Canada's Top 50 Spas of 2012

Le Nordik Spa, Quebec

Spas of America today announced their annual ranking of the Top 50 Canada Spas of 2012, based on consumer behavior on our website.

“Spas offering escape, rejuvenation and wellness in beautiful outdoor settings continue to prove popular with spa consumers,” says Craig Oliver, Spas of America president and editor-in-chief. “Our most popular Canadian spa experiences encompassed Country, Ocean, Mountain, Destination and Wine, while Urban spas provide a serene oasis for healthy-minded urbanites to relax and recharge in luxurious, sometimes exotic surroundings."

"Canada has an excellent international reputation in the spa industry from a global consumer perspective and also within the industry community itself. It is not only the physical beauty of our spas, but the skill and warmth of our people who design, manage and provide our services. I think it’s part of our spirit as Canadians” says Jack Morrison, past President of Leading Spas of Canada.

The Top 50 Canada Spas of 2012 includes: 21 spas from British Columbia; 8 Quebec spas; 14 Ontario spas; 5 Alberta spas; and two spas from Saskatchewan. Compared to 2011, the number of Ontario spas making the list increased by three, Alberta rose by two, Saskatchewan added one, and British Columbia stayed the same. The number of Quebec spas dropped by five.

Spas of America’s Top 50 Canada Spas of 2012 are ranked by unique page views generated by customers visiting the website throughout the year. Spas of America’s global audience is very targeted: 70% women; 80% USA/Canada; 25 to 65 years; $75k to $250k HHI; leisure and business travelers; and health, wellness and lifestyle oriented. In addition to the USA and Canada, Spas of America draws spa travel consumers from Europe, Asia and South America.

Spas of America’s Top 50 Canada Spas of 2012

1. 100 Fountain Spa, Pillar & Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
2. Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia
3. Drift Spa, Blackrock Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Ucluelet, British Columbia
4. Miraj Spa by Caudalie Paris, Shangri-La Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
5. Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
6. The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton, Ontario
7. Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa, Victoria, British Columbia
8. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, Blue Mountains, Ontario
9. Balnea Spa, Bromont-sur-le-lac, Québec
10. The Hills Health Ranch, 108 Mile House, British Columbia
11. Grail Springs, Bancroft, Ontario
12. Miraj Hammam Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia
13. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta
14. Scandinave Spa, Whistler, British Columbia
15. Five Lakes Spa AVEDA, Doubletree Fallsview Resort & Spa, Niagara Falls, Ontario
16. CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia
17. Serenity Spa by the Falls, Marriott Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Ontario
18. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver, British Columbia
19. The Spa, InterContinental Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
20. Haven Spa, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, Sidney, British Columbia
21. Temple Gardens Resort & Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
22. Scandinave Les Bains Vieux-Montréal, Montréal, Québec
23. Elements Spa Salon, Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls, Ontario
24. Le Nordik Nature Spa, Old Chelsea, Quebec
25. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta
26. Mountain Trek Retreat, Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia
27. Le Scandinave Spa, Mont-Tremblant, Québec
28. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta
29. Sante Spa Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia
30. The Spa at White Oaks, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
31. Hastings House Country House Hotel, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
32. Susurrus Spa at Poets Cove Resort, South Pender Island, British Columbia
33. Amerispa, Sheraton Laval, Laval, Quebec
34. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia
35. Sora Spa at the Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria, British Columbia
36. Amerispa, Westin Tremblant, Mont-Tremblant, Québec
37. Spa Rosseau, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Minett, Ontario
38. Ancient Cedars Spa, Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia
39. Stillwater Spa, Park Hyatt Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
40. KurSpa, Sparkling Hill Resort, Vernon, British Columbia
41. Au Naturel Spa, Brookstreet, Ottawa, Ontario
42. Banff Upper Hot Springs, Banff, Alberta
43. The L Spa & Wellness Centre, Grand Prairie, Alberta
44. Ofuro Spa, Morin-Heights, Quebec
45. Sonora Resort, Desolation Sound, British Columbia
46. Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, Watrous, Saskatchewan
47. Sense, A Rosewood Spa, Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver, British Columbia
48. River Rock Casino, Absolute Spa, Richmond, British Columbia
49. Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, Nimmo Bay, British Columbia
50. Amerispa, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, LaMalbaie, Québec

Source: Google Analytics, January 1 – December 31, 2012

A complete list of Canada Spas can be viewed at:

http://www.spasofamerica.com/Canada

Win a Vancouver Island Spa Escape

Discover a truly spectacular Spa & Wellness destination—British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. Our romantic boutique ocean getaways make Vancouver Island a very special place…

• Voted Best North American Island eight years in a row by readers of Condé Nast Traveler
• Voted Best Island in Continental U.S. and Canada by readers of Travel + Leisure

Here’s your chance to win one of three Vancouver Island Spa Escapes for two, from Blackrock Oceanfront Resort, Brentwood Bay Resort and Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort.

Win one of three exceptional two-person, two night prize packages:

Drift Spa ~ Couples Massage

Enjoy a two-night stay in a panoramic ocean-view one-bedroom suite complete with king-size bed, spacious living room with gas fireplace and your own kitchen. Retreat to Blackrock’s Drift Spa for your 60-minute Couples Massage, with a Facial Fresh and an amenity set from Seaflora and BeeKind. Finally, enjoy a $50 food and beverage credit at the Fetch restaurant or Float bar and lounge.

Essence of Life Spa ~ Two Hearts Massage

Experience two nights at Brentwood Resort & Spa in a luxurious and spacious OceanSuite, including a king-size bed, private ocean-view balcony, fireplace and spa-like bathroom. In the morning, enjoy Breakfast on the Bay at the Seagrille restaurant. Relax at the Spa—Essence of Life, where you’ll experience a couples 60-minute Two Hearts Massage and then surrender to relaxation at the Spa.

Grotto Spa ~ Love on the West Coast

Stay two nights in a deluxe ocean-view room featuring a jetted tub and water views. At Tigh-Na-Mara’s Grotto Spa, you’ll experience the signature couples package Love on the West Coast, which includes a copper soaking tub for two with custom blended bath salts and oils; Grotto Signature massage for two; fireside glass of wine, cheese and fruit plate; a custom one-hour facial; and an Éminence organic skin care gift basket.

http://www.spasofamerica.com/contests/vancouver-island-spa-escape

 

Canada's Millcroft Inn & Spa Selected as Spas of America's 700th

Spas of America, a healthy living and travel website showcasing the best Spa & Wellness travel experiences, today launched their 700th spa listing and first Historic spa experience: The Millcroft Inn & Spa, Alton-Caledon, Ontario, Canada.

“Spas of America is pleased to welcome the Millcroft Inn & Spa,” says Spas of America president Craig Oliver. “Situated less than an hour from Canada’s largest city and two hours from New York State, the Millcroft is a premier spa destination offering the charm and romance of the past, complemented by four-diamond comfort and first-class service.“

Situated less than an hour from Canada's largest city and two hours from New York State, the Millcroft is a premier spa destination...
A historic gem dating back to the 1880s, the Millcroft was originally built as a textile mill. Today guests can stay and dine in the same building, where they’ll enjoy stunning views of the millpond and nearby Shaw’s Creek Falls. A definitive country retreat, the Millcroft is part of a small community known for its thriving art scene, love for horses and many outdoor activities.

One signature spa treatment at the Millcroft Spa is the Raindrop Therapy with Native Indian Hot Rock Massage. This unique therapy developed by the American Lakota Indians is designed to align energy centers, release blockages and bring the body into balance. Nine essential oils are strategically applied and worked into the back muscles, followed by a full-body massage. More details about the Millcroft Inn & Spa can be viewed at its platinum member listing: http://www.spasofamerica.com/spas/millcroft_inn.

Paul MacIntyre, GM of the Pillar and Post, another fine heritage property, oversees all Vintage Hotels spas, including its newest one at the Millcroft Inn. MacIntyre says, “We’re very proud to have our spa chosen for this milestone. We look forward to the Millcroft Inn & Spa being showcased to Spas of America’s targeted Spa & Wellness consumers from around the world.” Vintage Hotels also operates two other boutique spa properties in Southern Ontario, 100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post and the Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales Hotel. (Both spas ranked in Spas of America’s Top 30 Spas of 2008 based on consumer traffic to the Spas of America website.)

Millcroft Inn & Spa

Are Boot Camps the Next New Spa Vacation?

Think boot camp and what comes up? An image from the military or makeover reality show with trainers barking orders at their clients come to mind. Whatever the image, boot camps are becoming the new/old way to get in shape.

Boot camp like programs are appearing at the local gym offered for the after work group with limited time or they can be as comprehensive as the boot camp program offered at Mountain Trek, a health and fitness retreat located in the wilderness of beautiful British Columbia. For one or two weeks, guests transform their bodies through a high intensity fitness program focused around daily high intensity hiking fueled by gourmet cuisine. The boot camp part is delivered by structure of the program: 6:30 am yoga, hiking for 4 hours, and nightly fitness classes. “Our guests range from high pressured executives to mothers, basically those with a lot of responsibility on their shoulders,” explains Kirkland Shave, Mountain Trek’s GM. “What they appreciate is the opportunity to have someone else be in charge guiding and motivating them. They can completely give themselves to the program and focus on themselves,” continues Shave.

The benefits of the boot camp are multiple, weight loss being one of them. The average in 2008 weight loss for women was 5.7 lbs per week and 9.0 lbs for men. Continues Shave,” “Weight loss in the main reason why our guests come here. However, they leave with dramatic increases in their fitness levels such as endurance and strength as well experiencing a reduction in their stress levels. But most importantly they leave with an increase in self-esteem and vitality. “You won’t find our guides barking orders while on the trail, “says Shave, “but encouraging and motivating guests when the going gets tough. They think that they can’t do make it to the top of a mountain and when they do, well, there’s no words to express the sense of accomplishment,” finishes Shave.

Mountain Trek offers its boot camps in Canada, United States and Costa Rica.

FitPath at Mountain Trek

Compliments of HealthNewsDigest.com

Canada's Top Spa Experiences

In 2009, Canada's national tourism organization, the Canadian Tourism Commission, under took the task of identifying Canadian spa experiences that were best aligned to the national tourism brand: Canada.Keep Exploring. The Commission sought to develop a number of spa marketing assets for integration into its domestic and global marketing efforts. A total of 57 spas from across the country were identified, including spas in eight of Canada's 10 provinces. These spas offer spa treatments that incorporate ingredients indigenous to Canada including, rosehip oil from British Columbia, maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, sea salts mined in Saskatchewan, glacial clay, seaweed wraps, and lavender from the Pacific west coast, vinotherapy using grape products from Niagara or the Okanagan wine regions, and Golden Moor Mud sourced in eastern Ontario, just to name a few. Each spa offers a uniquely Canadian wellness experience for spa enthusiasts and international travelers alike.

Discover all 57 of Canada's Top Spa Experiences

Haven Spa, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, BC

Anchoring the coastal town of Sidney-by-the-Sea on Vancouver Island’s Saanich Peninsula, this boutique waterfront hotel is inspired by the beauty and serenity of its natural Pacific Northwest shoreline.

Opened in 2007, the Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa offers guests an elegant and contemporary escape in 55 spacious guest rooms and suites. Guests seeking a quick coffee, fresh baked goods or picnic lunches can visit the Georgia Café & Deli. Meanwhile, Haro’s Waterfront Restaurant & Lounge serves fresh local seafood, slow-roasted rotisserie meats and house-made pasta. Activities range from cycling the Galloping Goose Trail to whale-watching, kayaking and sailing charters. Mingle with locals at the market and pier, tour a nearby winery, or explore over 100 boutique shops, specialty bookstores and artisans’ studios.

Haven Spa is a relaxing sanctuary inspired by the sea, providing guests with a holistic approach to beauty and wellness. Indigenous treatments are combined with modern advances in skin care and body therapies to create authentic local experiences for guests. The Haven Spa features a comprehensive array of services, including massage, facials, body treatments and aesthetics. Guests also have access to hair, makeup and nail services in the Haven Salon and 24-hour access to the hotel’s 1,200-square-foot fitness centre.

The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa

Spas of America Debuts Amerispa's Eight Quebec Spas

Montreal, Quebec -- September 5, 2008 -- Spas of America, the fastest-growing spa travel website, today announced new member spa listings for Amerispa and its eight Quebec resort/hotel spa locations. Montreal-based Amerispa, one of the leading spa brands in the industry, operates prestige spas in choice locations throughout "la belle province."

"We are pleased to showcase Amerispa to our targeted spa travel audience," says Spas of America president Craig Oliver. "Their presence on our website benefits our existing spa listings and provides our customers from around the world with eight fabulous Quebec options when seeking exciting and rewarding health and wellness travel experiences."

Louise Brossoit, vice-president of Amerispa, says: "Our spas illustrate a variety of resort and hotel experiences and are a perfect complement to the natural beauty and history of Quebec. We're excited about introducing our one-of-a-kind experiences to Spas of America's global audience."

Each Amerispa location on Spas of America has its own unique full-page listing complete with a 300-word description, 10 images, a detailed map and complete contact information. Spa aficionados will delight in the 'You Deserve' treatment at each location. At Le Château Bonne Entente, guests can experience Amerispa's Bamboo and Lotus massage. This treatment combines a relaxation massage with an aquatic-plant cocktail mask, with bamboo, water-lily and lotus extracts. This hydrating experience softens the skin for an exquisite moment of well-being. All Amerispa locations can be viewed at www.spasofamerica.com/lifestyle/wellness/amerispa.

Amerispa, a leader in the Canadian spa industry, operates eight prestige spas in Quebec: Auberge Godefroy, Fairmont Tremblant, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, Château Bonne Entente, Hilton Lac-Leamy, Omni Mont-Royal Hotel, Sheraton Laval, and Westin Resort & Spa Tremblant. Amerispa, focused on refreshing the body and spirit, offers guests the ability to relax in an enchanting, cozy and luxurious environment. Friendly health and beauty professionals serve guests in either English or French. Signature treatments include the Remineralizing Clay Massage, Warm Pebble Massage, Elixir Ice Cider Body Wrap and Exfoliation, and Enchanting Body Wrap. Various facials, manicures and pedicures are also on offer. www.amerispa.ca

Spas of America is a global online media company focused on healthy living and travel. The Spas of America website showcases over 600 of the best day, resort, hotel and destination spas in the United States, Canada, Mexico Caribbean and South America to spa travelers around the world. Since the site launched in 2005, over a quarter million customers have visited www.spasofamerica.com. Spas of America also operates the websites spasoffrance.com, spasofitaly.com, spasofdubai.com and spasoflife.com.

Experience Rosehip Oil at Hills Health Ranch, Canada

Juanita Corbett could be Canada's answer to the Body Shop's Anita Roddick. Corbett, who owns the unique Hills Health Ranch in 108 Mile Ranch, B.C., has a touch of the eccentric, just like Roddick. She's a former Grand Ole Opry singer from Kentucky who found her calling as a homeopathic esthetician. The ranch is a weight-loss and de-stressing spa that's just like a good old-fashioned fat farm. Corpulent CEOs sometimes stay for months at a time.

It's also the place where Corbett manufactures her Canadian Natural Oils line of curative and beauty products, including her cult rosehip oil. When she and her husband bought the ranch in the B.C. Cariboo that so inspired artist Emily Carr, Corbett didn't know what to do with the 20,000 acres of prickly rosehips growing on the grounds. She thought the prolific plants an unwanted nuisance.

But you know the old saying, if God hands you rosehips, make rosehip oil. Corbett did some research into the weed and found it to be one of the Earth's most powerful healing herbs, with a high concentration of vitamin C. She began making rosehip oil using a cold press.

The rosehip-oil wrap and facial Corbett gave me is not a treatment I will soon forget. It started with a massage with a dry brush that looked a lot like a horse brush. (Very possible. Riding is one of the activities offered here.) Starting with my feet, Corbett dry-brushed her way up my body. She advised me to administer the same treatment to myself daily. (Invest in a natural bristle brush, she said. "It costs about 50¢, takes a few minutes a day and will not only increase blood circulation and remove dead layers of skin, but stimulate glandular hormones as well.") After I was sloughed soft, out came the rosehips. The oil was massaged into my body, then I was wrapped in a plastic sheet and heated blankets to warm me up. While I was slow-cooking, Corbett gave me a facial with more rosehip oil. Then she left the room for 15 relaxation minutes. The sweet aroma of the rose oil filled the small treatment room. I felt like Jeannie inside a perfume bottle.

Corbett and her staff are highly specialized and have a very Old World attitude to health. Beauty treatments are as much rehabilitation as indulgence. The facial included much examining of my skin with a magnifying glass and suggesting internal remedies for what ailed me. Liver and digestive problems, she guessed (correctly, as I do a lot of traveling), were giving me circles under my eyes, so she advised me to drink lots of water and eat yogurt with acidophilus, a friendly intestinal bacteria. After she unwrapped me, my skin was soft and fragrant and I felt so relaxed that I missed that afternoon's workout session.

Hills Health Ranch

Karen Burshtein, Weekend Post

Post Hotel and Spa, Banff, Alberta, Canada

Set amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in the majestic wilderness of Banff National Park, Post Hotel & Spa is a model of understated elegance. Canada’s largest ski area is just minutes away and the abundance of snow is just one reason a growing number of skiers visit the area each winter. An award winning wine list and fresh market cuisine are featured in the renowned dining room.

Post Hotel & Spa features guestrooms with mountain views, overlook trees and cabins, and the hotel’s well-manicured lawns.

Post Hotel & Spa offers renowned fine dining and an award winning wine cellar featuring 30,500 bottles and more than 2000 selections. The Post Hotel is a Four Diamond award winner and Distinguished Restaurants of North America receipts. Among a setting of character rich Canadian pine and close to the warm glow of the grand fieldstone fireplace, you will savor the talents of the Post's international cooking team.

Unwind and indulge at Temple Mountain Spa. The spa is inspired by and nestled in nature, and designed to envelop you in comfort. The newly revitalized Roman-inspired pool is perfect for a peaceful float or a few energy reviving laps.

Post Hotel and Spa

Spas of Canada - 141 Years Young!

Celebrating 141 years young on July 1st, Canada is one of the world's favorite destinations for fresh air, health and wellness. The planet's 2nd largest nation offers a wide array of experiences for the spa traveler. From Quebec's Nordic spas, Ocean spas on the West Coast of British Columbia, award-winning Destination spas throughout the country, exciting Wine spas of Southern Ontario, or relaxing Mineral Springs, Canada offers something for everyone.

Spas of Canada

Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, Saskatchewan

Located in the heart of downtown Moose Jaw, in southern Saskatchewan, this exquisitely designed luxurious spa resort hotel captures the spirit, history and charm of Western Canadian hospitality and features one of Canada's largest naturally heated geothermal mineral water pools.

Temple Gardens' unique nature-based Sun Tree Spa soothes the mind, body and soul with 12 treatment rooms for massage, facials and wraps. The spa's rejuvenating, mineral-rich geothermal waters are drawn from the porous rock formation of an ancient seabed more than 4,500 feet below the earth's surface. The distinctive indoor/outdoor pool is situated on the top floor of the hotel, permitting treetop views of beautiful Crescent Park from its outdoor section.

Temple Gardens Mineral Spa