Review: Ste. Anne’s Spa – A Restorative Escape of Country Calm and Culinary Charm

Ste. Anne’s Spa, tucked into the soft, rolling countryside of Grafton, is the kind of place that exhales the moment you arrive—inviting you, almost insisting, to do the same. The stone buildings, the open fields, the cedar-scented air all set the tone, but the real heart of the experience lies in the food, the treatments, and that wonderfully laissez-faire atmosphere where wandering around in a bathrobe all day is not just accepted—it’s practically encouraged. Truly, no one bats an eye; no one judges. You can linger from lunch to a massage to the pool looking like a cozy cloud and feel entirely at home.

The cuisine remains one of Ste. Anne’s greatest strengths. Breakfast is consists of warm pastries that fall apart with a sigh, smoothies that look hand-blended by someone in a good mood, and softly poached eggs that taste like they’ve been treated with respect. Lunch leans hearty-but-wholesome—soups with real depth, salads layered with purpose, grains cooked with intention rather than obligation. Dinner rises to the occasion with tender braises, roasted vegetables that taste genuinely garden-kissed, and desserts so comforting you may find yourself negotiating with your future self about ordering seconds. It’s thoughtful, honest cooking—the kind that nourishes in a way you feel hours later.

The spa, meanwhile, is where relaxation becomes its own slow-moving ritual. My massage was professional and effective, delivered by a therapist who had an intuitive sense of what needed attention and what needed gentleness. But some of the spa spaces, especially the massage rooms and a few of the wet areas, are starting to show their age and could benefit from a refreshing update. Still, the highlights more than compensate: the outdoor pool glimmers like an oasis, warm and inviting regardless of season, and the water circuit is a true standout—soothing, rhythmic, and quietly transformative. Moving from hot to cold to steam to soak feels like being lulled into a state of softness you didn’t realize you were craving.

Accommodations follow a similar pattern of charm mixed with practicality. Rooms in the main building offer the most convenience. They’re steps from meals, treatments, and the pools, and are generally the better choice if you want seamless access to everything. The other buildings, just a short drive away, have their appeal and a certain rustic charm, but many feel dated and could use a contemporary lift. They’re cozy, yes, but staying in the main inn simply makes the entire experience more fluid.

Service, though warm in parts, hits a few bumps. My reception experience had an unmistakably rough edge: we waited for an uncomfortably long stretch without acknowledgement while two staff members remained absorbed in phone calls. When we were finally greeted, the tone was closer to doing us a favour than welcoming us in. It wasn’t hostile—just inattentive and oddly transactional, especially in a setting built around care and ease. Once past the front desk, interactions improved, but that first impression lingers in the mind more than it should.

Still, the overall experience at Ste. Anne’s remains deeply enjoyable. It’s a place that excels at the simple, essential things: feeding you well, softening your edges, inviting you to slow down, and giving you permission to simply be. Even with areas that could benefit from a facelift or a service tune-up, the estate’s sincerity and gentle rhythms have a way of pulling you into their orbit. You leave feeling lighter, softer, and just a bit more human than when you arrived.

Bisous,

Mme M.

4/5

Madame Marie’s Rating Guide

1 — Missed the Mark

An experience that fell short of expectations. Inconsistencies in service, atmosphere, or execution made it difficult to enjoy fully.

2 — Room for Growth

Some bright spots, but overall the experience lacked cohesion or polish. Potential is present, though refinement is needed.

3 — Worth the Visit

A solid and enjoyable experience. Delivers on its promise with moments of charm, though it may not linger long after.

4 — Highly Recommended

A thoughtful, well-executed experience with strong attention to detail. Memorable, satisfying, and confidently recommended.

5 — Destination-Worthy

Exceptional in every sense. Seamless hospitality, inspired execution, and a lasting impression that makes it worth planning a visit around.