What’s the science behind the particular pleasure induced by a hotel stay? We’d argue the joy of a plush king-sized bed, be-robed room service breakfasts and swoon-worthy spa visits increases exponentially when it’s in your own city, nary a social commitment in sight. Who needs plans when there are lobby bar martinis to be slurped, rom-coms to be watched, frites on fine china to be nibbled and decadently deep tubs to soak in, and no snowy streets to brave. Winter is the best time to cocoon indoors, so swaddle up in 500-thread-count sheets and hunker down—we can be social butterflies come spring.
Here are some of the coziest hotels in Canada to book a winter staycation or vacation.
Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort, Prince Edward Island
Perched in picturesque St. Peters Bay, P.E.I.’s first Nordic spa and resort is made up of cabins dotting the shoreline, and a Scandinavian-inspired hot-cold-rest thermal experience is the main attraction. What could be more decadent than rolling out of bed, taking coffee on your private deck and then strolling a few steps to the baths? There’s also a curated menu of massages and body treatments on offer at the spa, and a restaurant on the grounds where you can enjoy a farm-to-table meal showcasing local bounty. If you really want to amp up the cozy, may we suggest sparking up your cabin’s fireplace? This December, a Weekday Wellness package for two includes a one-night stay, two thermal experience spa passes, a bottle of wine or bubbles and a charcuterie board for $499. Feel-good sustainability bonus: Mysa uses a wood chip boiler to power its spa facilities, which is more efficient with fewer emissions. From $349 per night.
Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal
The recently opened Honeyrose Hotel is the perfect landing pad when hibernating in la Belle Ville. It has two restaurants and a café, including a jaw-dropping fifth-floor terrasse open in the spring and summer, and its crown jewel, the French bistro The Commodore, which looks like it was plucked from the movie Casino. In fact, the hotel’s Art Deco-style interiors give “vintage Vegas” in the best possible way, with ornate crystal chandeliers, pink velvet upholstery and gold accesso- ries. A filthy martini is a must, and the restaurant is cooking up special holiday and New Year’s Eve menus. If you’re craving a moment of wellness, pop to nearby Bota Bota to enjoy the spa-on-a-boat’s hot and cold water circuit. Otherwise, settle into your plush robe and slippers and let the reality TV marathon commence. Average $439 per night.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise
If you’re planning a winter retreat in Banff’s Lake Louise hamlet, this iconic lakefront property is an easy choice based on the turquoise water views alone. They know how to do charming winter traditions the luxury way—we’re talking horse-drawn sleigh rides, guided evening snowshoeing, the most elevated après at the Ice Bar on the lakeshore and, new this year, a starlit “social skate” on the lake. After all that wintering, a visit to the lobby-level spa is crucial. The newly renovated haven has a treatment menu inspired by the surrounding natural elements, like the Glacier Lift facial that sculpts and refreshes the skin. Before enjoying a facial, massage or manicure, get grounded in the spa’s intimate, earthy Tea Garden. And if you’re visiting next year, plan to soak in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s sprawling thermal bath facility slated to open in summer 2025. From $899 per night.
Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City
Enchanting historic architecture + picturesque views + Michelin-level food = staycation perfection. (It’s just math.) If you’re looking to nestle in for the holidays in a Hallmark-movie setting, minus the fake flurries, Quebec City is the ultimate destination. From its snow-covered cobblestone streets to its embrace of ooey gooey cheese in the form of raclette and fondue, Vieux Quebec is like a warm hug on a winter’s day. The family-run Auberge Sainte Antoine, a historic hotel with two Michelin keys, is ideal for a soothing sojourn. Fine dining is at your fingertips; during the festive season, enjoy a Caviar & Champagne evening at the hotel’s Bar Artefact (which literally displays ancient relics unearthed during a recent excavation dig on site). The next morning, head to the sumptuous on-site spa for a facial glow-up using products from Canadian skincare lines JB Skin Guru and GM Collin. Santé! From $300 per night.
The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
You don’t mess with the classics. A blend of timeless, discreet luxury and opulent modernity, the Ritz-Calrton Toronto is the kind of hotel you want to move into. After checking in, a visit to the newly opened Lano Cafe + Wine Bar, tucked within the grand lobby, is a must. Its name is short for “Milano,” so expect a tasty homage to Northern Italy. (By the way, the lobby also got a makeover by renowned designers Chapi Chapo this fall, so give yourself time to linger.) After a cornetto and a cat nap, get dolled up and indulge in dinner at Toca or Epoch. Both have new menus, but the former, which offers Italian fare, has a *cheese cave.* Dedi- cate some me time to the Ritz’s Spa myBlend, which recently introduced personalized Wellness Journeys for the mind, body or skin. The bespoke visits last around four hours and include an hour of hydrotherapy and a healthy bento box lunch. Bliss. From $686 per night.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver
This five-star downtown retreat reopened in June after a five-month makeover that gave its restaurants and suites an elegant facelift. Along with the renovation came a brand-new food and bevvy experience: The Georgia Bar, a moody, sexy Art Deco- esque space where you might meet a gorgeous stranger, or cosplay as one with your partner. Enjoy a mixologist-created cocktail and a few “Caviar bumps” at the dramatic, U-shaped Arabescato Orobico marble-top bar, surrounded by mahogany wood, plush velvet and rich leather. A visit to the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Sense spa is mandatory; this month, they’re offering a couples’ massage package that includes two glasses of bubbles. Whatever treatment you indulge in, leave plenty of time for lounging at the hotel’s 52-foot saltwater pool, which looks like it was plucked from The Great Gatsby. From $763 per night.