Relaxation

Canada > Archive by tag 'relaxation'

3 Unique Spa Experiences in Ottawa

To keep you looking and feeling good all year, we round up a trio of local spas that offer something out of the ordinary.

The outdoor baths at Le Nordik are especially romantic on winter evenings.

OUTDOOR OASIS
The main draw at Le Nordik Scandinavian Spa is the outdoor baths. With a combination of temperate, hot, and cold pools, plus sauna, steam bath, and relaxation stations all nestled in a rural atmosphere, a visit here offers total relaxation and rejuvenation. And while it’s a go-to destination year-round, it’s especially romantic in winter. 16 Chemin Nordik, Old Chelsea, 819-827-1111. (more…)

Showcase Spa

Relaxing in the rock accented Spa Lounge

The history of Canada’s national parks began with a spa. But the luxurious, $6.7 million, 10,000 square foot Spa at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge bears little resemblance to Banff’s rustic Cave & Basin of the 1880s. Built to be an oasis of rejuvenation, the Fairmont spa includes water flowing over tiered rock reminiscent of Athabasca Falls, sculpted pine panels representing tree lined trails, and a fireside great room (shown) with rustic accents. Ten treatment rooms, two couples rooms, rain showers, hydrotherapy baths, steam rooms and saunas and myriad offerings of spa treatments entice those seeking relaxation.—JN

Hot Shopping: Exotic Massage

Enjoy a relaxing massage at Sabai Thai Spa.

Experience Thailand without leaving Vancouver: stepping into Sabai Thai Spa in Coal Harbour feels like visiting a far-flung continent. While dressed in loose-fitting clothing, breathing in the scents of Thai herbs and essential oils, and listening to traditional music, you will feel your mind, body and spirit come into balance as the practitioner uses everything from palms and thumbs to knees and feet to apply pressure and stretch your limbs during the lengthy treatment. It’s a massage unlike any you’ve ever experienced, both relaxing and invigorating at the same time—a massage that’s been perfected by the Thai people over the past 2,500 years. Cap off your globetrotting day with a visit to one of the city’s many Thai restaurants.—Sheri Radford

Hot Shopping: Calming Coconuts

Relax and rejuvenate with a coconut refresh massage at Vida Spa

They taste good, they smell good, but who knew coconuts were helpful for relaxation, too? Turns out the tropical fruit is great for the body, both inside and out. The 30-minute coconut refresh massage at Vida Spa starts with a coconut water beverage, to hydrate from the inside (and deliver electrolytes, calcium, potassium and magnesium), followed by a coconut oil massage, to hydrate from the outside, relieve tired muscles and protect against damaging UV rays. It all adds up to a relaxing summertime experience.—Sheri Radford

Hot Entertainment: The Max in Relax

Local yogi Eoin Finn sets up a relaxation site similar to this outside Vancouver Public Library

Local yogi and blissologist Eoin Finn wants to help you relax through hammock enlightenment: sit in a hammock for five minutes a day. On Jul. 6, Finn is setting up a spontaneous relaxation site outside downtown’s Vancouver Public Library. Drop by between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to chill out. Who knew relieving stress could be so easy?—Sheri Radford

Spa Escapes

Travellers can slough off tired skin and spring into shape at these eight picks for top-to-toes relaxation.

Hammam Spa

HAMMAM SPA
SETTING This cavernous paradise exudes old-world opulence with lavish steam rooms and private suites.
SIGNATURE TREATMENT Signature Hammam Ritual ($40 per visit, complimentary with other treatments totalling $100 or more). Rejuvenate and detoxify your body with the traditional Turkish steam infused with refreshing essential oils.
PAMPERING PICK Pamper Package ($340 for 3.5 hours) includes a Hammam steam, body scrub, Swedish massage, manicure and pedicure.
OTHER SERVICES Facials, microdermabrasion, body exfoliating treatments, couples’ massages.

SWEETGRASS SPA
SETTING For women only, this haven offers a luxurious space with access to an ozonated swimming pool, whirlpool, infrared sauna, and spa dining from George Restaurant.
SIGNATURE TREATMENT Lomi Lomi massage ($125 for an hour). A stylized Hawaiian treatment that means “loving hands,” this intuitive massage uses gentle flowing strokes, coaxing the body to relax.
PAMPERING PICK The Rose Sweetgrass Pause Package ($334 for 3 hours and 15 minutes) includes an aromatherapy facial, massage, manicure and pedicure, and lunch with wine.
OTHER SERVICES BodySong massage, facials, manicures and pedicures.

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Hot Rock Relaxation

There’s nothing like a massage after a strenuous day to achieve sublime serenity. Take relaxation and indulgence to the next level with a Warm Earth hot stone massage ($169) from Red Earth Spa. Smooth lava rocks transfer heat deep into the muscles. “It’s 90 minutes of pure bliss,” says spa director Suzannah Patmios. A unique twist is the optional use of cold stones to add an extra therapeutic benefit. —Lisa Stephens