“No one understands relaxation like Jim Corcoran”, says spa expert and travel writer, Carol Perehudoff.  Corcoran, the owner of the venerable Ste Anne’s Spa, has re-acquired sister property, the Dorset Manor Spa as of mid May, 2011 offering similar all-inclusive overnight packages popular at the larger Ste. Anne’s Spa fifteen minutes away in Grafton.

A visit to The Dorset Manor Spa in historic Port Hope ideally begins with a relaxing train trip. Working closely with Via Rail, Dorset Spa staff will arrange all travel including pick up and return to the Port Hope or Cobourg stations (three hours from Ottawa or just over an hour from Toronto) to avoid the stresses of driving.

Alighting from the van in front of the large Victorian mansion dating from 1874, visitors are immediately swept up by the tranquility of the property that sits on four wooded acres above Lake Ontario. The white wicker furniture on the sprawling red brick verandah adorned with white columns and surrounded by flower gardens invites relaxation. Inside, scents of eucalyptus oil and the sound of soft wind chimes permeate the air.