Take the Trip, Change your Life

It is not that Toronto doesn’t have everything you could ask for in a city, but occasionally a need to escape is essential. A quick retreat is very possible when it’s only a 2.5 hour drive northwest.
 
 




 
‘You may find the atmosphere quite different at the spa today,’ the woman who was taking our reservation quipped over the phone. ‘We have a spot for you and a friend; however, there will be 100 NHL (National Hockey League) goalies using the facilities today.’ This did not sound like such a bad arrangement, and I will tell you why; my girlfriend and I REALLY like hockey, wink wink.

We were greeted with complimentary bottles of water along with a guided tour of the facilities, given with the Zen of a Buddhist monk. The main concept of a Scandinavian bath is, in a nutshell, to alternate between hot and cold water submersion. As a rule, I don’t stick to this routine. I usually head for the hottest jacuzzi tub I can find and plop myself in, all the while giggling and pointing at the brave souls that choose to plunge into the cold H2O. At Spa Scandinave, however, I made a bold decision to discover my inner warrior and outer goose bumps. Just some friendly advice for those of the same mind as me and that crave warmth: any plunge into a cold pool needs to be done faster than a dog can raise his leg.
 

 
I don’t know if it was the exhilaration of the icy dip or the atmosphere of this peaceful haven surrounded by trees, but this spa generated a wonderful combination of energy and relaxation. This Scandinave location takes the nature and makes it part of the design. Think of sitting in a hot tub with the tall pines so close you can reach out and touch them, access to forest paths for a short stroll in between dips, or even a spot for a picnic in the woods. You will not feel confined in the outdoor spa area as the pools are curved to accommodate quite a few people, as well as create some privacy.

A winter visit means cuddling up around a fire to relax, while a summer visit highlights the Canadian greenery. Waterfalls and wooden bridges add to the charm. Collingwood and Blue Mountain resort village are also nearby if you choose to overnight, or have a beach holiday. There are many beaches in the area, but don’t miss Wasaga Beach, the longest freshwater beach in the world.
 
Sore muscles are eased while simultaneously getting a nature fix with air as fresh as can be. We wondered if this is what the NHL had in mind when they put forward a large part of the funding for this place (yes, we did end up chatting with a few of the buff bodies, which also ended up solidifying our plans for the evening!).





For the most part, not even 150 NHL goalies could distract from the pure luxury and ultimate beauty of the Blue Mountain bath experience.
 
 





Scandinave, Blue Mountains


152 Grey Road 21
Blue Mountain, Ontario, Canada
http://www.scandinave.com/en/bluemountain/