How about taking a break from everyday life for a few hours? After a long day at work, instead of heading home as usual, I suggest you treat yourself to a moment of pure relaxation, a moment where you put yourself first. For one evening, let’s meet at Nordik Spa Village in Chelsea, where wellness and relaxation await you.
After a day filled with meetings, emails, and tasks, I turn off my computer and disable notifications. The rest of my to-do list will have to wait until later. I was so looking forward to the end of the day because I had something special planned. Rather than spending the next few hours preparing dinner, doing household chores, and watching a new episode of a TV series, I devote my evening to completely recharging my batteries and treating myself to some me time. Follow me through this evening that did me so much good.
5 p.m. | Settling Down in the Present Moment
From the moment you arrive in Chelsea and take the chemin Nordik, you can already feel your worries melting away and your mind calming down. Once you’ve put your swimsuit on, bathrobe, and sandals, leave your cell phone in the locker, take a deep breath, and walk through the door that leads to the site.
Where to start? For maximum benefits, I recommend a minimum of three thermal cycles, alternating between hot, cold, and rest. Head to the Panorama section and settle into the Tuli dry sauna. Fifteen minutes is enough to put us in a meditative state: we anchor ourselves in the present moment and become more attuned to what our body and mind need, here and now. Then we immerse ourselves in the icy water of the Kylma bath, which awakens our senses and makes time feel like it stands still.
Next, head to Nakyma, the panoramic bath overlooking the village of Chelsea and the hills of Gatineau Park. The sunsets here are truly beautiful.
6 p.m. | Filling Up on Local Flavours
Enjoy happy hour with a mocktail or cocktail at the Biergarden, to sip around a campfire or in a hot tub. You’ll notice that local products are featured, both in terms of beers (Gallicus, Brasserie du Bas-Canada, and 5e Baron) and spirits (Distillerie du Square). We love it!
For dinner, Le Resto is a must-visit, with a seasonal menu that has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for light, fresh dishes or hearty comfort food, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your appetite. I loved the tuna tataki, the Nordik salad, and the whisky and apple cake. I’ll be back for the shrimp and pesto tagliatelle, the braised beef rib, and the crème brûlée.
8 p.m. | Letting Our Hearts Guide Us
Every visit to the spa is different, taking shape according to our mood, the people accompanying us, or what we need most. Whether you come alone or with others, every moment is an opportunity to reconnect with what really matters and rediscover your inner happiness.
The cycle continues in the Borea section, where you won’t want to miss one of the Aufguss rituals for which Nordik Spa Village is famous. The schedule and type of ritual are posted outside the Finlandia and Banya saunas, and it’s always a captivating experience to watch the Ritual Artisan guide the session to the rhythm of movement and music. Essential oils perfume the space and the temperature rises so that you can fully enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy and thermotherapy.
Once the ritual is complete, you can cool off under the River waterfall, which has an invigorating effect, before continuing to the upper floor of the Banya area. Lying on one of the beds, with headphones playing soft music in my ears, I drift between wakefulness and sleep, feeling completely serene.
9 p.m. | Going Deeper Into Relaxation
We decided to complete the thermal circuit in the Kaskad section, where silence reigns supreme. As you stroll around the site, you will notice the addition of two new Steam Haus saunas, including the Vaporo, which diffuses light projections reminiscent of nature: mountains, snow-covered forests, and the northern lights accompanied by music. The second is located behind yurt 1, diffusing eucalyptus aromas that purify the air and stimulate energy.
As you stroll around the site, I invite you to take a moment to contemplate the beauty that surrounds you. At nightfall, the string lights add a touch of magic to the fir trees. The proximity to nature and the sound of water envelop us in a sense of calm. The relaxation areas are inviting, and a sense of well-being is evident on the faces of everyone we meet. Between the smell of the crackling flames in the fireplace and the scent of essential oils wafting from the sauna, I can’t say which one comforts me more.
One of my favourite parts of the Spa Village is definitely the Kalla experience, where the feeling of weightlessness transports us to another place. Epsom salt has countless benefits for both the body and mind, and every time I visit this place, I wish I could stop time and stay there forever.
Did you know that in addition to reducing stress and eliminating toxins, it also contributes to the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone? There are so many reasons to add this experience to your reservation and come back as many times as you like during your visit.
10 p.m. | Prolonging Well-being
From Monday to Thursday, the spa is open until 11 p.m., giving us plenty of time to explore the many facilities on site. As the evening wears on, the site becomes quieter. And to take self-care even further, we can add a massage or a facial or body treatment to our visit.
The hour before closing time allows us to slow down, prolong the fun in a relaxation area, or prepare for a smooth transition home, where sleep will come naturally.
No matter the season, a visit to Nordik Spa Village reminds us of the importance of taking care of ourselves, every day of the week. You don’t have to wait until the weekend to think about yourself and treat your body and mind to a moment of respite. By prioritizing your well-being, you offer those around you a better version of yourself—one who is more present, more attentive, and more serene.
So, what are you waiting for? Open your calendar and book your next evening at the spa. Relaxation awaits you.
WRITTEN BY Camille Labonté, @camille_labonte
