Obsidian Ridge has been popping up all over social media lately, thanks to their luxurious accommodations and their second annual Winter Wonderland festival. It’s just 45 minutes from downtown Edmonton, so you don’t have to go far to find a peaceful escape from the city. I’d been wanting to visit for a while, and since I needed a break from work and mom life, I finally treated myself to a night off in one of their villas in early December.
Upon arriving at Obsidian Ridge, I was struck by the tranquil ambiance and felt as though I had wandered into a snowglobe. The winter air was crisp, and the sun was slowly setting in the backdrop, wrapping the landscape in a warm glow. Everything was still, except for some quiet bird song. I knew then that this was exactly what my soul needed to recharge after a chaotic fall season.
I grabbed my bags and went into Villa 3, the smallest of the villas yet brimming with style and charm. The living room was welcoming with a pull-out sectional, a large TV for cozy movie nights, and a fireplace. The kitchen was well-stocked, and there was a full bathroom, a loft, and a separate bedroom with a queen bed. Floor-to-ceiling windows at the front and back offered postcard-perfect winter views, and a small Christmas tree glittered in the corner of the living room. The amenities were thoughtful, from the heavenly aroma of the soaps and body products in the bathroom to a variety of beverages stocked in the fridge. There were even slippers and robes awaiting in the bedroom.
Outside, the villa had its own front porch and patio with plenty of seating, a BBQ, and a fire pit. There was also the added luxury of a cedar barrel sauna, a cold-dip tub, and a hot tub for relaxation. Should I have been braver against the winter temperatures, I would have liked to try the hot tub, but I did use the sauna, and it was fantastic. It was easier to use than others I have tried, as you didn’t need to create your own fire to warm it up, and it started with the simple push of a button.
As I went on a night that was -30 degrees Celsius, I wasn’t feeling too motivated to partake in any winter activities, but I did enjoy a brisk stroll to explore the grounds before heading back to the warmth of the cozy villa and sauna. The grounds are spectacular, transforming from a fairy-tale-like wedding venue in the warmer months to an immaculate winter wonderland when the snow arrives. Guests can skate on the botanical garden rink, go sledding on the hills, and explore the property’s bridges, trails, and tunnels during winter stays.
If you’re dreaming of your own Obsidian Ridge getaway, I highly recommend it. There are a variety of accommodation options, like geodomes with stunning views, vintage campers with retro flair, a hillside honeymoon hideaway for romantics, and classic camping and RV spots. The villas and hillside hideaway are open to guests year-round, while the other options are only open in the warmer months. I enjoyed my stay so much that I’m already planning my return in the spring to try out a geodome!
