spa is not just the right tonic to relax, rejuvenate and provide many therapeutic
benefits but for many couples the ideal way to ignite the flames of passion. Think about it – you are in a relaxed state of mind, your body is not tense, you are pampered by highly trained staff and in many cases in an idyllic and picturesque setting.
I have personally visited spas in more than 65 countries on six continents the past 25 years. I have written about spas for many publications and currently sit on the worldwide panel of judges on Spafinder Wellness 365™ for their annual Wellness Travel Awards. I visit spas from a different perspective as well – a male one. It’s the largest growing market for spas especially in North America. We are fortunate here in Canada to have so many top spas – some more focused on medical and therapeutic related treatments and services while others offer a welcome respite and tranquility from our stressful lives.
It is incredibly difficult to name only ten spas in Canada where romance is sure to bloom. There are so many more that are worthy of mention. But editorial space and editor’s request dictates. I based these spas on personal visits and chats with other spa enthusiasts over the years. I also wanted to present spas from across Canada where either where the mix of treatments, special couples packages, spa décor or atmosphere would ignite those flames of passion. Let the romance begin!
The Wickaninnish Inn – Tofino, BC - www.wickinn.com
The ruggedness of Vancouver Island’s coast and nature preserve meet the refined comforts of this 75-room award-winning inn. The Wickaninnish Inn opened in 1996 with great fanfare and its renowned Ancient Cedars Spa followed in 1998 to international acclaim. Lovers of nature and of the heart are equally blessed and serviced at this well-appointed resort featuring many local artists and artisans where their craft fills each guest room. With the Pacific Ocean and Chesterman Beach as its look-out romance takes a front seat with Mother Nature as every room has a picturesque view. The spa located on the ocean level of the Pointe building provides a mix of privacy with a view and many West Coast nature inspired treatments. Nature in its most pure and natural state create the setting for a memorable romantic getaway at the Wickaninnish Inn.
Sparkling Hill Resort – Vernon, BC - www.sparklinghill.com
Located in the stunningly beautiful and winery infused Okanagan Valley, Sparkling Hill Resort has made a name for itself when it opened in 2010 featuring KurSpa, Canada’s largest spa with 40,000 square feet of therapeutic and pampered bliss. Innovative crystal architecture meets wellness at Sparkling Hill. The 149 luxury rooms feature spectacular views of Lake Okanagan or the Monashee Mountain range. What woman doesn’t like a little bling. Swarovski crystal fireplaces, crystal light fixtures, starry ceilings, two-person soaking tubs next to floor to ceiling views of Lake Okanagan guarantee a crystal and romance infused stay. Sweat your stress away in seven unique aromatherapy saunas and steam rooms, experience showers, with indoor pool, Swarovski crystal sky, outdoor infinity pool and serenity relaxation rooms to relax before the passionate night ahead. This crystal inspired resort always predicts romance.
Fairmont Banff Springs – Banff, AB – www.fairmont.com/banff-springs
Fairmont Banff Springs rich and colourful history has been a romantic and honeymoon favourite since it first opened as a hotel in 1888. Everyone from British Royalty to celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Clint Eastwood have graced this exquisite Canadian jewel. People more than a century ago flocked here for the area’s natural hot springs. Today hotel guests can feel the pulsating flow of therapeutic waters in the mineral pool at the heart of the Willow Stream Spa. This large 38,000 square foot spa has 23 treatment rooms, steam and eucalyptus rooms, indoor mineral pool, luxurious deluxe couples’ suite and three waterfall-treatment whirlpools. The centerpiece of it all - just venture outside the spa and feel the majestic Rocky Mountains surround you as you relax and get all snuggled up with your loved one in the outdoor whirlpool. Let the mountains set the stage for a night of romance and tranquility. Romance has never looked so good then at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs.
CANADA’S
TOP TEN MOST ROMANTIC SPAS
A
Mixing Relaxation with Romance
By Chris Ryall