It’s surprisingly difficult to truly get away. To carve out space. To unplug from notifications, schedules, and the constant pressure to be productive.
Even living in a beautiful area here in Ontario, I often find myself forgetting to enjoy it. The quiet. The light. The changing seasons. The simple act of being present.
In June, we escaped to ReLive Retreat and settled into The Spruce Peak, a stunning A-frame cabin tucked among towering spruce and white cedar trees in Priceville, Ontario. Perched above the Saugeen River, the cabin feels as though it belongs to the landscape itself.
The first thing you notice is the architecture. A Douglas Fir timber frame stretches overhead, while floor-to-ceiling triangular windows flood the space with natural light and draw the outdoors in. Despite being off-grid, the cabin doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Powered by solar energy and supplied with fresh spring water, it’s a thoughtful blend of sustainability and modern design.
More importantly, it’s quiet.
The kind of quiet that settles your nervous system after a busy week. Our dog wandered freely, we unpacked slowly, and we eased into the rhythm of the space. We lit a fire indoors, and slipped on fuzzy socks. We ate hot dogs and enjoyed the smell of wood smoke.
The next morning marked the beginning of Fires + Feast, ReLive Retreat’s culinary experience designed to connect guests with both food and the outdoors. A large tote filled with gourmet tasting menu items arrived by ATV, delivered with a warm smile from Milena.
What made the experience special was its balance. Some elements were ready to enjoy, while others invited participation. Fresh pastries, dips, vegetables, and thoughtfully prepared ingredients encouraged us to slow down and engage with the process. We warmed dishes over an indoor fire, an outdoor fire, the stovetop, and the BBQ. Every meal felt intentional and encouraged us to spend more time outside.
We ate soup after an outdoor shower. We wandered the forest trails. We followed the path to the river and stepped into the cool water. We sat by the fire. We talked. We laughed. We lost track of time entirely, turning it into a game of guessing the hour before finally checking.
Between meals and walks, I realized how rare it is to simply stare into space. To let your mind wander without reaching for a phone. We played Scrabble. We listened to records. We drifted off on the couch more than once. The kind of nap that only happens when you’re completely relaxed.
The beauty of Fires + Feast isn’t just the food, though the food is wonderful. It’s the invitation to slow down. To reconnect with nature, the people you’re with and yourself.
In a world constantly asking us to do more, ReLive Retreat offers something increasingly rare: the chance to be, and to ENJOY.
If you want to enjoy all that is ReLive Retreat, find them here.
Words and photos by Erin J Coholan
