner in yummy things.

  156. Doreen Lamoureux

    My husband would drive us there. Need to look at the map to see exactly where it is but we do love road trips. Would be like a little honeymoon getaway. We got married in 2012 but decided to renovate our now gorgeous home and back yard oasis. Would be such a treat to celebrate our marriage at St. Anne’s. Thanks for the chance. :)

  157. Renee LeBlanc

    This is so awesome! I would take my husband, he’s the chef of the family and deserves a break! One that doesn’t involve my terrible cooking haha!! We would both really enjoy this!

  158. sarah sar

    I’ve been under a lot of stress lately at work and dealing with family issues…..I just need to get away from it all! i would love to invite my mom and not have to worry about anything, even if for a day!

  160. Tricha

    I have never done anything remotely close to this before. I would definitely take my husband and enjoy some time to ourselves.

  161. Erin McSweeney

    I would take my BFF, having been to Ste. Anne’s before and tasting their food it would be amazing to watch and learn also.

  163. Brandi

    I guess i could take my husband but I’d probably take another mom friend. Sometimes you just need girl time..am i right?

  165. Melissa Finn

    This very tired Momma needs to recharge her batteries! I would take my Mom and sister

  166. Hibbat

    I love food. And love to eat out and try new things. My Instagram (@hungryhiba) and cellphone has more food pics than anything else. Although I love to eat, I wasn’t gifted with the abilities to cool. So this class would be an awesome stepping stone in that direction. And then I can enjoy great food from the comfort of my own home.

    I’d take my mom cuz she could use the getaway and loves to cook

  167. Rachel

    my mom has been super helpful with my son while I’ve been travelling. Love to surprise her with a little pampering

  168. Caryn Coates

    I would love to take my hubby and spend some time alone together and this would be the perfect place to do that. Thanks so much for the chance

  170. Amy Stack

    My husband and I adopted our beautiful boys last year. We love them so much, but we’d love the opportunity to reconnect with each other. The boys could have some quality time with their grandparents ;)

  174. suzi

    It’s been a long year so I could really use some R&R! I’d take my best friend because I know she could use a getaway as well!

  177. Harriet

    A disconnect from the city and daily routine is always healthy for the mind! I’m not sure who I would take yet, maybe my mom or a friend

  178. Nicole

    I would take my husband with me. We’ve both been working crazy hours lately & haven’t spent much time together. We’re both foodies at heart so this would be a fantastic chance to relax, recharge & reconnect away from kids and work. Would love to give this to him for our anniversary!

  179. Christy Martin

    Since I’ve heard of Ste. Anne’s I’ve wanted to go. Who couldn’t use a spa weekend? If I won I would bring my boyfriend, as he loves cooking and creating. A few years back he considered culinary school in preparation for a second career, but decided he didn’t want the late night hours. He still loves to cook and try new things and I call myself his sous chef. This would be amazing!

  180. Eva Mitton-Urban

    Without hesitation I would take my Mom Hazel, we lost my Dad in January and shortly thereafter our home was lost in an electrical fire. An escape to rejuvenate in this little paradise would be a Godsend. To honor a beautiful lady who sacrifices so much for everyone…her time to shine and have some much need PEACE & SERENITY.

  182. Christine Wong

    Please enter me in the draw, my husband and I are long overdue for some rest and relaxation, not to mention the cooking classes (not so much for me) and the gluten-free goodies!

  184. Jenn H

    A mid-week break at the lovely Ste Anne’s?? Yes please! I would take my dear friend who also desperately needs a break!

  186. Vanessa

    I would love to take my boyfriend with my. We’re saving up for a wedding and, well, life so vacations are out of the question this year. This would be an amazing adventure for the two of us!

  190. Holly

    I would love to win this retreat! Cooking classes have always been something I would have loved to do but never found the money or time to do. I would take my sister for a little family time.

  191. Nay.

    I would take my friend who also needs some ‘me time’.
    We both totally enjoy food and relaxation!

  201. Corissa cooper

    Oh this sounds like a dream come true! How gorgeous the scenery! Thank you, finally a contest open to Canadian residents! Good luck to all! My fingers & toes are crossed!

  202. Aarti Missra

    I’d love to be pampered at Ste. Anne’s Spa, I’ve never been myself but have heard a lot about it and it’s been on my wishlist for such a long time! I’d take my friend Jen, she definitely needs some pampering.

  203. Colleen

    We’ve been dealing with aging and ill parents without relief since last summer (and still are). My husband and I need a little time away together to focus on something else & to reconnect. This would be a lovely opportunity.

  204. Penny

    My sister and I could share some valuable family time together at this relaxing spa. I’ve heard such great things about Ste. Anne’s.

  206. Lee-Ann Sleegers

    I’d love to win this for the amazing cooking class and to try all the wonderful flavours. I would bring my DH with me.

  209. Bonnie

    I need to relax, I have never been pampered. I would take my beautiful teen Kalea. It is her birthday today. c

  210. Susan

    I would take my naturalpathic doctor — she is taking care of me gratis (can you believe that???) and has told me that St. Anne’s is her favorite ‘me’ spot. Would be so lovely to give this wonderful woman a treat I could not afford otherways.

  211. lmer

    I am starting to relax, just thinking about the possibilities. I would bring either my husband or daughter.

  213. Judy vR

    I would love to win this and I would bring ny friend who is a senior like me. We bith need a little TLC.

  215. Susan Holmes

    I would take my sister, who is having health issues, and very stressful problems with her teenage son. She truly needs a break.

  216. Lynda Larsen-Baldry

    The place looks lovely and relaxing and. i would love to take either my husband of 24 years or if he will not go, then my mother.

  220. Grace ARNASON

    I would go with my husband here, when we are visiting my mom in Aurora at a long-term care home, as we go to Toronto fairly often now; we live in Alberta.