For a long time now I’ve been hearing about Nordik Spa-Nature but I’ve never been until recently, when I was invited to be their guest for the day. After many luxurious and relaxing hours, I can say Le Nordik has earned the Macaroni Kid stamp of approval for best place in the Ottawa Capital Region for parents to relax.
Making the quick trip across the bridge to Chelsea, Quebec, and located in the woods close to Gatineau Park, I was immediately struck by its beautiful location and serene surroundings.
Following a quick check in, I had many options to choose from: seven outdoor baths, seven unique saunas, an infinity pool, gorgeous gazebos with cozy fireplaces, a restaurant and a lounge. The place was busy over the Valentine’s Day weekend so there were no massages or spa treatments on this trip, but the saunas, pools, and new Källa treatment left me lots to do. While the amount of people increased over the course of the day, the large grounds are able to hold many people in their varied locations.
All guests are asked to be quiet, whispering only if necessary, but being respectful to ensure a soft and hushed atmosphere, which I really enjoyed You are able to speak in the Panorama section, near the Infiniti pool. (Also, there are no children allowed on site, making this truly a grown-up only activity). Armed with my cozy Nordik Spa-Nature bathrobe and my kindle, I spent the day floating, sweating, steaming, freezing, and relaxing for several blissful hours. Initially, it seemed a bit bizarre to walk outside in a bathing suit and flip flops in February, but your body feels refreshed and invigorated going between the heat and the cold and you get used to it.
There are apparent health benefits to the thermal experience. In addition to causing an immediate sensation of well-being and relaxation, heat therapy can eliminate toxins, relax muscles, improve sleep quality, boost the immune system, and increase body oxygenation. By purifying the body and spirit, it enables enthusiasts to find their natural balance.
Lunch at the restaurant offered healthy and filling choices including soups, salads, quiches and sandwiches. Lots of local ingredients and offerings are on the menu and prices are reasonable with lunch available for around $20.
Recently Nordik Spa-Nature introduced a new feature called the Källa Treatment. Källa is a large salt water pool dug five meters deep into the rock. Filled with water saturated with 12% of Epsom salt, the dimly lit room, quiet atmosphere and ability to float in the water allows your stress and tension to literally float away. If you’ve ever experienced the Dead Sea, you’ll appreciate floating in the Källa pool even more. The Källa pool is only the second of its kind in the world (the other being in Switzerland). You can add Källa to your bath and sauna package for $40.
I was impressed with the varied packages and options available ranging from à la carte services to "mom to be" offerings. Admission for the Thermal Experience is $49 during the week and $56 on the weekend and allows on-site access for the entire day. Bathrobe rentals are $11 (or you can bring your own) and you are also able to add spa services or the Källa treatments to your day. Due to the close proximity to Ottawa, you could drop the kids off at school, head to Nordik Spa-Nature for the day and make it back in time for pick up. Thinking of visiting, read about your first visit.
More information: http://lenordik.com
info@lenordik.com
819-827-1111
