Hillcrest, A Valenova Inn and Spa
By Margaret Swaine
It was the detox program that first caught my eye. I’m at the age where every bite seems to stick to my frame and every drink whacks my brain. The program promised not weight loss but more internal hormonal balance and radiant skin. I signed up for the three nights at Hillcrest Inn and Spa as soon as I could clear the time.
I’m a spa junkie. This was one of many attempts to find a healthy bliss and it was virtually in my own backyard. Hillcrest is in the town of Port Hope, settled initially by Empire Loyalists in 1793. A river runs through it (the Ganaraska) which is still renowned for trout and salmon fishing. Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario the town’s about an hour’s drive east of Toronto. At its centre is the best-preserved 19th century Victorian streetscape in Ontario. Its Capital Theatre is the only ‘atmospheric’ theatre left in Canada. Naturally the town is also known for its antique shops.
When I arrived at Hillcrest, I was delighted to see the inn built in 1874 by the Worts (of Gooderham and Worts) was even more impressive and architecturally gorgeous than in the brochure. I was greeted like an old friend with smiles and lavender cookies. Simone Beitler, the spa manager came out to tell me about my program. I was then handed my special Dr. Hauschka products – digestive cleansing capsules to take after meals, silica powder with bee pollen in the morning and an immune boosting elixir all made from biodynamic ingredients. Next Chef Jon Hosick emerged from the kitchen to talk about my food preferences. I found out he apprenticed at another great Ontario health Spa, Tapatoo where I’d much enjoyed the meals of their chef Roy Hintz. The days ahead looked very sunny indeed.
“The guests I have in significantly affect the menu,” said Chef Hosick, a 24-year-old dynamo who’s very obviously passionate about cooking. He explained he always discusses meals with the guests and tailors his menus accordingly. Want ostrich? Bison? You’ll get it before you leave. Most everything is made in-house from as much local and organic produce as available. Meats are growth hormone and antibiotic free. My detox friendly dishes were put on the menu for me or for that matter any other guest to select.
A strict lacto-vegetarian diet that also avoids refined sugars for at least six to eight weeks is part of Dr. Hauschka detox program. While animal protein including eggs was out, we decided fish would be okay. While at the inn I found the diet a snap to follow. (It was when I left this nurturing environment that my struggles to follow the plan began.) In the hands of Chef Hosick I enjoyed such dishes as pan-seared black cod, trio of sashimi tuna, candy cane beet and chèvre salad, juniper parsnip soup and summer berries with nuts. The food was consistently delicious and creative.
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The nine rooms in this spacious high-ceiling home have unique charms. Mine, called the Laura Margaret (after the owner’s mother) had bay windows and coral floral motive. From its walkout balcony I gazed upon the pool and the 15 acres of forests. Lake Ontario glittered away in the distance. The Valenova Suite on the top floor with its 1000 square feet of comfort, private outdoor hot tub and widow’s walk has proven to be very popular with large families or small groups of women. The inn holds a maximum of 26 people and will allow a group of 15 or more to rent the entire place. During my stay I saw couples and small groups of four or six women and a few singles like me. It was always quiet and relaxing.
My detox program included four signature treatments in the spa. Day one I had a Dr. Hauschka Dry Brush and detoxifying bath. Under the expert hands of Anjum, I was scrubbed from head to toe until my skin shone like a baby’s. Then I was immersed in a herb oil infused detox bath. The next day I had a lymphatic treatment wherein Anjum applied reflexology pressure to great effect on my feet and hands. She later wrapped my feet in hot compresses while massaging my face and neck. The treatment lasted for 90 minutes of bliss. The moor mud stone wrap and pine bath was warming, relaxing and left my skin silky smooth. Simone’s Dr. Hauschka’s classical skin care facial began with a sage foot bath and continued for a 90 minutes of massage, lymphatic stimulation and colour therapy. I found the treatments so enjoyable I paid for an additional one, an abdominal chi massage expertly given by Ed.
I left the Hillcrest muscles relaxed, skin glowing and my mind cleared of stress. The effect lasted at least for several weeks. Now after holiday time stress and excess I want to return. This is a destination spa that beckons you back for ever longer stays.
If You Go: The Hillcrest Victorian Inn, is about three and a half hours drive from Ottawa at 175 Dorset St. West, Port Hope ON L1A 1G4.
Phone: 1-888-253-0065 info@thehillcrest.ca www.thehillcrest.ca
The Detox program costs $1795 per person and is available Sunday-Thursday nights. It includes all meals, four signature treatments, supplies of Elixir, Bee Pollen and Digestive Cleansing Capsules. Use of all facilites including pool, saunas, hot tubs and fitness facilities is part of the package.