This Muskoka resort has a whiff of upscale boutique hotel about it. Most of the 79 lodge rooms and all of the 22 platinum suites have been redesigned to incorporate the dark wood and built-in contemporary furnishings (including plasma-screen televisions) that typify urban hotels. And though soft grey ceiling murals and a single stem of white phalaenopsis say urban sophistication, cottage country is not forgotten. Huge picture windows offer spectacular views of Lake Muskoka; cedar balconies, each with two Muskoka chairs, evoke the cottage deck. The Culinary Theatre is heavily Asian influenced and offers a wide range of sakes and wines to go with its tasting menus and vegetarian options. More conventional dining is offered in the Boathouse restaurant. The spa has views of the water, and features a full range of services, including the signature cranberry maple body polish and massages. Golf remains the biggest draw, though, with the ruggedly spectacular Ron Garl–designed course. Non-golfers can explore eight kilometres of hiking trails; guided nature hikes and pontoon boat cruises to the Eleanor Island bird sanctuary are also good options. Families enjoy paddleboats, kayaks and canoes, as well as the swimming pools, and tennis and beach volleyball courts.