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Resort a Fun Family Getaway "Shucks, do we have to go away again?"; "Are we there yet?" Plaintive questions parents know only too well when loading up
the car and heading out on vacation. But even the pickiest kids
can't resist the Delawana Inn Spa & Conference Resort in picturesque Honey
Harbour. For over 105 years, the resort (named after a local native, Chief Delawana, translated from Huron as "on the water") has treated patrons of all ages to a fun, liberating and life-affirming getaway. It boasts a rich history, which it proudly shares with guests, and the owners continue to improve and upgrade the facilities, while retaining a classic Muskoka resort atmosphere. The main lodge is classic rusticity, set in fieldstone and fir with a gigantic wood-burning fireplace in the lounge and a spectacular dining hall trimmed in exposed wood beams and grand window casements overlooking the inner channel of Georgian Bay. Meals are sumptuous. The kids' buffet serves pizza, fries, and the usual children's fare, but do remind the little dears that veggies and salads are included too. Accommodation options at the Del are tailor-made for families. Suites consist of two separate bedrooms with sliding doors that separate rooms or open-concept 2-room suites with fireplaces. Chalets feature a sunken livingroom and a wood-burning fireplace. And 1- and 2-bedroom cottages include a livingroom with pullout sofa and a large private deck. Some rooms have a jacuzzi or a hot tub. Also on-site are 3- and 4-bedroom houses that provide families with all the comforts of home, including appliances and fully equipped kitchens, accommodating 5 to 8 guests (rates for houses do not include meals). Kids and teens with a thirst for adventure and discovery will enjoy the Del's tally of enticing programs. On arrival, all children receive a V.I.K. (Very Important Kids) Klub Card, entitling them to a free banana boat ride, an introductory learn-to-canoe or kayak lesson, and escorted visits and free admissions to several of the area's local attractions including Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons, Discovery Harbour, Huronia Museum, the Martyrs' Shrine and a scenic cruise. A supervised day camp is also available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and offers lessons in arts and crafts, games, and hiking. (Parental consent forms must be signed; some age restrictions apply.) And to ensure boredom is kept at bay, there's also a golf academy and a sailing school designed for kids to learn the skills of the tee-off and the tiller. And while the tots are away, weary moms and dads can finally play. The Del is home to the Wanakita Wellness Spa (open daily 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.). Ten modern treatment rooms offer Swedish sauna, large multi-jet whirlpool baths, an outdoor swimming pool, full exercise equipment, relaxing lounges, and regularly scheduled pre-breakfast health walks, yoga and exercise classes. Recommended are signature spa treatments like the La Stone Massage (90 min., $145), the De-Stress Massage (30 min., $45), a pregnancy massage (50 min., $85), and the Gentlemen's Anti-Stress facial (50 min., $70). There's even a facial that addresses the special skin-care needs to teenagers (50 min., $70). And when the time comes to depart, don't be surprised if your kids say: "Shucks, do we have to leave now?" |
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