Social entrepreneurs and girlfriends Meaghan Coneybeare and Jane Barkley recently ventured to Langdon Hall for a relaxing afternoon in their day spa.

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She said and then she said spa review

Turning up the drive towards Langdon Hall felt like a journey to the world of Dickens. Immediately concerns of our modern world (the incessant dinging of notifications from mobile phones, meetings, deadlines...) were obscured by the thick forest that encloses the winding drive.  Voted Best Hotel in Canada for the second year in a row by Condé Nast Traveler (and #15 in the world), Langdon Hall is nestled in the countryside just outside of Cambridge, Ontario. Beyond the main house, the hotel boasts 75 acres of Carolinian forest, a water garden, pool, 12 km of scenic walking trails and a delish day spa.

Meaghan's spa experience at Langdon Hall

Langdon Hall goodie bagOn entry, Jane and I were graciously welcomed, then given an extensive tour of the rich history and charm that surrounded us. Although I felt like I had stepped into Downton Abbey (one of my favorite shows) I also felt at home. The décor felt as though it had a life of its own, begging us to stay and keep it company. With more than 50 fireplaces throughout the building I couldn't help but feel the warmth of Langdon Hall.

Throughout our tour it became abundantly clear that Langdon Hall nurtures a close connection to its surroundings. Their award-winning chefs not only use fresh ingredients from their own gardens, but also from their forests, foraging for a truly local menu. Local farmers supply meat, fresh fruits and veggies not grown on the property. There is a decided focus on ‘fresh', which they carry out through their food, décor, and spa.

After learning more about all that Langdon Hall has to offer, we were off to the spa, located just a few feet away from the main house.

In the change rooms, the spa staff had considered every part of our service, right down to the smallest details. My spa attendant was truly delightful and as she prepped me for my body scrub, I felt completely at ease. Although I've experienced body scrubs and other spa services in the past, there was something special about this treatment. I'm pretty sure I dozed off for a few minutes.

Landgdon Spa quiet roomAfter our treatments, Jane and I planted ourselves in a sitting room to enjoy snacks and teas and views of the picturesque landscape. Although we didn't get time to enjoy the whirlpool and sauna, I recommend partaking. Arrive early so you can relax before your treatment - you don't want to wash off all those healthy oils too quickly.

I left Langdon Hall with what felt like a sample, a whetting of my appetite to return again. And again...

Jane's spa experience at Langdon Hall

Growing up in Stratford, Ontario (a small community that floods with more than half a million tourists during the Stratford Festival Theatre season each year) I acquired an interest in local tourism. It was while working in a specialty garden store that I first met Bill and Mary Beaton. They made trips to the store regularly throughout the summer, often purchasing the most exquisite architectural pieces to be transported to their new home on the grounds of Langdon Hall.

girlfriends getaway at the Langdon SpaI had no idea what Langdon Hall looked like then, but working with the owners of the Town & Country Discoveries Map, I've had the great fortune of getting a closer glimpse of everything they have to offer.

I've always thought of Langdon Hall as a ‘luxury' resort and something I am reluctant to devote part of our family budget towards. I have three children, a hectic full-time career, part-time university classes, multiple volunteering roles and sometimes... sleep. I understand the value of down time, relaxation and giving back to me but it tends to fall off of the priority list.

Langdon sits barely outside of the loud and bustling tri-cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge but the winding drive and tree-covered grounds conspire to block out the outside world. Tucked safely in the spa, I allowed myself to forget about what the kids were going to have for dinner that night, the reading I had been putting off for my course, anything that existed beyond those walls.

During an hour long therapeutic massage, my therapist created atmosphere of comfort and trust. My body felt light, unencumbered by stress and completely calm. After our services, Meaghan and I were invited to stay as long we wanted in the cozy sunroom, rehydrating and snacking on biscuits, nuts and tea.

My visit to Langdon Hall was an important reminder to invest in time, space, and calm.

Langdon Hall Country House Hotel and SpaIf you're considering a visit to Langdon Hall, do like Meaghan and I did - as a day guest. Throughout the summer, Langdon hosts a wide range of events from weddings, to private parties, meet the chef BBQs and afternoon tea. You can grab a drink or a light lunch (which many locals do) at Wilks' bar or book rooms for business.

Check out others reviews of the Langdon Country House Hotel and Spa on Trip Advisor. To book any services head to the Spa at Langdon Hall page, and to book a reservation check out their Langdon accommodation options. Join in on the conversation with their Langdon Facebook page or Twitter feed to see the current topics and events.

Meaghan Coneybeare

Meaghan Coneybeare ~ @GoGirlfriend Check out Meaghan's Getaway Guide.

Jane Barkley

Co- Founder of Fresh Endeavours, and Social Media Consultant in Kitchener-Waterloo. Jane is a passionate community advocate and activist for social justice and environmental sustainability. A regular blogger for Fresh Endeavours and Charity Republic, Jane has also contributed to the Yummy Mummy Club and Speak Up For Change. Proud mother and wife, social media geek and lover of words.

Connect with Jane on Twitter or YouTube.

Thank you Meaghan and Jane for sharing your travel adventures with us. Have a travel story to share? Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook - we'd love to hear from you!