Relaxing Getaway at Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain

We found ourselves in Blue Mountain again, but this time, for a relaxing getaway at the Scandinave Spa.  If you’re in Toronto, take a break from the busy city life and treat yourself for a day at Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain.  Even if you’re just visiting Toronto for vacation, a 2-hour drive to this spa will be worth your time.

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain

Surrounded by nature, Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain sets itself apart from other spas with its beautiful forest setting.  The sound of rustling leaves and the touch of the cold breeze on our faces as our bodies were comforted in the hot bath added to the feeling of relaxation and calmness.  The trees, flowers, lake, and its beautiful setup of cabins, firewood, and other rustic decors made us feel one with nature.

To get the full Scandinavian bath experience, we followed the recommended hot-cold-rest cycle.

Hot baths, Norwegian steam bath and saunas

First step is to warm up to open the pores and begin the detoxifying process.  This can be done by spending 15 minutes at any of the three hot baths, Finnish sauna, infrared sauna or Norwegian steam bath.

Two hot baths have a temperature of 38.8ºC or 102ºF.  If you’re up for a higher temp, the third hot bath has a temperature of 40ºC or 104ºF.

Once our bodies adjusted to the heat, it became soothing.  There are also massage jets on the hot baths which we really enjoyed.  I can’t help but feel any stress go away as I closed my eyes, feel the mist on my face and listen to the calming sounds of waterfalls and rustling leaves.

My favorite is the Norwegian steam bath because of its strong but calming eucalyptus scent.  As we went higher on the bench, the hot steam made it harder to breathe, but, it also allowed us to focus more on our breathing.

There are two saunas in Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain.  The wood burning Finnish sauna has a higher temperature of 80ºC or 180ºF while the newly-opened infrared sauna has a lower temperature of 50ºC or 122ºF.  Although it is easier to breathe in the infrared sauna, I liked the intense heat of the Finnish sauna more.  It felt good to lie down on the hot bench and take all the heat in.

Cold plunges

After 15 minutes of warming up, a quick plunge into the VERY cold water or snow is recommended.  The cold plunge is needed to rinse the toxins from the skin and to close the pores.  The temperatures of the cold plunge are 21.6ºC or 71ºF and 20ºC or 68ºF but after coming from the hot bath, the cold plunge seemed ice-cold.  I was successful at doing this only once, during my last attempt for the cold plunge.  It sent a shock to my body but it was worth it.  We noticed a difference in how we felt after the complete cold plunge.  Lesson learned, it’s better to submerge quickly!

Relaxation at the solariums, hammocks, and Muskoka chairs

After the sudden change from extreme temperatures, it is important to rest.  If you want the fresh breeze while relaxing, you could lay on a hammock or read a book at a Muskoka chair.  If you prefer to relax indoors, Scandinave Spa has three solariums which have lounge chairs, magazines, solemn music, and large windows with tranquil views.

After our successful cold plunge, we relaxed at one of the solariums.  At first we tried to read some magazines but the overwhelming need to rest came.  We ended up taking a quick nap!  Completing this step is crucial because you would feel completely rejuvenated afterwards.  You can repeat the cycle as many times as you want.  We did the whole cycle at least thrice! 🙂

The Bistro

The baths made us hungry so we bought some breakfast granola bar, peanut butter bar and a cranberry cream tea.  All of which tasted delicious!

Overall experience

We had a wonderful time at the Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain and we are already looking forward to return for a couple’s massage.  This quick getaway is the most relaxing and loveliest we had near Toronto.  The spa felt like a health and wellness retreat in the middle of nature.  We had a quiet and solemn experience which left us revitalized and feeling better, both mind and body.  

Tips for your trip to the Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain:

1.  Beat the crowd and come early.

Access at Scandinavian baths start at 9:15am but people arrive as early as 8:30 am.  If you come at a later time, you would need to line up outside.

2.  Regular rate for all-day access is $55 but Wednesdays are cheaper

On Wednesdays, the rate is $45.

3.  Bring your bathing suit, robe, sandals, and water bottle

If you forget anything, they sell merchandises at the lobby.

4.  Keep yourself hydrated

5.  No need to bring towels or toiletries

Upon check-in, you will be provided with 2 towels and a key to a locker.  The washrooms are also complete with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and hairdyer.

6.  Consider getting a massage

You would also get free access to the Scandinavian baths and get to come in as early as 8:45 am.

7.  For best views, visit Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain during fall or winter

Thanks to Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain for accommodating us on our visit!  As always, all opinions are my own.

For more details, you can check here.

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