The words “hotel” and “spa” don’t begin to cover it. I think this, post jasmine- and ylang ylang-scented Mimosa Scrub, while I sit comfortably ensconced in a barrel chair and contemplate the mesmerizing view of the rushing Grand River as it tumbles into the Elora gorge, which is irresistible to hungry blue herons. Yeah, a bit wordy, but oh my, The Elora Mill Hotel and Spa inspires that.
This jewel of a space (an almost 200-year-old former grist mill that’s been carefully restored and renovated to the tune of 27 million dollars) is something everyone in the Greater Toronto Area should experience full stop, yet it seems even more relevant as a getaway, now that the future of air travel is uncertain and the U.S. border is closed. It’s set in the town of Elora, Ontario, which is picture-perfect charming – you know, 19th-century limestone buildings the colour of honeycombs, curlicue-trimmed Victorian houses, art galleries and sweet little independent shops and restaurants.
And I’m not the only one chugging the tourist Koolaid – Group of Seven painter A.J. Casson dubbed Elora the most beautiful village in Ontario and Chevrolet christened it the “Most Road Trippable Town in Canada” (it’s a 90-minute drive from Toronto).
The last time I visited the hotel, I stayed in a Solarium Suite that I rate for many of its features, especially the floor-to-ceiling glass wall with dreamy views to the gorge.
This time, I checked into The James Ross House. It’s a two-storey, 1,000-square-foot private villa beside the entry gate and just steps away from the hotel.
From the street it looks like the most charming red brick house; inside it delights. Amenities include locally made furniture, a wood-burning fireplace, Frette linens, a mini bar with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and a Dyson hairdryer. There is a powder room on the first floor and a full bathroom with roomy marble shower upstairs, but perhaps the coolest feature is our very own private patio.
The House is popular with honeymooners and perfect for a private getaway – you would really never have to leave and I think it would be just as fun to experience it in the winter as a snowy, romantic bolthole.
The hotel staff is sincerely friendly, truly professional and very welcoming, and, this time around, fully versed in Covid protocol and ensuring guests’ safety.
There was only one real change this visit and it got my heart racing and taste buds piqued. There’s a new Executive Chef at the helm and I couldn’t be more excited that it’s the award-winning Jonathan Gushue. I first fell in love with his food when he was at Langdon Hall (his “Snow Crab in Flower Water” is one of my best food memories) and just missed him when I stayed at Fogo Island Inn. While such a great surprise, his appointment almost seems like gilding the lily. Honestly, the food at the Elora Mill has always been fantastic, so much so that I wrote about it for Food Network Canada, but this appointment takes it to another level.
And if the Elora Mill’s stress-busting spa, cushy accommodations and superlative food aren’t enough incentive for a safe getaway, then the full-service pool that is cantilevered over the gorge should do the trick.
It really is a special spot and I highly recommend a stay here, even for just one night. If you’d like to read more about Elora and The Elora Mill Hotel and Spa, check out my previous Globe and Mail travel feature published last September.