A weekend Getaway at the Millcroft Inn and Spa

Imagine a place where rustic elegance meets modern luxury, where each stay is not just a trip but a journey into enchantment. Welcome to the Millcroft Inn and Spa, a unique retreat where romantic escapes, tranquil getaways, and memorable gatherings come alive amidst a backdrop of picturesque beauty and refined comfort.

The Millcroft Inn is a charming and picturesque retreat nestled in the serene countryside of Alton, Ontario. Surrounded by lush gardens, rolling hills, and the soothing sounds of Shaw’s Creek, this historic inn offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Inn also provides guests with the opportunity to indulge in exquisite fine dining experiences and pampering spa services, complete with year-round access to invigorating hot and cold outdoor pools.

We made the journey to Caledon Ontario, a short jaunt from downtown Toronto for a weekend getaway and wow, what an experience. Our aim was to enjoy a peaceful weekend, free from the daily grind, and that’s exactly what we achieved.

Reaching the Millcroft Inn couldn’t have been simpler; it was just a pleasant one-hour drive away from the heart of Toronto. Following Hurontario Highway 10, we headed north out of the bustling city. Our reliable GPS proved indispensable as we made our way to the Inn, helping us navigate through a few side roads and unexpected turns along the route.

The Millcroft Inn and Spa history dates back to its establishment as an inn in 1965, but its origins trace even further to 1881 when it served as the Beaver Knitting Mill. This historic building was renowned for producing fleece-lined long underwear, becoming a household name across Canada and playing a vital role in providing essential clothing for many years. More details can be found at In the Hills, a local publication with details on the history of the Mill.

Upon checking in and getting settled, my immediate reaction was a resounding “wow” – the place is stunning. There’s something incredibly appealing about the blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication that this location offers.

An unexpected perk that came with our weekend booking, which I hadn’t realized earlier, was the access to the outdoor spa pools, both hot and cold. Fortunately, I had the foresight to pick up a swimsuit on our way there, having forgotten mine. Our late Friday evening dip in the pools, just before they closed at 9 pm, was nothing short of magical. It instantly melted away the week’s stress, ushering in a state of deep relaxation. I slept well in the quiet warmth of our room that evening.

Our room was in the main Inn, adorned with various antiques that added to its charm. Among these treasures was a gorgeous chest of drawers. Intriguingly, one of the drawers held a piece of history – it was lined with an old newspaper from a bygone era, specifically from the time when the Leafs clinched the Stanley Cup. That’s right, from a period long before the advent of the internet and even before my own time.

The saying goes that the magic of great artwork lies in its meticulous attention to detail. This was exemplified the moment we opened the door to our room. Beyond its visual splendour, a single rose delicately placed on the bed caught our eye. My wife was instantly enamoured by this elegant gesture. It was an unnecessary yet deeply appreciated touch, a testament to the thoughtfulness that separates the good from the great.

Now let’s talk tech. I’ve been technically savvy for many years, and I’ve had the opportunity to stay in many hotels across North America and had the experience time and time again of not being able to easily sync my laptop or smartphone to the room TV to watch Netflix.

Vintage Hotels, the organization behind the Millcroft Inn and Spa, solves this problem beautifully. Aside from being able to sync immediately, there use of QR codes in our welcome package made learning about my surroundings, the dinner menu at the Headwaters Restaurant, and thins to do, beyond simple.

We had our Saturday dinner at the Headwaters Restaurant inside the mill, and it was a delightful experience. The menu offered straightforward yet expertly crafted dishes that exceeded our expectations. Again, meticulous attention to detail truly sets the Millcroft Inn’s restaurant apart. During our meal, our server inquired about our reason for being at the Inn, to which we simply replied, “Just a weekend getaway.” When we decided to order dessert, we were pleasantly surprised when it arrived on a beautifully presented plate stating “Here’s to a weekend getaway”.

Saturday morning, our adventures also took us to the charming Inglewood Antiques shop, conveniently located in the vicinity. Plus, the proximity to Orangeville, just a 10-minute drive away, was extremely convenient for those quick errands, like a pharmacy run for a few personal essentials.

When it comes to value for money, the inn impressed us greatly. The cost of our stay was surprisingly reasonable, especially considering that access to the exquisite spa pools was included. Typically, hotel rates while traveling abroad can vary significantly, ranging from $150 to $300 per night. Our room, taxes in priced just under $350 per night, presented an excellent deal.

When you factor in the standard $75 daily charge for the spa pools – not including additional services like massages, manicures, and pedicures – our effective nightly rate was actually below $300. This made our indulgent weekend not only memorable but also remarkably affordable.

Overall, the Millcroft Inn and Spa was an experience to remember, marked by the exceptional hospitality of the staff and the luxurious spa services at the inn, earning it a well-deserved five-star rating in our book. This memorable weekend has us eagerly planning our next visit, where we aim to stay in the Crofts – rooms that boast private hot tubs and cozy wood fireplaces. We’re also looking forward to some day hiking at the picturesque Forks of the Credit Provincial Park during the warmer months.

Thinking of getting away for a long weekend to the Millcroft Inn and Spa? Checkout our article on Long Weekends in Ontario for 2024 for dates.