Nordik Spa-Nature: The Largest Spa In North America

If there is a spa heaven, Nordik Spa-Nature may just be it. And I had no idea it existed until a recent trip to La Belle Province. Located just outside of Ottawa in Chelsea (Quebec), the relaxation paradise has seven outdoor baths, eight saunas, an infinity pool, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, a restaurant, lounge and a selection of massage services and body treatments. It is, in fact, the largest spa in North America. And I basically felt like I could move there and forever live in serenity (oh, they also have cottages on-site to make that dream a reality)…

Having indulged in a few thermal experiences around the globe (with the baths in Switzerland topping my list), I’ve become quite familiar with the rejuvenating benefits of the hot-cold-relaxation cycle so I couldn’t wait to check out Nordik Spa-Nature as soon as I heard about them. At first glance, the spa looked like many that I had frequented in the past. But there are a few features that set it apart in my books:

1) The Aufguss Ritual – The ancient Finnish practice takes place in the Finlandia sauna and is announced by the sound of a gong. Once seated inside, we watched the Sauna Meister (there are only two in Canada, both work at this spa) do a mesmerizing, dance-like ritual that involved pouring water over hot stones and fanning us with bursts of humid, essential-oil-rich air. Not only was it visually fascinating, but the scent of the enriched air and the feeling of heat rushing over my body had me melting away within seconds.

2) The Källa Treatment – To be perfectly honest, this is one strange experience! I felt like we were in an extraterrestrial realm as we weightlessly floated in the unique, salt-water pool. That being said, I’ve never felt so creatively stimulated as I did after this 30-60 min treatment. The womb-like atmosphere effectively releases physical and intellectual tensions and truly opens up the mind. If you’ve ever floated in the dead sea, the experience is similar minus the disturbances; they minimize the presence of others through the design of the underground pool so you can fully immerse yourself and focus on the inner voyage. The Källa pool at Nordik Spa-Nature is the second of its kind in the world (the other being in Switzerland) and something I’d highly recommend to those open to trying something new. Note: be prepared for some odd dreams! I had a few after this treatment.

3) Spa Zones – I’m all for peaceful, quiet spa experiences, but sometimes when you go with a group of friends it’s nice to have somewhere to bond without feeling like that person. I love that Nordik Spa-Nature understands this and has created three different zones on their property: Kaskad (silent zone), Panorama (social zone) and Borëa (whispering zone). Oh, and you can eat/drink on-site during your spa experience at Anorama Lounge in the Panorama section. Best of all worlds! This really IS spa heaven…

4) Tipëe – I’ve experienced all kinds of relaxation areas, but this was my first time sitting in a tipi sporting a robe! Located in the Borëa and Panorama sections, they are a great place to chat with friends around a fire.

5) Tellura – This relaxation space is lined with heated stone beds made from quartz. The slabs are part of a heat therapy tradition (called “Ganban’yoku” in Japan) that helps you eliminate toxins, ease tension and relax. Think of it as sunbathing indoors where the radiant heat comes from beneath you. Most other spas charge extra for this experience, but at Nordik Spa-Nature it is included in your thermal experience rate ($50 Monday-Thursday, $59 Friday-Sunday) so make sure you check it out!

I could go on and on, but I think I’ve shared enough to get you dreaming about spa heaven. We really loved our experience (we went on a Saturday night when it’s open until midnight) and can’t wait to go back to check out the rest of the property! I’ve heard it’s stunning during other seasons, but will just have to daydream about that for now…

Special thanks to Nordik Spa-Nature for hosting us. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely our own