Scandinave Spa Whistler Opens
SCANDINAVE SPA WHISTLER: NEW $9 MILLION SCANDINAVIAN SPA OPENS IN WHISTLER, BC
The Scandinave Spa owners have finally realized their dream of opening a spa in Whistler, with the much-anticipated opening of Scandinave Spa Whistler on February 6th, 2010. Situated in North America’s largest ski resort, this Nordic spa sits 1.5 km (1 mile) north of Whistler Village. The first Scandinave Spa to test the waters out west, the Whistler spa is the largest and greenest yet in the Scandinave Spa portfolio. The three east coast spas are located in Mont Tremblant, Old Montreal and a franchise in Blue Mountain.
Representing a $9 CAD million investment, Scandinave Spa is introducing the age-old Finnish tradition of Scandinavian baths to Whistler. This spectacular spa, engulfed in a forest of spruce and cedar, overlooks the peak of Mount Sproatt and is located on the edge of Lost Lake and Spruce Grove parks. This year-round activity offers a true relaxation experience in harmony with nature.
Introducing 20,000 square-feet of facilities integrated over three acres of natural landscape, Scandinave Spa Whistler was designed as a unique landscape-derived activity guided by principles of sustainability. “From vegetated “green roofs” to high efficiency furnace equipment, and passive solar heating, the design is meant to harmonize with its natural setting, minimizing where possible its impact on the environment,” explains Pierre Brisson, President.
A forested pathway leading to the reception area invites a sense of wellbeing upon arrival, and welcomes guests to the most scenic spa experience in Whistler. Committed to local suppliers, the Scandinave has engaged in partnerships with Whistler-based Mountain Galleries to provide the artwork showcased throughout the reception, and Bearfoot Bistro to deliver the catering. Renowned for the modern haute cuisine of its Executive Chef Melissa Craig, Bearfoot Bistro was voted Whistler’s Best Restaurant 2009 by Vancouver Magazine.
Annique Aird, General Manager, says: “While the baths have a rich history, the concept is still surprisingly unknown in North America. This is why we have decided to offer this unique new thermal experience in Whistler to people seeking a better physical and spiritual life balance.” Aird adds: “What makes the project all the more interesting is that it favourably positions Whistler in the health and wellness tourism market by offering a product that differs from the various spas in British Columbia.”
The Scandinavian baths experience
The Scandinavian baths experience cleanses the body and skin, improves blood circulation and physical and aerobic conditioning, producing the effect of increased wellness and intense relaxation. Occurring in three stages, just a few hours are required to fully enjoy the benefits of these outdoor baths. In sequence, first heat the body in the Eucalyptus steam bath or wood burning Finnish sauna to open pores, stimulate blood circulation and release toxins. Then, cool the body quickly in the Nordic waterfalls, cold baths or shower to close the pores and strengthen the immune system. Finally, relax in a solarium or enjoy one of the relaxation areas with outdoor fireplace throughout the spa, to allow the cardiovascular system to regulate itself and blood circulation to decrease. For the ultimate relaxation, Scandinave Spa also offers baths and massage packages such as Swedish, Sports, Thai-yoga and hot volcanic stone massage to complement the baths experience.
About Scandinave Spa
Scandinave Spa is a group specializing in the conceptualization, design and management of hydrotherapy spas. Scandinavian-style spas provide an authentic spa experience in natural and urban environments. The group’s portfolio currently includes four spas: Mont-Tremblant, Que, which was recently named one of the world’s top 12 eco-friendly destinations by Organic Spa Magazine, an urban spa in Old Montreal, Que, proud recipient of several interior design awards, and a franchised spa at Blue Mountain, Ont, named one of the top 50 spas in America by Spas of America. The Whistler, BC location is the group’s fourth Scandinave Spa.
For more information about Scandinave Spa Whistler and the Scandinavian baths experience, visit www.scandinave.com or call 604-935-2424.
Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver Celebrates the Games
February 12th is the Opening Ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver is waiting to welcome the world with distinct offerings and legendary hospitality. From the arrival of three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and the creation of Street MARKET to medal-worthy spa treatments that harness the power of the Pacific Ocean, Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver is ready for a year of fun and GAMES.
FOOD & WINE
International Celebrity Chef – From February 15 – 17, three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will be in-house and joining his team in MARKET by Jean-Georges, the signature restaurant of Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver. Their winning strategy is to take it to the street, setting up a Street MARKET by tenting and heating the outdoor third floor patio off Alberni Street. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Street MARKET will be offering bar fare at approachable pricing.
Vancouver Shake Up – The mixologists of Shangri-La’s Lobby Lounge have five flavourful cocktails heavy in Canadian content and each paying homage to the five Olympic rings. They include Oh Canada! (red ring) featuring Canadian Maple Whiskey, rum and maple syrup and After the Celebration (black ring), a twist on a Canadian classic, the Caesar, complete with a strip of smoked meat. The team, while international in scope, is counting on Canada to bring home hockey gold, and in anticipation, have created Gold on Ice (gold ring) – a blend of Canadian Calvados and True Canadian Cider poured over ice cubes made of iceberg distilled water – Canadian naturally – garnished with caramelized apple and gold flakes. The Lobby Lounge will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily for the duration of the Olympics. Post-Games, the five cocktails will remain on the Lobby Lounge menu, ready to be shaken or stirred.
SPA
CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La has created medal-worthy treatments, each harnessing the restorative powers of the Pacific Ocean – specifically organic seaweed, rich in nutrients and minerals, and harvested off the British Columbia coast – and incorporated into each treatment. Topping the list, Wild Ocean Gold, a two-hour treatment that begins with a seaweed foot soak followed by exfoliation and customized massage, all using sea plants such as Nereocystis, Ulva Lactuca, and Macrocystis with blends of Pacific sea salt, marine minerals and chlorophyll to boost metabolism and improve circulation. The Silver Sea Facial, with its liberal use of creams abundant in restorative seaweed products, ensures you put your best face forward. Every great athlete knows that regular massage is part of a total fitness regime and with that in mind we have created the Bronze Medal Body Massage. A rich blend of seaweed, pumpkin and olive oils in combination with your preferred pressure, makes you a medal contender, whatever your sport. Introduced for the Games, these treatments will be part of the CHI menu through the end of March.
PEOPLE
Row, Row, Row your Boat – MARKET bartender, Christian Baccardax-Scully (“Scully”), is an aspiring Olympic kayaker – working towards becoming a member of Canada’s Olympic kayaking team for the 2012 summer Olympics in London, England. As a member of the Canadian National Dragon Boat team, representing Canada at all international regattas, he is ready to row. In summer 2009 the team won gold in the 500 metre in Prague, and in 2011, heads to Tampa, Florida.
Fluent in 36 Languages – With more than 40 countries ready to compete in the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Shangri-La staff are ready to respond in 36 languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Malay, Korean, German, Italian, Romanian, Spanish and Russian.
Opened January 24, 2009, Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver is set in Vancouver’s downtown core, located at 1128 West Georgia, at the intersection of West Georgia and Thurlow Street. The hotel occupies the first 15 floors of a new 61-storey landmark building, a multi-purpose complex built incorporating innovative residential living, high-end retail shopping, signature restaurants and an outdoor public art space curated by the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 65 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Seychelles, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.
