RESORT TO RELAXATION AT THE GRANDVIEW INNPhotos and Story by Pamela A. Campbell
Think country living, relaxation mixed with indulgence, fine cuisine, hospitality supreme and bountiful nature and maybe it's a rare combination, but I found it all at the Grandview Inn in Ontario's nearby Muskoka cottage country. A leisurely two-hour drive from Toronto brought me to a transformed homestead brimming with activities that catered to every fancy I could possibly entertain during my stay. My luxury suite in the Forest Hill building held three favorites for my relaxation mood, a fireplace, whirlpool tub and deck. It's a refreshing choice to be ensconced in the throes of nature, a mere glance away from your window or doorway.
The Grandview Inn accommodates guests in 70 luxury suites, 20 signature suites and 55 resort rooms, with a conference center for 200 delegates. Elegantly decorated and fully equipped, all the suites offer views of Fairy Lake or Grandview Bay or the golf course. The resort rooms are furnished with one or two beds and private bathrooms, many of which adjoin Luxury Suites ensuring access if desired. The past is forever linked to the present at the Grandview although it was over a century ago that the Cookson family originally envisioned first a farm, then an inn. The picture perfect landscape etched with an expanse of forest, valleys and breathtaking Fairy Lake have been enhanced by a nine-hole golf course, two tennis courts and a heated swimming pool. I have two years in which to try to perfect my golf game in time for the newly designed Mark O'Meara 18-hole golf course planned for 2001. I find the outdoors especially appealing. This is where I can water-ski, windsurf, sail or canoe minutes away from the private sandy beach and picturesque waterfront. And it's open season for relaxation choices at this unique resort - a summertime favorite is catching the ice cream parlor atmosphere of the Dockside Restaurant. Here the service includes light lunches and dinner menus and a priceless bonus of a sparkling lake and possibly a magnificent sunset. Equally inviting is the Amba health spa, the oriental décor a soothing environment for a variety of facials, massages, body scrubs and aromatherapy. I promise myself a treat at the spa for my next visit. The recreational center is a hub of activities year round. In addition to the whirlpool, sauna and fully equipped exercise room, I have the option of playing tennis on the indoor court or swimming indoors. LA CUISINE It takes Randy Spencer, Grandview's executive chef, less than a minute to convince me he loves his job. He enjoys making guests happy and he is always eager to introduce new recipes to his menus. Eight years into the job, yet Spencer is not prepared to rest on his culinary laurels. "We are trying to be all things to all people," he says. "Making people feel comfortable, not intimidated by the service or the setting, or the food." I am witness to this declaration because when I am seated for dinner at this "Classic Muskoka Inn" I am surrounded by furnishings reminiscent of a bygone era, some of the most accommodating dining room staff, and a menu that tempts me with tasty offerings very simply detailed. The appetizers are a challenge to my mind and my palate. I must decide between the crab cakes with a grainy mustard and dill mayonnaise and the grilled marinated tiger shrimp and scallops. I settle on the latter, tempted by the subtle mango marinade that flavors the seafood and garnished with a fresh tomato, Caloundra and lime salsa. The clam and peppercorn chowder, one of the Inn's signature dishes, and the smoked duck salad served over arugula and Belgian endive with a warmed Madagascar peppercorn and lingonberry dressing will have to wait for another night's preference. The Entrees present me with an equally indecisive moment, and although I am intrigued by the grilled "Jail Island" Atlantic salmon garnished with pickled ginger, I am swayed by the marinated lamb chops, grilled to perfection with a mouthwatering blend of oregano, garlic and lemon. This dish comes garnished with onion crisp and port jus, a great combination in my opinion. The wine list features the best from around the world, but this time I must give it a miss as my allergy medication prohibits any alcoholic intake. The beverages list offers an appealing choice narrowed down to Gourmet Maple Coffee, Cappuccino, Espresso or Cafe Au Lait, and I settle on the latter. I always find breakfast a delightful meal, especially early in the morning, but at Grandview there's an extra treat. Ask to be seated at the table near the window for a classic view of Fairy Lake. I love to sit and watch the water rippling every so lightly, the branches and the leaves on the tress dancing in the wind, the flowers dripping with the early morning dew, an inviting beginning to the rest of the day. My appetite is easily satisfied with fresh fruit salad, eggs Benedict, herbal tea and freshly squeezed orange juice. A summer visit to Grandview
ensures mostly great weather, but I also enjoy the Dockside Restaurant
menu that It's not an easy choice. Should I try the cheese and garlic pouches with a corn salsa dipping sauce or maybe the vegetarian flatbread with sun-dried tomato, pesto, peppers, onion, mushroom and Feta cheese (with or without grilled chicken)? I am partial to the latter. Sitting on the waterfront patio overlooking Fairy Lake is a breeze in every sense of the word and the cheery wait staff all appear to be having as much fun doing their jobs as the guests are relaxing at mealtime. TAKING IT ALL IN I found it delightfully relaxing just to take a walk around the property, enjoying the sights and sounds of my fellow vacationers. Young families indulge the children with croquet or the popular outdoor swimming pool. Others opt for the inviting shoreline activities, or welcome the opportunity just to enjoy the good weather.
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I'm easily tempted outdoors for a stroll along the paths that are marvelously
close to one captivating view after another. And there's no need to
be concerned about losing your direction, there are prominent signs
pointing the way to the inn's surroundings, or just ask the friendly
garden staff at work preserving the beauty of the flowers and shrubbery
on the grounds. 
caters
to my many moods - On the Light Side, Dockside Favourites, Just for
Kids (when I'm not alone) and of course irresistibly good Sweet Endings.
Take a good book for those quieter moments when it's so easy to settle
into one of the charming Muskoka chairs, the most comfortable wooden
types that I've ever sat in.