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Decadence in Whistler

August 9, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Whistler, Spas And Wellness
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So perhaps being decadent in Whistler is nothing new. But I just experienced one of the newest ways - Scandinave Spa.

For $61 my best friend and I spent over 3 hours lounging in hammocks, soaking in hot tubs, breathing deeply in the eucalyptus steam room and baking in the sauna. The idea of the Scandinave spa is to first warm your body in one of the hot spots (sauna, steam room or hot tub), then cool yourself down quickly in the cool pool or glacier-fed waterfall, then relax for a minimum of 10-15 minutes. Then repeat. And repeat and repeat.

I must admit that I am not one to fully immerse myself in cold water, so other than a foot dip, I skipped that but more than made up for it with the hammocks, magazines and warm solariums with comfy chairs. The sun was shining and the sound of the running water was very peaceful on a glorious August afternoon, but I could also really imagine myself here in the winter recovering from a ski day. Gee, just I am just going to have to come back...

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Posted by LauraP, Vancouver at 11:54 AM

Scandinave Spa Bliss

June 18, 2010 | Tips from Us > Whistler, Spas And Wellness
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While in Whistler the other day I had the great fortune to visit the newly opened (January 2010) Scandinave Spa, located just a few minutes north of Whistler Village.  It happened to be a gorgeous day, but I don't think it would matter what the weather was - you would still love this unique experience of going from the eucalyptus steam room to a series of outdoor hot tubs, cold plunge pools, a large sauna, and a handful of solariums where you sit to relax.  And relax you will as the house rule is "Silence"....no Blackberrys, no cell phones and no chatter.  Just solitude and fantastic forest surroundings.  I think it will be very cool (literally) in the winter when there is snow everywhere....except on the heated paths between the pools.  How neat is that?!  Anyhow, its a not to be missed Whistler experience in my...relaxed and slightly jello-y legged opinion!  Next time I am opting to book a massage too.

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Posted by Kathleen, Vancouver at 02:40 PM

Yoga in Vancouver

February 1, 2010 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Spas And Wellness
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Yoga pairs nicely with Vancouver’s laid-back West Coast vibe, and this city has fully embraced the idea of stretching, breathing and oooohhhmming in a room of like-minded people.

Studios are popping up everywhere, and all types of yoga are available. You name it, Vancouver’s yoga scene has it (yes, even nude yoga). Where to start? Here are some suggestions:

YYOGA: The downtown Flow studio is huge, has a ton of classes, and feels like a spa thanks to organic hair products, peppermint soap and an infrared sauna. That being said, there’s also something special about the small, cozy room at their Yaletown studio. Big wooden rafters and candles make it my favourite space for an evening yin class.

Yoga for the People: A friend of mine loves this Gastown studio. What makes it unique? It’s all donation-based to make yoga accessible to everyone – pay what you can. Incredible! It’s a small and intimate space that offers a variety of styles. Wade’s vinyasa and Elle’s yin classes are my bud’s recommendations.

Semperviva Sea Studio: This relaxed studio reminds me of doing yoga in someone’s living room (maybe it’s the carpet?) – albeit a living room with a waterfront view. It’s on the second floor in a refurbished industrial building, and two walls of windows overlook False Creek, houseboats, and gently swaying boat masts. Stress, begone.

Lululemon: In Vancouver, it may seem as though the road to inner peace is paved with lululemon clothing. Lululemon was founded in Vancouver, so they have a huge local following. They also offer free in-store yoga classes – great for any out-of-town yogi, as they provide the mats.

Free Yoga: During the Winter Games, YYOGA and lululemon are offering free yoga at any of YYOGA’s studios (6 locations, including Vancouver and Whistler) – an awesome way to stretch your cheering muscles!

Sometimes, though, the urge to zen-out can happen any time, any place. That’s me above striking an impromptu pose on a sunny summer day at Third Beach – no studio required. (Photo by Vanessa Griffiths).

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Posted by Karen, Vancouver at 11:08 AM

Historic Harrison Hot Springs resort remains calm during the Olympics

December 29, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Harrison Hot Springs, Spas And Wellness

Boisterous Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort publicizes itself as an official venue for February's 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, but visitors seeking a calmer experience may find its "older sister" resort at Harrison village a nice alternative.

Sprawled on the shore of southwestern British Columbia's Harrison Lake, the hundred-year-old hotel and adjacent mineral baths was offering cocktails and spa treatments to bathrobed movie stars when the upstart ski municipality of Whistler, BC was still just a shack on a cattle path.

Historically, the scalding "St. Alice's Well" waters gushed into Harrison Lake at a torrential rate and carried huge quantities of dissolved, "healthful" minerals. It was a tempting scenerio for 1890s era speculators and bathers. Over time the "health spa" expanded to become more of a "pleasure resort." Liquor distributor Seagram assumed ownership in the mid-1950s, possibly due to the growing fame of The Copper Room. Prime ministers (Mackenzie King), presidents (John F. Kennedy), kings (King of Siam) and movie stars (Clark Gable) snuck away to Harrison's dine-and-dance room for time away from the limelight — sometimes mingling with surprised locals on the dance floor.

Nowadays, the resort is still part Hollywood supper club, part Tropicana spa and part rustic lodge. It remains —as one staffer told me— "A place where movie stars can feel like regular people; and regular people can feel like movie stars."

Fans of ski sports may rush to Whistler's mountains in 2010 for a piece of Olympic action, but for a quieter experience, I prefer to get chin-deep in a natural hot spring, sip a cocktail and share gossip about movie stars.

(Photo: St. Alice Hotel - circa 1890's)

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Posted by Mitey Miss, Vancouver at 02:51 PM

Relaxin’ Rossland

August 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Rossland, Spas And Wellness

Rossland, BC is known for its incredible and numerous outdoor activities in both summer and winter; biking, hiking, golfing, downhill, cross country and cat skiing, festivals, events, dining and nightlife. With all these things to do, sometimes on a vacation you just need to relax. There are two great spas in Rossland, DandiLion Wellness Centre & Spa and Rossland Medical Aesthetics and Day Spa. I thoroughly enjoyed the ultimate facial and manicure at the Rossland Medical Aesthetics and Day Spa. The treatments, products and staff were all wonderful. The combination of a vacation with rejuvenation and relaxation is an unbeatable experience and Rossland was the ideal location, with its small town charm, relaxed lifestyle and beautiful scenery. There are, blissfully, no traffic lights or malls in town, just friendly owner-operated shops and boutiques that help contribute to Rossland's charm. It was wonderful to be pampered in this beautiful alpine city, whether it is after a long day riding the epic Seven Summits, golfing Redstone’s championship course or simply visiting Rossland for the sole purpose of relaxing you won’t be disappointed.

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Posted by Katie, at 02:50 PM

Eastern Wisdom in Western Canada

July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Fort St. John, Spas And Wellness

I had always thought that my hometown, Fort St. John, was a desolate, yoga-less abyss.  How wrong I was!  Upon checking out a locally published brochure on health and wellness I discovered yoga practitioners and teachers at almost all the local gyms as well as several independent yoga studios.  I was flabbergasted! 

I was also determined to take advantage of this wealth of yogis so I set out to The Sacred Space Yoga Studio one grey morning.  The studio was small but soothing, decked with dark wood, mirrors, candles and crystals.  The instructor sat at one corner of the room on a sheepskin layered over a yoga mat.  She was framed by candles, a gong, and a large willow tree making its home behind her. 

After an hour and a half of yoga, meditation, chakra opening, singing, and, most importantly, learning about my breathing I was fairly sold on this musical-meditative-yoga mash-up.  I emerged refreshed, relaxed, and largely at peace with the world.  The next day I was more than a little stiff, but I guess even with yoga, no pain means no gain. 

If you happen to be needing a little realignment, a touch of serenity, or even just a nice dose of stretching, next time you wander through Fort St. John, don’t hesitate to stop by one of the local yoga studios.  If The Sacred Space is anything to go by, the local studios know exactly what they are doing!

 

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Posted by Brittney, Fort St. John at 10:22 AM

The Hill’s Health Ranch- Heated River Stone Massage!

July 8, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Spas And Wellness

 

I had the chance to spend a couple days at the Hill’s Health Ranch at 108 Mile House enjoying the variety of services (fitness classes, yummy cuisine, pool/hot tub, spa treatments etc) they provide. 

The most relaxing experience was pre-soaking in the hot tub for half an hour then getting a Heated River Stone Massage. I felt absolute euphoria and months of built up stress melt away. The essential oils and heated stones enabled my muscles to relax on a deeper level compared to a conventional massage and sent me into a state of bliss. I’ve never felt so calm and grounded after a massage.   

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Posted by BecJ, Victoria at 04:49 PM

Hills Health Ranch - What a view!

May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Spas And Wellness

The Hills Health Ranch was an incredible first stop on my Cariboo Chilcotin Coast road trip! I was instantly impressed with the ambiance and friendliness of the Ranch, not to mention the absolutely stunning scenic location! My favourite room of the entire ranch (which is quick large) is the cardio room. As an avid runner (well a most of the time runner!) I quite enjoyed the view, as I stood on the treadmill I looked out through the large bay windows and was greeted by the measureless acres of pristine forest, rolling hills and stunning mountains in the distance, giving the illusion of running outdoors through the native wilderness of British Columbia. If anything could make exercising and running fun and enjoyable, this room was it!

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Posted by TSimpson, Nanaimo at 12:48 PM

Tooties TLC at the Hills Health Ranch in 108 Mile

May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Spas And Wellness

  I treated my feet in the afternoon to a spa pedicure as they needed some TLC after being trapped inside shoes and socks all winter.  The spa area at the ranch is very clean and the charming country decor encourage relaxation and comfort.  The esthetician was extremely friendly and professional, answering my questions about what she was doing, product she was using etc.  After a lovely foot soak, massage and nail care, my tootsies are soft and supple and ready to take sandal season head on!

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Posted by amber, at 04:12 PM

Pilates at the Hills Health Ranch in 108 Mile

May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > 100 Mile House, Spas And Wellness

At first I was apprehensive of trying a fitness class at the ranch but forced myself out of my comfort zone and thought I'd give one a try.  Pilates sounded like a good option, something I’d never tried before and it ended up being a great experience!  The instructor Cathy was friendly and funny and was great at providing a wide array of options for each exercise depending on skill/fitness level.  There was a range of ages and experience levels within the others in the class but Cathy was awesome at giving us newbies tips and advice to ensure we were getting the most out of the moves.  The studio is a great space as the large windows allow a ton of light to stream in and brighten up the room.  The 50 minute class went by as quick and snappy as Cathy’s jokes and we left feeling strong and able. 

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Posted by amber, at 04:06 PM