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    I Headed To A Transformative Wellness Hotel In Dundas, ON For 24 Hours — And Here's Everything I Did

    Time for a little next level R&R.

    Liza Hicks
    by Liza Hicks

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Hi, I'm Liza, and I'm a BuzzFeed producer and mom currently living in Toronto... who could definitely use a little R&R! So when I was invited to a boutique inn and wellness experience in a quaint Ontario town, it definitely piqued my interested.

    The author sitting on a patio with a garden behind her
    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    A boutique inn and a wellness experience? I had to investigate— so I headed to The HighAcre in the cute little town of Dundas, just a 60 minute drive out of Toronto. This city girl was ready for some fresh country air!

    Editor's Note: BuzzFeed was provided this trip free of charge; however, we were under no obligation to give a positive review.

    As soon as I arrived on the property I could feel the stress just melt away. The property and garden grounds were breathtaking... and I hadn't even been inside yet!

    A patio with a couch overlooking gardens
    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    It felt like I had been transported into an episode of Bridgerton! But really I was just in this tiny town outside of Hamilton.

    Nestled on a quiet, residential street— The HighAcre is boutique inn that has 4 separate suites. Here's the thing that makes this place super unique; each suite has a private spa.

    A view of the front entrance of The HighAcre
    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    Yes you read that right, each suite has their own private spa complete with a full holistic health experience: a personal Hammam steam room, infrared sauna, and deep soak four claw tub.

    Each suite belongs in a design magazine. The attention to detail is immaculate— from the recreated original wall trim to the unique pieces of art and the wood burning fireplaces.

    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    The current owner spent eight years restoring the1867 farm house. It's the perfect balance of modern vibes mixed with original charm.

    Fun fact: The property was originally 100 acres and The HighAcre was the name of the original farm house! There are only four families who have lived on the property so each suite is named after each family.

    First up on the agenda to get into peak relaxation mode? A visit to the outdoor pool and sun deck to catch some afternoon sun rays.

    A pool and deck with the sun shining through
    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    NBD,  just pretending I'm in the French countryside . 

    Next up? Time to dive into the spa circuit within the privacy of my own space... such a treat!

    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    I started by having a nice soak in the deep tub with some essential oils (which are custom and made by a local aromatherapist). Then I sweat it all out in the infrared sauna, which has a ton of health benefits that include detoxifying the body and stimulating the lymphatic system.

    I topped it off in the Hammam steam room with a hot steam and cold shower. The pure eucalyptus oil spray smelled heavenly and truly awoke all my senses; I emerged from my private spa circuit feeling the most relaxed version of myself!

    All that spa time had me feeling a little thirsty so I popped open a bottle of Soberlicious, threw on a cosy robe, and turned on the record player.

    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    Nothing like a little non-alcoholic happy hour!

    Then it was time for dinner. Since this is a relaxing, child-free night I was in no mood to cook!

    A bowl of pasta with a glass of alcohol free wine
    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    Instead, I threw a bag of Spatula Foods' mushroom ravioli onto the stove and 10 minutes later, voila: a delicious, restaurant worthy meal without leaving my suite. Because self-care comes in all shapes and sizes, I enjoyed this yummy meal from the couch, watching Netflix among all my blankets. 

    And just like that, it was time to tuck into bed for the night.

    The writer wearing a red light face mask
    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    Boo! But first (of course) I had to experiment with the higherDOSE red light face masks and try the night time meditation, courtesy of the cute little QR code besides the beds. Trust me, I'm very relaxed behind that mask!

    With the smell of fresh croissants wafting through the hallways, I awoke from my beauty slumber well rested and ready for breakfast.

    Croissants, jam, and coffee on a table outdoors.
    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    Each suite has a private kitchen stocked with fruit, milk, farm fresh eggs, croissants, coffees and teas. I felt like quite the domestic goddess, popping the pre-made croissants into the oven.

    After a solo, picturesque breakfast on the terrace it was time for some self-guided yoga in the fitness studio.

    A blue yoga mat on a terrace
    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    Now, I'm not even that good at yoga but I was inspired to do some morning stretching since I was on a mini-wellness journey. Plus, just look at the the views from the fitness studio, they are inspiration enough! 

    With a couple hours left before heading back to reality I decided to enjoy my personal spa all over again because... why not?

    A large tub with a black robe in the background
    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    Round 2! 

    Alas, it was time for my perfect country spa getaway to come to an end...

    A selfie taken on a HighAcre door
    Liza Hicks // BuzzFeed

    I left The HighAcre feeling more rested and rejuvenated than the day before. After reaping the benefits of the personal spa, I vowed to prioritize a little self-care into my everyday routine. Intimate, relaxing, and totally restorative–  this 24 hour mini local getaway was a perfect reminder that we should all take the time to spoil ourselves with a little bit of transformative wellness.

    What are your favourite self-care tips to feel more relaxed? Let us know in the comments below.