(The Scandinave Outdoor Spa in Whistler, B.C.)

I’m not typically one to write about spas. I’m not a big luxury traveler. The first time I had my eyebrows waxed they broke out into a little zit-fest, making me fear that the few times a year I actually have it done, my body will respond the same way –angrily. The last time I had a manicure, the man providing the service closed his eyes, laughed, and said that if it weren’t for his ability to see, he’d think he was doing a manicure on a man. I couldn’t make that up. Actually, I could. But why would I? It’s embarrassing!

But despite my unladylike disdain for painful spa treatments and nail maintenance, I am, however, a sucker for hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, and messages. Oooh, messages. I do enough to hurt my body. My motto for spas is simple: Make the pain go away.

With that said, I feel inclined to share my spa experience at the Scandinave Spa in Whistler, B.C.

So, what exactly is the Scandinave Spa? In their own words it’s “hydrotherapy in the heart of nature.” For $58, I had all-day access to the Scandinavian Bath Experience. This includes Eucalyptus steam bath, Finnish sauna, hot baths, Nordic and thermal waterfalls, cold plunges, solariums, terraces, hammocks, and an outdoor fireplace.

It’s the perfect place to come with a book and enjoy the day.

(View of the grounds from the cafe)

It’s recommended to experience the amenities in cycles: warm (20 min.) cool (3-5 min), and relax (however long you want). Do as many cycles as you like. The spa is open year round, in rain and snow. I imagine it’s probably quite magical in the winter.

(A decorative waterfall on the grounds of the Scandinave Spa in Whistler)

This method of hydrotherapy cleanses the body, stimulates blood circulation, and releases endorphins.  Whatever it does, my sore muscles from a weekend of yoga felt soothed and my mind rejuvenated. Message treatments and packages are available as well: Swedish, Duo Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Thai Yoga.

(The cafe inside the Scandinave Spa in Whistler, B.C.)

A small café has healthy food, snacks, and a beautiful view of the grounds. Most of the food is pre-packaged wraps-of-sorts, not as impressive as everything else, but I think they try to keep it simple.

I’ve had some awkward bath experiences in my day, and I was afraid my phobia of being wet with strangers may rear its ugly head, but it didn’t. It was quite peaceful being outside in the fresh air, mingling between hot saunas and cool baths, my mind somewhere between a nap and awareness the whole time. Maybe I could get used to this whole spa thing.