Plunging myself into a pool of 53 degree Fahrenheit water in November in Ontario is typically not my idea of indulgence. Unless of course, it’s happening at Scandinave Spa in Blue Mountain, Ontario. And when you consider my day started with Belgian chocolates for breakfast, this is a habit I could really get into. You can, too, and here’s how:
Collingwood is a Grownup Playground
Look north, (but not as far north as the name ‘Scandinave’ might suggest). Only a 90-minute drive from Toronto, the Collingwood area of Grey County, once known primarily for its ski hills, has blossomed into a 4-season playground for many ex-pat Torontonians who want to get away from the city craziness – without giving up those special treats that make for a grownup getaway. Those indulgences include fine dining, interesting shopping, and a secluded spa inspired by the European practice of ‘taking the waters’.
Start the Day with a Chocolate Indulgence
Before I dove into those waters at Scandinave, I chose to start the day by diving into something even more indulgent: authentic Belgian chocolates at Aarden’s Chocolates in Stayner, Ontario, a chocolaterie owned and operated by Mark Aarden and his wife, Monica.
A native of the Netherlands, Mark brought his European chocolate-making expertise to Stayner after falling in love with the area while vacationing here. Lucky for us he did.
With a boxful of certificates and diplomas that attest to his skill, Mark produces the kind of chocolate you typically only find in Europe, adhering to their strict manufacturing and quality standards, and using moulds and equipment imported from Belgium. His solid chocolate confections produce the desired ”hard snap’ when you break off a piece (the ‘snap’ reflects the perfect composition and texture – sort of like a chocolate version of ‘al dente’), and his truffles and bonbons deliver a flavour explosion (especially at 9am!)
Every Season Calls for Chocolate
When it comes to seasonal spectaculars like Aarden’s snowmen or 2-foot chocolate Santa Claus, Mark works his ingredients like a true artist, pouring chocolate into the moulds in layers, using the milk, dark and white chocolate colours to highlight the features and details of each creation. Even with a limited 3-colour palette, the end result delights both the palate and the eye, making Aarden Chocolates reason enough to make Stayner a destination, and not just a ‘drive through’ town en route to nearby Collingwood.
2024 UPDATE: Since this article was written, Aarden’s Chocolates has closed (Sadly for locals, Mark moved back to Europe). But if you are craving Belgian chocolate, check out Crave the Chocolatier in downtown Collingwood. Local owner, Sheri Gabriele, specializes in handmade Belgian confections and has been operating her chocolate shop here since 2005.
Scandinave Spa…..aaaahhhh!
Sufficiently wired on chocolate, it was time to head to the Blue Mountains, where I was fully prepared to exchange my sugar high for another kind of happy place: Scandinave Spa.
Approaching Scandinave through a stand of birch, maple and fruit trees, you immediately know you are entering a place of peace and relaxation: the scent of wood smoke drifts through the cool air, and you are greeted with signs that ask you to respect the quiet nature of the place – nature being the operative word.
Set into the forest on 25 acres of woodland, with views from the pools that look out onto the Niagara escarpment in the distance, this hidden retreat feels like it is miles away from everywhere, even though the ski hills it overlooks and the town centre of Collingwood are deceptively near.
On the advice of Mylisa Henderson, Scandinave’s Director of Marketing and Sales, I start my experience in one of the hot saunas, the Eucalyptus ‘silo’, where I was almost assaulted with the intensity of the moist, fragrant air when I first entered the steam-filled circular room. I let my eyes adjust so I could just make out the tiered benches, and made my way to the top where I let the scented steam work its magic, so that within moments it felt like every pore in my body was breathing clearer.
After 10 minutes or so of steamy serenity, it was off to the cold plunge pool, and cold it was – not quite a Polar Bear dip where you chip through the ice to expose the frigid water, but close. I threw myself into the first pool of cold water, suppressing the urge to squeal (‘Quiet’ signs were everywhere, remember?) but was surprised at how good it felt! Not good enough to lounge for any length of time, mind you, so after only a minute or two of this intense detoxifying cleanse, I was off to the adjacent hot pool.
Immersing myself in the hot water, my body felt like it was being pricked with tiny needles for a moment – a sensation that made every inch of skin come alive, until that too, subsided, and I settled into the relaxing comfort of the heated pool, letting the water jets work their own magic.
Hot, Cold, Hot, Repeat
So now I knew the drill: hot, cold, hot, repeat. And repeat I did, in different temperature pools, dry and wet saunas, letting hot waterfalls pound the tension out of my neck and shoulders, and even stopping to lounge by an outdoor fire pit between dips. I could see how an afternoon (or evening) spent here could put the ‘aaah’ in Scandin-aah-ve.
Although I could easily have spent more time relaxing in the spa rooms and enjoying more hydrotherapy, I reluctantly left Scandinave after a couple of hours, as there was still much more to see on my visit (and let’s face it, silence isn’t really my strength!)
TIP: Admission to Scandinave’s baths on ‘Unwind Wednesdays’ will save you $10 off the usual $95 fee. Better yet? Book a massage with one of the Registered Massage Therapists (which many company benefits will pay for!) and unlimited access to the baths is included.
[Special thanks to mycollingwood.ca, who hosted me on my tour, and to Scandinave Spa for the warm welcome.]
I could go for a Scandinave escape right about now.
Me too. Next time, I think I’ll go for a massage, too.
Wow; what a fantastic destination! And the chocolate!! I can see why you could get used to this!!
And there’s tons to do if you are into the outdoors in Collingwood – skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, swimming. Definitely a 4-seasons destination.
I’d love to repeat your chocolate experience followed by the Scandinave Spa in Collingwood, Ontario! I’m a little surprised this is in Canada. It seems very European.
That’s what makes it so wonderful; a taste of Europe in two ways!
Gorgeous photos! I love going to Le Scandinave ( especially in the winter) but didn’t know Aarden’s Chocolates was nearby. That’s now on my list for next visit.
You won’t be disappointed Michele…I loved the simple solid chocolate and because I love mint, the mint truffles.
Starting the day with a few samples of chocolates sounds like a winner and I imagine that you were able to get some Christmas shopping done as the same time! As for making a perfect day – laying in a warm spa nibbling on chocolates sounds just about like my idea of heaven!
Mine too Anita! Takes ‘decadent’ to a whole new level!
What a lovely glimpse into some winter bliss. Loved the chocolates and seeing the spa in summer contrasted with winter. Looks like a nice day trip for my next visit to Toronto.
I’d highly recommend it. There’s something really magical about being there with snowflakes falling all around you, too. (and the cold pools won’t feel so cold in winter!)
The pools at Scandinave Spa look beautiful. I don’t know if I could handle the hot, cold, hot. (particularly the cold after the hot) Definitely not without a squeal or tow.
It actually gets easier the second time you do it, but either way, lounging in a hot pool is pretty luxurious on its own.