K8 H TORONTO STAR H SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2004 SAVE 50...
Transcript of K8 H TORONTO STAR H SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2004 SAVE 50...
Product:STAR Date:08-28-2004Desk: TRV-0008-CMYK/25-08-04/21:26:49
COMPOSITECMYKK8 SATURDAY ON !SA2 280804ON K 008Q!K8 H TORONTO STAR H SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2004
Travel
A canoeist casts a long shad-ow on the shimmeringnoontime water as he pad-dles up the peaceful stream.
Hikers and joggers wave tohim as they make their wayalong the wooded trail thatsnakes its way along the sideof the river.
Songbirds entertain the in-truders with a chorus oflovely melodies.
Just another day in cottagecountry?
No, another day in theheart of the city — at the OldMill Inn and Spa.
One wonders why so manypeople brave the chaos ofHwy. 400 to reach cottagecountry each week when thehistoric, palatial inn and itswooded surroundings(think New York’s CentralPark) is so close at hand — amere 15-minute subway ridefrom downtown.
The Old Mill is a Torontolandmark — it celebrates its90th anniversary this yearand dates back 200 years as amill. And, it just keeps get-ting better with age —thanks to all the improve-ments added by hospitableinnkeeper Michael Kalmar.
With its bucolic setting,large meeting rooms andrestaurants, The Old Millhas been a favourite spot forweddings and other specialoccasions for decades. Nowit has been transformed intoone of the most chic hotels inToronto by Kalmar and hisexperienced staff, led bygeneral manager Gilles Cor-part.
From the time you enterthe stone-walled receptionarea at the Old Mill Inn andSpa, nestled on the banks ofthe Humber River, you aremade to feel at home by anexperienced staff that wel-comes you personally.
The 60-room Tudor-stylehotel offers all the latestcreature comforts for theweary traveller, including32-inch televisions, CDsound systems and bath-rooms stuffed with healthand beauty products. Thehotel’s cozy rooms featureoverstuffed beds and furni-ture and some offer angledceilings that make the expe-rience even more homey.
The Inn’s suites are morelike apartments than rooms.They offer romantic fire-places, wonderful views ofthe surrounding parklandsand large sitting areas thatare rivalled only by over-sized bedrooms, whichcome complete with four-poster beds. Very English!
The suites’ bathrooms arethe ultimate in luxury. Thewhirlpool tubs are like mini-swimming pools whereguests are tempted to lounge
and relax for hours. Whilethe rooms, dining experi-ence and ambience of theOld Mill are all major attrac-tions, the top draw is the spa— easily one of the best inToronto. Under the leader-ship of director ChristinaMcDougall, the Old Mill spahas become renowned for itsfull-menu spa feast.
McDougall referred to herurban operation as a “com-munity spa” that caters tothe needs of those living inthe Inn’s upscale neighbour-hood, as well as its guests.
That neighbourhood con-nection served the spa wellduring last year’s SARS crisisin Toronto. While other fa-cilities suffered, the Old Millspa thrived, according toMcDougall.
“We were actually busierduring the SARS outbreakthan normal,” said McDou-gall.
And why not? The OldMill’s spa is a great place toescape the rigours of life.The well-appointed treat-ment rooms and experttherapists give you a sense ofwell-being from the mo-ment you enter the spaciousfacility.
It is recommended thatyou arrive 25 minutes earlyfor your spa experience.Most people never want toleave.
Some of the treatmentrooms are bathed in naturallight, an addition thatMcDougall said has beenvery well received by her cli-ents. This spa lover was firstintroduced to this type oftreatment room in Thailandand actually found the sur-roundings far more soothingthan the dark cubicles em-ployed at most North Amer-ican spas.
The spa also offers in-roomservice, which might be ap-pealing to couples. However,the couples’ rooms in the spaarea are intimate and offerjust as much privacy.
Back in the charming hotelbar, innkeeper Kalmar tellsme about his future plans forthe Old Mill Inn and Spa —plans that include trying toattract more business trav-ellers. That shouldn’t behard, considering the sub-way is located just stepsaway from the hotel offBloor St. W. and Pearson In-ternational Airport is justminutes up the road.
Actually, the best businessdecision they could make isstaying at a country retreatin the city.. The Old Mill Spa is opensix days a week. It is closedMondays. Spa treatmentsrange from $35 and up. Theovernight serenity package,which includes a spa giftcard valued at $200 and lux-ury room with fireplace andsoaking tub, starts at $485.Prices for a traditional roomat the Inn start at $200 anight and go up to $695 for adeluxe suite. For informa-tion, go to www.oldmillto-ronto.com
Marc Atchison is the Star’sTravel Editor.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OLD MILL INN AND SPA
The Tudor-style Old Mill Inn and Spa offers guests a coun-try atmosphere right in the heart of the city. It’s just a 15-minute subway ride from downtown Toronto.
The Old Mill’sinn and spa arespecial retreats
Marc AtchisonHere and There
Ont
. Lic
. #04
1827
05
INCREDIBLE FARESFALL SEAT SALE FARES
All fares on IATA Airlines-some restrictions may apply. GST/Transportation Taxes & Fee Extra
www.LANDMARKTRAVEL.CA(416) 962-6110 1-888-949-9929
CALL US FOR BUSINESSCLASS SPECIALS
AMMAN 1015ATHENS 910BANGKOK 1150BEIRUT 995BUCHAREST 795BUDAPEST 730CAIRO 995COPENHAGEN 740DAR-ES-SALAAM 1080ENTEBBE 1080GENEVA 745GERMANY 665HELSINKI 785
HONG KONG 1120ISTANBUL 870JOHANNESBURG 1080LAGOS/ACCRA 1080LISBON 765LJUBLJANA 955MANILA 1090NAIROBI 1080OSLO 740FRANCE 755PRAGUE 690RIGA 885ROME/MILAN 832
SAO PAULO/RIO 855
SINGAPORE 1190
SPAIN 745
STOCKHOLM 740
SEOUL 1040
TAIPEI 1100
TEL AVIV 1200
TOKYO 825
VIENNA 740
WARSAW 775
ZAGREB 910ZURICH 745
CALL: TORONTO: 416 922 8835 TOLL FREE: 1-866-700-TRIPPrices valid at time of printing subject to availability at time of booking. Transportation taxes,
fuel surcharges and GST(where applicable) are extra.PAYLESS/TS/40828ONT REG 04222402 TICO 4222311
Downtown
Toronto
PUERTO PLATA RIU BACHATA
ALL INCL 1 WK 18SEP
899.00CADPUNTA CANA
BARCELO TALANQUERA ALL INCL 1 WK 27SEP
749.00CAD
CAYO COCO EL SENADOR
ALL INCL 1 WK 27SEP
749.00CAD
CAYO COCO VILLA COJIMAR
ALL INCL 1 WK 27SEP
550.00CAD
CUBA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
P CKA A
GE
DEA SL
Australia — New Zealand— Tahiti
Specialist for:
RENAISSANCE TRAVEL INC. 214 Avenue Rd., Tor.
(416) 964-0208 TOLL FREE: 1-800-461-1614
Ont
. Reg
.#23
3662
1
• Special airfares to Australia & New Zealand• THE BEST IN CUSTOMIZED TRAVEL
• Self drive programs – The best selection of Budget &Deluxe Motorcoach Tours – Eco Tours – 4 WD CampingSafaries – Guided walks – Hotel passes – Condo stays –
Island retreats – Rainforest Lodges – Honeymoons• We offer an extensive knowledge of the destinations
3158
547A
Includes: Round trip airfare from Los Angeles• 10 nights accommodation
• Airport Welcome and Round trip airport transfers
from $2470 p.p.Outrigger Reef Fi j i Resort
1-866-515-2876www.pacesettertravel.com
Fiji Islands
Includes: 4 nights accommodation• Airport Welcome and round trip airport transfers
from $490 p.p.
Outrigger Reef Fi j i ResortStopover
Includes: Round trip airfare from Los Angeles• 7 nights accommodation Outrigger Reef Resort
• 3 nights accommodation Castaway island Resort• All airport/launch transfers
• Complimentary 20 minute scenic helicopter transfer
from $2870 p.p.Class ic Fi j i
CALL YOUR F I J I EXPERT
Programs are valid from 01 Oct - 11 Dec ‘04 and 15 Jan - 31 Mar ‘05.Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates apply.
Presentation on Fiji & Islands of the South Pacific - Sept. 17’04RSVP
DeNureTours
1-800-668-6859DeNure Tours
71 Mount Hope St., Lindsay, ON Reg. #’s 500009376 and 500009377
Prices are per person twin and include all taxes except GST.
www.denuretours.com
The Agawa Canyon A rail journey throughnorthern Ontario’s hardwood forests to the AgawaCanyon. Two itineraries, four days. * via Frankenmuth Michigan - Mackinac Island -September 21, 25, 28, October 3 $745* An all-Canadian route via Manitoulin Island -September 17, 21, 29, 30, October 2 $665
A Taste of New England Intense fallcolours, charming towns. Explore Boston, Portsmouth,Portland, Stowe. 6 days September 26 $1195
Cape Cod Historic landmarks, mansions, museums, sea-side charm. Stockbridge, Plymouth,Provincetown, Nantucket, Newport, Mystic. 7 daysOctober 9 $1295
Branson Stay in the heart of the beautiful OzarkMountains and enjoy a rich variety of entertainment.One of our most popular tours. 9 days October 17,November 7, 16. $1395
Country Music Capitals Branson,Memphis, Nashville, Pigeon Forge. Country, gospel,jazz and bluegrass. 12 days Oct 13, Nov 14 $1895
Nashville Sightseeing, attractions and showsfrom the comfort of the Opryland Hotel. 6 daysOctober 19, November 20 $895, December 4 $995
California Fly Fly to San Francisco and tourthe coastal highlights of California including NapaValley, Monterey, Carmel, San Simeon, Santa Barbara,Los Angeles, and Palm Springs. Fly home from SanDiego. 13 days November 1 $3295
New Orleans Travel through Ohio, Tennessee,and Mississippi, en route to New Orleans. The BigEasy offers a world of history, culture, gastronomy andnature. Stay in the French District, rich in history, andwithin easy walking distance of wonderful restaurantsand musical venues. 13 days October 21 $2395
AIRFARESPACKAGESHOT LINE
416-465-6084NOVA TRAVEL
RESERVATIONS
416-465-8825 ON
T. R
EG
. #31
5679
631
6283
2A
3162
871A
Airfare applies to all ages. Taxes/fees/fuel surch $135. New bookings only.No date changes allowed. Full Payment at time of booking. Offer can be withdrawn anytime.
VERSTRAETE TRAVEL & CRUISES14845 Yonge St., Aurora 36 Secord Dr., St. Catharines(416) 969-8100 Aurora (905) 934-4414 St. Catharines
Long Dist. 1-800-565-9267 visit us at www.verstraetetravel.com
AMSTERDAMSUPER SPECIALS
SUPER SAVER FARE!!TORONTO - AMSTERDAM
Depart August 30, 31 or September 06, 07, 11 Return September 18, 20, 21, 25, 27 or 28
$489 ALL AGESSTAR CLASS SPECIAL
$869 ALL AGES
EUROPE FROMGermany 695Zurich/Geneva 775Istanbul 865Oslo/Stockholm 765Copenhagen 770Vienna/Graz 750Budapest 750Zagreb/Prague 895Milan/Rome 840Lisbon/Madrid 775Paris/Nice 788
416-609-0544TOLL FREE 1-877-337-7333
Prices are on scheduled airlines. Some restrictions may apply.GST, transportation and departure taxes extra. TICO #50011321
UNBEATABLE FARESFALLDEPARTURES
ASIA/AFRICA FROMJo’Burg 1199Bangkok/Singapore 1199Manila 1099Tokyo 849
AUSTRALIA/NEWZEALAND FROMSydney/Melbourne 999Auckland 1192
USA FROM
SOUTH AMERICA FROM
Los Angeles 389New York 289Orlando 299
Belize 439Rio/Sao Paulo 839Buenos Aires 999
ACCOMODATION FOR AS LOW ASCAD $2500 FOR 28 NIGHTS FOR
TWO PEOPLE SHARING
AUSTRALIA
Email:
ONT.
REG.
2444
356A
3162
882A
BOOK ME TRAVEL LTD.(416) 322-5808Toll Free 1-877-317-6081
SAVE 50%OFFUP TO Brochure
prices.SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER SELLOFFS
w w w. c r u i s e - c o n n e c t i o n s . c o m
$1899*
$699*
$799*
15 night Cruise from
CRUISE SALE
PANAMA CANAL
10 night Cruise from
CALL for 1000s of SPECIALS!
HAWAII
7 night Cruise fromCARIBBEAN
*CAD per person, double occupancy. Cruise only. Subject to availability at time of booking. Taxes & fees extra.