Relaxing in silence with hydrotherapy
Finding peace and quiet these days can seem like an impossible feat. But, at Scandinave Spa Whistler, it’s all part of the everyday experience.
The rustic spa, which is a short drive from Whistler Village, encourages guests to unplug and unwind through its no-electronics, no-photos and no-talking policy.
“We believe that silence is essential to the enjoyment of the Scandinavian baths experience. By embracing silence one finds inner stillness, leading to complete relaxation,”
the spa’s website explains.
While it takes a few minutes to get used to the silence at first — especially when visiting the baths with a companion — it doesn’t take long to embrace the quiet time.
Forgoing the option of massage treatments (which can be added on at an additional cost), we tried out the hydrotherapy baths on the peaceful, treed property.
One quick scan of the proffered map is all it takes to get a sense of how to navigate the spa’s outdoor environ, plus there are handy signs on all the pools and attractions to help guide the way.
It’s recommended that guests begin their experience in a hot element such as the Eucalyptus Steam Baths, Wood Burning Sauna, Finnish Sauna or Hot Baths in order to relax the body, release tension and increase the body temperature in order to reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow. So, naturally, that’s exactly what we did.
We were reminded at check-in to listen to our body’s limits and not push past our personal comfort level at each stage, so we remained in the spruce-scented sauna just long enough to feel warmed to the bone — and to have a nice sheen of perspiration on the skin.
Thoroughly heated, it was on to one of the bracing, cold installations such as the Cold Plunge Baths (a challenge to stay in for longer than a few seconds), the Nordic Showers or the waterfall. The crisp water is said to increase the heart rate and release endorphins, which is all part of the overall detoxication properties of the Scandinavian baths.
The quiet yelps and near-comical grimaces of fellow spa-goers was an early indication of just how chilly the cold installations would be — and they were spot on with their assessment. Seven seconds was as long as we could stand in the cold water before racing back to one of the warmer pools or rooms.
After drifting between the hot and cold pools a few times (be forewarned: the cold dips didn’t get any easier as we went along), it was on to one of the relaxation areas.
Offering options ranging from solariums and outdoor fireplaces to hammocks and even a yoga studio, there were a variety of ways to sit back and relax during the Scandinave experience.
While electronic devices are forbidden, many visitors packed both a book and a water bottle to rehydrate and remain entertained. Safe to say, this wasn’t their first visit to Spa Scandinave. And, after the experience we had at the busy spa, it won’t be our last either.