Muskoka, the Cottage Country
As a native or resident of Ontario, Canada, you are blessed with many good vacation alternatives. Even if you live in large cities like Toronto, you need not spend time or money, or go very far to have a fantastic vacation with your family.
You can easily plan a staycation in Muskoka, Ontario, which is a mere four-hour drive from the capital, Ottawa, via the lovely Algonquin Park route and access the Muskoka area through Gravenhurst, a historic town with several lakes. If you’ll be coming from Toronto, it will just be a two-hour drive.
Video by: Kyle Andre
The Muskoka area, also called the Cottage Country, is widely known for its rustic ambience of colorful landscapes, lakes and forests that have attracted many tourists since a couple of centuries ago. In past centuries, visitors used to take a train to the Muskoka Wharf where they would be transported to nearby resorts or summer houses along the lakes. Currently, the place can be reached easily by car, and visitors can still stay in the area by arranging cottage rentals, thus the place was nicknamed Cottage Country. And when you’re having your family staycation at the Cottage Country, you should plan on staying at the The Rosseau, a JW Marriott Muskoka Resort and Spa, for a worry-free and ultra-luxurious yet refreshing country experience. Practically, the best hotel in Muskoka (ranking 7th of the top 20 Canadian resorts), you get a general feeling of comfort and relaxation even as you enter the premises.
The JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa was originally built in 2009 by Ken Fowler who envisioned a totally luxurious hotel cum condo complex which would blend with but not overpower the rustic atmosphere of the area. For instance, all hotel exterior lights were oriented in such a way as not to interfere with one’s vision of the night sky. All little nooks and crannies from fireplaces to headboards are meticulously crafted to five-star standards. Even after the resort changed hands several times, The Rosseau Muskoka continues to live up to its name as a top-rated accommodation.
Rooms and Amenities of the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa
You can choose from four types of guests rooms – Studio King, Studio Queen, One-bedroom Suite, and Two-bedroom Suite. The suites have spacious parlors with fireplaces and wrap-around balconies which offer you a breathtaking view of the country outdoors, pretty much like being in an evergreen forest. The best thing about any of these room types is that all have full-service kitchens which include range, oven, dishwasher and microwave. So you can actually save a lot in food expenses by just cooking your own meals instead of dining at the hotel’s restaurants.
The wrap-around balconies also afford its guests a spectacular view of the resort’s premises and Lake Rousseau. Bedrooms have large TVs each, a real plus to suit different TV viewing habits and preferences. Beds and furniture are super-comfortable and the kitchens are well-equipped.
Check the availability and room rates of JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa
Hotel rates vary depending on the date of your booking so just check their rates directly on their site.
If you are up to splurging for your Muskoka staycation, you should try the restaurants in JW Marriott Muskoka. Each has its own unique cuisine suited for specific tastes and needs. The award-winning Teca Restaurant is known for its savory Italian cuisine, while the elegant Muskoka Chophouse boasts of its Certified Angus beef steaks. For more casual settings, try the Cottages Restaurant which is open for all meals, and Lakes, the Gathering Place, a bar and lobby lounge overlooking the beautiful lake. If you love espresso or other specialty coffee, you should visit the Country Market Resort Shop and Cafe. And those who prefer to unwind with alcohol will definitely love to hang out at The Deck (open only during summer).
For those who love swimming, The Rosseau Muskoka Resort also has an indoor-outdoor heated pool, an outdoor whirlpool, and children’s splash pad. Golfers will enjoy the nearby The Rock, a Nick Faldo designed championship golf course. Health enthusiasts can chill at the world class spa which offers various massages and treatments. And you can still keep fit at the gym and workout room.
Things to Do for a Fantastic Muskoka Staycation
While the hotel is a perfect place for a Muskoka winter getaway, it can also be just as wonderful as a summer retreat. There are countless ways to spend your stay in the area.
During the summer, you can go for lots of outdoor walks and nature tripping without having to wear heavy jackets, snowshoes, and other winter gear. You can go swimming in any of the resort’s heated pools during this season. One of the pools is indoor-outdoor, so you can enjoy stargazing while swimming or lounging at the pool during the evening. You can arrange for special sightseeing tours by seaplane, helicopter or boat. The resort offers outdoor activities such as biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and water skiing.
You can take an excursion around the lake to learn about the area’s history and culture. Visit local artisans and shop for antique and art collectibles. If you’re lucky, you can make your trip coincide with annual power boat races, regattas or fishing tournaments which normally take place between spring and fall.
At the Muskoka Wharf, you can relive the county’s history by cruising on one of its steamships, the oldest to operate in North America.
And if you prefer to stay on the hotel’s premises during evenings, you can casually sip a cocktail under the stars at one of the bonfires.
The winter season offers a myriad of exciting activities like snowshoe hiking, snowmobiling, and dog sledding.
While summer and winter activities at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa are suitable for most age groups, please ask the hotel staff about any risks for the elderly or PWDs.
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