Couples Resort – The Lap of Luxury in the Algonquin Highlands
We first visited Couples Resort at the end of October 2014. When we visited that time we stayed in one of the recently updated Jr. Suites. The review of that relaxing and memorable weekend can be found here.
This time, we returned as Spring began and were given one of the opulent Spa Villas. These villas are reminiscent of staying in an upscale ski chalet in one of Europe’s more affluent resort towns. The Spa Villa comes equipped with everything that a couple needs to relax and reconnect.
The wrap-around deck houses a private hot tub within an enclosed room which is accessible either from the deck or from the villa. The room itself is open to the air with screened in windows, making it the ultimate spot from which to relax and watch the sky over Galeairy Lake darken and fade into night.
After relaxing in the hot tub, you return to the interior of the villa where you find yourself spoiled for choice as to how to relax next. The shower (which is built and equipped for two) can also be used as a steam bath. If you prefer a dry heat to a moist one, the bathroom also has a sauna. For a more intimate evening in, the room also has a Jacuzzi which faces the massive stone fireplace.
Also facing the fireplace is the king-size bed which envelopes you in comfort the moment you sink into it. The bed and Jacuzzi are on a raised dais which allows for an unobstructed view of the fireplace and the floor to ceiling windows looking over the lake.
All dinners are semi-formal and pre-arranged. Both dinner and breakfast are included in the price and are either served in the dining room or delivered to your room (for a small fee) and enjoyed at the bistro table (or anywhere else you fancy). The daily 5-course meals are a-la-carte and offer something for everyone, regardless of taste or dietary restriction. The wine list is simply amazing. With dozens of wines available, it can quickly overwhelm a wine neophyte. If you know what you like and decide to bring your own wine, you can have it with dinner for a minor corkage fee. For those less familiar with wine, the in-house sommelier will ensure that your wine choice is perfectly paired with your meal.
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For those who appreciate art, the dining room is covered in paintings in acrylic, oil, latex and watercolour. These paintings capture the local beauty of the Algonquin area and are all products of local artists. On site, there is also an art gallery where one can find further examples of local talent, focusing on the works of Gertrud Sorensen.
Couples Resort is located roughly 5 minutes from the East Gate of Algonquin Park and the front desk has several park passes which can be loaned out for day trips. We visited the museum in Algonquin and drove nearly 100km through the park in an effort to spot one of the many moose. Sadly, we didn’t see any moose on that trip, but the views we found were awe-inspiring.
Also only 5 minutes away from Couples Resort is Adventure Stables. Here riders both novice and experienced can take a relaxing hour long ride through the local woods and back trails with an experienced local guide. All of the horses here are incredibly patient. On my visits here, I’ve had a chance to ride Annie, who has a slightly mischievous personality and Rebel, who is as sure-footed as a mountain goat. The guides are also very patient and helpful in ensuring that novice riders gain the confidence needed to ride the trails in comfort. I’ve had Allison and Michelle as guides and both were amazing and patient instructors.
Over the door on the interior of the sauna there is a thermometer with an inscription which, in my opinion, sums up a weekend at Couples Resort. The inscription reads “Mens sana in corpore sano”. For those whose school curriculum didn’t include Latin classes, this translates roughly as “A sound mind in a sound body” which, in essence, means “relax”. Which is exactly what we did and is exactly what anyone who steps into Couples Resort can expect.
