NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
North American Inns Summer 2003 Deerhurst Resort
Making Muskoka memories in the comfort of casual elegance
Story by Ingrid Champion
Sprawling over 800 acres of northern terrain, Deerhurst Resort flies her proud banner as the all-season flagship resort in Ontario's much-vaunted Muskoka region. Owned by Massachusetts Mutual and managed by New Castle Hotels & Resorts, Deerhurst's multi-million dollar expansions and renovations have insured unchallenged first place as a one-of-a-kind vacation and conference destination just two hours north of Toronto.
Voted 'Best Resort in Canada', by the readers of North American Inns Bed & Breakfast and Resorts magazine in 2001, the competitive edge among innkeepers is constantly being honed by brilliantly innovative management and staff, who are indirectly responsible for a staggering 45 increase in revenue over the past two years alone. A consistent, friendly level of service throughout indicates the presence of lofty goals and a sense of integrity. The Deerhurst team, according to General Manager, Anne Larcade, is thinking 'bigger, better, and faster' and continues to move forward with a strong foothold in the past. They are rightfully proud of the Resort's rich 107-year history and of what they have collectively become.
Imagine the transformation! What is now an extensive 40,000 square feet of meeting and exhibiting space, with accommodations of 400 guest rooms skirting two golf courses, began quite simply in 1986 with Charles Wilmot Waterhouse. Seeking adventure in the colonies, the young Englishman purchased four acres of waterfront property on scenic Peninsula Lake for the grand sum of $100, and, given his penchant for sociability and entertainment, he built Huntsville's first summer resort, possibly named after Deerhurst-on-Severn in England.
Attracted by the notion of the Canadian 'bush', guests arrived by rail and steamer, not minding the arduous journey and pitching tents when there was no room at the Inn. No wonder! The opening season's rates were $3.50 per person, per week, which included three meals a day. Thus began a family tradition, which carried through three Waterhouse generations, two world wars, depressions and recessions. All helped weave the Deerhurst hospitality quilt, rich in history, plans consolidated, and visions realized.
The developers of the present 'Deerhurst Land', however, had visions of their own. A recent $30-million expansion and renovation propelled the resort onto a championship level with goals reaching far beyond the numerous awards received, and toward restoring a sense of wellness in the comfort of casual elegance. With a taste of regional food, wine, culture and entertainment and with the opportunities for physical activity and spa tranquility, memorable vacation packages were created.
Guests are awed when they first arrive. Northern scenery clad in spectacular, seasonal colour acts as a worthy backdrop to the impressive Pavilion; the centerpiece and main entrance into the resort. Complete with porte-cochere, it celebrates and elegant Muskoka 'sense of arrival', a much anticipated event since Victorian times. A feeling of generosity of space and spirit carries through the resort. Soaring Douglas fir-trussed ceilings, local granite, rich traditional colours and leathers in overstuffed comfort, overwhelm with style and architectural interest. Guest rooms and multi-bedroom, condominium suites ramble in low-rise clusters throughout acres of maintained wilderness, reinforcing the resort's 'one acre per guest' ambiance.
Designed with a strong conference market, as well as families and couples in mind, individual field experts are ready for your challenge. As is Rory Golden, Deerhurst's Executive Chef and 'master of organized chaos'. Proudly featuring award-winning wines and the talents of an extraordinary culinary team, Chef Golden directs the operations of four kitchens and three on-site restaurants. From the logistic challenge of a banquet, to the romance of intimate dining, a co-operative team approach and culinary interaction is stressed. Is it compote or is it chutney? Among this team, the passion for documented reference runs a close second to the passion for food.
A different kind of passion is yours to enjoy after dinner. Ninety minutes of inspiring, professional talent, a fast-paced stage spectacular. 'Impact'. As the stars impact the night, the sports enthusiast lives for his or her wake-up call. While guests enjoy every imaginable outdoor activity, no matter what the season, nothing quite compares with golf at Deerhurst. Ranked 'Gold' by Score Magazine and 4-and-a-half stars by Golf Digest, two distinctly different 18-hole courses are designed to provide a challenging game for the seasoned golfer. In case of 'game despair', a full time Golf Academy offers to lend a hand for players at all levels. An Aveda Concept Spa attends to your pampering needs, pre and post round.
Deerhurst Resort could easily be referred to as 'The Great Escape', and no matter from what or whom you are fleeing, exclusive, value-added 'Escape' packages are available throughout the year. Attractive partner programs are also in the making with nearby Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Club, as well as guided excursions into world famous Algonquin Provincial Park. In case you were wondering, there are still deer at Deerhurst. But other than nature crossing your path unawares, this premium resort leaves nothing to chance. You will not notice that the success of your visit has been strategically plotted by many. You will remember, however, how wonderfully at ease you were making Muskoka memories.
On-site:
In summer
Two 18 hole golf courses
Golf Academy
Two indoor and eight outdoor tennis courts
Squash and racquetball court
Fitness room
Full concept Aveda spa
Sandy beach
Three outdoor and two indoor pools
Waterskiing, windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, kayaking
Boat tours of Peninsula and Fairy Lakes
Riding stables, trail rides, wagon rides, pony rides
Fishing
Mountain biking and nature hikes
Guided ATV adventures
Guided tours into Algonquin Provincial Park
Supervised children's program
Eclipse Restaurant
Steamers Restaurant
The Pub Restaurant
The Landing Bar
C.W.'s Lakeside Bar
Room Service
Musical stage extravaganza, "Impact"
Gift shops and boutique
In winter:
Guided snowmobiling
Cross-country skiing
Sleigh and cutter rides
Dogsledding
Snow tubing
Downhill skiing and snowboarding at neighbouring Hidden Valley Highlands
Snowshoeing
Making Muskoka memories in the comfort of casual elegance
Story by Ingrid Champion
Sprawling over 800 acres of northern terrain, Deerhurst Resort flies her proud banner as the all-season flagship resort in Ontario's much-vaunted Muskoka region. Owned by Massachusetts Mutual and managed by New Castle Hotels & Resorts, Deerhurst's multi-million dollar expansions and renovations have insured unchallenged first place as a one-of-a-kind vacation and conference destination just two hours north of Toronto.
Voted 'Best Resort in Canada', by the readers of North American Inns Bed & Breakfast and Resorts magazine in 2001, the competitive edge among innkeepers is constantly being honed by brilliantly innovative management and staff, who are indirectly responsible for a staggering 45 increase in revenue over the past two years alone. A consistent, friendly level of service throughout indicates the presence of lofty goals and a sense of integrity. The Deerhurst team, according to General Manager, Anne Larcade, is thinking 'bigger, better, and faster' and continues to move forward with a strong foothold in the past. They are rightfully proud of the Resort's rich 107-year history and of what they have collectively become.
Imagine the transformation! What is now an extensive 40,000 square feet of meeting and exhibiting space, with accommodations of 400 guest rooms skirting two golf courses, began quite simply in 1986 with Charles Wilmot Waterhouse. Seeking adventure in the colonies, the young Englishman purchased four acres of waterfront property on scenic Peninsula Lake for the grand sum of $100, and, given his penchant for sociability and entertainment, he built Huntsville's first summer resort, possibly named after Deerhurst-on-Severn in England.
Attracted by the notion of the Canadian 'bush', guests arrived by rail and steamer, not minding the arduous journey and pitching tents when there was no room at the Inn. No wonder! The opening season's rates were $3.50 per person, per week, which included three meals a day. Thus began a family tradition, which carried through three Waterhouse generations, two world wars, depressions and recessions. All helped weave the Deerhurst hospitality quilt, rich in history, plans consolidated, and visions realized.
The developers of the present 'Deerhurst Land', however, had visions of their own. A recent $30-million expansion and renovation propelled the resort onto a championship level with goals reaching far beyond the numerous awards received, and toward restoring a sense of wellness in the comfort of casual elegance. With a taste of regional food, wine, culture and entertainment and with the opportunities for physical activity and spa tranquility, memorable vacation packages were created.
Guests are awed when they first arrive. Northern scenery clad in spectacular, seasonal colour acts as a worthy backdrop to the impressive Pavilion; the centerpiece and main entrance into the resort. Complete with porte-cochere, it celebrates and elegant Muskoka 'sense of arrival', a much anticipated event since Victorian times. A feeling of generosity of space and spirit carries through the resort. Soaring Douglas fir-trussed ceilings, local granite, rich traditional colours and leathers in overstuffed comfort, overwhelm with style and architectural interest. Guest rooms and multi-bedroom, condominium suites ramble in low-rise clusters throughout acres of maintained wilderness, reinforcing the resort's 'one acre per guest' ambiance.
Designed with a strong conference market, as well as families and couples in mind, individual field experts are ready for your challenge. As is Rory Golden, Deerhurst's Executive Chef and 'master of organized chaos'. Proudly featuring award-winning wines and the talents of an extraordinary culinary team, Chef Golden directs the operations of four kitchens and three on-site restaurants. From the logistic challenge of a banquet, to the romance of intimate dining, a co-operative team approach and culinary interaction is stressed. Is it compote or is it chutney? Among this team, the passion for documented reference runs a close second to the passion for food.
A different kind of passion is yours to enjoy after dinner. Ninety minutes of inspiring, professional talent, a fast-paced stage spectacular. 'Impact'. As the stars impact the night, the sports enthusiast lives for his or her wake-up call. While guests enjoy every imaginable outdoor activity, no matter what the season, nothing quite compares with golf at Deerhurst. Ranked 'Gold' by Score Magazine and 4-and-a-half stars by Golf Digest, two distinctly different 18-hole courses are designed to provide a challenging game for the seasoned golfer. In case of 'game despair', a full time Golf Academy offers to lend a hand for players at all levels. An Aveda Concept Spa attends to your pampering needs, pre and post round.
Deerhurst Resort could easily be referred to as 'The Great Escape', and no matter from what or whom you are fleeing, exclusive, value-added 'Escape' packages are available throughout the year. Attractive partner programs are also in the making with nearby Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Club, as well as guided excursions into world famous Algonquin Provincial Park. In case you were wondering, there are still deer at Deerhurst. But other than nature crossing your path unawares, this premium resort leaves nothing to chance. You will not notice that the success of your visit has been strategically plotted by many. You will remember, however, how wonderfully at ease you were making Muskoka memories.
On-site:
In summer
Two 18 hole golf courses
Golf Academy
Two indoor and eight outdoor tennis courts
Squash and racquetball court
Fitness room
Full concept Aveda spa
Sandy beach
Three outdoor and two indoor pools
Waterskiing, windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, kayaking
Boat tours of Peninsula and Fairy Lakes
Riding stables, trail rides, wagon rides, pony rides
Fishing
Mountain biking and nature hikes
Guided ATV adventures
Guided tours into Algonquin Provincial Park
Supervised children's program
Eclipse Restaurant
Steamers Restaurant
The Pub Restaurant
The Landing Bar
C.W.'s Lakeside Bar
Room Service
Musical stage extravaganza, "Impact"
Gift shops and boutique
In winter:
Guided snowmobiling
Cross-country skiing
Sleigh and cutter rides
Dogsledding
Snow tubing
Downhill skiing and snowboarding at neighbouring Hidden Valley Highlands
Snowshoeing