Santé Spa
Carol Matthews
For busy Calgarians, the Institut de Santé Spa, located in the Fourth Street area, is an oasis of health and relaxation in the midst of frenetic activity. As I sit with warm water bubbling around my tired feet, I’m thankful once again that this spa has extended hours. It’s nice to really relax after a chaotic day at the office.
The spa’s motto that “santé centers around you” is evident in the attentive attitude of the staff. While my feet are massaged with scented lotion, I learn about the spa’s Living Better program. The therapist tells me that it includes intensive medical testing by a kinesiologist, nutritionist, life coach, psychologist and personal trainer. A customized program is then created for each person. Many clients travel specifically to Calgary to participate.
Owned by Dr. Wendy Smeltzer, a family practitioner for 18 years, the Institut de Santé is considered a medical lifestyle spa. As such it offers not only the tranquility and luxury of a spa, but also the expertise and training of professionals in a variety of fields. Services include Botox, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, nutritional counselling, clinical psychology, Pilates, and orthopedic and sports medicine.
My toenails are being painted a flirty shade of pink as I soak up the peacefulness of the sounds and scents of the spa. The fact that the team is made up of trained medical professionals is also reassuring. The notion of looking, feeling, and living better, with help from experts, makes a lot of sense.
Realizing my feet are the best looking part of me at the moment, I decide to pick up a Living Better brochure as I leave. It’s time to work my way up.
SIDEBAR:
Institut de Santé Spa’s sister spa, Santé Spa Bear Mountain, opened its doors in May 2006 at the Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa in B.C. You are greeted by the soothing sound of the mosaic water wall as you enter this beautiful new spa.
The spa menu features signature treatments inspired by the coastal surroundings as well as gentleman’s treatments and offerings for golfers. Medical esthetics at Santé Spa Bear Mountain are offered by Dr. Carole Williams. Comprehensive Living Better lifestyle programs begin in fall 2006.
Santé Spa Bear Mountain boasts 12 treatment rooms, a Vichy shower, three deluxe pedicure throne chairs, manicure area, makeup station and a spectacular duet treatment room complete with soaker tub and fireplace. The 7,000 square foot spa also features an exquisite landscaped terrace, resplendent with a nautilus-shaped mineral pool and labyrinth.
For more information on Santé Spa Bear Mountain, visit www.santespa.com