Life is far too busy at times and as a wife and mother, I’m selfish enough to carve out time in the family schedule for what I lovingly refer to as “Me Time”. I’m a firm believer that taking care of my own health and wellness benefits my family because nobody digs super-stressed out Julie. It’s not always easy to find this time, it’s often an hour at the gym but recently I had an offer from the fine folks at Casino Rama Resort in Orillia, Ontario to come and enjoy their Girlz Weekend Package and there was NO way I was missing it!
After moving around plans and making the time, I got to thinking of who I would bring away with me. My friend Nicole and I met at a new baby group over 11 years ago when we were sleep-deprived new Mamas just looking to get out of the house. We bonded over diaper creams and bibs and over the years we’ve shared joys, tears and laughter. This is someone who is very dear to me and whom I know doesn’t make enough time for herself so my decision was quite easy. It wasn’t easy to juggle our schedules btw, but we both made it work and Friday morning we were in the car, on our way for a night of pampering!
With the Casino Rama Girlz Night package you receive:
- Deluxe suite with double beds
- $100 spa credit per person
- $65 resort dining credit per person
- In-room movie & munchies
- Complimentary valet parking
- $10 Free Slot Play per person for members of the Players Passport Club (membership is FREE)
Casino Rama Resort is simply lovely, I’ve had the pleasure of going there over the years but have never stayed the night until now. Frankly we’ve only used the casino up until now and holy cow there’s so much more to this resort!
Upon arrival, we were struck with the naturalistic design of the building, furnishings and decor. The resort is built on the reserve land of Chippewas of Rama First Nation, in the town of Rama, Ontario, Canada. The casino was built before the hotel/resort, it was a joint venture between First Nations, commercial operators Penn National Gaming, and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, it is Ontario’s only First Nations “commercial casino” and the largest First Nations casino in Canada.
The lobby area has warm tones, using stone and wood the atmosphere is welcoming. It’s a large space which hosts the reception area, valet station, a sitting area and entrance to two of the eight restaurants.
Deluxe Suite Casino Rama Resort
This is an all-suite resort, each of which continues the Muskoka-cottage style of decor to treat us. Each suite is spacious, with enough room to easily park your bikes if you’re checking out the local biking trails. As we walked in, we were overwhelmed with the sheer size of the place…it’s a very large space which could have easily fit four of us.
Our suite had two double beds, a living room, bathroom and yes a gas fireplace!
The closet is spacious, there is plenty of drawer space and the only thing which we found absent was a coffee maker. Soon enough we were enlightened…to get a coffee maker you simply ring the front desk and they’ll send one up. Sigh…
With the Girlz Night package, you get a basket of treats to enjoy with a complementary in room movie. This wasn’t a wee basket of sample-sized treats, we were set up! In this basket was 2 full-sized bags of caramel corn, a full-sized bag of Bits & Bits, Sweet Cherry candies and Candy floss! Needless to say we bought a bunch home for the kids who now love us even more.
Let’s talk beds! When you book your room, you have the choice of a King sized bed, or two doubles and let me tell you the pillows and blankets are top-notch! One of my pet peeves is when a hotel has crummy mattresses, bedding or pillows. Take away the TV if you must, but mama needs some luxury on the bed!
Balance In Life Spa Casino Rama Resort
After spending some time lounging in our pjs on the bed (because of course we got into pjs for the girl chat), we headed down to the Balance In Life Spa to experience some treatments.
With our $100 credit (each) I chose a hot stone massage, while Nicole chose a Therapeutic Massage. Both of us agreed, it was a wee bit of Heaven. The therapists were professional, warm and friendly. The atmosphere was lovely, with beverages and a seating area we enjoyed relaxing together before and after our spa treatments. The one thing I will note is that the pool entrance and change rooms surround the spa so you can hear the noises of people at times but the relaxing music in the background soon takes over and soothes.
St. Germain’s Steakhouse Casino Rama Resort
With the $65 dining credit, Nicole and I headed off to enjoy dinner at St. Germain’s Steakhouse. I have heard rave reviews of St. Germain’s for years, I have friends who drive hours to go eat at this steakhouse so my expectations were quite high.
I am a girl who loves a good steak and to be quite frank, I’m often disappointed. Far too often a steak is of lower quality, cooked imperfectly or over-sauced or seasoned. Entering St. Germain’s I knew they served AAA Alberta Beef and I was really hoping Nicole and I were in for a treat.
The atmosphere is lovely, we were seated in a large tufted leather half-circle booth facing the window to the kitchen. This is a treat to watch as the chef’s work their magic, fire flaring from the grill visible often.
Upon being seated we were offered a drink menu and when I asked about mocktails, I found it wasn’t a problem…they were happy to recreate any drink I’d like. I chose a virgin Mojito and oh man it was GREAT. This is saying a lot, after trying far too many syrupy mocktails and over-minty Mojito mocktails I was a happy girl.
The menu is typical of a Steakhouse in the very best of ways. There are appetizers, seafood and chicken choices and some gorgeous cuts of steak which you can see on the MENU here. I began my meal with one of the most delicious Caesar salads I’ve had lately, it is rather large and easily enough for 2 people to enjoy. Did I mention it was delicious…as in pause with that first bite as the flavours dance on your tongue.
Next up I chose an 8oz Beef Tenderloin which was accompanied by smashed potatoes and a Demi Glaze. For sides, we opted to try the Steamed Asparagus with Hollandaise and Sautéed Local Mushrooms. First bite of the steak and my friend and I were silent, save for the oohhs and mmms. It simply is a to-die-for steak. Perfectly cooked, melt in my mouth JOY. The sides were stellar as well, next time I’ll forgo the Hollandaise but that’s because I adore a good steamed asparagus and these babies are perfect.
After a delicious meal both Nicole and I were going to forgo dessert, but how could we resist when the Chef kindly offered us a flour-less chocolate cake? I know…you’d do it too right? I mean we were on a girls night and we shared afterall.
It was like a truffle, the texture was so soft and the chocolate flavours were divine.
Finally we indulged in coffee, for me it was a cappuccino with a maple sugar stick and a shot of espresso because…well just because.
I cannot say enough about our meal at St. Germain’s Steakhouse, the quality is stellar and the pricing is bang on. The staff are attentive and the atmosphere welcoming. My husband and I are planning our trip there simply because I cannot stop raving about it.
Casino Rama Resort
Our night away was truly wonderful, we had time to bond over old stories and new experiences. After dinner we enjoyed the in-room movie and snacks then chatted the night away just catching up.
Casino Rama Resort is a lovely destination where I plan to return often, especially when we can get away for an overnight trip. There is so much more to see and do there, I can’t wait to spend more time in the pool, shopping, dining, seeing a show or two and of course in the casino where you will find me on the BlackJack table!
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Would love to go there with a friend .
Casino Rama is still a great resort. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable. The service people are wonderful! Crazy-good assortment of entertainment at their theatre. Good range of restaurants, and lots and lots and lots of gambling!