SANDAL READY FOR THE SUMMER
Spa Treatments That Put Your Feet First
If you’re like many Whistler locals and visitors, your feet spent the winter being stuffed into ski and snowboard boots, ice skates and winter boots. With flip-flop weather upon us, it’s time to think about freeing your feet. But before you slip into your sandals, it’s an excellent idea to give your poor, neglected feet a little TLC with a well-deserved pedicure. We’ve scouted out the most indulgent, restorative foot treatments in Whistler, so kick up your heels and let the professionals work their magic. A treatment at the newly refurbished The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge is luxurious from start to finish, beginning with complimentary plush robes, a heavenly relaxation lounge and access to the steam room, hot tub and pool area. There will be plenty of time to show off your sparkling feet by the pool later — but first, treat yourself to the Nita Pedicure. The 75-minute treatment includes a thorough exfoliation featuring the energizing and detoxifying ilā Spa Body Scrub. The organic Himalayan salt scrub doesn’t just leave your skin feeling silky smooth; its ingredients, including Alpine lavender, wild organic juniper berry and rosehip seed oil form a powerful elixir that stimulates circulation, boosts the immune system and nourishes even the deepest layers of skin. The Nita Pedicure also includes an extended foot and lower leg massage, a detoxifying rose mud mask for your feet and OPI Nail Envy nail strengthener as the base coat of polish, for added durability. Amanda Piché, head esthetician at The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge, believes ongoing maintenance is the key to being sandal ready. “Once sandal season starts, our feet tend to dry out more than usual, so getting regular pedicures can really help with that,” she says. “Don’t forget to include the bottoms of your feet when you moisturize your body.”
For an exotic treatment unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, ask for the Thai Stem Pedicure at Avello Spa at the Westin Resort & Spa. Guests are led to the stateof-the-art pedicure lounge, where they are invited to take in the views of Sproatt Mountain and relax for 50 minutes of pure bliss.
The highlight is the Thai Stem massage, featuring traditional healing herbs and oils. Organic sesame seeds and organic brown jasmine rice are ground into the blend, which is wrapped in an unbleached cotton package, all massaged into weary legs and feet. The herbs and oils are combined with traditional massage techniques to help relieve muscle tension and joint pain, while increasing circulation in the legs. Best of all, the Thai Stem packs can be reused — guests are invited to take them home and re-steam them for a do-it-yourself leg and foot treatment.
Suzanne Johnston, spa director at the Avello Spa, understands why people flock to get pedicures in the spring and early summer. “Whether you have circulation issues, are a runner or walker, or you’re just like everyone else and your feet are cooped up most of the day in stockings and shoes — pedicures feel good.”
But it’s not just about having pretty, polished toes. “Pedicures do more than keep our toenails looking lovely and lively,” Suzanne says. “They nourish our poor, overworked feet, which take an even more brutal beating in the winter.”
The Spa at the Four Seasons designed its Signature Alpine Pedicure with total relaxation in mind. Guests are invited to curl up into a treatment bed that has been adjusted into a lounge position for a calming 80-minute treatment. No detail is overlooked — from valet parking (complimentary for spa goers), to access to the fitness centre, steam room, sauna and spa pools (before or after the treatment) to a wide array of shower products and amenities following your treatment.
The treatment features an organic shea butter and avocado foot mask, with microalgae that exfoliates throughout the mask processing time. Ginger essential oils are massaged in to increase circulation to the lower extremities, and feet are left feeling hydrated and nourished.
Caitlin Hubbard, director of spa at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, advises active locals and visitors to take care of their feet. “Whistler is a place that demands a lot from our feet,” she says. “Most people in Whistler are biking, hiking, swimming, running and playing very frequently, but are forgetting to care for themselves outside of those times.”
Pedicures are not just about looking good: “A pedicure can care for the muscles, joints and skin to ensure you can keep pursing those adventures,” notes Hubbard.
Look good, feel better, and perform at your best — it’s all in the power of the pedicure.