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Even the most devout urbanista needs some downtime. Here are
our top picks for weekend getaway hotels—all destinations in themselves, and within 100 miles or so of the world's greatest cities.
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels in....
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels
Toronto
The Hillcrest Victorian Inn: A Valenova Spa
175 Dorset St. West, Port Hope, Ontario, 905-885-7367, $ thehillcrest.ca
The Draw: Found in historic Port Hope, one hour east of Toronto on Lake Ontario, this antique-laden inn and spa erases the stress of city living. The Scene: Mellow ambience spills over to every part of The Hillcrest, with its indoor parlors and shaded outdoor porches. White-robed guests take advantage of a soothing saline pool, hot tub, and walking trails—both before and after stellar spa treatments. Winner of three Luxury Spa Finder awards in 2007, Hillcrest Valenova is the only spa in North America that uses organic Dr. Hauschka products. Award-winning chef Jonathan Hosick is at the helm in the kitchen, and he finds inspiration in seasonal local ingredients. The inn's staff goes the extra mile by picking you up from the local train station and providing you with advice on antique shopping in Port Hope. Hot Tip: Reserve a room on the top floor, facing south—you'll have your own private roof deck from which to watch the sun rise and set over Lake Ontario.
The Shaw Club Hotel & Spa
92 Picton St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, 905-468-5711, $$$ shawclub.com
The Draw: With 18 wineries less than a half-hour away, this contemporary boutique hotel is in the heart of Niagara wine country. The Scene: An hour-and-a-half drive from Toronto, the Shaw Club Hotel is close to Queen Street shopping and the well-known Shaw Festival. The modern ambience of the hotel's dark wood and glass décor attracts trendy 30- and 40-somethings from the city. For both couples and friends who want to discover and learn more about Niagara wines, The Shaw is the place to be. The hotel also provides bike rentals, access to golf courses and the local concert series, as well as info on the popular Niagara Farm-to-Table dining series. Hot Tip: With advance notice, the hotel will create a customized, guided wine tour for individuals or small groups.
The Westin Trillium House at Blue Mountain
220 Mountain Dr., Collingwood, Ontario, 705-443-8080, $$$ westin.com/bluemountain
The Draw: Two hours north of Toronto, The Westin Trillium House is in the heart of the village of Blue Mountain, with year-round access to myriad outdoor activities. The Scene: A popular spot for outdoor types, the location provides lots of options: shopping in the village, hiking Blue Mountain (or skiing, in season), two golf courses, the Plunge indoor water park, and year-round outdoor pools. The Oliver Bonacini Café Grill, overseen by Toronto chef Michael Bonacini, provides a fine-dining option for groups—avoid the themed chain restaurants in the village. Hot Tip: During local festivals, such as the September Blue Mountain Jazz Festival, guests of the hotel receive complimentary VIP access tickets to concerts held at the top of the mountain.
