Muskoka, home away from home!

Please hand me a sash that says “Bougie” because I can now say “I spent the weekend in Muskoka”. Spending the weekend up in Muskoka is, in my opinion, the equivalent of spending the weekend in The Hamptons (I should add that I’ve never been to The Hamptons, but it’s what a lot of wealthy New Yorkers say so let’s just go with it). 

We’ve never stayed in a cottage but driving up to the JW Marriott resort feels like you’re coming up to your very own castle. The way they treat you from the second your car door opens, you’re convinced you’re the Duchess of Muskoka.  The property itself is stunning; the perfect blend of classic luxury with fresh tones and textures of warm wood that immediately relax you. The second I walked into the room, I let out the biggest sigh, took my shoes off and took a big dive on the perfectly made bed. No matter where you are on the property, whether you have a lake view or forest view… your heart is full.

The property offers some lovely dining options. If you don’t want to spend $15 on truffle fries… well you can’t get them anywhere close to the property. There is however, an adorable little convenience store just up a block that carries some groceries and delicious food. I do recommend spoiling yourself for one night at either Italian joint Teca or their classic steakhouse, Muskoka Chophouse. 

If you’re a vodka lover, make sure to plan for a little tasting at Icebar. It’s an expensive experience, so make sure you eat before (that way you can drink it all). We did this before dinner so I could only sip. I’m a lightweight and didn’t want to show up to dinner wasted… although that would’ve been fun! 

One thing I HIGHLY RECOMMEND is blocking off 4-5 hours and just getting the day pass at Hydrospa! It’s $100 but trust me, every penny is worth it. From the steam room, to the outdoor sauna, pool, oxygen room and every little experience the spa has to offer. You will thank me later I promise, and therefore here is my premature "You're welcome!".

The resort has at least 3 different pools and a wonderful lakeside beach. If you’re like me and want minimum human interactions, go down to the lake and take a sharp right turn and just keep walking for about 2 mins. You will come to a dead end and viola!... a quiet lakeside seating area that is tucked away by the trees and no little humans. I love little humans, I have one myself, but when I’m trying to relax I prefer to be away from them.

What’s a lake vacation if you’re not going to do any water sports?! Lake Rosseau, the lake this property is perched by, is STUNNING. What’s also convenient is that they have SWS Water Sports right on the dock so you can rent or book whatever your adrenaline seeking heart desires.

Our little hearts could only handle jet skis, which was a great choice for us because we just wanted to cruise the lake and try to get a little peek at the ridiculously expensive properties. I wish I had brought my binoculars. Wait, is that a crime? Maybe don’t do that. The water in this lake is perfect.

I covered this all in 3 days and 2 nights but I could stay here for an entire week. I’ve also never been to this property in the fall and that is something I’m looking forward to trying. Stay tuned for that experience which I’m sure will include a lot of cold dips in the lake and reading so perhaps a book blog to follow.