Natalie Preddie is a travel and lifestyle writer, speaker and guest expert on Cityline, Your Morning and Global’s The Morning Show.
This month we celebrate mothers, and after the year we’ve had, this day is more deserved than ever. Mothers have spent a lot of time with their family over the past 365 days. And while it has been lovely to have all of this family time, I think many moms would agree that solo time would be a welcome change. This year, instead of flowers, why not give Mom something to look forward to when the lockdown ends — time away, by herself. Here are three solo getaways to gift Mom this Mother’s Day.
Wellness and wine
Whispering Springs is a luxury glamping destination in Northumberland County where moms can indulge in ultimate relaxation. The owners of this stylish and sophisticated outdoor experience were former contributors of Ste. Anne’s Spa and spent years chartering yachts in The Bahamas.
Glamping tents come equipped with a bed, an in-tent washroom with hot and cold running water, electricity, luxe linens, towels and robes. When it’s time to eat, meal options include purchasing pizza from The Watering Hole guest bar or ordering a cook-your-own barbecue dinner basket to be made over a private campfire. The resort sources as much of its food from local suppliers as possible and guests can also pair their meals with a glass of Prince Edward County wine or a custom craft cocktail.
Mom can spend her days reading by the saltwater pool or lazing in the hot tub while overlooking spring-fed ponds. She can explore 200 acres of beautiful Canadian forest, take part in a yoga class or head out for a paddle and end the day with a soothing massage.
Glamorous wind-down
Just outside of Cambridge, award-winning country house hotel Langdon Hall sits on 30 gorgeous acres of pristine garden. Winner of many accolades, this lavish property is the perfect spa getaway.
Each elegant room features luxury linens, therapeutic soaking tubs, toiletries from luscious the White Company, and most come with a wood-burning fireplace.
Throughout the pandemic, Langdon Hall has been providing each guest with a wellness kit on arrival, consisting of hand sanitizer, a face mask and information on all the COVID safety protocols used throughout the property.
The menu at Langdon Hall is unique and inspired. Each meal reflects the season, all ingredients are sourced from local farms, fields, waters and forests. Whether Mom is looking for lobster and champagne eggs for breakfast, smoked beef short rib for lunch or lime crème topped with honey from the property for dessert, every single bite will be beyond delectable.
Between heavenly meals, Mom can unwind in the award-winning spa with a lavish facial, a rejuvenating body wrap or relaxing massage from an experienced RMT, complete with aromatherapy oils and exclusive certified organic botanicals. A glass of bubbly on the spa’s outdoor terrace is a must as well.
At Langdon Hall, your mother will be guaranteed an enchanting experience that leaves her feeling renewed, refreshed and revitalized.
Active escape
If your mom is a fan of active travel, a weekend at Blue Mountain is the way to go. With an abundance of lodging options from self-catering apartments to the glamorous Westin (and everything in between), home base can be anything she needs it to be.
During the day, the activity options are endless. Mom can spend a day with Free Spirit Tours, paddling the Beaver River in a canoe, kayak or on a standup paddle board. Either with a guide or on her own, she can hike the tranquil forest, scale the steep ridges of the escarpment, explore the Scenic Caves or cycle along the crystal-clear shores of Georgian Bay. Along the way, Mom can stop at local wineries or cideries, such as the famous Coffin Ridge Cidery & Winery or Spy Cider House & Distillery, for some local, tasty refreshment. If you’re lucky, she may bring you home a sample or two.
Blue Mountain Village also has many delicious food offerings, which will satisfy any craving from mouth-watering Firehall Pizza Co. to the festive Tholos Greek restaurant, upmarket fare at O&B Café Grill to the ultimate pub grub at Northwinds Brew Pub. Then she can top it off by enjoying some live music in the village.
