Because Clearly You Need More Reasons to Pamper Yourself

Raise your hand if you’re in need of some freakin’ relaxation! Okay, I can’t really see you raising your hand, but I’m gonna assume that you’re doing it anyways. Because, who doesn’t love some good old fashioned down-time combined with serious self-care! Amirite? Whether it be chilling at home with Netflix, meditating, hanging out with friends, or heading to the spa – no matter what you decide to do in order to maximize your downtime, you’ve just gotta do you, folks.

Self-care is self-preservation, it’s not being selfish. And my version of this is to completely disconnect – because sometimes you just need to force yourself to let go. So that’s why my travel bestie Gracie Carroll and I scooted off to Quebec to check out the latest and greatest additions that have been made to the Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant. And also because we could always use another excuse for girls weekend together!

Here are the top 5 reasons that you need to pay a visit to this place, immediately. 

1) Hydrotherapy

The benefits of this thermal water therapy are a plenty. The recuperative and healing properties of different water temperatures is used to revitalize and restore health. Hot and cold stimulate reactions in the body in order to relieve stress, calm the organs, improve circulation, and soothe the skin and muscles. Now this process, although both relaxing and invigorating, can take some time to get used to. Now, it can be a bit of a shock at first to go from hot to cold, but once you take your first plunge, you begin to understand why it’s so incredible.

The concept is to raise the body’s temperature in order to dilate the blood vessels on the skin’s surface, which increases blood flow to the skin and muscles and reduces blood pressure. After heating your body, you are then to immerse yourself in cold water, which causes the skin’s pores to close. This shifts your blood pressure once again, flushing out toxins, releasing muscle tension and rewiring your circulation. That’s why it’s important to then engage in the final step of this process – the 10-15 minute relaxation period in mid-temperature areas. This allows your body to stabilize blood flow and for your heart rate to normalize. Plus, doing nothing is divine. 

One of my favourite parts of the Scandinave Spa properties is that they truly take advantage of their location and their surroundings. At this location, they utilize the Diable River nearby in a really unique way, as part of the cold therapy. You can hop right into the river instead of plunging into one of the cold installations, as a fun alternative. And yes, it’s open all year-round!

2) Massage

Who doesn’t love a good rub-down every now and then! I’m one of those people who needs someone to use the force of the entire universe on my body in order to work out the kinks. Like, just please turn into The Hulk and destroy my back cause I’m tired of wearing my shoulders as earrings. I adore being pampered and treated like a princess, so this is the perfect way for me to unwind and fill my life with some temporary bliss. 

I had such a deep connection with my massage therapist during my experience. She brought in a holistic approach to the appointment by asking me questions about my body, my lifestyle, and even my mental health. And then, after giving me one of the best massages of my life, she went over some of the things that she noticed while she was doing her work – from where I’m carrying my stress, to points in my body that are telling me that I need to let go or to release. She also highlighted the importance of hydrating to release the lactic acid that was worked out of my muscles. It pretty was life-changing, for sure. She sure is a blessing in disguise. I know there are several techniques to destress, some people use lotions and CBD isolate for a relaxing massage. But the calming effect that an experienced massage therapist can have on you- is a lot more amazing!

3) The Major Expansion

Recently, the Scandinave Mont-Tremblant has opened a new 450-square-metre outdoor area, which as a brand new addition to their many other amenities. This new area includes a giant infinity hot tub, a glacial plunge pool with an equally chilly waterfall, a thermal waterfall, and two new beautiful relaxation areas. One of them even has a 360-degree fire pit lined with Muskoka chairs and the other is equipped with sculptural loungers under heaters with speakers playing calming music. Now that’s one way to relax in style, let me tell you. 

Their new indoor space is designed with stunning private views of the river, where you can relax and rejuvenate with a eucalyptus steam or in their dry sauna.  The best part about this new “Infinité” area of the spa, is that it’s included in the regular price! Blending seamlessly with the other areas of the property, this is a wonderful new addition to an already incredible space.

4) Being Quiet

Silence is a source of strength. In the traditional experience of Scandinavian baths, a peaceful and natural environment is fostered. With the importance and belief that one must escape from the stress of daily life, their spa’s rustic installations are the centre focus. They embrace the idea that silence is essential to the overall enjoyment of the experience. And when one embraces silence, one can find inner stillness, thus leading to complete relaxation. And I’m okay with being quiet for a little while, for once.

5) Finding a Better Connection

There’s no wifi at the Scandinave Spa and they don’t even allow you to bring your cell phone into the spa area anyways. This encourages you to completely disconnect, be mindful and be present. These days, it appears as though we’re afraid to be bored, to be alone and not constantly stimulated. It’s important to take some time to be one with your thoughts, be one with your body and to just let go. Trust me, you’ll find a better connection than hopping on to any wifi network out there.