There is something about relaxing in a hot tub – at any time of day! My favourite is just as the sun is going down on a clear day. I love the way the colours light up the water on the far side of the lake and that feeling of inevitability as the sunset is replaced by darkness. It is so calming.
Whenever I go on vacation I seek out a cottage rental with a hot tub. We might not use it every day but it is a ‘nice to have’ feature on my criteria list that will often sway my decision on which one to choose. In winter it becomes more of a primary criteria as the ritual dash from cosy cottage to steaming tub, across a frozen deck, is a memory that doesn’t fade too quickly!
When looking for a cottage with a hot tub, be aware there are different types and some listings can be a little over-enthusiastic in describing how many people the tub will accommodate (at the same time). I have a ‘6-person’ tub and you need to be very friendly with your fellow bathers once the count gets beyond four!
A ‘Soft Tub’ has vinyl sides, is round and generally you will be sitting on the ground once in the tub, although some newer models have minimal seating. Hard sided models have moulded seating and usually offer several different lounging and sitting combinations. Features include different types of jet, waterfall options and bubble makers.
Before you use the tub in your cottage, make sure everyone in your group reads the instructions carefully. Hot tubs require a balance of chemicals to keep the water sparkling and clear, and residual laundry detergents in bathing suits, body lotions and deodorants can result in the water becoming cloudy. Taking a shower before you get in will assist in keeping that balance through your stay.
Take a look at these cottages where you can enjoy a hot tub on your winter cottage break:
Cherry Hollow is a magnificent cottage sleeping 10. The tub is a 2/3 person model on a deck overlooking the lake. It’s nicely private so great for a romantic soak!
The hot tub at Osprey Cottage (image above) has a waterfall feature in a 4/6 person cedar sided model. This has gorgeous views over the
Crooked Pine is a beautiful property south of Parry Sound. The soft tub here is perfect for relaxing after some cross country skiing or snow shoeing.
Murphy’s Retreat is a little different in that it’s huge tub sits alongside the equally large indoor swimming pool. With a toboggan run just outside the pool doors, the tub is ideal for warming up chilled bodies after a few hours playing in the snow.
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Fancy a trip to
All these cottages have a wood burning stove or open fireplace for warming up after the frozen dash back from the tub!
