It’s been a while since I’ve written a post on the blog, but our first little getaway in nearly four months of quarantine certainly deserves to be documented! Our family made a quick decision to escape the house this past weekend and head up to JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa for a two-night stay that proved to be EXACTLY what we all needed. We love coming up to The Rosseau at least once a year (the Winter is amazing too) for the beautiful natural surroundings, fresh air, and that feeling of escaping it all – when in fact it’s only a 2.5hr drive from Toronto. 

The resort reopened it’s doors on May 29th (the first in Muskoka) and is now welcoming back guests after three-months of closure, however, not without some adjustments to the way they operate. I have to admit that taking my family out of the safe haven of our home (where we have been diligently self-isolating since early March) did trigger some fear and anxiety – but after reading about all that the resort is doing to keep their guests and staff safe – I immediately felt comfortable with our decision. Since the health and wellness of our family is my top priority – I wanted to share with you how we were able to take a short (and safe) staycation during these unique times we find ourselves in, and why a visit to JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka checked all the boxes for us. 

Gemma’s Pants: H&M | Massimo’s Shoes: H&M

The new safety procedures (based on Marriott’s Commitment to Cleanliness) start the moment you pull up the drive to the main doors of the resort. Guests have the option of checking in via the Marriott Bonvoy App and using Marriott Mobile Key to access their room (that means opening the door with your phone), or having a staff member greet you outside and check you in while you remain in the comfort of your vehicle. Our luggage was unloaded in the driveway and brought up to our room so we could quickly make our way to our room without having to linger in the lobby.

I particularly appreciated that staff members wore masks at all times and respected the 6-ft distancing rule. Signage is placed throughout the resort to remind guests to also adhere to these rules, including all outdoor stairs where arrows kindly encouraged us to stay to one side. Hand-sanitizing stations are placed throughout the main areas of the hotel, and only one family or two persons are permitted in the elevator at one time. There are also some changes to services that you would normally expect when inside your hotel room. Room service orders are still delivered to your door (you could also pick up in the lobby if you prefer), however, staff are not allowed to come into the room. Daily housekeeping is also not being performed at this time, but fresh towels or anything else you may require can be requested and brought up to your room.

Sunglasses: buybuyBABY | Tee: H&M

It just so happened that the weekend we were in Muskoka was the exact time that the region entered into Ontario’s Phase 2 allowing restaurant patios to finally reopen. I have been dreaming about eating at a restaurant for months  – so it was such a treat to be able to enjoy meals on the patio of Cottages and The Deck Poolside Bistro, two of the resorts on-site restaurants. (TIP: Order the Deconstructed Pina Colada at The Deck – it’s AMAZING!) Tables are well-spaced throughout the patio with minimal decor to touch and collect germs. Each seating area is completely sanitized prior to guests being seated so you feel safe knowing that everything is clean. It did feel a bit strange eating at a restaurant for the first time in what feels like forever, but we did out due diligence by sanitizing our hands before sitting down, only touching what was absolutely necessary, and keeping our distance from others. To say it felt good would b an understatement :)

Gemma’s Dress + Tee: Poppys Collection | Gemma’s Sneakers: H&M | White Blouse: H&M | Blue Skirt: H&M (similar) | Sneakers: c/o Pretty Small Shoes | Bag: Claire Vivier

Sweater: Banana Republic Factory | Jeans: c/o Grafic Woman

Each room at The Rosseau has a kitchenette that allows you enjoy the convenience of a fridge, sink, and microwave, and stickers placed on all the cabinet doors indicate that everything inside has been sanitized for your use. You can choose to bring your own groceries and self-isolate in your room, or you can order from the new take-out menu and have meals delivered right to your room.

Our family stayed in a 2 Bedroom Executive Suite with a stunning view of Lake Rosseau, complete with the most impressive wrap-around balcony I’ve ever seen!  This luxurious suite included a king bed, two queen beds plus a sofa bed, and a separate living room and bedrooms. It also had a dining area, stone fireplace, full kitchen, two ensuite bathrooms with double sinks, soaker tubs, and showers. It really was more than we could have ever asked for!

We loved all the space the room gave us to kick back, relax and really feel at home. The kids had so much fun that they are already asking if we’ll be able to return later this summer :)

Massimo’s Swim Shirt: H&M | Sandals: c/o Shoes4u

When it comes to recreation, there is still plenty to enjoy even though the pools, spa and gym have yet to reopen. The beach on Lake Rosseau is open and complete with cabanas, canoes, kayaks, and paddles boards – all which are sanitized after each use. You can even borrow bicycles or choose to hike along nearby trails, offering lots of outdoor fun. We were thankful to have the most beautiful weather last weekend, so we soaked up as much sun and beach time as we possibly could!

White Jogging Suit: H&M | Sandals: Tory Burch

Hat: Poppy’s Collection | Tee: H&M | Shorts: c/o Peekaboo Beans

With most of Ontario now entering Phase 2 of reopening, it’s the perfect time to take a little staycation not too far from home. At the moment, travel outside of Canada still seems risky for my liking, and any distant travel in 2020 seems highly unlikely. That being said, knowing that we have some amazing destinations in Ontario – like the JW Marriott The Rosseau – has me excited for more of this exact type of vacation for the rest of the year!

To encourage people to venture up north for a little getaway, the resort is offering a Stay Longer and Save promo where you can add a third night and save 15%, or add a fourth night and save 20%: https://www.marriott.com/reservation/availabilityCalendar.mi

Also, as a Marriott Bonvoy member you can take advantage of their weekend summer deal and save and earn points with your reservation: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/details/yqajw-jw-marriott-the-rosseau-muskoka-resort-and-spa/1337894

Is your family thinking about a staycation anytime soon? I would love hear what your plans are. And if you have questions about our experience, feel free to get in touch in the comments below! 

*Our stay was hosted by the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka, however, all opinions are always my own.
*Resort photos courtesy of JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka