Have you ever wanted a place you could go back to, every summer, for your entire life? If you don't have a cottage in northern Michigan or Minnesota, or a camp in Maine, then you probably are still searching. I've got the answer for you - the delightful, family-friendly perfection that is the Algonquin Resort, in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Only a skip across the bay from Maine, St. Andrews is a small town filled with big pleasures, including whale watching, shopping, great restaurants, and the world-renowned Kingsbrae Garden. I love it there. 

But what makes St. Andrews an ideal summer spot, whether you come every year or as often as you can, is the Algonquin Resort. It is one of the most legendary and luxurious resorts in Canada - it opened in 1889! Soon after (in 1894), the resort opened the Algonquin Golf Course. The rest is history. And after a recent update in 2014, the resort was the first Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel in Canada. 

What will you find here?

Broad, sweeping lawns with an outdoor pool, outdoor piano (see the bright colors?) and several fire pits, with Adirondack chairs just waiting to be nestled into, to enjoy an evening fire.

The aforementioned golf course, and nearby tennis courts... and a fun gift shop, that welcomes you with golf art.

Bikes to borrow, to scope out the area. They had bikes of all sizes, but I loved this one most:

A long, luxurious parlour with comfortable seating, games, and tables galore. This would be the perfect place for a family reunion or meeting.

An on-site restaurant and bar, Braxton's, and the golf course restaurant, The Clubhouse.

A lovely breakfast buffet, with a view.

And my favorite: the front porch, complete with rocking chairs, tables with lanterns, and whole baskets full of warm, cozy blankets for early morning chills. The photo might make it look small, but the veranda runs the length of the building!! All the other rocking chairs were full of happy people, reading and drinking coffee and enjoying the morning.

Our room was comfortable and stylish. Those beds! Gorgeous and a perfect sleep. We loved the amenities (our daughter is an amenities aficionado), and the coffee, and the room for working and relaxing. There was also a mini-fridge, which is very helpful for road trips. We could hardly bear to leave.

The pool and hot tub were a welcome respite at the end of the evening, although I did take a stroll at dusk to Kingsbrae Garden, and on the way back, saw a family of deer a few houses down!

An exercise room (Ed went. I drank more coffee after enjoying the hot tub).

This place is perfect for kids (and grown kids) - from the outdoor piano to the water slide, everything is family-friendly and welcoming.

Sunshine as art

The Algonquin Resort is a four star hotel, and it shows in everything - from the impeccable and extremely helpful staff, who when checking you in, come around the desk to show you the map and help you out, to the ambience - that of a classic, luxurious summer home, where family time comes first. Highly, highly recommended. We can't wait to go back.

Learn more:
http://algonquinresort.com/