Wind in the Willows

With its plethora of beautiful vistas, tranquil forests, and serene lakes, it is hardly surprising that many people see the Haliburton Highlands as a place of relaxation. It therefore seems natural that the Highlands should be home to world-class spas, where people can pamper themselves, rejuvenate, and recapture their equilibrium. Sylvia Holland is the proud owner of Wind in the Willows, a spa which has become a Highlands landmark in recent years.

Holland started Wind in the Willows in her home on Lake Kashagawigamog. Before long she outgrew that space and moved to a small house on her property. In 2007 an opportunity to move to a much larger space became available at the Wigamog Inn, just a short distance from where she was located. “I now have so much business that I employ between seven and eight people throughout the year,” Holland said.

"We offer all of the services one would expect in a spa, including professional massage therapy, herbal and nutritional support, energy psychology," Holland said. "But what makes us unique and different is our innovative approach to the personal wellbeing of our spa guests. We offer a special emphasis on alternative health and wellbeing. We have professional qualified staff offering services such as acupuncture, ion cleanses, and energy psychology, hypnosis and many other interesting therapies.”

Holland and her staff are also trained in Reflexology. “As a result, pedicures become more than just a massage. We can actually give mini reflexology treatments along with the pedicures to enhance the clients’ relaxation and wellbeing,” Holland said.

Wind in the Willows is a favourite place for wedding parties, girlfriend get togethers, and special times for mothers and daughters. The spa staff even caters lunch to full day spa guests in a tea room overlooking the lake.

Wind in the Willows offers romantic couples massages complete with flowers, wine, chocolate, a fireplace, and candle light in a dedicated room.

Since a large portion of the Highlands’ population is seniors it is unsurprising that Wind in the Willows offers a variety of anti-aging treatments. "To address the visible signs of aging we offer cosmetic acupuncture and microdermabrasion, plus more traditional anti-aging treatments such facials, creams, wraps, and speciality masks and eye treatments.”

Wind in the Willows' innovative approach to business is certainly succeeding. Holland recently opened a second location in the Village of Minden. The Minden spa is called Wind in the Willows II. “It is a smaller space with more of a cottage feeling,” Holland said. “My staff and I work between the two locations. This allows the staff to work on a full time basis."

Working in a spa requires a great deal of training and education for staff. “HCDC has provided training sessions for customer service and other business related seminars that we have taken part in and found to be very beneficial,” Holland said.

Like so many business owners in the Highlands, Holland believes that it is her customers that make Haliburton County such a great place to do business. “We have a very local customer base. People often assume that businesses in the Highlands are totally dependent on tourists, but we’re strongly supported by both locals and visitors,” she said.

"The Haliburton Highlands are growing," Holland said. "HCDC allows us to give our customers services that go beyond their expectations of a spa in a small town. With the help and support of HCDC our spa guests experience a taste of the customer service and professionalism that one can expected in the Haliburton Highlands.”