GETTING THE STAR TREATMENT AT HIGHFIELDS

Story & Photos by Pamela A. Campbell

HighFields Country Inn & Spa promised to be a quick getaway, a mere hour's drive northeast of Toronto in Zephyr, its 175 acres like outstretched arms ready to embrace weary minds, bodies and souls.

I arrive at the inn and at the end of the long driveway, it's evident I've gotten off the proverbial beaten path. There is no doorman, but on the doorstep, sunning himself, is a large chocolate Labrador, Bailey. Equally at home, perched on a windowsill box is Leo, the cat, contentedly half asleep. Inside there's the youthful and playful Tuesday, a cocker spaniel beagle.

Next, I meet Norma, innkeeper, the voice of several conversations about my visit , a lady of many talents. Besides running the inn with her husband, John, she's an esthetician and massage therapist at the spa, and riding instructor and part-time actress.

A tour of the inn reveals that altogether there are seven rooms or suites catering to adult singles, couples or groups, all offering vistas of rolling hills, woodland areas or fields woven together as part of nature's favorite playgrounds.

My room, the newest addition to the inn, is tucked away at the corner of the building, one that affords maximum privacy. The walk-in closet, small refrigerator, armchair with vibrating/heat massager and jacuzzi are reminders of creature comforts I particularly enjoy.

A bottle of HighFields Chardonnay and two wineglasses in my room invokes a feeling of true hospitality. The huge four-poster bed, decorated with plump pillows and colorful cushions are equally inviting.

The week of my visit the inn's chef was nursing a broken arm, and Norma, ably assisted by Marilyn, turned out some of the tastiest meals I've enjoyed at a spa. A nice touch is that guests make their meal selections earlier in the day and the inn can cater to special dietary needs.

Try the tossed salad with vinaigrette dressing and fettucini tossed with pesto sauce and baked stuffed tomato with a glass of house wine for lunch. The chocolate cheesecake and herbal tea are a great treat to savor while enjoying the endless panoramic view from the enclosed porch area adjoining the dining room (here's where you can trade stories about spa visits with other guests).

Reminiscing about her introduction to the spa world with a massage and facial last year, June told me she returned for the same treatments plus a thermal body treatment, but it was the tranquil and secluded setting that she also found appealing. She is already planning her next visit, but this time she hopes her husband will accompany her.

I'm offered a spa menu that covers every facet of facial and body treatments, most are familiar, but some a little unusual. One that struck my fancy was the Oxygen Treatment Facial. For almost an hour an aesthetician works at reducing environmental damage to the skin by infusing 87 different vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and minerals which will encourage continued production of collagen and elastin. Give it a try and maybe you'll see a new you emerging after your spa visit.

It's equally intriguing to try the Teaching Massage for Couples, billed as "one expression of touch that both can share." Then there's the Honey Bee Pat, which is best left to the imagination, but I will tell you this, it's a relaxing and hydrating treatment.

If you can indulge in one treatment, then it has to be the Himalayan Body Treatment. Set aside two hours for this intensely relaxing treatment. I had no idea how much of a storage bin my mind and body had become over the years so I abandon them both to this Ayurvedic practice that will hopefully restore my well being.

The first quest is to clear my sinus passages, but before we begin I am asked to smell small vials of oil and indicate my preferences. I pass on ginger, peppermint and eucalyptus. I select rosemary and tea tree oil, which are put into a steaming basin of water, drop by drop. I lie on my stomach, my face directly over the water and oil, inhaling the pleasant vapors while thinking what a way to clear my head!

My aesthetician, Sabrina, busies herself evaluating a questionnaire I was asked to fill out initially. Of the three primary energetic forces, air, fire and earth, my traits indicate I am a "strong air" - generally people with a thin build who move and work quickly, sleep lightly, worry excessively and are extremely enthusiastic and imaginative.

I am told each individual bears all three forces, but in different proportions and when a dominant force manifests itself, the proportion becomes unbalanced. When a person's proportion of air, fire and earth is in balance the person feels healthier. A further outline of the other forces' traits reveal fire's sharp intellect and precise habits while earth's are strength and stability. I soon get the picture that these three forces contribute to the psychological and physiological makeup of the body.

To cleanse the impurities that have accumulated in my body a tent extends from my shoulders to my feet and in a matter of seconds the heat climbs rapidly and I am being detoxified at 120 degrees F. Although there is no intense heat Sabrina keeps me comfortable by applying cold packs to my forehead, despite my insistence that I hardly require them. The tent is removed and my skin exfoliated, refreshingly good, that feeling of soft, silky-smooth skin (nothing feels better).

Over the next 35 minutes I will experience a Shirodhara treatment which profoundly relaxes the nervous system and attempts to balance the three energetic forces. A thick mixture of rose oil, citric acid, corn oil and purified water drips in a steady stream onto my forehead, precisely between my eyebrows.

Accompanied by the quiet strains of New Age music, Sabrina takes me on a journey of guided meditation. Her soothing voice soon lulls me into a complete state of relaxation and visualization becomes easier by the minute. I see all the colors she mentions, hear all the sounds she describes and feel the warmth of the sun descending on my body.

I return to my room fully relaxed, wishing I could retain my existing state forever. As I lay on my bed, my mind is at rest, I feel calm and my body is free of tension. Could it be possible that two hours has made such a difference to me? The answer is a resounding yes!

I must confess that I was sorely tempted to continue enjoying my solitude, but I was expected for dinner. There is a hidden charm at HighFields that becomes its status quo - guests make acquaintance with each other while sharing a Sherry, generously poured by Norma as the candles flicker on the tables and the fireplace crackles with warmth. Our hostess, we discover, will be appearing in an upcoming movie starring Ed Harris (of ER fame) called "The Third Miracle" - in which she plays an esthetician. But Hollywood is no stranger to HighFields, with Sigourney Weaver and Geena Davis appearing on the guest list.

Over dinner, Dany, a chemist with a cosmetic company and I are amused to find out we are both having escargot for appetizers and the entrees would be the orange roughy dressed with crab, pollock, potato celery, onions, peppers, mushrooms, shrimp and cheese. Served with Magnotta Chardonnay White and Cabernet Sauvignon Red, we heartily agreed our meal was delicious. And so were the desserts, frozen lemon souffle and chocolate mousse cake with tea and coffee, followed by the popular Magnotta ice wine.

Another treat that you shouldn't miss is taking a stroll/walk/run along the many trails that surround the property (this does wonders for a restful night's sleep). And don't worry about getting lost, Bailey is always as willing companion, although he sometimes changes directions and it's your choice, go with him or be deserted. Before or after breakfast either awakens your appetite or starts a great day after generous helpings of fresh fruit, cereals, yogurt, muffins, tea and coffee.

Another visit to HighFields you say? Of course. Let's start with a few laps in the swimming pool, a game of lawn tennis, then how about a relaxing twosome, threesome or foursome in the outdoor hot tub. Or one of the exciting new hydrotherapy treatments. The riding stable caters to the novice or the pro, but there's also the challenge of a polo game.

Somehow, I see HighFields on the horizon again ……soon.

For reservations and information, please telephone toll free (North America) 1-888-809-9992, 905-473-6132, Fax 905-473-1044, or contact TravelTravelTravel magazine editor Pamela Campbell editor@travel-travel-travel.com