Before you think I’ve completely lost my mind, let me explain why I was half-naked in -10°C weather! Two words should suffice: outdoor spa. And not just any spa, one of my favourite spas in Canada: Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain. A heavenly place where I walk in as stiff as a board and leave feeling like Jello every time.
For those unfamiliar with the Finnish tradition, Scandinavian baths are known for their energizing and relaxing effects. They stimulate blood circulation, release endorphins – those amazing chemicals that hit you after a good workout – and leave you feeling as light as a feather.
The routine is simple (and a bit terrifying the first round):
1) Body Warming via eucalyptus steam bath (my fave), Finnish sauna or the hot baths. I love standing under the waterfall! Warming the body lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow to your skin and muscles. The heat also helps cleanse your skin and releases toxins from your body.
2) Refreshing Rinse or what I like to call the polar plunge. This can be done via a quick dip in the freezing baths, the nordic waterfalls or a cold shower. The cold helps close the pores of your skin. We also attempted to roll in the snow, but it was a failed mission: it was hard as rock and we almost killed ourselves!
3) Relaxation via the solariums and outdoor fireplaces. They have hammocks and terraces in the summer too. This stage allows your body to regulate itself and helps stabilize blood flow and your heart rate. It’s also the perfect time to flip through magazines, take a short nap or read a good book!
Why I love this spa:
- I always leave feeling light, refreshed and relaxed
- It’s only a two hour drive from Toronto
- $50 grants you full access to their baths (the massages are AMAZING if you have some extra cash to splurge)
- The eucalyptus steam bath is the best aromatherapy ever! And I love the smell of cedar that permeates through the space
- Silence. The spa gives me a few hours away from my laptop, cellphone and all other electronic devices
- The place reminds me of the thermal spas in Switzerland (ah, nostalgia)
- The spa is even more magical at night!
Hope you get a chance to visit this amazing spa soon! I promise you won’t regret it. A few tips before you head over:
- Get there early if you’re just using the baths (they often have wait lists and don’t take resos)
- Take a water bottle with you
- Bring a bath robe. They give you two towels, but it’s nice to have full-body coverage if you’re sitting by the fire and walking around
- Take your flip flops!
- Make sure you head down to Blue Mountain Village before you head home.
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