Spa Grounds

Spas have a glorious history, dating back to the ancient Babylonians, when people would travel miles to bathe in hot springs and mineral rich pools for their restorative effects. While water based treatments remain popular with the European spa goer, spas in Canada and the United States are seeing an increasing interest in a variety of holistic experiences grounded in the traditions of the middle and far east. Throughout North America, spa vacations are enjoying new found popularity, with the overall purpose of the visit being to guide clients to a healthier lifestyle through a variety of services and treatments including health education. The modern Western spa has come a long way from its ancient origins, and today they can easily be found in many luxurious hotels, airports or conveniently located in private businesses.

DESTINATION OR DAY SPA

Day Spas offer treatments over either a half or full day, and are intended for those who don't have the time or resources for longer stays. The Flaming June Day Spa in Vancouver, British Columbia is a typical, modern day spa, also known as a salon spa, offering more specialized programs tailored to the needs of the day, from the athletic to purely luxurious (always popular with brides). Menu options include aroma and pressure point therapies, various types of massage and wraps. Among the most popular choices, manicures, pedicures and facials are the most common. The Bare Hands Day Spa in Radium Hot Springs, BC is another example of a great day spa, and is easily found right in the Prestige Radium Hot Springs hotel, on the edge of Kootenay National Park. Particular favorites at Bare Hands are the luxurious facials and aromatherapy body massages, but they are known for their willingness to specialize treatments to the needs of their clients. One of the additional perks of Bare Hands is their location in the BC Rockies offering everything from scenic golf to downhill and cross country skiing to snowmobile trails, putting it close to more than just the Kootenays National Park.

Treatments for Active Lifestyles

The destination spa features all of the benefits created by the day spa offered over a longer period of time to create deeper and longer lasting effects. The Avello Spa & Health Club, in the heart of Whistler Village — one of North America's best known and best loved ski resorts — is a prime example of the destination spa. Avello offers the expected menu of treatments and services, as well as many signature perks such as specialized massage therapies and aesthetic treatments ideal for life in a resort town like Whistler, where most of the activities are outdoor oriented. Of course, there are many accommodation options available near the spa, from conventional hotels to resort hotels to vacation home rentals and hostels to accommodate any budget.

Destination spas like Avello Spa & Health Club or Healing Springs Spa in southern BC's Harrison Hot Springs are a little more expensive than day spas, but the price typically includes meals and accommodations as well as a few "resident" oriented perks, such as the addition of speciality foods to enhance the effects of various treatments, and can expose clients to new and exciting dietary ideas to last a lifetime. Another common feature is the inclusion of the ancient eastern art of yoga, which combines moving between various postures (called asanas) with simple breathing exercises to improve the overall tone and conditioning of the body. Added benefits include improved circulation and energy flow throughout the body, and a calming of the central nervous system which reduces stress and fatigue. At most spas that offer it, yoga is available in both group classes or private sessions. Destination spas are found as independent businesses or are connected to resort hotels, providing additional opportunities offered by the resort.

European and Asian traditions are increasingly popular in North America, and are becoming more available at both destination and day spas. The La Raffinage Spirit Spa in downtown Vancouver, BC is a good example of a day spa that specializes in a variety of eastern based treatments they refer to as Spa Zen, including the ever popular Reiki massage. A treatment of Japanese origins, Reiki is similar to acupuncture in that the body's natural healing tendencies are stimulated through the nervous system, but through the "laying on of hands" rather than the application of fine needles. The Spa Zen offered through La Raffinage can include Reiki massage treatments, tarot readings and even Reiki training workshops intended to educate students in manipulating the channels through which the energies of the body flow. The spa's location in the heart of downtown Vancouver also puts it close to many vacation alternatives like boat tours along the coast, bicycle tours and whale watching. There are plenty of places to shop, including the popular Robson Street district, and the dining is second to none, from vegetarian to steak to some of the freshest seafood in the world.

	Hot Rock Treatment

Holistic therapies are also gaining ground in North America at an impressive rate. As knowledge and awareness of various traditions become more common (and less controversial) clients can experience new levels of enjoyment and passion for life. The Salt Springs Spa and Resort of Salt Spring Island is just the sort of place to discover these new treatments. Specializing in the practice of Ayurvedic Therapy (the study of holistic medicine dating back to the Vedic culture of ancient India) the spa offers a variety of healing traditions, from hot rocks and herbal remedies to toxicology to pediatrics and psychiatry. In the past, Ayurveda has even included surgery, though that option isn't available in modern spas. For those looking for shorter spa visits, the Salt Springs Spa also puts visitors close to many activities around Salt Spring Island, including street markets, kayaking and boat tours, and winery tours. There may not be the sheer volume of attractions that are found in Vancouver, but this tiny retreat off the coast of Vancouver Island does have a lot to offer. The beaches are exquisite and as peaceful as the gardens. The dining is diverse, from Italian to British Pubs, and there is plenty of shopping. There are also many choices for lodging around the island. Clients aren't required to stay in the resort spa but have their choice of hotels, inns and even campgrounds.

Riverside Oasis Spa in Fernie, British Columbia is another great option for both its spa features and the activities available in the surrounding area. Since the Riverside Spa is located in Fernie's Riverside Mountain Lodge, Riverside makes the ideal retreat for either the day or destination spa goer. After spending a day racing the powdery trails of the Fernie Alpine Resort, exploring local legends in the surrounding mountains or fishing and horseback riding along the river, weary travellers are welcome to drop by the spa for one of their many specialities, either for an hour or for the day. Oasis does offer a skier specific package, including aromatherapy and various massages, but these treatments are also beneficial for other adventurous activities like rafting, golfing and mountain biking. The majority of their options are geared more towards luxury. While they are a full service spa, their area of expertise is massage, tailored to sport, rehabilitation and pregnancy, or for pure relaxation. To that end, the Riverside Oasis Spa offers the addition of essential oils to enhance their massage treatments.

Green Gables Spa & Health Club, found in the Kelowna Motor Inn, Kelowna, BC is another example of a great spa that serves as both a day or destination retreat, being just steps away from the rooms of the motor inn. While the spa itself specializes in massage, hand and foot treatments, the adjoining hotel also provides many amenities including a heated indoor pool, hot tub and a steam room. Its location in the downtown puts visitors close to the many restaurants and bars found around the city, as well as such sights and activities as museums, parks, wineries and vineyards, and of course, golfing. There are also plenty of other accommodations to be found around the spa, from bed and breakfasts to cabins and cottages.

Soaking up the Relaxation

AT THE END OF THE DAY

Lots of things go on during a spa vacation, and as spa vacations become more popular new opportunities present themselves. North America is constantly discovering exciting and innovative treatments, many of which are based on European and Asian traditions dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. Combining these traditions with our ever deepening understanding of the relationship between the mind and body is the driving force behind the spa experience, and the benefits can be enjoyed by all clients regardless of the type of spa visited. The goal of a vacation is to leave the world behind, and for many there is no better way to leave the world behind than a visit to the spa, where the goal is to nurture, revitalize and let other people do the work.