High/Low Weekend Romance

Imagine a weekend away with your spouse, partner, or lover—could there be anything more decadent and luxurious? If you’ve got the budget to go all out, we’ve put together some truly self-indulgent getaway-for-two suggestions sure to leave you both feeling pampered, relaxed, and completely romanced. But we’re also big fans of ardor on a shoestring; why wait until payday to spend some quality time with the one you love? Remembering that true love is absolutely free in mind, we’ve also got tips for budget adoration that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. No matter what you can afford, be passionate about it!

High:
If money is no object, a rejuvenating spa retreat is a wonderful way to breathe life into your relationship or fan the already smokin’ hot flames. The theme of your weekend away? Do not disturb. Pack light, because you two will be existing in bathrobes and living on love. In fact, don’t even bother going out for dinner; instead, order in sumptuous room service meals. Champagne and oysters, anyone?

Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa
Cambridge, Ontario
www.langdonhall.ca
Langdon Hall offers classic romance in a timeless setting. You’ll feel like you’ve entered a Jane Austen novel! The 52-suite manor has stunning gardens, a fully appointed spa, and a fabulous restaurant. (Yes, they do room service!)

Ste. Anne’s Country Inn and Spa
Grafton, Ontario
www.steannes.com
This well-known spa offers a variety of healing and relaxing treatments that are perfect for encouraging stress release—a good choice for the couple on the go or for frazzled parents longing for some alone time free of little ones. Ste. Anne’s also encourages romantic spontaneity: they have a Last Minute E-Club that offers discounts when a getaway is booked at the eleventh hour.

Sparkling Hills Resort
Vernon, British Colombia
www.sparklinghill.com
This brand-new spa in the Okanagan Valley is one of the most luxurious in the country— Swarovski crystals are incorporated into every aspect of the design of the resort! Amenities include seven different aromatherapy sauna and steam rooms, an indoor pool that features haunting underwater music, and a starry Swarovski crystal sky, a hot pool, an outdoor infinity pool, a tea room, and a serenity room. You won’t want to come back to reality, ever!

London House Inn & Spa
Ottawa Valley, Ontario
www.londonhouseinn.com
Surrounded by natural splendor, this hotel feels completely isolated—you’ll think you’re the only two people in the world! For the ultimate in privacy, book the Garden Luxury Suite or the truly secluded Tea House, then schedule the White Chocolate Truffle Massage for two.

Ten Spa at the Fort Garry Hotel
Winnipeg, Manitoba
www.tenspa.ca
www.fortgarryhotel.com
The Ten Spa takes up the tenth floor of the legendary Fort Garry Hotel. The spa offers a Retreat for Two, featuring a massage and facial for both of you. Post spa, head back to your room in the Winnipeg landmark chateau-style hotel.

Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello
Montebello, Quebec
http://www.fairmont.com
This icon of a hotel boasts a brand-new spa, nestled on a hillside, overlooking the river. Book the couples’ suite and indulge in a range of sumptuous treatments and each other. (The spa suite features a fireplace, soaking tub for two, rain shower, and side-by-side treatment tables. You don’t have to leave all weekend.)

Low:
Okay, fine—so you can’t afford a weekend away at an opulent spa. That doesn’t mean you can’t have romance in your life. Plan a faux-spa weekend away and enjoy extravagant-style comfort, almost for free. Here’s how to plan and execute an amorous “free love” staycation:

Private Practice
You’re not actually going to be going away, but you should tell everyone you are. Turn off the phone, unplug those computers, and disconnect from everything but each other for at least 24 hours. Make a pact not to check in at work or with family and friends unless you absolutely must. (Good reason: to make sure the kids are okay. Bad reason: to check the scores for your hockey pool.) Either way, don’t be sneaky about it! If you just don’t think you can comply with the no-contact-with-the-outside-world rule, explain to your partner that you’ll need to check email at least once, or you just won’t be able to concentrate on being starry-eyed, because you’ll be too concerned about that major deal falling through.

Mutual Massage
Buy a massage how-to book or video and some sensuous-smelling massage oil. Turn on some relaxing, romantic music, spread out a bath sheet on the bed or a terrace and take turns giving each other slow and careful massages. Don’t leave a stone unturned—pay special attention to feet, hands, and other places, too!

Table for Two
If you like to cook, go shopping for the ingredients for a romantic meal for two. Then check out these tips for planning a romantic dinner, from Food Network.

If you need a break from the kitchen, set the table with candles and flowers, and order in. Or go out to a quaint bistro with a simple and affordable menu. Try heading to a neighbourhood you don’t often visit and pretend to be tourists in your own city! Plan to have aperitifs at home, before retiring to the boudoir, which should be set up with candles, soft, sensual sheets—and, possibly, some new lingerie and The Kama Sutra.

Stay in Bed
Stock up on simple breakfast ingredients, like croissants, baguette, jams, fruit, and cheese. Then serve it all up in bed, on a tray, and stay within the confines of your room for as long as possible. (In fact, you don’t have to leave the bedroom all day long!)

Relax!
The most important thing to remember about a faux weekend away is to relax. Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you should give in to the chores and duties calling your name. Focus on spending time with the one you love. There will be plenty of time for real life come Monday morning!

Written by: Marissa Stapley Ponikowski