NEW BEST SPAS CANADA 2010
We have been publishing the Travel to Wellness Best Spas Canada list list since 2006 and are proud to report that, each month, an average 3,000 of you find us through search engines.
To compile this list (and keep it current) we travel across the country and monitor the Canadian spa scene on a regular basis. New categories are added and old ones upgraded or deleted as we see fit.
This is an editorial list compiled by Travel to Wellness editor and spa journalist Anne Dimon. No spa pays or needs to be an advertiser to be included.
NEW Best Spa Categories for 2010
posted November 2
Best Resort Spa Manitoba; Best Outdoor Spa Terrace ; Best Native American Inspired Treatment; Most Athentic Asian-Inspired Spa; Best Spa for Sustainable Practices
Best Spa Category UPDATES for 2010
posted November 2
Best Spa for Ayurveda; Best Couples Suite; Best New Outdoor Experience; Best New Alternative Therapy; Best in Ontario Spa Detox
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Other best spas selected between 2006 to 2009
Best Resort Spa in Manitoba
Hecla Oasis Mineral Spa Hecla Provincial Park, Riverton (2010)
From Manitoba’s capital city of Winnipeg, it’s a bit of a drive to get to Hecla Oasis Resort & Mineral Spa but certainly worth it for anyone looking for an upscale resort and spa surrounded by nature. We were surprised by the touches of luxury that give it more of a Miami or New York City feel than one would expect. An indoor, mineral pool water circuit is a bonus and a variety of nature-related activities are optional extras.
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Best New Spa for Ayurveda
Ashram Spa at Nita Lake Lodge Whistler, B.C.
Opened in September 2010, Ashram Spa at Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler gets the nod because of its extensive menu of Ayurveda treatments and therapies, its authentic features such as the traditional Ayurveda treatment tables, an Ayurveda doctor on hand a few days each week, the option of a spa/resort package complete with Ayurvedic meals designed according to one’s dosha. The commitment of the owners, whose family business and history is rooted in Ayurvedic medicine in India and elsewhere, is also a big plus.
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Best Outdoor Terrace
Willow Stream at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver,B.C.
With walkouts from both the men’s and ladies' sections of this handsomely decorated West Coast inspired spa, Willow Stream's outdoor terrace holds its own with those of the spa chain’s sister properties in Scottsdale and the Mayan Riviera. Sporting views of the harbour and North Shore mountains, the terrace has three tiered sections, each with its own firepit. There are oversized day beds, semi-private meditation pods, private whirlpools (one with an oversized television) and lounge furniture. Guest can relax pre or post spa treatments, help themselves to snacks or order from the spa cuisine menu.
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Best New Outdoor Spa Experience
Le Scandinave Spa Whistler Whistler, B.C.
We love the original Le Scandinave Spa in Tremblant and we love Le Scandinave Spa Whistler even more because of the mountain vista that surrounds the outdoor pools, waterfalls and the cluster of buildings that house steams, saunas and relaxation areas. There’s also a place to have lunch and snacks. Le Scandinave Spa is unique in Whistler and definitely worth spending the better part of a day.
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Best Native American Inspired Treatment
The Indigenous Hot Stone Massage at Riverstone Spa at Inn on the Forks Winnipeg, Manitoba
While a hot stone massage is nothing new, the one offered by Riverstone Spa is distinctive and special because it was developed in conjunction with elders at the City of Life Thunderbird House, a local aboriginal cultural centre. The 90-minute treatment includes “homegrown” ingredients and tools – a Golden Eagle feather (a symbol of strength and power to the Thunderbird community,) a double shell from Lake Winnipeg holding the local sage used in a purification ritual and braided sweet grass (a Native healing motif). Other experiential enhancements include a ceremonial tea made from local cedar trees and lulling native songs with gentle chanting that add to the spiritual feel.
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Most Authentic Asian-inspired Spa
Chi, the Spa at The Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver, B.C.
Having visited Asia several times over the last decade, we can tell an authentic Asian-inspired spa when we see one and Chi, the Spa at The Shangri-La Hotel gets the nod here in Canada. Beyond the ritual of exchanging street shoes for spa sandals, it’s the attention to detail that seals the deal: a special area for Thai massage; wooden trays with Tibetan chimes, eye pillows and scented candles set out on treatment beds; foot soaks in hand-crafted copper bowls and hot stones for massages carved by Buddhist monks heated in a traditional copper Momo streamer are just a few. Plus, of course, the holistic approach to treatments based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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Best Couples Suite (We have a tie – both in Vancouver)
Spa Utopia at Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver, B.C. AND
Chi, the Spa at The Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver, B.C.
In the spacious couples’ suite at Chi, the Spa at The Shangri-La Hotel, there’s a separate area for Thai massage and double soaker tub, another area for the treatment beds and double steam/shower, a small tea lounge and a tiny patio overlooking the city. At about 800 square feet, the spa suite is the size of a small apartment, and, beautifully furnished with Chinese and Tibetan pieces.
At Spa Utopia at the Pan Pacific Hotel, it’s once again size of the suite and sense of romance and luxury (inspired by Ancient Rome) that finds this spa on our list. The suite is self-contained with private change room, shower and whirlpool each large enough for two, plus a fireplace, heated floors and a dining area.
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Best New Alternative Therapy
The Cold Sauna, Kur Spa at Sparkling Hill Resort Vernon, B.C.
Popular in Europe but the first of it's kind in North America, Kur Spa’s Cold Sauna is a form of Cryotherapy. The cold sauna treatment is said to be beneficially in a number of ways including improving joint and muscle function, alleviating pain and inflammation and relieving skin irritation. When we tried it, we also found it to be re-energizing. But at minus 110 degrees C. don’t expect this three-minute treatment to be relaxing or comfortable.
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Best for Sustainable Practices
Spa Eastman Eastern Townships, Quebec
One of the first wellness spas in Canada, Spa Eastman extends the wellness philosophy to the planet with their expansive environmentally- conscious program including initiates too numerous to list here. We applaud their efforts and recognize them as a benchmark of sustainable practices for the spa industry in Canada. Beyond basic operations, commitments encompass buying locally, using products with organic ingredients and dealing with like-minded companies.
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Best in Ontario for Spa Detox
Grail Springs Health Spa & Wellness Retreat Bancroft, Ontario
Positioned as a body, mind and spirit retreat, Grail Springs provides a variety of offerings ranging from a two-night juice fast to a full 21-day, detox-based program. Except for ingredients such as eggs and goat cheese, all meals served at Grail Springs are vegetarian, and the kitchen espouses the pH balanced approach to eating which is in itself detoxifying. Yoga, meditation and learning to walk the labyrinth are of few of the classes that help with detox of the mind, and detoxifying treatments such as colon hydro therapy, dry brushing, lymphatic massage and sea weed scrubs are available.
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