Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat — Hotel in Alnwick/Haldimand

We were married at Whispering Springs in July 2022. It’s an incredible venue, and they really go above and beyond to ensure you have a wonderful experience. Working with Nina, the head coordinator, was great. She was always quick to respond and very helpful. All the staff onsite are very kind, and really do everything they can to accommodate your requests. Their network of vendors know the venue well, and really help to make things run smoothly. I highly recommend Hawley Crescent catering, Andrea Ashley coordination, Jeff Biggar music, and Sara and Mat Photography. Overall, I highly recommend Whispering Springs as a wedding venue.

What is extremely disappointing, however, was how some of the day-of aspects were executed. We were lucky to have perfect weather, as forecasted, including low wind. For some reason Whispering Springs had a super ugly brown tarp wall installed on the pavilion. I was told previously this is only used for inclement weather, in which case it would be understandable. I have no idea why they had it up for our day, and of course I didn’t specify we didn’t want it because it was never up when we visited, and again we had perfect weather. It’s so disappointing because not only did it completely change the vibe of the venue, which is the whole reason why we picked WS, it also ruined many of our pictures. Where there should have been a green meadow, is a brown dirty tarp, in all of our speech photos, head table photos, and even our first dance photos - it’s devastating.

Secondly, Whispering Springs’ contracts have a mandatory 18% gratuity on their bar bill, which is totally fair. They also have you fill out an extremely detailed bar form about all the various options about what you want/don’t want available, etc. We opted for a completely open bar, including cocktails all night, and no hold backs on shots, nor a cut off limit when it switches to a cash bar, etc. We also placed a pricey custom wine order that also had the 18% gratuity added, which in our case was $950 in gratuity before the wedding even started. I say this because it is clear that our bar tab was going to be a big one.

I was shocked to notice a few hours into our wedding that there was a tip jar at the bar, full of bills. Some of my guests even told me they saw people tipping with their credit cards because they didn’t think to bring cash. I have been to more open bars than I can count and there is NEVER the expectation that guests tip. I was so mortified when I saw the jar, it is just so tacky, and we really didn’t want our guests to have to pay for anything. I even reached out to Nina to inquire about tips for the cleaning staff prior to our wedding. It’s something I was clearly conscious of, so if the 18% for the bar was not enough, they should have asked me for more money before putting it on my guests. And if it was put out because guests were offering, they should have explained it was already included and/or, if my guests were really insistent, pocket the cash but do not put out a jar insinuating the expectation of a tip. Truly mortified about it.

Hopefully my experience will help other couples know to specify these things if they are as important to you as...

Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat - A Haven of Tranquility

I recently had the pleasure of escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life by immersing myself in the serene beauty of Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality, making me feel instantly at home in this secluded paradise.

The staff at Whispering Springs went above and beyond to ensure that my stay was nothing short of exceptional. Their welcoming nature and genuine smiles made me feel like a cherished guest, and their patience in addressing my inquiries and requests was truly remarkable. No matter how big or small my needs were, the staff members were always ready to assist with a kind and understanding demeanor, enhancing the overall experience of my retreat.

The retreat itself is nestled amidst breathtaking natural surroundings, boasting picturesque landscapes that seem to be straight out of a postcard. The accommodations were both comfortable and luxurious, blending seamlessly with the rustic charm of the wilderness. The attention to detail in the design and amenities was evident, providing a perfect blend of tranquility and modern convenience.

One of the highlights of my stay was the sheer serenity that enveloped the entire retreat. Whispering Springs truly lives up to its name, with the gentle rustle of leaves and the melodious symphony of birdsong serving as the soundtrack to my relaxation. Whether I was strolling through the serene forests or lounging by the crystal-clear lake, I felt a profound sense of peace and harmony with nature.

My experience at Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat was so enchanting that I am already planning my return visit. The combination of impeccable service, natural beauty, and a tranquil ambiance is simply irresistible. I am eager to explore more of the retreat's offerings, such as their wellness activities and immersive nature experiences, which I unfortunately did not have the chance to fully enjoy during my previous stay.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat to anyone seeking an escape from the chaos of everyday life. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a rejuvenating wellness retreat, or simply a peaceful respite in nature, this retreat offers it all. I am certain that my friends will appreciate and cherish this hidden gem as much as I did, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to them.

In conclusion, Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat is a sanctuary that embraces you with open arms, providing a haven of tranquility and a respite from the outside world. With its welcoming and patient staff, I felt valued and cared for throughout my stay. I eagerly await my return to this idyllic retreat, eager to create more cherished memories in the embrace of...

In 2019, I experienced glamorous camping, or "glamping" as it is called, and I simply can not imagine it being done any more magnificently than at Whispering Springs!!

Firstly, the idyllic setting itself is breathtaking. Set in a beautiful valley in the wilderness, and looking out onto a lovely large spring-fed pond, I was immediately immersed into an environment of serenity and tranquility. Whispering Springs felt like one of those rarest of places, a place whose very first impression made me sure of two things -- both that I was going to love it, and that I was going to hate leaving it. And sure enough, right on both counts.

Every member of the Wilderness Springs team was friendly, professional, and went above and beyond to ensure their guests were well looked after. It is clear that the entire staff love what they do, and are quite proud of what they have achieved with the opening of this luxurious five-star retreat. And so they should be!

I stayed in the exquisitely appointed Savanna tent, who's 'African Safari' motif was the perfect choice for enhancing the magical aura of this unique place. The ultra-chic and majestic king-size bed with plush linens is truly the extraordinary centerpiece of this accommodation, and has to been seen (and slept in!) to be believed. If it wasn't for all the natural beauty, and the wonderful facilities and amenities outside of the tent, I could have easily stayed in that fabulous bed for a few days. The rest of the tent was equally amazing. How wonderful to have an ensuite washroom featuring a bathtub-shower combination, sink, mirror and toilet all right there with you in your tent; and in a private, unseen, cleverly designed way no less. The tent is fully furnished with everything you could want including a small fridge, electricity with extra outlets, heater, bbq, fireplace, patio deck, hammock, towels, cutlery, plates, robes... and on and on the list goes.

There is a wonderful central bar, lounge and patio, featuring very comfortable furniture, gas fireplaces, modern washrooms, a large natural firepit, as well as a swimming pool and a hot tub. Additionally, there are a variety of nature trails running through the property, and other activities include a volleyball court, a badminton court and a tennis court is in the works. For those of us whose main activity is turning the pages of a great book, there are many quiet spots and gazebos with comfortable Muskoka chairs and cushions to spend some wonderful quiet time.

I love Whispering Springs, and I am already excited about going back...