Step into the quietude of wellness. We’ve reimagined the traditional aprés ski—descending into sanctuaries of warmth rather than snow-dusted slopes. Join us on a curated journey through some of the most luxurious spa experiences we’ve been to, where restorative treatments honour the body’s wisdom and time moves slowly. Welcome to your sanctuary of rest. Welcome to Aprés Spa.
Tucked away in the charming village of Elora, we were delighted to journey through Elora Mill Hotel & Spa’s Winter Wellness experience this past month. Here, we share the beauty of the season as we cocooned into the magic that is Elora Mill.
The Spa
Photo credit: Elora Mill Hotel & Spa
Set amongst Grand River’s limestone cliffs, Elora Mill’s spa is a journey through the senses. The endless stream of the Grand River welcomes in a sense of ease while modern amenities invite you to lean into all the rest you deserve. The moment you walk into the spa, you feel drawn into a moment of calm. It’s luxury at its finest. There is a nourishing nature to the treatments at the spa; from sourcing local botanicals, to creating mineral-rich therapies to tune into the body’s innate wisdom, treatments here are something out of a storybook.
And that storybook extends to the experience beyond the treatments; the hydrotherapy circuit overlooking the gorge. From floating in a heated pool, resting in the hot tub, taking in the nourishment from the sauna and eucalyptus-infused steam room, the ancient ritual of dipping into the yin and yang of the moment is one of our favourite ways to rejuvenate the body. As the snow was falling while warming up in the hot tub, we enjoyed a sweet cup of hot apple cider and just took it all in.
The spa at Elora Mill is really, truly our new favourite place.
The Experience
Photo credit: Elora Mill Hotel & Spa
Throughout the year, Elora Mill hosts wellness experiences that invite guests to slow down, and savour the moment. This season, guests (either staying at the hotel or visiting for the day) are welcome to join in an afternoon workshop. From sound bath meditations to a wellness nature walk, these harmonious sessions speak to the season of slowing down.
We had the opportunity to join in the Slow Flow Yin Fusion Yoga Class hosted on a Monday afternoon. The studio space where the sessions are held is filled with light, and the soothing sounds of the water rushing through the gorge is a way to just lean into the idea of rest. Angela, owner of Spark Yoga, led the 90-minute class and it was nothing short of perfection. She guided each of us through yin-like movements which is an invitation to hold postures longer to really breathe into the stretch. Leading the class with grace, Angela gave opportunities for guests to feel supported during the practice and we’re so grateful for her support (I also loved the deep-sleep moments during the postures, it was so needed!).
Whatever the experience, we know you’ll find your sense of rest and relaxation.
The Hotel
Aprés Spa for us, was met with spending the evening at Elora Mill and dining at their restaurant and spa cafe. The hotel rises from the gorge; its 1870’s stone walls transformed into a sanctuary. Guest rooms are a modern oasis (think soaker tubs, and clouds of Belgian linens and plush duvets) while honouring the building’s heritage. From exposed beams and limestone to original millwork, the rooms are thoughtfully designed to welcome you into a place of rest and relaxation.
Photo credit: Elora Mill Hotel & Spa
The restaurant was another storybook moment for us. The team of creative chefs design seasonal menus that draw from the surrounding farmlands to tune into the abundance of the region. From locally-sourced ingredients prepared with care, each dish arrives as a page in a book that you just can’t put down. The winter season brings about their Celebration Tasting Menu (with the option of selecting a dish à la carte, which we did!), and is a journey through the senses. From the creamy butternut squash soup to the vegan mushroom strozzapreti, our dinner was filled with bold flavours and options for all. What I loved most about our dining experience is that as a vegan it’s a never ending cycle of stuffed peppers to enjoy from, whereas the chefs at the hotel have created a separate plant-based menu that is truly exquisite, and I’m forever thankful for that.
The Verdict
Aprés Spa here always. We can’t wait to visit Elora Mill next season to take in the sights, sounds and sensations that are those of the mill.
Winter Wellness at Elora Mill is available until March 31st. For more information and to book a reservation, visit eloramill.ca/winter-wellness-in-elora/
