Here's How to 'Hygge' This Fall

How Will You Hygge This Year?

Last year hygge took the social world by storm – everyone was all about it, how best to hygge, why you should hygge and where you should hygge. Now that fall has arrived and cooler temps are back in the air, it’s time to bring hygge back (because it truly is the best thing this time of year)!

Don’t know what hygge is? Pronounced “hue-guh,” it’s the Scandinavian word to describe coziness and well-being. It’s all about cocooning and relaxing – perfect for this time of year in Muskoka. Think cozy fires, comfy sweaters and snuggles. Here are a few ideas on how to hygge this season – and truly make the most out of quite possibly the best word ever.

Cozy strolls by the lake

Bundle up and head outdoors for a long, leisurely walk by the lake. Hygge is all about being warm and cozy and being in the moment, so grab your woolies and enjoy a romantic stroll at the waterfront, stopping to sit, relax and take in the scenery. Up for a little more of an adventurous walk? Head out on one of the many trails here in Muskoka. Although the trees may be bare, there is something so beautiful when it comes to late-fall forests with all the leaves on the ground and the stillness in the air – totally hygge.

Laid-back dinners

Forget getting all dressed up for a fancy dinner out, because that is so not hygge. Instead, do dinner in a more laid-back style, which means casual sweaters, hearty menus, intimate and tranquil atmospheres, warm beverages … you get the picture. That’s what Muskoka restaurants are all about, and most even have fireplaces to create that warm, romantic setting. Because hygge is also about spending time with others, try to find restaurants that offer sharing plates so dinner becomes all about interacting, sharing and experiencing the moment together.

Snuggles by the fire

What’s more cozy than a classic campfire? Snuggle up under a blanket and take in the starry night sky beside the warmth of the fire. Cooler nights usually mean better viewing because the sky is clearer. Oh and add s’mores and you might just have the perfect Muskoka night right there.

Spa days

Wellbeing is an important part of hygge and although that can be achieved through many avenues, taking some well deserved ‘me’ time is essential. (Even better if that ‘me’ time can become ‘we’ time – couples’ massage anyone?) Spas are a great spot to indulge your quest for cozy as they specialize in soothing both mind and body, and offer the perfect setting for a wellness escape.

A mini-escape away

Let’s face it, sometimes it’s hard to get all hygge at home. The to-do list is piling up and a million things keep pulling you away from that book you’ve been trying to read, or that full day of relaxing you had planned. Sometimes you just need to escape for the night. Just a couple hours north of Toronto, Muskoka embodies what hygge is all about, offering you a chance settle in for a little time doing the things that never seem to happen at home … getting cozy by the fire, reading at any time of day, long leisurely walks with no destination in mind and most of all, time away with your partner.

So how will you hygge this season?

Cozy up in Muskoka this November and December with the ‘Cozy in Muskoka’ package which includes a $20 spa and $30 dining credit per room. Practice the Scandinavian approach to life and find your hygge in our corner of Muskoka. Enjoy leisurely mornings lounging in bed, strolls by the lake, hearty menus inspired by locally sourced ingredients and created by Deerhurst’s Executive Chef then let go and relax with your choice of spa treatment at Amba Spa.

Posted October 2017 by Ainsley Theis.