Every spring, nature awakens, inviting us to contemplate the tranquil beauty of the first buds, the fragility of the flowers that colour the landscape one by one, and the gentle warmth of the sun’s rays peeking through the first leaves on the trees. It’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a moment of rejuvenation, serenity, and calm in nature, and what better place than the idyllic setting of Nordik Spa Village to get back to basics? Follow me on my journey of discovery of my perfect thermal cycle, and treat yourself to a day of happiness and well-being.
“Your relaxation ritual begins here”—that’s what we read as soon as we arrive on site, setting the tone for the rest of the day. Already, the sound of water flowing from the stream, birds singing, and logs crackling in the fireplace help put us in a more relaxed state of mind. Once we have collected our wristbands, left our personal belongings in the changing room, and put our bathrobes on, we enter the Village, revealing a world of possibilities.
Whether it’s your first visit or your twentieth, the Nordik effect never fades. For one day, you can leave behind your routine, your worries, and the stress of everyday life and immerse yourself in a desire to live fully in the here and now.
Hot: The Intensity of the Moment
The first step in a successful thermal cycle is heat. Head to Finlandia, one of the many dry saunas, to check the schedule for Aufguss rituals. Throughout the day, there are different types of rituals (Discovery, Artisan, or Meditative) lasting 8 or 13 minutes, and each time, a different experience awaits you.
When the gong sounds, enter the sauna and place your towel on the tier that corresponds to the heat level you are comfortable with. The doors close and you are welcomed by the Ritual Artisan, who has chosen a variety of essential oils and songs that are evocative to them. From the moment the first ball of infused ice is placed on the stove, you can already feel the temperature rising and the first drops of water beading on your skin. In the minutes that follow, you let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the music, the movement of the towel, the waves of heat, and the emotions that surface.
You have to experience an Aufguss ritual for yourself to fully appreciate this ancestral practice, which combines the benefits of aromatherapy and thermotherapy and whose roots lie in Scandinavia.
Cold: The Power of Spirit
Once the ritual is complete, you will be guided to the next step: the cold. Depending on how comfortable you are with ice-cold water, you may be tempted by the Temper bath, located near the sauna’s exit, but to fully enjoy the experience, head to the River waterfall, where the temperature is 18 °C. Whether you enter slowly, at your own pace, or dive right in, once you’re in the water, you’ll become fully aware of the sensations on your skin, your breathing, and your heartbeat.
Here, it feels like time stands still, your mind calms down, and all your thoughts fall silent. It’s deeply liberating, and the adrenaline rush that follows will carry you to the final stage.
Rest: Total Relaxation
In a hammock in the heart of the forest, on a sun lounger in the sand, sitting around a fire pit or lying in a swing—let your intuition guide you to the place where you want to be. Personally, I love to relax on a hanging bed in Edena, and it’s not uncommon for me to take a nap or two during the day.
It’s the perfect way to recharge your batteries, reset your mind, and switch off your brain, so you can come home and get back to your daily routine feeling refreshed.
To fully enjoy the physical and psychological benefits of the thermal cycle, it is recommended that you do it at least three times. There is no shortage of facilities to choose from to vary your cycle. You may also enjoy the Barik, Kilma, and Kalmeo, or the Arboreal Aufguss, ice buckets, and Zengarden. Really, you can create your own cycle according to your mood and needs.
Other Favourites to Try…
Every time I visit, I return to these places that I particularly love and where I feel so at home:
• Kalla: a saltwater pool where you feel like you’re floating weightlessly
• The exfoliation space: lavender or mint accompanies us for a gentle skin scrub
• Massages in nature: imagine getting a massage with the sounds of nature in a small cabin above the waterfall
• The Discovery Arboreal Aufguss: a ritual like no other, reminiscent of the Canadian boreal forest
Not to mention the gourmet aspect, with a menu that changes with the seasons. For lunch in the sun, take a seat on the Lounge’s terrace and enjoy a light meal: cheese and charcuterie platters, dips, bowls, and sandwiches. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on their lemon cream!
For a refreshing afternoon treat, the Biergarden offers a wide selection of cocktails, mocktails, beers, wines, and spirits to sip by the panoramic pool. The Shack also serves snacks and pizzas in an outdoor bistro setting.
Finally, for dinner, head to Le Resto, which serves dishes highlighting local ingredients. Sit out on the patio or by the fireplace indoors and enjoy the moment, the attentive service and the warm ambience. Special mentions go to the bruschetta, the salad, the burger and the crème brûlée.
And that’s how I end my day at Nordik Spa Village, feeling relaxed and energized, my mind light and my body relaxed. Even though I arrive as soon as it opens and stay until late in the evening, time seems to pass slowly. I never tire of enjoying every space, allowing myself this moment of respite and taking time for myself. I can’t wait to come back, but until then … see you next time!
Written by Camille Labonté, @camille_labonte
