On this cold winter’s day, the landscape is transformed by frost. Snow cascades down rocky hillsides, billows in gentle folds across the ground, and drapes evergreens. Below, Lake Rosseau has been transformed into a pristine sea of white, not yet crisscrossed with snowmobile tracks. Rising majestically above it all is Marriott’s gift to cottage country, JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort, a relaxed-yet-elegant five star hotel that manages to make even the most brisk of winter days seem blissful rather than bleak.
Fat flakes fell lazily from the skies as we arrived, landing delicately on a blanket of fluffy snow. A string of cross-country skiers glided past through forests hushed so complete it’s the definition of peaceful. At the main entrance we paused for a few minutes to deeply inhale the scent of smoke wafting off a crackling bonfire. You can’t help but be tempted to settle onto the snow-dusted Muskoka chairs.
It’s immediately apparent that while every season at The Rosseau has its appeal, winter is truly unique. There’s just something about settling in front of the fire, pulling up the blanket right to your chin and sitting back to enjoy a cup of cocoa while gazing upon a pristine landscape of white and in the midst of flawless luxury. What’s not to love?
Always famed for its luxuriance, to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2018 the resort was given a fresh makeover by Toronto design firm, mackaywong, to make the already attractive resort next-level beautiful. The new look is sleek and contemporary and yet still retains an authentic Muskoka vive thanks to innovative nods to the region’s character, such as light fixtures reminiscent of deer antlers and carpeting that reminds you of Georgian Bay’s windswept rocky shores.
The food scene at the resort is top-notch, with a number of unique, atmospheric dining options to ensure your palate is never bored. Cottages, as the name suggests, is reminiscent of spending time at the family cottage with family and friends. It’s warm, casual and friendly. Muskoka Chophouse, on the other hand, is a contemporary steakhouse that feels at home in cottage country and yet has the sophistication of the finest of steakhouses anywhere. We opted to dine at Teca. With dimmed lighting and casual décor, Teca is an authentic Italian bistro featuring genuine Italian cuisine—a wide selection of flawless pizzas, seafood mains, in-house made gnocchi, and bruschetta.
The resort offers eye-wateringly beautiful views out onto the expanse of frozen Lake Rosseau so it’s worth splurging and asking for a Lakeview room. You’ll love waking in the morning, stepping out onto your balcony and watching the sun rising over the snow-draped horizon.
It’s easy to be lulled into a languid state at The Rosseau; unwinding comes easy here. That afternoon we opted to enjoy the comforts of the resort. And who could blame us? But eventually you feel as if, you know, you should actually do something. After all, the real thrill from a January day here comes upon bundling oneself up and heading outdoors to enjoy the majesty of a Muskoka winter. The silence is peace-inducing, the beauty of the forested hills cloaked in snow, blissful.
Thankfully, there is a lot to choose from, from fat-bikes and snowshoes, cross-country skis to guided nature hikes. Happy couples skate hand-in-hand and young children flop on uncertain legs—not on Lake Rosseau, mind you, but on the patio skating rink overlooking it. But do make time to go down to the lake. Trudge out onto its frozen lake and look up at the soaring resort—its majesty is best viewed from below. At a bare minimum, indulge in the spectacular indoor-outdoor pool.
No need to battle through a blizzard of brochure blurb and online reviews to find the right winter escape for you. Dress up warm and enjoy the frosty fairy tale that is JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort
[Just the Facts]
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort
Location: 1050 Paignton House Road
Phone: 705-765-1900
Web: www.marriott.com
