Le Scandinave
THROUGH THE RED DOOR
by Ingrid Champion
INTO THE FIRST NORDIC SPA WEST OF QUEBEC
Hot baths followed by cold plunges are a part of my northern European heritage, and I have fold memories of frolicking naked in new snow with my Oma after a sauna. But you don’t have to be red-bearded or fierce to enjoy the rigour of a Scandia plunge.
Relieved as I am that North Americans have taken a cue from Europeans and now promote serenity and relaxation as a means of achieving mental and physical health, I am more excited about the progress in my very own backyard.
Le Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain is opening its crimson doors of Scandinavian welcome in Collingwood, Ontario. The Georgian Triangle has attracted not just another day spa, but an ancient concept borrowed from nature itself.
Amid 25 acres of natural hardwood forest, the experts at Le Scandinave are re-inventing and fine-tuning your spa experience. Through the barn, over the bridge, to the baths. How perfectly Nordic. How Oma!
Le Scandinave features:
- Hot and cold outdoor Nordic & Thermal baths with waterfalls
- Finnish sauna - Norwegian steam room
- Relaxation solariums - Outdoor relaxation zones
- 12 massage rooms (Swedish, Thai-Yoga and Stone Therapy, require reservations)
- Post massage lounge
- Bistro - Boutique
- Lounge - Executive meeting room
Proper bathing attire (Oma would not have liked this) and footwear are mandatory.
Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, daily visits to the baths do not require reservations. You can spend a few beneficial hours or the whole blissful day for one affordable fee.
Downhill too icy? Trails not groomed? Golf clubs possessed by demons? Boss a menace? Husband a stranger? Kids crabby? Couples therapy? Take the plunge! Enjoy the invigorating thrill of hot and cold water followed by lounging and reviving. Follow it up with a massage and more lounging.
You are but two towels, a locker and a key away from your first (but not your last) Nordic Spa experience.
You may even find me there. And I promise to check the horned helmet at the barn and keep my clothes on.
Oh, and do practice your Umlaut.