This past weekend could not have been better. Thanks to Charming Media, we headed up to the lovely Viamede Resort to check out their newly renovated space on the gorgeous Stoney Lake. Driving up to the resort I was immediately reminded of the opening scene in Dirty Dancing; Viamede is a cottage resort that sits happily above the pristine lake. At first it seems charmingly rustic, but with every possible amenity and two fabulous restaurants it’s hard to think of the resort as anything but the perfect getaway.
Over the course of the winter, owner and operator Ben Sämann gave the resort a huge facelift and brought on a new chef, Kevin McKenna, who was wooed away from his very successful career in Toronto by the promise of a farm-to-table policy that is fully embraced by the team at Viamede.
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On our second night at the resort we were treated to a pig roast that really showcased both Ben and Kevin’s dedication to beautiful, ethical, and delicious food. Earlier in the day we went to meet the pigs that live on the resort property, and I couldn’t have been happier to see the joyful creatures enjoying their lives and dancing in the late spring sun. While I’m not a vegetarian I am a huge believer in free-range meats and ethical farming practices, and being able to see how well the pigs at Viamede were treated made me feel like eating there was not only a delicious choice but an ethical one to boot.
It’s hard to think about anything but the food when you’re talking about Viamede; both restaurants serve impeccable menus. The pub is perfect for lunch (I recommend trying their succulent chicken wings or the panko crusted fish and chips), while 1885, located in the main building with seats overlooking the lake, is the perfect spot for a formal dinner with a romantic view.
In addition to the room updates, the brand new chef, and new marina docks, Viamede has partnered with Euphoria Wellness Spa in Peterborough to offer spa services for all their guests, which I got to test out on Saturday morning. The exceptionally clean and well laid-out spa is manned by a group of very talented young aestheticians who offer a full list of wonderfully relaxing spa services. I opted for the Ultimate Manicure with a bright coral Rock-Hard LED Gel Polish by Artistic Nail Design – a company I had never heard of but am now obsessed with.
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Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a girls’ weekend by the pool, Viamede is the answer; it’s a cottage weekend with all the amenities of a hotel and a five star chef. There is nothing better you could do with your vacation days this summer.
If you haven’t made long weekend plans yet and you’re thinking that a weekend of kayaking, eating, relaxing, and reading books on a dock sounds perfect, mention this post before booking and you’ll get 10% off your long weekend stay along with a complimentary bottle of wine.
Will you be checking out the Viamede Resort for your next getaway? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
