Since becoming a mom, the time I have to myself is limited and opportunities few and far between. From taking Peanut & Pofaroo to school, daycare, camp and activities, adding in work, cooking dinner, grocery shopping, cleaning & laundry and there isn’t much time left for me to relax and rejuvenate.
But thanks to my husband, I was the lucky recipient of a day at The Briars Spa for my birthday this year. An entire day TO MYSELF! A day to MYSELF to relax and rejuvenate and find my sense of calm in my normal hectic everyday life.
The Briars is located on the south shore of Lake Simcoe, about 1 hour north of Toronto, Ontario. With an abundance of history, spacious grounds and beautiful architecture, The Briars hosts many events including weddings year round.
One of the unique architectural features of the main building is the Viewing Tower. Just a walk up the stairs or a quick ride up the elevator, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Lake Simcoe and the Resort from 70 feet up.
And there is the Peacock House with the gardens surrounding, would be a fantastic spot for photos. Modelled after buildings Dr. Francis C. Sibbald saw in Shanghai, this building has been around since 1885.
But enough about the grounds – on to the ‘relax and rejuvenate’ and the #ThisisBliss part of my visit. 🙂
My husband (smart man) purchased The Royal Package which included use of the Hydrotherapy area, Facial, Spa Manicure & Pedicure, Massage and a 2 course lunch. There really is great value in purchasing a package over each service individually if you’re able to get away for the day.
Upon arrival, you’re provided with a comfy robe to put on and are seated in the lounge area of the spa with complimentary fruit infused water, tea and snacks while waiting for your scheduled treatment. The interior of the lounge area reminds me of an upper level of an old farmhouse with the ceilings following the roof line with sloped ceilings and nooks with windows.
For me, first up was a Specialized Facial. Based on your skin type, the products utilized are carefully chosen. The Briars Spa carries the full line of Phytomer products that are natural source products derived from marine ingredients such as seawater and algae.
I’d never had a facial prior to this experience and my face felt wonderful after my Seawater Pearls moisturizing treatment. Now if only I could take the esthetician home with me to do this every day! It was so relaxing!!
After the 60 minute facial, I returned to the lounge area for some refreshments to await my massage.
For my massage, I chose the Swedish Massage although an Aromatherapy Massage was also an option with The Royal Package. You won’t get any pictures for this part so you’ll have to take my word for it that it was completely relaxing. The room with soft music and dim lighting really allowed me to let my mind go and enjoy my massage completely.
With a full morning complete, lunch was next. When you first arrive at The Briars Spa, you receive a menu of varying lunch options including vegetarian options to choose. I chose the roasted chicken, potatoes & vegetables with the pie of the day for desert. A quick trip down to Drinkwater’s Lounge (in my robe I might add) to enjoy the meal I chose at the beginning of my spa visit. With the proximity to where I live, I invited my good friend Kim, who is also the chapter owner of momstown Georgina & East Gwillimbury, to join me for lunch and it was a true 1+ hours of #ThisisBliss catching up without our children running around. Absolutely fantastic food and conversation that makes up for all the times a quick text message had to suffice.
The afternoon was spent enjoying a Spa Manicure and Pedicure. With 2 little girls in my house, there is no shortage of nail painting going on sometimes daily with lots of glitter and shades of pink but this manicure was for me. I rarely have time to think about moisturizing my feet and hands and with washing dishes daily and all my other daily tasks my hands can get pretty dry. And don’t even get me started on my feet! Can we say sandpaper?? Who has time to sit down for a foot soak? Definitely not me!
With the luxury of someone over the age of 10 giving me a Spa Manicure & Pedicure, I enjoyed every minute of it. From the perfectly trimmed and shaped nails to the luxury of having my feet wrapped in hot towels instead of the standard foot soak that I would normally receive with a pedicure. I opted for a Shellac French manicure and two and a half weeks later it still looks pretty good with no chips at the tips – although you can see how much my nails have grown since my visit.
A day at The Briars Resort and Spa is worth the money for how relaxed and rejuvenated I’m still feeling about my visit there. A perfect way to recharge as a mom of two even if only for a day.
Did you know, they have weekend getaways too for couples, girls weekends or as a family?
**While this was my bliss for the moment and I truly enjoyed the luxury of a day to myself and catching up with a good friend – my true #ThisisBliss moments are the everyday ones I spend with my family and friends.
By Nancy T.