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Resort a Fun Family Getaway
by Jack Kohane
Travel: The Toronto Sun's Destinations Magazine
August 17, 2003
"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.
Being family friendly is a Del specialty, and the resort was recently
rated as a 5-star facility for families by Hotel Fun 4 Kids, a Web
travel service.
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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