Floating Ophelia-like
in a hydrotherapy tub I contemplate the still-bare trees etched against blue sky. Adjusting the jets from
rushing river to murmuring brook, I close my eyes and my mind floats in harmony with the flow of the Fundy
tides beyond the window. A spa day is a wonderful way to restore body and mind—to slough off winter’s dried
skin and furrowed brow, to recharge batteries for spring, to relax and be pampered while the world is left
outside.
My spa experience begins at the charming Inn on the Cove & Spa in Saint John, N.B. Relaxing by a
crackling wood fire, beverage in hand, I contemplate the panoramic view and gently rolling waters at the edge
of the property. In addition to the spa, the Inn, a century-old former home, offers water-view accommodation,
dining and rooms for business meetings, hosted by owners Willa and Ross Mavis. Soon I am lying on a massage
bed in a sunny room, my cares receding as the esthetician begins the stress buster. She’s barely begun the
salt-scrub exfoliation and I’m drifting into a state of relaxed bliss.
Spas have been popular since Roman times. The word comes from the expression salus per aquam — health from
water. For centuries people visited European spas to drink or soak in the waters. Today water is an essential
part of spa treatments, reflecting the fact that the human body is about 70 per cent water. This could
explain why I’m in my element as the oligomer sea water completes the exfoliation process.
A full-body massage with moisturizing milk follows — feet carefully encased in warmed booties. Talk about
being plugged-in to relax — I’m more than ready for a facial. A gentle cleansing with rose-petal-scented
lotion is followed by a thorough inspection of skin type and suggestions for care. Algae-based exfoliation
and a purifying serum mask continue the care, finishing with a “sublime youthful” day cream with marine–based
ingredients.
Keep the super-relaxed, post-spa feeling by enjoying a cup of herbal tea and lunch, wave watching or simply
walking the Inn’s unspoiled grounds.
Throughout the Maritimes similar spa experiences can be enjoyed. Every facility has its signature treatments
as well as basics such as therapeutic massage, hot-stone massage, manicures and pedicures, and special
pregnancy massages. All spas emphasize the increasing awareness of health and wellness for both sexes. For
example, Willa Mavis says that because many men attend the Inn for business meetings, they are comfortable
booking facials, massages, waxing and pedicures.
In downtown Halifax, Spirit Spa overlooks the harbour (again the water element), and exudes a cosmopolitan
atmosphere. The facial and body treatments based on ingredients such as blueberries — full of antioxidants —
plums, peaches, rosehips and seasonal fruits, might make you think you’ve found the ultimate Eden.
Owner Linda Brigley says her visitors are mainly busy professionals who need to make the most of their
relaxation time. “Spas are now part of their lifestyle,” she says. “They know what they like and value the
experience.”
Constantly seeking a new “menu,” she recently introduced a jade-stone massage, the first in Eastern Canada.
Similar to hot-stone massage, it balances yin and yang, with alternating hot and cold to stimulate
circulation. Reiki and massage are available and some of Spirit’s favourite treatments are fire and ice
facial, sweet skin organic facial, blueberry body bliss, and the waterfall massage.
Brigley saysmore couples are enjoying quality time together at side-by-side spa treatments, and men are even
visiting solo. “With environmental concerns, people are realizing they need to care for their skin and their
bodies.” Treatments popular with men include all-sports massages, hot-towel facials and soon, sandal-ready
pedicures.
Atlantis Health Spa in Summerside, P.E.I., brings global-inspired treatments to island residents and visitors
alike. With more than three acres of waterfront property, Atlantis is also beautifully situated for
tranquility. Manager Carnah Collins says while relaxing massages and invigorating dry scrubs are popular
services, special treatments give attention to skin and circulation problems and anxiety. Ayurveda-inspired
treatments, based on ancient Indian science, focus on balancing the body’s elements. After consultation,
essential oils, friction massages and inhalation steam treatments, such as shirodhara and neti massage, are
used to ease tension and create a sense of calm. Here too, men settle in for back treatments, sports
manicures and massages for stressed muscles.
Most spa owners recommend a full spa treatment with each change of season, but somehow spring seems like the
time we need it most. Spas also offer specials and packages as Mother’s Day and wedding season approach.
To wrap up (or unwrap, rather) this experience, I savoured a chocolate-truffle body wrap at Escape Spa, Salon
and Studio in Moncton. Full of potent antioxidants, the wrap is perfect for chocolate lovers, and a fresh
twist on the ubiquitous box, often gifted on special occasions.
A dry exfoliation is followed by a coating with a paste of cocoa powder, vanilla oil and marine products,
after which, you are wrapped in a warming blanket while your feet are massaged. Too soon, you shower off
before a cocoa-butter massage. It’s like being inside a box of truffles, and you receive a handmade chocolate
to take home. Call it soft-centre surrender. •
