Luxury is defined by exclusive experiences, like the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa
The Muskoka Ice Caves are in fact four separate outdoor dining “caves” which are geodesic domes. There are two dining domes and two lounge domes. During the Covid-19 Pandemic this was a place where you could eat and drink in style with your significant other, family, or household bubble (2-4 people) in a private and safe atmosphere. The domes are gently lit and warmed for optimal comfort no matter how cold and snowy it may be outside.
Part of what what was cooking when we attended was BBQ shrimp. They were grilling and chilling on the Cowboy Cauldron on the resort deck overlooking Lake Rosseau. Thanks to the great Chef Ted Reader, and JW’s talented executive chef Shaun Crymble, for that.
Muskoka Ice Caves is a new initiative by the resort which offers guests a truly unique outdoor winter dining experience. Guests dine in one of the four outdoor “caves”. The night sky canopy over head, the smell of burning wood, fresh winter crisp northern air, and a truly elite culinary and wine experience (including a California Chardonnay called Hess that knocked our socks off).
We got a sneak peak of Muskoka Ice Caves over the weekend at a special launch event, but the resort wants everyone to be aware that they won’t be taking bookings until the pandemic restrictions are lifted. Fingers crossed that happens soon.
The drive is a picturesque adventure, the route taking us along the countless lakes that dot the Muskoka region, especially north of Coldwater. Our trip was days after the year’s first major snowstorm, so those windy, narrow, slick roads along Hwy. 7 north of Port Carling had their challenges. But the truck had our backs.
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa
The JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa was seamless.
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A drive north to the JW Marriott in Muskoka is one of those unique opportunities people from Toronto have to transport themselves to what feels like another world, all in just under three hours. Take the nature walk around the resort grounds if you go there, especially with the winter landscape (our guide was Leah Leslie, director of sales and marketing). Hardwood trees, oak, beech, white and red pines, juniper, lavender and the exposed granite that marks this region stand out.
Relax With Nature Walks in Muskoka
A trip here centres you. Our host pointed out a 30-foot deadened tree where foot-high woodpeckers burrow to harvest bugs. If you look closely, sometimes you’ll see owls living there. They couldn’t cut down one of the oldest white pines on the property, at 80 years, because of the imperfections in its curves. You are taken into a new mind space, especially for those of us who live in big cities. The priority is health and wellness. No technology allowed on these walks. Keep your phone in your room.
The Ice Caves are where you go for one of those unique, winter-time experiences that you will be telling your friends and family about.
“Our purpose, because people are so hungry for a luxury dining experience, yet we all want to be safe during these times, was to come up with something completely unique,” says Leah. “These Cowboy Cauldrons, cooking over the flames, being able to engage with the chef, that’s something you don’t get anywhere. So we thought with the backdrop of Lake Rosseau, with the cold, you have to bundle up in these protective environments. It’s like combining luxury dining and adventure.”
Ice Caves in Muskoka Offer Upscale Fine Dining
Spacious little pods, protecting you from the wind, have comfortable, plush seating, the scent of the fire, with space heaters. They offer a concierge experience and chefs serve the finest cuisine in the region. In all, there are four caves; two dining caves and two lounge caves. So, a small number of guests have the full attention of the chef and servers.
“We will adapt with the seasons. This is such a rare experience. It means you have an opportunity to do something you have likely never done before and very few people have the opportunity to do. And it’s completely personalized, and that’s true luxury, tied to a beautiful destination.”
With the current pandemic restrictions, make sure you call the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa beforehand, to enquire about availability.
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
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