Whistler Village is known for many things – skiing, mountain biking, an après ski haven – but it has never had a reputation for Nordic wellness. Until now. Scandinave Spa Whistler is taking things back to the old Nordic way of soaking in Scandinavian baths or sweating in Finnish saunas and then plunging into the cold pools. It might not sound relaxing, but it’s absolutely blissful ($55 per day).
Scandinave Spa Whistler
For most, going to the spa means doing nothing but being pampered. Not so here. There is a routine that should be followed in order to get the most out of the treatment.
A trip to the Finnish sauna, Eucalyptus steam baths or outdoor hot tubs is the 10-15 minute starter. But don’t linger too long because the cold pools await. Take a very important few seconds to splash through the Nordic waterfall, cold baths or have a cold shower. This closes the just-opened pores and readies the body for the relaxation period. The next 15 minutes should be spent relaxing in the hammocks, solariums or around the outdoor fireplace.
In the summer, it’s just pure serenity; in the winter, steam rises from the outdoor pools, the snow-capped surrounding trees hug the property, and the walkways are heated for those walks in between. Skip the bathrobe ($12 rental), which gets wet and heavy, and just take a towel (provided).
Spa Packages
The focus is definitely on the Scandinavian baths, but there are also some massage treatments that make for a nice accessory. Packages include a Swedish massage, hot stone massage, Thai-yoga massage and sports massage. Some spa packages also include lunch and products.
Spa Food
Lucky spa go-ers: the company hired to feed hungry guests is none other than adored local restaurant, Bearfoot Bistro. Chef Melissa Craig stocks the Health Bar with spa food that encourages wellness without forgetting indulgence.
Let’s start with the smoothies. Mango, berries and chocolate mix it up with ginseng, vitamin C and Echinacea for that smooth coolness. Warm soups heat up the system ($4-$8.75), while colourful salads ($13.50-$19.50) are the “right” choice. Just don’t forget the Chocolate Cake (desserts are $2-$4.75): all that temperature change sure works up a well-deserved appetite.
Vancouver to Whistler Transportation
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler travels along the Sea to Sky Highway, a scenic route that can be taken by car or bus. The most picture perfect way to make the trip, though, is on the Rocky Moutaineer’s Whistler Seat to Sky Climb train (one package includes the train ride one way and motor coach the other, starting at $209).
Tourism Whistler
The Scandinave Spa Whistler doesn’t have its own accommodations, so contact Tourism Whistler (1-800-944-7853) for advice on booking hotels and activities. The spa also has spa & hotel packages.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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