Did you know that the most expensive item in the US$123,000 gift bag given to Academy Awards acting and directing nominees this year was none other than…a three-night stay in Dunrobin, Ontario, in Ottawa’s rural west end?
Yep, according to this CNBC story, a long weekend at a 10.67-acre Dunrobin property called The Lifestyle—complete with saltwater pool, archery lanes, a fully-stocked fridge and use of a 1965 sports car—clocks in at a cool US$40,000. CNBC calls the location “remote,” which might be news to the people of Dunrobin, who are likely clearly aware they’re within the city limits of Canada’s capital city.
Apparently, in the 21-year history of Academy Award nominee gift bags, no one has ever redeemed a voucher for a trip. And there are actually two trips in this year’s gift bag; nominees could also bring seven of their nearest and dearest to stay in an Italian lighthouse for three nights. (That’s one’s valued at just US$9,000, pshaw.)
But, hey, this year might be the first time a nominee takes up the offer. So if you happen to see Steven Spielberg or Michelle Yeoh at the Eagle Creek Golf Club or Pinhey’s Point, say hi for me, OK?
Cover photo of the Hollywood sign by Venti Views on Unsplash.
Looking for tips on more realistic day trips and weekend getaways from Ottawa? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or pick up my books, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide and Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide.
As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.