Last weekend I snow-suited up and drove the two hours north of Toronto to the JW Marriott at Lake Rosseau. I was there for Burns weekend and was eagerly anticipating the Scotch nosing, Haggis dinner and Tartan Terrors concert. I wasn’t expecting how many other activities and events were going on. Amongst the snow and quiet landscape, my weekend away proved to be bustling with things to do. 

After arriving and chowing down on a burger and the yummiest fries ever at the Cottages restaurant, my friend and I made a beeline to our room. At this point we may or may not have indulged in some juvenile bed jumping behavior (hint: we did). Excuse? We were so excited to indulge in this rare opportunity for a winter mini-break away from the slush on Queen West and TTC streetcars in the Annex. Plus sometimes your inner kindergartener just needs to come out. In our suite there was a bottle of Talisker Scotch and a Tartan Terrors cd waiting to greet us, in keeping with the Scottish theme of the weekend. Instead of my usual view of my Toronto neighbors, our lovely room looked out onto Muskoka in winter. The balcony might have been experiencing its own white out but the views over the lake were beautiful and we stayed toasty by our very own fireplace. Sufficiently warmed, we donned basically all the clothes we’d brought and prepared for adventure. 

I had primed myself for a fun weekend but I wasn’t expecting to fall in love. We trudged the five minutes from the hotel’s entrance where I met the ten new loves of my life. We had been given the chance to go Husky Sledding and these dogs were seriously beautiful, friendly and playful. I thought I was going to plonk my lazy ass down on a sled and watch the dogs’ derrieres as they raced me through the snow. I was mistaken. We were given a driving lesson and the reins and off we went. So ya, I pretty much drove a husky sled. No biggie. Best part? So can you. Our cheeks were rosy, our toes were tingling and it was the most fun I’ve had in the snow.  

After that, it was off to the scotch nosing where we learnt about the single malts of Scotland and sampled all six. And then had a drink at the bar. Or two. It’s an important part of Scottish culture, ok? So you can understand that we were in fine form and high heels when someone fell in the snow wearing naught but their sleeveless black party dress. The ode to the Haggis and a delicious four course meal followed. By the time we were reunited with our fireplace I was more than ready for bed and already thinking about the treat that awaited me.  

The Spa at Rosseau is the stuff that dreams are made of. When Sarah, my therapist, collected me from the relaxation room for my Rosseau Signature Massage, I was already feeling pretty blissed. I soon became jello. I was treated to a eucalyptus foot bath and exfoliation while being poured a blooming floral tea. Sarah then tailored the scent and customized the 80 minute massage to my hunched-over-a-laptop needs. The heated massage table, the soothing atmosphere and Spa staff’s expertise were all the height of luxury.  

By then time we reluctantly left, we had partied like true Scots, made the most of the Muskoka winter and been pampered; all in 30 short hours. That hadn’t even left time for Yoga, art classes, winter astrology or a swim in the stunning indoor pool. That’s why we’re going back! The Marriott Rosseau has amazing packages for Valentines, Family Day weekend, Spa getaways or weekend wonderlands like mine. You can fill your time with the amazing activities or simply decompress from the city’s pace and relax. You’ll love it. But if you’re heading up there, be sure to give a kiss to my ten furry lovers on my behalf! 

-Zoe Shapiro