Auberge Ripplecove & Spa, in Quebec’s Eastern Township village of Ayer’s Cliff, offers charming upscale luxury accommodations. I’ve had the privilege of visiting Ripplecove Inn in both summer and winter. Each season offers a beauty found only on the shores of Massawippi Lake. On both occasions, I came home ready to move to Ayer’s Cliff.

Front entrance of Auberge Ripplecove. Photo courtesy Auberge Ripplecove

From my room at Ripplecove Inn — the beautiful Suite 38 in the inn’s rear corner — I looked out over the sweeping expanse of the lake. In winter, it is a vast white wonderland where skaters make figure eights on the  ice, and children’s footprints create little tracks through the snow.

In summer, the glistening water, surrounded by the woods and dotted with small docks, beckon for fishing and boating. The inn’s wide lawn is dotted with wooden chairs perfect for lazing away the afternoon watching the water gently lapping at the bank.

As I walked into the inn’s front door, the comfortable luxury immediately enveloped me, welcoming me home. The staff was incredibly warm and I felt all my travel worries melt away.

My Room

My room was upstairs at the back of Ripplecove Inn, a fabulous room that wraps around the back corner. I recommend asking for room 38. There’s a great description of it online. I loved the sitting area with a bay window looking out over the forest, but the bedroom was absolutely luxurious. The fireplace at the foot of the bed was great for my winter visit and I felt totally spoiled curled up in bed in front of that fire.

Room 38 at Auberge Ripplecove. Photo courtesy Auberge Ripplecove

In both seasons, I loved the little balcony off the bedroom. It was so hushed to step out there in the winter evening with the snow falling softly around me. I was afraid to whisper it was so quiet. I found leaving the craze of our hectic society for just a few hours so welcome and refreshing. In summer, I listened to the chirp of crickets by night and awoke to the twitter of birds the next morning.

The large bath in the suite was great. I’m a bubble bath lover and that tub was a bubble bath lover’s dream. This is definitely a place to dream the night away.

Dining

The food and wine at Ripplecove Inn far exceeded my expectations. I’ve had the pleasure of four meals there and I’ve never been disappointed.

Lobby at Auberge Ripplecove. Photo courtesy Auberge Ripplecove

The Ripplecove received the CAA and AAA Four Diamond Award for fine dining and a Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator for its impressive wine selection. All of the meals use fresh ingredients and are prepared with great care. If you get a chance, take a look inside the wine cellar. It’s a great collection of fine wines. Be sure to stop in the adjoining pub for a great before-dinner drink, or relax there after dinner for a nightcap.

Spa

The on-site spa at Ripplecove Inn features a range of services, from a 30-minute facial to a half-day treatment with massage, body wrap, bath treatment, and facial. There is also an outdoor hot tub available for all guests. It was almost magical to enjoy a winter evening in the hot tub, glass of champagne in hand, surrounded by snow on the deck. It was lovely to slip into my plush robe afterwards and make my way back up to my room with the blazing fire and turned-down bed waiting for me.

What To Do

From Ripplecove Inn, you’ll have a chance to enjoy water sports, skating, tennis, golf, biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and wine tasting. You can also explore the many nearby small villages for antiques and crafts. You’ll find some great shopping in Magog, just a few minutes away.

Winter at Auberge Ripplecove. Photo courtesy Auberge Ripplecove

Getting There

Auberge Ripplecove is in Ayer’s Cliff near the small town of Magog in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. It is centrally located, about 75 minutes from Montreal and about 3 hours from Quebec.

Auberge Ripplecove & Spa
700 rue Ripplecove
Ayer’s Cliff, Quebec J0B 1C0
819-838-4296
http://www.ripplecove.com