Image Credit: Canoe & Lake
Imagine a weekend where the blend of luxury and nature is an art form, where every moment is a chance to escape the everyday, gather with friends and family, have fun, create memories over great meals, enjoy drinks by the fire and recharge your batteries—this is The Art of the Chalet Weekend.
The Art of the Chalet Weekend is not just about the place (although gorgeous surroundings are always a must if you are looking for top shelf experience;), it’s about the moments you create with your people.
At Eco Bay Chalet, every detail, from the luxurious amenities to the tranquil waterfront setting, is curated to enhance your stay, making each moment not only a part of your weekend but a part of your story. We designed this stunning getaway to help you create unforgettable memories with the ones you love the most.
‘Chalet’ is a term that embodies the elevated living experience our valued guests will indulge in during their stay. From the moment you arrive, you will be immersed in a world of refined sophistication, entertainment and unparalleled comfort and spaciousness.
At Eco Bay Chalet, you experience the classic Canadian cottage weekend in a stunning, modern and luxurious 5800 square foot custom designed home away from home. Nestled on 240′ of waterfront and surrounded by woodlands, Eco Bay Chalet is located in Coldwater, Ontario near Port Severn. Only 35 minutes from Barrie, you’ll be relaxing at the Chalet in no time – ready to enjoy your very own Art of the Chalet Weekend.
Image Credit: Canoe & Lake
Tips to Plan the Perfect Chalet Weekend
Select Your Ideal Chalet
Planning the perfect chalet weekend involves more than just picking a location. It’s about creating an experience that refreshes, entertains, and rejuvenates. Whether you’re aiming for a snowy retreat, fall getaway or a summer weekend, think about what matters most to you.
Do you love a morning hot tub & mimosa overlooking a pristine lake or coffee and a good book by the fire while the kids are happily playing in their magical bunk room and hubby is happily practicing his swing?
How about a gorgeous nature hike or paddleboarding on Georgia Bay followed by a relaxing sauna, outdoor BBQ and smores by the lakeside fire? Consider it covered.
At Eco Bay, our Art of the Chalet weekend includes equal relaxation and entertainment for the whole gang. With plenty of indoor & outdoor space to find a quiet corner or gather for fun & games – you can expect there is something to please everyone. Learn more about the Eco Bay Experience HERE.
Image Credit: Rejeanne Martin
Image Credit: Canoe & Lake
Food & Drink Essentials
It’s no secret that the classic Canadian cottage/chalet weekend is all about the ethos ‘eat, drink & be merry’. We believe this too! There is nothing better than arriving at your destination and enjoying charcuterie and drinks with your crew to kick off the weekend in style. Our number one must have to complete the Art of the Chalet Weekend is charcuterie – it’s always on the menu.
We love to plan a menu for our weekends that strikes a balance between comfort, ease and indulgence. We want things to be simple yet special and perfect for a relaxing weekend. If you are gathering with a group of friends we love to assign everyone a meal to bring and prepare so that the burden doesn’t land on one person and everyone gets a chance to relax and be served!
Depending on the season, you may opt for heartier meals like soups & stews that can be prepared in advance and grilled cheese on sourdough (yum!), apple crumble & ice cream and of course all of your favourite snacks, fruit, veggies and dips.
In spring and summer we love BBQ, fresh salads, fruit, build your own sandwiches, veggies, dips and charcuterie as our go-to’s. We can’t forget, Smores and a trip to the local Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream stand – a cottage classic.
No chalet weekend is complete without pancake, eggs & bacon breakfast with all the toppings. Of course, we love fresh juices, yogurt and granola for a quick breakfast. One of the best things about Eco Bay Chalet is the chef’s kitchen with a large island and dining seating for 20 that makes cooking and meals with your whole crew a breeze.
Image Credit: Rejeanne Martin
We have equipped our Chef’s Kitchen to accommodate several cooks at time and large groups. Double dishwashers, a coffee station and pantry with a drinks fridge, keep things organized and clutter free. You’ll also find all of the glassware, utensils, dinnerware and cookware you need to keep your crowd fed & happy – including the kids!
Cooking for yourself not your style? We’ve got options! From booking a private chef or having your meals catered in, we can help connect you with the best in the local area. Reach out to our team HERE for more information. Prefer to explore the local cuisine and restaurant scene? Download our Eco Bay Chalet Stay Guide and read this post for all of our local area recommendations.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
There is something quintessential about the Chalet weekend paired with your favourite drink in hand. Whether you’re lounging on the patio in the summer sun or cozying up by the fire during the crisp winter months – the Art of the Chalet weekend is not complete without a bevvie of bevvies. Even if you are alcohol free, enjoying a virgin cocktail or one of the non-alcoholic options on the market today, is a perfect way to indulge without the effects.
Our Fave Chalet Beverages
- Mimosas
- The Classic Canadian Ceasar
- Local Wines especially Rose
- Local Craft Brews & Cocktails
- Refreshing Seltzers
- Margarita (of course)
- Canadian Whisky
- Beer & More Beer
- Dare we say Shots, Shots, Shots?
Eco Bay Chalet Signature Cocktails
As a ode to our location in the heart of Muskoka, we crafted two signature cocktails for our guest to enjoy. Try them and let us know what you think!
Severn Serenity
- 1.5 oz Gin
- 0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
In a shaker, combine gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled coupe.
Maple Bay Bourbon
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 0.5 oz Maple Syrup
- 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
- Dehydrated Orange Four Garnish
In a mixing glass, stir together bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters with ice until well chilled. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube. Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink and garnish with the twist
Packing Essentials for your Chalet Stay
Packing effectively is key to enjoying your stay and the variety of activities you plan to do. One of our must haves no matter the season, is cozy sweats, sweaters, our favourite slippers, Uggs for the girls and plaid for the boys;) We love a good time around the fire pit roasting marshmallows and that calls for classic Canadian cottage wear.
We always pack yoga/workout wear, swimwear, cozy pjs and whatever else the season calls for. You’ll most likely spend time in and out of the hot-tub and sauna so pack your favourite robe too! You’ll find towels and extra blankets at the Chalet along with essential soaps & shampoo. Want more details about what to expect during your Eco Bay Chalet visit? You can view our full list of amenities and accommodations HERE.
Image Credit: Canoe & Lake
Fun & Games
Our best tip is to plan activities that cater to the interests of your group and create an itinerary so that you can make sure there is equal play & downtime. We want don’t want you to need a vacation from your vacation! Whether it’s hiking the nearby trails, enjoying Georgian Bay, skiing at Mount Saint Louis Moonstone, or simply staying on-site and enjoying the indoor golf simulator, ping pong, hot tub, sauna, yoga room or playing cards or games by the fireplace, Eco Bay Chalet offers everything you need to make your getaway memorable and fun for everyone.
Make the Most of Your Chalet Experience
To truly enjoy your chalet weekend, we highly recommend disconnecting from daily distractions so that you get a chance to step away from your everyday hustle and recharge. Enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings and the company of your loved ones, is what life is all about. Your presence is sure to elevate your overall experience and help create lasting memories. You’ll love how refreshed you are when you return to daily life after enjoying your getaway.
We designed the Eco Bay Chalet Experience to be a much-needed escape from the routine of everyday life for our guests. We understand how busy modern life can get and taking a moment to escape with the people you love is one of the best investments you can make. We welcome you to make memories that last a lifetime and create your own Art of the Chalet Weekend.
Image Credit: Canoe & Lake
For more information about the Eco Bay Chalet Experience, we invite you to visit our website and connect with us HERE to inquire about pricing and availability.
Ready to elevate your next cottage weekend and experience the Art of the Chalet Weekend for yourself? Be sure to sign up for our email list to get last minute promotions to your inbox.
