So, you’ve got a cottage. Lucky you. But let’s be real—sometimes a cottage weekend feels less like a relaxing escape and more like just another place to do dishes. If you want to turn your cottage into a true staycation paradise—one that feels like a getaway, not just a change of scenery—it’s time to rethink the vibe.
Here’s how to make your cottage feel like a five-star retreat, minus the overpriced resort fees and the battle for a poolside lounger.
1. Give It a “Check-In” Moment
Hotels and Airbnbs do one thing really well: they make you feel like you’ve arrived. So, steal that energy. When you get to the cottage, don’t just dump your bags and start unloading groceries. Instead:
- Play some mood-setting music (think beachy chill or cozy cabin vibes).
- Light a signature candle or diffuse essential oils—lavender for spa vibes, citrus for tropical feels.
- Pour yourself a fancy drink—mocktail, cocktail, glass of wine, whatever feels indulgent.
Now you’re not just “at the cottage”—you’re on vacation.
2. Designate an “Absolutely No Responsibilities” Zone
Cottages tend to become makeshift command centers: meal planning, boat fixing, mosquito battling. Stop. Pick one space—whether it’s the deck, a cozy nook, or a hammock—and declare it a responsibility-free zone. No chores. No emails. Just lounging, reading, or sipping something fabulous.
To enhance the vibe:
- Add plush cushions or an outdoor rug.
- Keep a stack of books or magazines nearby.
- Have a no-phone rule (yes, seriously).
Think of it as your exclusive guest-only lounge.
3. Create a Signature Staycation Experience
What’s one thing you always look forward to on vacation? A sunrise paddle? Fancy brunch? Sunset cocktails? Recreate it at the cottage with a little extra flair.
Some ideas:
✔ Morning coffee bar – Make it feel like a café: French press, frothed milk, cinnamon sprinkle. Bonus points if you sip it lakeside.
✔ DIY spa afternoon – Stock up on face masks, scrubs, and eucalyptus shower steamers.
✔ Theme night dinners – Taco night, Mediterranean mezze, backyard BBQ. Dress the part.
✔ Outdoor movie night – A projector, a cozy blanket pile, and some gourmet popcorn.
The key? Don’t just wing it—commit to the experience.
4. Bring in Resort-Level Comfort
No one enjoys scratchy towels and lumpy pillows. Invest in a few luxuries that make your cottage feel next level:
- Hotel-quality bedding (cool, crisp sheets and fluffy pillows)
- Spa-like towels and robes (thick and oversized)
- Mood lighting (warm, dimmable lights, string lights outside)
- A stellar playlist (curate one for morning coffee, afternoon lounging, and evening cocktails)
You want to feel pampered, even if you’re just sitting on the dock.
5. Unplug (Like, Actually)
This is a staycation, not “WFH with a lake view.” Set actual boundaries:
🚫 No checking emails.
🚫 No doomscrolling.
🚫 No half-hearted work calls that “won’t take long” (they always do).
Instead:
✅ Put your phone on airplane mode for a few hours.
✅ Have a basket where everyone drops their devices at dinner.
✅ Embrace analog fun—board games, books, sketching, actual conversations.
You didn’t drive all this way to stare at a screen.
6. Treat Yourself Like a Guest
The final hack? Act like you’re visiting your own cottage. That means:
🏡 Keeping fresh flowers on the table.
🍹 Pouring yourself a drink just because.
📅 Planning fun activities instead of falling into the same old routine.
💤 Sleeping in without guilt (no one cares about the to-do list today).
The more you romanticize your own space, the more it feels like a true escape.
7. Make It the Ultimate Muskoka Escape
Muskoka is already a dream destination for cottage lovers, so why not lean into the magic? Whether you already own a spot here or you’re thinking about upgrading to your own slice of paradise, Muskoka Real Estate has plenty of breathtaking options to elevate your cottage experience. Imagine waking up to a peaceful lake view, hosting the perfect bonfire nights, and embracing the ultimate luxury retreat—right in your own backyard.
Final Thought: The Mindset Shift
A staycation isn’t just about where you are—it’s about how you treat the experience. So, give yourself permission to slow down, be indulgent, and actually enjoy your cottage. Because the best vacation? Is the one that doesn’t require you to pack a suitcase.
Now go light that candle and pretend you’re at a five-star retreat. You deserve it.
