Shake off the winter chill with a wellness retreat in Oxford County that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re a food lover or a wellness seeker, this flavourful escape blends soul-warming meals, hands-on culinary experiences, and rejuvenating activities to help you unplug, unwind, and reconnect with food, nature, and play. Ready to escape? Here’s our list of must-try experiences, great eats and relaxation stops in Oxford for your next wellness getaway.
Discover These 10 Must-Stop Spots On Your Next Getaway
We’ve broken down our list into Hands-On Culinary Experiences, Delicious Eats and Relaxation and Wellness. Want to skip ahead? No worries!
Hands-On Culinary Experiences
If you love to create, taste, and explore the process behind your favourite foods, these interactive experiences are perfect for you.
1. Craft Your Own Roast at Early Bird Coffee Roasters’ Roasting Lab
Where: 815 Juliana Dr, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
Ease into your morning with a one-of-a-kind coffee experience that goes beyond just sipping— immerse yourself in the sights, aromas, and craft of roasting at the Early Bird Coffee Roasters, Roasting Lab experience.
Where small-batch, ethically sourced beans take centre stage, get an up-close look at the roasting process with owner Elio Caporicci, sampling a range of roasts from light to dark while learning how climate and technique shape each batch’s unique flavour. During your guided tasting together with Elio, you’ll roast your favourite from the tasting and take home a freshly roasted 1/2 lb bag to enjoy later.
While the Roasting Lab experience is exclusive to their Juliana Drive location, you can still enjoy expertly brewed coffee at their Dundas Street café— a perfect stop for a quick caffeine fix. Whether you’re diving into the art of roasting or just grabbing a cup to go, Early Bird ensures every sip is worth savouring.
Why it’s great for foodies & wellness lovers: Sipping on freshly roasted coffee enhances both your taste experience and your moment of mindfulness. For foodies, you’ll get the chance to chat with the roaster behind your cup and learn more about the process of crafting a great cup of coffee from bean to mug.
2. Create Your Own Chocolate Bark at Habitual Chocolate’s Handcrafted Harvest Experience
Where: 389 Dundas St, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
Get hands-on with a bean-to-bar chocolate experience at Habitual Chocolate, where you can learn about the chocolate-making process and craft your own sweet treat. Step into the world of chocolate-making with their “Handcrafted Harvest” experience— an immersive, hands-on journey into the art of chocolate making. Guided by owner and chocolatier Angela Neddo, you’ll learn how chocolate transforms from raw cacao nibs into rich, indulgent creations.
Throughout the three-hour workshop, not only will you taste your way through a selection of chocolates, but craft your own bark playing with locally sourced ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind chocolate bark. Think maple-smoked cacao nibs, sea salt smoked by Otter Creek Woodworks, Brigid’s Brie from Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese, or even bacon from Greener Pastures Eco Farm— where the pigs are fed cacao husks from Habitual Chocolate!
Angela’s passion for sustainability and ethical sourcing shines through every step, ensuring a closed-loop approach that minimizes waste and supports local producers across Oxford. Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur or just love a hands-on foodie experience, Handcrafted Harvest is a sweet addition, to any food lovers getaway and a great way to slow down and reconnect with your food!
Why it’s great for foodies & wellness lovers: Chocolate-making is a mindful, hands-on experience that brings joy and delicious results. Foodies will appreciate the thoughtfully local ingredients going into the chocolate!
3. Explore the Oxford County Cheese Trail
Where: Multiple locations across Oxford County
Discover a cheese lover’s paradise along the Oxford County Cheese Trail, a self-guided journey featuring some of the region’s best cheesemakers, specialty shops, and farm experiences.
Visit Feast On® certified Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese to sample hand-crafted, Swiss-inspired cheeses and learn about traditional cheese-making techniques. Stop by Red Dragon Dairy to taste small-batch selection of sheep’s milk cheeses like Welsh Caerphilly, Gruyere or Feta. There are six cheese makers along the trail to check out, each offering something completely unique! Along the way, explore other cheese-focused spots that celebrate Oxford’s deep dairy heritage like restaurants, cheese shops and more.
Want to get hands on? The Cheese Trail is home to a number of delightful experiences from beekeeping at Thames River Melons to making your own goat milk soap or building your own charcuterie board with a local woodworker.
Why it’s great for foodies & wellness lovers: This self-led, taste-driven adventure connects you to local artisans and the rich dairy traditions of Oxford County.
4. Immerse Yourself in A Taste of Farm Life at Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life
Where: 906200 Township Rd 12, Bright, ON (View Map)
Step into a world of playful farm experiences at Feast On® certified Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life. Meet adorable goats, learn about sustainable farming, and try unique goat yoga or farm-to-table tastings that highlight Udderly Ridiculous’s gourmet ice cream.
With a huge array of experiences that tackle everything from climate change and sourcing local to getting your hands dirty and just having fun, it’s never a baaaaad time.
Why it’s great for foodies & wellness lovers: Playful interactions with animals reduce stress, while their farm-fresh products provide a unique taste of rural life.
Delicious Eats
For those who believe wellness begins with good food, these dining experiences are a must.
5. Start Your Day with a Hearty Breakfast at Quehl’s Restaurant
Where: 33 Woodstock St S, Tavistock, ON (View Map)
Enjoy a hearty, homemade breakfast at Quehl’s, where comfort food and local ingredients shine in every bite. Striking the perfect balance of wellness starts with a full and happy stomach, and there’s no better way to fuel your day than with a satisfying meal made from scratch.
Indulge in a delicious plate of fluffy buttermilk pancakes with a side of crispy bacon, or opt for a local favourite— the RISE ‘N SHINE breakfast plate. This Tavistock classic comes with two eggs, thick-cut Texas toast, and your choice of homefries, hashbrowns, or fresh tomato slices, plus your pick of bacon or peameal bacon. No matter what you choose, you’ll leave Quehl’s ready to take on the day, one delicious bite at a time.
Why it’s great for foodies & wellness lovers: A well-balanced and hearty breakfast sets the tone for a day of relaxation and indulgence.
6. Dine in Style at SixThirtyNine
Where: 639 Peel St, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
Since opening in downtown Woodstock in 2005, SixThirtyNine has become a destination restaurant, known for its seasonal, locally sourced menus that highlight the best of Oxford County and beyond. Chef and co-owner, Eric Boyar, creates dishes that are as stunning on the plate as they are on the palate, sourcing ingredients from local producers, abattoirs, and even his own family farm.
An inaugural Feast On® restaurant, SixThirtyNine doesn’t just support Ontario growers and producers—they walk the walk, ensuring every dish reflects their deep commitment to sustainability and local food systems. From pan seared trout to lamb agnolotti, the options highlight Ontario’s fantastic farmers and food producers.
For an elevated dining experience, reserve a seat at the Chef’s Table, where you’ll get a front-row view of the open kitchen and enjoy a carefully curated multi-course tasting menu. With just 30 seats, the elegant dining room offers an intimate, refined atmosphere, where you can savour a meal that’s both indulgent and deeply rooted in the community.
Why it’s great for foodies & wellness lovers: A thoughtfully prepared meal using local ingredients enhances the connection between food, people, and place.
Relaxation & Wellness
7. Indulge in Nordic Spa Relaxation and Gourmet Dining at The Oxford Hills (Wave Nordic Spa + KALOS)
Where: 324183 Mt Elgin Rd, Mount Elgin, ON (View Map)
Discover a destination of relaxation and indulgence at The Wave Nordic Spa at The Oxford Hills, where wellness meets delicious dining experiences. The newly opened Nordic spa experience offers a rejuvenating cycle of hot, cold, and relaxation therapies, designed to soothe the body and mind.
Elevate your afternoon of relaxation with a visit to KALOS Restaurant, where soul-warming dishes and handcrafted cocktails complete the experience. Located within the spas upper level enjoy fresh healthy meals like their Turkish Egg bowl served with 2 poached eggs, roasted garlic yogurt, and topped with chili and sumac oil.
For a meatier bite opt for the steak sandwich, served with fries, sink your teeth into a toasted ciabatta bun, topped with striploin, horseradish mayo, Gunn’s Hill handeck, fried onion, Whether you’re unwinding in the spa or savouring a memorable meal, The Wave at The Oxford Hills delivers the perfect escape for total rejuvenation.
Bonus Stop: Red Dragon Dairy (near the spa) – Pick up small-batch Welsh-style cheeses like their famous mustard seed and ale cheese for a delicious take-home treat.
Why it’s great for foodies & wellness lovers: Combining spa relaxation with nourishing food creates the ultimate self-care experience.
If you’re looking to unwind and reconnect with yourself, these activities will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
8. Experience Equine Therapy at Transitions Equine Assisted Learning
Where: 965243 Maplewood Sideroad, East Zorra-Tavistock, ON (View Map)
Connect with horses in a mindful, immersive equine therapy session. Groom, lead, and navigate obstacles with these gentle animals, helping you cultivate balance, trust, and relaxation.
If you’re heading out on a group wellness getaway or perhaps one with your sweetheart, Transitions Equine Assisted Learning is a great way to spice things up and increase your connection with those you love! Check out their date nights, girls nights and even reiki with horses!
Why it’s great for foodies & wellness lovers: Horses promote emotional well-being, and connecting with them encourages mindfulness and self-awareness.
9. Soak in Nature at Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Cafe
Where: 596145 Oxford 59, Woodstock, ON (View Map)
Continue your wellness journey and make your way to Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Cafe. Start by warming up with a hot beverage and a bite to eat, like their signature Brie, Grilled Pear, and Bacon sandwich drizzled with maple syrup on sourdough—a perfect balance of sweet and savoury.
Then, immerse yourself in a thermal spa experience at their Nordic Spa facility next door. Whether it’s soaking in a hot tub, plunging into a cold bath, or unwinding in a cozy geodome lounge space, you’ll be surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature for a truly restorative escape.
If you’re traveling with a group, consider indulging in their High Tea service, where you can sip loose-leaf tea while enjoying finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones with Devon cream and preserves, squares, tarts, and shortbread—all in the comfort of your robe and swimsuit. Designed to reset and recharge, this tranquil retreat is the perfect way to nourish both body and mind.
Why it’s great for foodies & wellness lovers: A warm meal and a relaxing soak create the perfect harmony of indulgence and self-care.
10. Unwind at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa
Where: 415 Harris St, Ingersoll, ON (View Map)
End your day at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa, a beautiful Victorian mansion with deep roots in Oxford County’s cheese-making history. Once home to the James Harris family, pioneers of the Canadian cheese industry. Unwind with a soothing spa treatment, then settle in for a delicious meal at the restaurant prepared by Chef Philippe Coeurdassier, recently recognized as a Maître Cuisinier de France, one of the highest honours in French gastronomy.
With a passion for showcasing local flavours, his menu features dishes like pan-seared Hokkaido scallops with cauliflower and chorizo risotto, finished with a rich curry sauce and parmesan crisp. End your meal on a sweet note with a classic crème brûlée, served with biscotti and fresh fruit. Whether you’re indulging in a gourmet meal or a relaxing spa escape, Elm Hurst Inn & Spa offers the perfect way to wind down and reflect on a day well spent in Oxford County.
Why it’s great for foodies & wellness lovers: A historical setting, relaxing treatments, and exquisite dining provide the perfect retreat to reset and recharge.
Ready to feast, relax, and repeat?
This itinerary isn’t just about slowing down— it’s about indulging in meaningful experiences that nourish both body and soul. Whether you find relaxation in sipping expertly brewed coffee, working with your hands, indulging in farm-fresh flavours, or taking some time for yourself to enjoy restorative spa treatment, Oxford County offers the perfect balance of indulgence and wellness.
