After a long week and needing some well deserved rest and relaxation, I embarked on a weekend getaway up Hwy 400 with a couple of my girlfriends. We drove 3 hours north out of Toronto to an all-inclusive, hidden gem: Dimensions Algonquin Highlands. This was a weekend filled with many unique activities and wellness programs that included a group sound bath, a group forest walk, BioSound therapy, Floatation therapy, a gourmet cooking class, massages, and hiking. Here’s what you can expect when you visit:

As I drove on the gravel road through the Canopy Lane entrance, we were greeted by two deer frolicking in the forest, which set the tone for the weekend. Upon arrival, we received a warm welcome from the Concierge, who took my luggage to my impeccably luxurious cabin. I walked in, and immediately I was immersed in the view from my cabin, which was surrounded by nature. 

After settling in, we headed to Maple Lodge, where we were treated to an exquisite spread of nutritious treats made in-house by Chef Jordan Wagman, Chef Naz Arabani, and their team. The welcome offerings included macaroons, strawberries with goat cheese and fig jam, pumpkin butter, date truffle, cinnamon sticks, candied hemp seeds, candied hazelnuts, bean salad, bread of the day with hummus, and housemade flaxseed crackers. We were served a feast that more than satisfied our hunger after a long drive. Instantly, I knew that the food for my stay would not only be healthy but also tasty. 

Right before sunset, we entered the Sound Dome, where I experienced my first sound bath. The dome is white with comfortable floor cushions, a pillow for your head, colourful blankets, and lots of musical instruments and speakers. We lay on our backs, while our instructor took us through some meditation exercises, told folklore stories, played some amazing sounds and vibrations with chimes, the gong, a guitar, a flute, and other woodwind instruments. I was so relaxed that I fell asleep during the meditation. My intention was to release my stress, and I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to do so after just one session. I felt incredibly peaceful and calm; my body and mind were at ease. 

Once the session concluded, we walked over to the bonfire, where we sat around the fire on comfortable black Adirondack chairs, in the cool, crisp night air. We replenished the firewood and shared stories while enjoying the quiet of the night under the stars before heading to bed. 

On day two, we attend a 1-hour cooking lesson with Chef Jordan. Each meal included a personalized story as to why and how he created the dish. Today, he taught us how to make chicken kale meatballs with cherry tomato sauce and squash spaghetti. He incorporated ground chicken, grape tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, spaghetti squash, freshly ground black pepper, sea salt, and canola oil. He used only healthy unprocessed, whole ingredients when preparing the food. The finished dish was simple yet satisfying, a celebration of natural flavours in my mouth. It was a delicious and health-conscious take on classic comfort food, chicken breast protein, nutrient-dense greens, and a clever substitute for pasta. It was a gourmet dish that I could easily make at home. 

After lunch, I experienced my first Thai massage from Leslie Brennan, which was unlike any massage I have ever had. I lay fully clothed on the floor massage bed, surrounded by pillows and blankets. It wasn’t just relaxing; I experienced a full-body stretch. She pulled and rocked my body while releasing the tension in my shoulders.  It was like having a deep tissue massage, a chiropractic treatment, and a yoga stretch all rolled into one. Leslie worked out all my knots, and after the one-hour session, I felt much lighter; my body felt renewed as if the weight of several years of tension just melted away.

Later that evening, it was time to connect with friends before checking out the following day. We stayed inside the Maple Lodge lounge, where we were serenaded by the guitar-playing Chef Jordan before he headed out for the night. The lounge had a pleasant, soothing ambiance, where we enjoyed several glasses of Chardonnay, engaged in stimulating conversation, played board games, and laughed into the wee hours of the morning.   

The following morning, it was hard to say goodbye to the fresh air, nature, luxury, and delicious food. Dimensions is a sanctuary nestled in Ontario‘s beautiful cottage country. It was thoughtfully designed. Transcending the ordinary, offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience for guests seeking to reconnect with themselves and with nature.  I was also captivated by the culinary expertise of Chef Jordan Wagman. It was undoubtedly a significant part of the retreats’ holistic nourishing package, blending a symphony of delights to restore the mind, body, and spirit. The staff was incredibly friendly, caring, and attentive. From the moment of arrival, I felt truly seen. They fostered a sense of belonging and safety that was important for deep personal work. It’s really the whole package: the nature, the wellness, and the team make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a tailored and refreshing getaway.