Canada's Millcroft Inn & Spa Selected as Spas of America's 700th

Spas of America, a healthy living and travel website showcasing the best Spa & Wellness travel experiences, today launched their 700th spa listing and first Historic spa experience: The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton-Caledon, Ontario, Canada.

“Spas of America is pleased to welcome the Millcroft Inn & Spa,” says Spas of America president Craig Oliver. “Situated less than an hour from Canada’s largest city and two hours from New York State, the Millcroft is a premier spa destination offering the charm and romance of the past, complemented by four-diamond comfort and first-class service.“

Situated less than an hour from Canada's largest city and two hours from New York State, the Millcroft is a premier spa destination...
A historic gem dating back to the 1880s, the Millcroft was originally built as a textile mill. Today guests can stay and dine in the same building, where they’ll enjoy stunning views of the millpond and nearby Shaw’s Creek Falls. A definitive country retreat, the Millcroft is part of a small community known for its thriving art scene, love for horses and many outdoor activities.

One signature spa treatment at the Millcroft Spa is the Raindrop Therapy with Native Indian Hot Rock Massage. This unique therapy developed by the American Lakota Indians is designed to align energy centers, release blockages and bring the body into balance. Nine essential oils are strategically applied and worked into the back muscles, followed by a full-body massage. More details about the Millcroft Inn & Spa can be viewed at its platinum member listing: http://www.spasofamerica.com/spas/millcroft_inn.

Paul MacIntyre, GM of the Pillar and Post, another fine heritage property, oversees all Vintage Hotels spas, including its newest one at the Millcroft Inn. MacIntyre says, “We’re very proud to have our spa chosen for this milestone. We look forward to the Millcroft Inn & Spa being showcased to Spas of America’s targeted Spa & Wellness consumers from around the world.” Vintage Hotels also operates two other boutique spa properties in Southern Ontario, 100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post and the Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales Hotel. (Both spas ranked in Spas of America’s Top 30 Spas of 2008 based on consumer traffic to the Spas of America website.)

Millcroft Inn & Spa

Prince of Wales Named Best Hotel in Ontario

A historic landmark hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake has been recognized by one of the foremost authorities on world travel. Travel + Leisure Magazine has placed Prince of Wales on its noted list of 500 World’s Best Hotels, with a score that has earned the renowned Vintage Hotel top spot above all other hotels in Ontario, and ninth throughout Canada.

Prince of Wales has been decorated with numerous accolades over the last decade in recognition of its consistent ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences in accommodations, dining and spa. Travel + Leisure Magazine has included Prince of Wales on its trusted lists of superior travel experiences for three consecutive years. In addition to being named one of the 500 World’s Best Hotels since 2007, Prince of Wales achieved a spot on the prestigious list of 100 Best Hotels in North America in 2008.

Michelle Miller, General Manager of Prince of Wales, could not be more proud of her hotel’s recent appointment as Ontario’s #1 hotel, and #9 in Canada. “The credit really goes to the staff at Prince of Wales. We have an outstanding team of professionals who consistently go out of their way to make every guest feel they’re having the experience of a lifetime.”

Guests from over 25 countries visit Prince of Wales each year, whether seeking adventures in Niagara wine country, live theatre at neighbouring Shaw Festival, a romantic spa getaway or a four-diamond dining experience.

Prince of Wales, Secret Garden Spa

Sign of the Times? For Sale: The Hillcrest Wellness Spa

Built in the 1870s as a grand family home and currently used for commercial purposes, this historic home would appeal to someone who has always dreamed of owning an inn or wellness spa or to an individual or family with an appreciation of heritage homes, says listing agent Ryanne McGee of Chestnut Park Real Estate.

The home, known as the Hillcrest, was built by entrepreneur and distiller James Worts as a wedding present for his daughter Emily and her husband, lawyer David Smart Jr., son of Port Hope's postmaster and local distiller.

It was sold to Joseph Schwartz of Pittsburgh, Pa., in about 1894. In 1917, the Schwartz family changed its surname to Black. For nearly 100 years, the Black family used the house as a summer home. Mr. Schwartz's brother used the same architect to build his family's summer home across the road.

The Hillcrest was sold out of the Black family in 1973 and has had five owners since, says Ms. McGee, who has the exclusive listing with Dee McGee. "The most recent owners invested in the restoration and preservation of this provincially designated historic property."

A circular driveway flanked by white pillars and original gates leads on to the 14-acre property and to the 15,000-square-foot house. The property has mature trees, gardens and a concrete pool.

An "immense portico" on the north side was added in 1900; there is also a 50-foot library/study, influenced by the classical style of Thomas Jefferson, Ms. McGee says.

The nine-bedroom, 13-bathroom Beaux Arts-style home has a hall with a Waterford crystal chandelier and a curved staircase.

The main-floor rooms have 12-foot ceilings, fireplaces and original brass wall sconces, chandeliers and woodwork. The dining room, which overlooks Lake Ontario, was originally a porch. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the lake.

Most of the bedrooms have high ceilings, fireplaces, original fittings and woodwork, and ensuite bathrooms.

The second floor has five bedrooms, a servant's bedroom and another bedroom off the nursery with its own staircase to the main and third floors.

Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen and a staircase to the rooftop deck are third-floor features.

The Hillcrest is in Port Hope, where many of the town's original buildings have been restored. Trinity College, established in 1865, attracts students from around the world.

Many well-known musicians, artists and writers live in the Port Hope area. One of the community projects that reflects the values of the town is the restoration and operation of the 1930s Capitol Theatre.

Spas of Canada - 141 Years Young!

Celebrating 141 years young on July 1st, Canada is one of the world's favorite destinations for fresh air, health and wellness. The planet's 2nd largest nation offers a wide array of experiences for the spa traveler. From Quebec's Nordic spas, Ocean spas on the West Coast of British Columbia, award-winning Destination spas throughout the country, exciting Wine spas of Southern Ontario, or relaxing Mineral Springs, Canada offers something for everyone.

Spas of Canada