The Nordic bath, also known as Scandinavian bath, is an outdoor spa traditionally made of wood with water heated to between 35 and 38 degrees. Ideally, taking a hot bath in a spa is followed by a cold shower or bath in ice-cold water.
The Nordic Cycle is a hot/cold bath therapy that was popular with Vikings, but has scientific medical advantages too. With the Nordic Cycle, you alternate between hot and cold baths to stimulate your circulation, relieve sore muscles and joints, and improve blood flow to the skin.
First, you relax your muscles and activate blood circulation with a hot sauna or bath. Then, refresh your body by immersing yourself in cold water or rolling in the snow to flush out toxins and release muscle tension. This process is then repeated for as long as you want until you feel soothed and rejuvenated.
Guests to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa are encouraged to start in the hot pool, sauna, or steam room for 15-20 minutes, before moving to the warm pool for 15-20 minutes, taking a polar plunge in the cold pool for as long as you can last, and taking time to rest before repeating the process.
Incorporating Nordic spa treatments into your lifestyle offers a multitude of benefits, from immune system support to enhanced relaxation and improved sleep quality.
To maximize your Nordik Spa-Nature experience, we recommend all guests have a shower prior to entering the spa. For everyone's comfort, all guests wander the spa in their bathing suits and wear their robe at their discretion and when required. Sandals are also required in the spa.
The Nordic Cycle, with its combination of sauna and cold plunge tub sessions, offers a range of health benefits, from improved cardiovascular health and enhanced detoxification to reduced inflammation and better mental clarity.
You'll be happy to learn that your reservation does not have a time limit! However, should you exit the site, you may not re-enter.
Wear Comfortable Undergarments
Choose a supportive bra that allows for easy movement and doesn't dig into your skin. Wearing the right undergarments will ensure that you feel comfortable and confident throughout your spa experience.
As a general rule of thumb, you should budget 2-4 hours to make the most of the Nordic baths. If you add a 60 minute massage to your relaxation experience, you should expect to spend 3-5 hours at the spa.
Transitioning between hot tubs and cold plunges, often referred to as contrast therapy or hot-cold immersion, can provide various health benefits, such as improved circulation, muscle recovery, and stress relief. However, it's important to approach these transitions with caution to avoid potential health risks.
Nordic Signature Massage
Inspired by the hot and cold of the Nordic Spa experience and the wellness heritage of sauna cultures this specialized treatment incorporates warming and cooling elements.
In Lene Andersen's and my recent book The Nordic Secret, we tell the story of visionary Nordic intellectuals and politicians who knew that in times of uncertainty and rapid change, people tend to look for an external authority to anchor themselves. We did it back then, and we are doing it today again.
The Inbeca-designed bi-thermal Swiss shower combines a gentle rainfall created by the central shower head and various massage spray heads built into the walls at different levels. The effect is a gentle massage combined with body temperature changes that make you feel really relaxed.
The Nordic spa is much more than just a trend; it is an authentic invitation to reconnect with nature while taking care of both body and mind. Inspired by Scandinavian traditions, it combines the experience ofintense heat and cold baths, often outdoors, offering a uniquely relaxing and revitalising experience.
There is also evidence that alternating hot and cold water immersion therapy may be an effective recovery treatment for athletes. Contrast water therapy has been shown to reduce the severity of acute injuries.
During the massage, your therapist is likely to ask you to turn over.
A good rule of thumb for tipping in the massage industry is between 15% and 20% of the total service cost, which is the standard practice in the broader service industry. This range is widely accepted as a standard gesture of appreciation for satisfactory to excellent service, and is a perfectly acceptable tip.
Let your therapist know what makes you feel most comfortable. Avoid holding your breath, tensing your muscles, or using your phone during the session. It's also best to avoid eating a heavy meal or consuming alcohol beforehand, as these can make the experience less enjoyable.
We want to ensure that you get the most out of your moment of relaxation, which is why we've compiled a list of everything you need to know. First massage? Click here! Please note: for gratuity purposes, we ask you to provide an exact amount of cash since money exchanges will not be available for the time being.
Rent a cottage at Nordik
Two cottages are available, within walking distance of the spa, where you can stay with your family, friends, or colleagues. Do you have a moment to highlight?
Yes, all our massage therapists are accredited and, as such, can issue receipts for insurance purposes. We do suggest you validate your coverages with your insurance provider to confirm their requirements prior to your reservation.
While spot reduction is not possible through exercise alone, saunas can play a supportive role in reducing overall body fat percentage, including belly fat. The increased metabolic rate and calorie burn induced by sauna therapy can contribute to a calorie deficit, which is essential for fat loss.
Not only do the Baths provide relaxation, they also have many healing benefits. Alternating between hot, cold and relaxation, these stages work to relieve stress, soothe the skin and muscles, and calm the organs while improving circulation.
Cold plunges help burn fat, improve mood, and boost sleep by activating "cold-shock proteins" in the body which could preserve muscle mass, and reduce cognitive decline and inflammation. Saunas have been linked to heart health, lower cholesterol, reduced inflammation, and better immunity.