INTRODUCING A CANADIAN RE-DESIGN OF THE NORDIC SPA PHILOSOPHY; A MODERN ALPINE SANCTUARY SET WITHIN THE ELEMENTS
ALBERTA, Canada, 2017-Nov-29 — /Travel PR News/ — A deliberately different take on the hot-warm-cold-rest-repeat hydrotherapy lifestyle practised in Nordic wellness circles for centuries, Kananaskis Nordic Spa will arrive in the Canadian Rockies this coming winter.
Surrounded by alpine forest and rugged mountain peaks, deep in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country, this bold approach to the Nordic Spa tradition takes its inspiration from the invigorating elements of the Canadian outdoors. Purposefully designed for modern-day trailblazers seeking equal parts stimulation, recuperation and balance, Kananaskis Nordic Spa is centred around an exhilarating restoration of body, mind, and soul.
Taking its Canadian Rockies setting seriously, Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a truly Canadian perspective on the wellbeing lifestyle of Scandinavia.
“We wanted the spa to feel Canadian from its core,” says Jennifer Buckler, Vice President of Spa & Development, Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
“We’ve taken the philosophy and practices of Nordic wellness, and created an original design of it. This is a space that reflects not only our location, but the Canadian way of life; a different take on the increasingly-popular Nordic Spa style of repair, relaxation and rejuvenation. The Canadian attitude, combined with our extensive knowledge of the health and wellness industries, has shaped the Kananaskis Nordic Spa experience – right down to the little details.
We’d like to think that we’re introducing the Canadian way ‘to Nordic’,” Jennifer adds with a smile.
Some of these differences include the inclusion of social, campfire settings within the outdoor woodland design, rather than the traditional ‘silence-at-all-times-please’ approach typically seen at Nordic spas, and instead of the classic white robe you’d expect, Kananaskis Nordic Spa has deliberately opted for something a little more Canadian:
“Our robe choice is quite the statement,” adds Jennifer. “They’ll be a beautiful red tartan design, which is certainly a move away from traditional spa attire, but it’s about reflecting our Canadian roots.”
The tartan selected as the fabric for the robes, is the maple leaf print designed in 1964 by David Weiser to commemorate the new Canadian flag, with its four colours representing the colours of the maple leaf as it changes through the seasons; green in the spring, gold in the fall, red at the first frost, and brown when it falls to the ground.
A modern-rustic, wooden and stone-clad, three-storey Spa Lodge will stand within the outdoor spa area, surrounded by a series of hot, saltwater, and cold plunge pools. There will be three different sauna types; a Barrel Sauna, Banya Sauna and Finnish Sauna, and a Eucalyptus & Alchemist Steam Cabin infused with select aromatherapy oils. The Exfoliation Cabin – a space inspired by the traditional Turkish Hammam – will house a selection of salts for self-exfoliation of the skin. Inside the Spa Lodge, spa-goers will be invited to further unwind within a plush, comfortable lounge setting – reminiscent of a contemporary-luxe Canadian cabin.
Industrial features will provide a bold accent to the décor of stained grey wood panel walls, white tile flooring and granite countertops – finished with clean, bright white lighting. The ‘Prospector Bistro’, located on the main level, will be a communal, relaxed, gathering place to enjoy a healthy bite or savour a post-hydrotherapy tea, fresh juice or glass of wine with friends. A minimalist menu of deep tissue, relaxation and hot stone massage will be available in the treatment rooms, located on the third floor.
“The interior is a simple, modern twist on a chic Canadian lodge style,” says Jennifer.
“We’ve used textures, luxe fabrics and soft seating to add a home-away-from-home feel to the spa space. This was our philosophy from the start: let’s update the spa experience so that our guests can retreat to the lodge and continue their relaxation practice within a setting you just sink into and can stay a while; put your feet up, read a book, take in the view, enjoy a glass of wine, or share some ‘reset time’ with a friend,” she adds.
Jennifer continues: “The Nordic way is to move from hot to cold, to stimulate the body and senses; it’s about the contrast and each provides a reward from the other. The indoors-outdoors design of the outdoor spa area and the spa lodge is part of this cycle. We’re in the heart of Alberta, and throughout the winter months our spa guests will be braving the elements and facing cold temperatures and snow on the ground – which will only enhance the experience. Plus, what’s more Canadian than taking on the outdoors head on?!”
Outdoors, Kananaskis Nordic Spa will have designated spaces for guests to not only benefit from the hydrotherapy cycles, peaceful rejuvenation and meditation practices, but also to quietly socialize within a spa setting.
The ‘Reflect’ space will be for calm reflection and independent relaxation, whereas the ‘Connect’ area is designed for communal time and conversations, including The Gathering Pool and Fireside Area.
“The decision to incorporate social settings into the space was an important one, as one of our redesigns on the traditions of Nordic,” adds Jennifer.
“We’re Canadian; we’re warm, friendly, welcoming types, and we want the spa to embody that spirit. Just as we Canadians would do around the campfire, our guests will be welcomed to connect, relax and spend time with friends and fellow spa-goers in the Connect space.
It’ll still be expected that the ambience will be quiet and respectful, and we’ll ask our guests to speak in hushed tones, but it’ll be a place to unwind and recharge together – all in a spectacular outdoor setting.”
Spanning 50,000 sq. ft. of indoor-outdoor space, Kananaskis Nordic Spa will feature: A Relaxation Lodge, five outdoor pools, six sauna and steam cabins, exfoliation room, salt-water float pool, outdoor heated hammocks, a meditation labyrinth, heated lounge chairs with personal music stations, dream lounge, 30-person yoga studio complete with silk yoga hammocks, eight treatment rooms, and the ‘Prospector Bistro’.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa is set to open February 2018 – the Valentine’s weekend – and will be located at the newly-renovated Delta Lodge at Kananaskis.
knordicspa.com
For further information and all media requests, please contact:
Kymberley Hill, PR & Media. E: media@knordicspa.com C: +1 587 438 1432
Jennifer Buckler, VP, Spa & Development. E: jenniferb@knordicspa.com
SOURCE: Travel Alberta