Scandinave Spa

BY SUSAN MATE – WHISTLER, BC

The blank stare on my face was a look she’d definitely seen before. “You can leave your electronics here with your other things,” the smiling receptionist said with a no-nonsense nod as I started to tuck my cellphone into my swim bag.

“Oh, no, I’ll need my phone to take pictures,” I smiled brightly. “For an article I’m writing.” Still smiling, she shakes her head. In fact, not only are phones barred from the thermal pools at Scandinave Spa in the alpine town of Whistler. Don’t plan on any chitchat with chums or hash tagging your selfies while taking to the healing waters or lounging between plunge pools here on the edge of Lost Lake Park.

We are proud to offer an experience unlike anything else.

Just like many of the thermal retreats in Scandinavia, this ecologically-acclaimed spa’s four Canadian properties have all adopted the authentic principles of true detoxification. To truly relax and absorb the purifying effects of the thermal pools, that includes time for reflection, meditation and simply tuning out the constant noise of our busy lives. That means, no talking. Me…the chatterbox! I decide it’s going to take a little getting used to. This isn’t the only spa in Canada to have quiet zones, but at Scandinave there’s quiet in all the public areas, saunas and pools, which is why it’s a truly ‘silent spa’.

It’s not that guests can’t chat anywhere. Here at the Whistler location guests can go upstairs to the rustic sitting area by a toasty fire and chat with friends, or at the sunny bistro where they can swap stories while noshing on smoothies, local Pemberton potato salad or a herbivore board.

But the view from the pools is postcard-worthy...low clouds are hugging jagged peaks in the distance, and the sun is glinting on the three thermal pools. I step into my swimwear and head into the pool area. Staff have carefully instructed me on the proper protocol for hydrotherapy – first a Eucalyptus steam, wood sauna or thermal waterfall to start the body’s cleanse, followed by a cold bath plunge, waterfall or shower to close the pores.

I finish the cleanse by sliding into a comfy lounger on the terrace to reset my circulation, then repeat the sequence four more times. The spa, which underwent a major expansion last year to its public space, has plenty of detox amenities spread amongst more than 20,000 square feet. The property itself is nestled within three acres of natural space I have to admit I found it hard at first to turn my mind off. I had to learn the art of internalized squeak therapy as I basked in the Eastern decor of the exotic treatment area. The wait for a massage (there are 15+ treatment rooms) was followed by an exquisite Indian head massage, leaving me scented and floating through the spa smelling of cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. These are just two of the numerous spa services and packages to choose from.

But was I really, truly relaxed after my day? Slowed-down? At peace, even? The ultimate test was later at dinner at one of Whistler’s finest eateries. After four hours at Scandinave, I could barely keep my chin above the table. And that night, this insomniac slept like a baby. “It’s a different experience,” says Scandinave marketing manager Simmone Lyons. Based in Whistler, Lyons notes that” it’s not for everyone...there are many lovely hotel pools here for relaxing, but we are proud to offer an experience unlike anything else. Unplugging is important for all of us,” she says. Sometimes, we just haven’t tried it yet. If you haven’t, indulge and scratch this experience off your bucket list. It’s one of those “once in a lifetime” events that can be truly life changing Scandinave also has spas at Blue Mountain (Collingwood, Ont.), Montreal and Mont-Tremblant (Quebec). scandinave.ca