There are a ton of spas in the GTA, but if you’re really looking to unwind and treat yourself, you may as well make a day of it. The largest spa in North America is just 4.5 hours away from Toronto, and is well worth the commute.

Nordik Spa-Nature is a gorgeous outdoor spa, that opened in 2005, and has been expanding ever since.

They are open all-year-round, in Chelsea, Quebec, and are dedicated to providing an incredibly relaxing, healing, and rejuvenating experience for all of their guests. Here’s everything you need to know:

Instagram/ @nordikspanature_chelsea

When You Arrive:

Once you get to Nordik, you’ll be given a rubber bracelet that resembles a screen-less Fitbit. Essentially, this is going to be your wallet for the rest of your stay. The receptionist will load up the balance you’d like to spend on food and drinks while you’re there onto the bracelet. So, for the rest of the day, you can pay for your tabs with just the scan of your bracelet.

You’re welcome to bring your own sandals and robe, but if you don’t, they offer $8 robe rentals, and they sell flip-flops at their gift shop.

Next, you’ll be given a locker, where you can store all your personal items, including your cell phone. Nordik prides itself on being a quiet, phone-free zone. Your bracelet is going to be the key to get into your locker, so be sure not to lose it!

Instagram/ @briannehuot

Thermotherapy:

Nordik’s thermotherapy is basically their general admission. You’ll be able to roam freely, try out all of the different outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, restaurants, and bar areas. This is a great package if you’re going with your significant other, or a group of friends.

The reason it’s called thermotherapy, is because guests are encouraged to follow a thermal cycle during their visit. This would mean, going from hot pool, to cold pool, resting, and repeating, to achieve the ultimate feeling of wellness and relaxation. Although— you don’t have to do things in that order if you don’t want to.

Rituals:

Rituals are held periodically throughout the day according to their in-house schedule. You enter the sauna at the designated time, and are greeted by the ritual leader. While relaxing music plays in the background, the ritual leader uses a towel to wisp hot, steamy air at all of the participants for a few rounds. Then, they go around the room with a bucket of cold water, and gently splash everyone as a cool-down method.

Instagram/ @xavier_mordee_

Massages:

Massages are not included with the general thermal admission. But are definitely worth adding on to your experience. You’ll have the ability to customize your massage by choosing your own essential oil, that contains properties to better suit your needs.

Body Treatments:

Similarly to the massages, body treatments are considered to be an add-on, and are not included in the thermal package. Nordik offers six different body treatments: Himalayan salt treatment, vivifying treatment, face care, face care for men, foot care, and Lumëa.

Källa Treatment:

The Källa treatment is a very popular one, and rightfully so. It’s a giant, floating, salt water pool, dug 5 meters deep into the rock which contains 10 tons of Epsom salt. For $45 extra, you can have unlimited access to this pool for the entire duration of your stay. If you’re a fan of the Dead Sea, you’ll definitely love this treatment.

Instagram/@le.bonappetit

Restaurants:

Most people who visit Nordik, tend to stay from morning to night, since the spa is open from 9am until 11pm. After all that time, and after sweating out all of your toxins, you are bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, there are four restaurant options for you to choose from, all of which serve healthy snacks, and alcoholic beverages.

Featured image: Instagram/ @nordikspanature_chelsea

Posts you might be interested in:

The Top 8 Spas To Visit in Toronto
10 Perfect Places To Relax With a Spa-Cation in Toronto
8 Green Spaces In Toronto That Will Make You Feel Zen
6 Ontario Getaways To Cure Your Winter Blues
4 Spectacular Wellness Retreats Near Toronto To Visit Right Now

If your bank account allows, it never hurts to book a spa day seasonally. If you’re in the market for a spa experience that won’t feel like a waste of time or money, check out these five notable spa services from some of Toronto’s best spas.

The Rose Gold Facial from the Spa at Four Seasons Toronto

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhRoeObF4wH/?taken-by=fstoronto

Fresh from a little nip ‘n tuck, the Spa at Four Seasons Toronto now debuts a jewel tone oasis – complete with gold and stone accents, brass branches, and flowers  – and a shiny new spa reception (offering the only excuse you need to book an appointment). In addition to the space, the spa menu has also been updated, with popular new treatments including things like the Rose Gold Facial, a 75-minute oxygen-boosting treatment that uses rose quartz crystals to tone and tighten skin. The entire experience leaves the skin refreshed and hydrated, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and renewing youthful elasticity.

North Medical Spa

https://www.instagram.com/p/BayuYNIl9TA/?taken-by=northmedical

North Medical Spa strives to remove the stigma surrounding enhancements and embrace the community where women have the confidence to brag about their preferred treatments and share their beauty secrets openly.

Owner Amanda Mizen, dreamed up a location that feels as comfortable and cool as your best friends living room and, where staff listen more than they speak. “We’re not here to tell you what you need or what’s hot…we’re here to deliver what you want.”  Whether that’s a tiny touch-up or total transformation, North Medical’s services are fully customized to your desired outcome.

The Divine Body Treatment at Miraj Caudalie Spa

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg4ZV21HuBt/?taken-by=mirajcaudalieto

For a fresh start for the warmer season, reverse the toll the brutal winter had on your skin (i.e. roughness and dryness) with the Divine Body Treatment from Miraj Caudalie Spa in the Shangri-La Hotel, as you’re scrubbed down with a luxurious body treatment based with sugar, Hibiscus, sesame seed, and grape seed oil to seriously exfoliate and nourish the skin. The refreshing treatment (you’ll literally feel like they’ve scrubbed off a whole other person) is complete with a 30-minute relaxation massage.

The Deep Siam Massage at Elmwood Spa

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJBKXGghDQG/?taken-by=elmwoodspa

Hit one of Toronto’s oldest spas, Elmwood Spa, for a soothing massage with a side of water therapies and a quality meal in your robe. Elmwood Spa’s Deep Siam Massage targets muscle pain, stress-induced muscle tension, fatigue, and even recovery from that lingering spring cold. You can expect a heated Thai herbal compress (that you never knew was missing in your life) to restore and redirect energy, with herbs like lemongrass plai, turmeric, and Kaffir lime and essential oils to repair the body by balancing the senses, calming the nerves, and revitalizing the skin and tissues. If you’d rather share the experience, the massage is also available for two.

A Mani/Pedi at Hammam Spa

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcmbo5YHkmD/?taken-by=hammamspa

While a manicure and pedicure at Hammam Spa definitely don’t come cheap, if there was ever a time to splurge on all of the frills in the nails department, it’s when those toes finally emerge from hibernation for the season. A mani/pedi at Hammam nail services includes a polish application, cuticle care, nail shaping, and a hydrating massage to complete the experience. As (a very well-received) added bonus, because the service will set you back over $100, you can also detoxify in the spot’s 500-square-foot Hammam Steam Room before and after your treatment.

Rosewater Ice Facial at Sweetgrass Spa

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkAfcuug7tl/?taken-by=sweetgrassspa

Hit Sweetgrass Spa and emerge fresh-faced for spring after their signature Rosewater Ice Facial. Rosewater works to eliminate excess oil from the skin, while tightening pores and diminishing wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps treat and repair skin concerns like acne, clogged pores, rosacea, and ageing skin. Once you’re settled in the spa’s pristine walls, the treatment will include a double cleanse, exfoliation, extractions, Rosewater mist, a scalp massage followed by a customized facial mask, and massage using smooth round ice globes and finishing creams.

Featured image: Instagram/ @elmwoodspa

Posts you might be interested in:

Get Treated Like Royalty At The Revamped Miraj Hammam Spa By Caudalie
My Honest Review Of The Detox Facial At The Hand; Stone Spa at Don Mills
10 Perfect Places To Relax With a Spa-Cation in Toronto
5 Surprising Reasons Why Cannabis Is Great for Moms
5 Affordable Sheet Masks to Keep Your Skin Glowing This Summer