If you asked me what I loved most about our weekend getaway at Ste. Anne's Spa, I would find it difficult to pinpoint any one feature in particular. The fact is, the entire experience was exceptional. From the time we checked into our private Sentosa Spa Cottage right up until we stopped off at Ste. Anne's bakery on the way home, I reveled in the quietude and serenity. After a tour of the main floor, we headed to the dining room for a lovely afternoon tea. But it wasn't just a cup of tea that we enjoyed. We had the option of selecting from their menu of tea plates. I chose the fruit and cheese platter: mini fruit skewers of seasonal fruit served with honey yoghurt dip, slices of old cheddar cheese, creamy brie cheese with cranberry and grape garnish, and crackers.

My husband ordered the sampler plate with Ste. Anne’s scones, which my husband raved about. The scones were served with tea cream and homemade strawberry preserves, a flax and sesame seed cookie, a chocolate chip cookie, a chocolate brownie, a caramelized pecan and orange biscotti, a cucumber sandwich with local sprouts, a smoked salmon canapé with lemon pesto, a mini fruit skewer, a slice of old cheddar cheese, a slice of creamy brie and crackers. Yes, this was just a 'sampler.'

In the early evening, my husband and I took part in an intermediate yoga class in the Fitness Inn Pavilion. This room with a view provided the ideal conditions for ultimate relaxation. It was cozy and warm thanks to beautiful hardwood flooring and a toasty wood fire place. The best part is that the yoga mats and accessories are all provided so you need not worry if you left yours at home. Classes must be scheduled in advance to ensure space is available but, for our first class, it was only my husband and I in attendance. We returned the following morning for an additional session and enjoyed it equally so.

Periodically during our stay, my husband spent some time in the eucalyptus steam room. It was right up his alley.

Myself, I preferred the 104-degree outdoor hot tub, cold plunge pool and lap pool in the Fieldstone Grotto. It was the first time I ever experienced swimming in the midst of snow flurries. Coo, wha' a sight!

When we weren't busy devouring delicious and healthy foods (see more photos below), swimming in below freezing temperatures or resting in our beautifully appointed room, we could be found lounging in one of the many quiet rooms to be found in the main building. Each room had ample seating, games, puzzles, books, fireplaces and more, making for a truly enjoyable experience. The spa waiting room also offered fresh self-serve coffee, tea, granola and biscotti.

The service at Ste. Anne's Spa was wonderful and I couldn't be more impressed with the constant maintenance of the locker rooms. Each time I entered the room, staff members were busily re-stocking with fresh towels and ensuring that the room was pristine. Within the locker room, there were programmable lockers to securely store your belongings, a dry cedar sauna, steam room,  a colour therapy hot tub, change rooms, rain showers, washrooms, full-body mirrors and sinks with ample counter space. Forgot your bathing suit? You can borrow a clean spare from the basket in the locker room.

While an overnight getaway at Ste. Anne's Spa can set you back $299 - $515 per person based on double occupancy, it is undeniably worth the drive to Grafton. Keep in mind that the rate includes four-diamond accommodation, a 4-course dinner, breakfast, a 3-course lunch, afternoon tea, use of Ste. Anne's signature robe, a reusable spa bag and slippers, $120 spa & wellness allowance and complete use of the facilities. My husband and I both agree that a return visit is in order, we loved it so much. With over 400 acres of scenic countryside, walking trails and an outdoor pool, I definitely want to return in the summer. Oh, honey! Our 10-year anniversary is coming up in July...

A little over a week ago, my husband and I made the one-hour drive to Grafton to spend a weekend away at Ste. Anne's Spa. Upon receiving the invitation to experience Canada's largest destination spa, I was delighted to learn about the various spa cottages that can be found nestled around the main inn and located throughout the 400 acres of scenic countryside and rolling hills. While a room at the inn would afford the convenience of the on-site spa facilities and dining area, spending a romantic weekend in a more private cottage was a wonderful way to spend our first ever adult-only weekend trip in over eight years!

Cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace, hardwood flooring, and this - a ginormous king size bed! (Cue ethereal music.) Oh, and we can't forget in-room wifi. Just in case, uh... you need to, you know... pop on Twitter or Facebook or something.

This bed was seriously the highlight of this room, next to all of the warm natural lighting that lit up our living space during the day. At night, it was so weird not to have noticed my husband when he moved on his side of the bed. Weird but nonetheless wonderful! Of course, the ensuite 4-piece bathroom was second on my list of favourite features. Check out the two-person whirlpool tub!