POSTCARDS FROM THE PEARLE

Head just outside the city to find a low-key yet luxurious spa retreat with everything you need to unwind and recharge

BY TAMMY CECCO

Contemporary lake house meets urban hotel, The Pearle Hotel & Spa is located on Burlington’s vibrant waterfront. This ideal location lends itself well to a stroll along the boardwalk, soaking in the beauty of the lake. The inspiration for the fresh, elegant style and first-class hospitality comes from the family’s matriarch, Grandmother Pearle. Everything here embodies the spirit of the lake house summers of Grandma Pearle’s past.

I would love to see this place in the summer, but the tranquil views of Lake Ontario fit any season–now a stunning Christmas tree and majestic spiral staircase provide a wonderful welcome. The elegant and modern décor carry throughout the hotel and into the 151 guest rooms, all featuring beautiful white oak panelling and signature design elements throughout.

Each room is fresh and airy with luxurious bedding and plush bathrobes. Options for a lake view or an oversized balcony are plentiful. Although the décor is contemporary, there is an attention to detail that creates a welcoming place to lie your head. You’ll also find postcards in your room and throughout the hotel as Grandma Pearle loved to write, and as a celebration of her legacy the hotel covers postage for anyone who wants to share their experience with friends and loved ones.

Stay-worthy spa services

As an experienced spa goer, my tastes tend to be on the discerning side. My expectations were exceeded at The Pearle Spa with not only the ambiance and facilities, but also the long list of curated spa experiences incorporating high quality products. I had booked a facial upon my arrival at the hotel and thought I would regret not having time to slow down before my appointment, but with the indulgent pampering I received with my facial, I was relaxed in no time. I would recommend the Rose Quartz Restorative Facial300, designed to smooth, sculpt and soothe with a signature massage technique that benefits the mind and the skin. Top off your spa experience with the Hammam steam room and heated indoor infinity pool with lake views. The hotel also offers a state of the art fitness centre open 24/7.

Destination dining

Although the charming and historic downtown Burlington is loaded with boutique dining experiences, a meal at the hotel’s onsite restaurant, Isabelle, should be included in your stay. The menu is a vibrant blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Californian flavours which incorporate the bounty of Pearle’s own organic farm. Though the food, service and décor here are all impeccable, the vibe is relaxed and never hurried–warm, welcoming and very much like a family home (or Grandma’s kitchen) would be. Dishes are meant to be shared, further cultivating an atmosphere of informal togetherness.

I shared the whipped feta dip with salsa macha (a unique salsa originating from Veracruz made with dried peppers, nuts and oil) served with homemade pita bread, followed by a perfectly seared dry aged tomahawk steak topped with scallion chermoula butter. The result was a dining experience I would return for even if I was not a guest of the hotel. For lighter fare throughout the day, the onsite Bread Bar offers a delicious café menu focusing on baked goods made from local ingredients, pizzas and salads. They also provide the in-room dining menu for the hotel. I indulged with breakfast in bed that included a decadent skillet with roasted sweet potato, fried eggs, guacamole, queso fresco, lime, cilantro and jalapeno crema.

My one-night getaway at this extraordinary waterfront escape left me feeling sated and rejuvenated. The genuine and thoughtful hospitality I experienced in just 24 hours are well worth writing home about.