Mom Retreat to Niagara-on-the-Lake!

I don’t know if the sky was falling, but I finally went on that Girlfriends’ getaway I’ve been hypothetically planning for the last 10 years since becoming a Mom!  It was very last minute, planned entirely by a dear friend I met in hockey momhood who does them annually, and because I’m claiming this “the year of saying yes to things that fuel the soul” I accepted with a giddy grin!  It was two glorious nights away with wonderful women and thanks to a devoted Daddy who held it down at home while I did.

And the location was perfect – Niagara-on-the-Lake.  I had been here just once before – last Summer for a women’s conference and knew I’d love to return.  Gone are the days where I want to party hardy.  I’d much rather take kid-free time to restore and rejuvenate.  Once I hit the strip of vineyards driving in, I felt this calm and invigorating feeling wash over me.  This was the place to be and just what the feed your mama soul doctor ordered.

Source: 124Queen.com

We stayed at the lovely & luxurious 124 on Queen boutique hotel, right in the center of the shops and eateries on Queen St in the heart of NOTL.  The hotel is set up like a complex of small, quaint, low-rise buildings – each with its own unit of accommodation for guests.  We stayed in a beautiful, modern 2 Bedroom Villa Suite, with over 1000 sq. feet to roam and relax, featuring a master bedroom with King bed and spacious ensuite bathroom, a queen bedroom, gorgeous dining area, living room, fireplace and fully equipped kitchen.  Hello little oasis of class + comfort!

Source: 124Queen.com

Shortly after check-in, we headed straight to the hotel’s tranquil sanctuary (and mom retreat must-do) – the spa! 

I had the fabulous Personalized Facial which includes the use of Eminence products like a Pink Grapefruit Vitality and Blueberry Soy Masques that smelled as amazing as they were invigorating!  Seriously, add this sweet spot to your girls’ getaway agenda.  We left feeling incredible and relaxed to the max.

Source: 124Queen.com

From there we headed to The Epicurean for a lovely light lunch and a stroll down quaint Queen Street in the heart of Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake, soaking in the gorgeousness of all the flowers in bloom that envelop the curbs and shops.

Patio dining at The Epicurean

Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake

A trip to NOTL by two hockey-mamas wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery, which hosts some of the most iconic images and collectibles from “The Great One’s” hockey career, offers a generous wine tasting menu and has an impressive wine cellar dining facility.

The “Great One’s” Winery #99

Later, dinner was had at the Cannery Restaurant at Pillar & Post – one of NOTL’s Vintage hotels. 

The food was delectable and the rustic Tuscan atmosphere warm and inviting.  It was tough to choose from the amazing gourmet menu options, but I settled on the Marrakech Salmon (a Signature dish- paired with spinach + pesto potatoes) and shared the Crab Cakes & Niagara Baby Lettuces Salad with my girlfriend and wasn’t at all disappointed…yum-ilicious!

On our last day, I woke up early to soak in every final moment a enjoyed a quiet jaunt down Queen St. with Starbucks in hand.  Highly recommend, as the usually busy and bustling street of Queen was empty, as was the nearby park to plunk myself in solitude & savour some quiet reflection.

Starbucks is conveniently located just outside 124 on Queen

We ended the retreat with another brunch at Epicurean (we had wanted to try the Treadwell at 124 on Queen but seating books up fast!) and a mom guilt goodie haul for our kids at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.  The candy-coated candy apples were a hit!

I know what some are thinking – “must be nice I could never sneak away for 2 days without my kids”.  I can completely relate.  A girlfriends’ getaway seemed impossible until recently for me.  Look, booking a mom retreat isn’t easy amidst the crazy demands of mom life, but it was entirely worth it and so needed.  It took a lot of maturing in motherhood for me to learn to stop deferring my needs.  Nurturing friendships and spending time with women who uplift was so good for the mama spirit and soul.  And had such a positive effect on pouring back into my people once home.  Now that the mom getaway seal has been broken, I see more of these getaways in my future.

Sisterhood in Mamahood <3

Have you done a girlfriends’ getaway since becoming a mom?  I’d love to know where you went and what you enjoyed!  Need some inspo for the next one!

Love & light,