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WHAT'S NEW
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A spa vacation in Alberta
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Pamper yourself with a spa vacation in the Canadian Rockies. Visit three spas and a unique wellness centre in Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore and Calgary for the ultimate wellness vacation.
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By Jennifer Melo
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Banff Upper Hot Springs
Photo by: Brenda Falvey/Parks Canada
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If your travel partner loves to ski, but you love to spa, you can each satisfy your desires without compromise in Alberta. You'll find great spas where you can unwind and refresh in beautiful Banff, lovely Lake Louise, captivating Canmore and charismatic Calgary.
A mecca for winter sports enthusiasts, Banff and Lake Louise boast gorgeous views of the majestic Rocky Mountains with fresh-powdered slopes that attract tourists from around the world. Ski season lasts from November to May. But if your ideal vacation involves soothing massages for relaxation rather than heart-racing passes down a mountain for adrenalin junkies, don't worry; you'll find plenty of spas where you can indulge in some precious "me time" and have a truly relaxing vacation.
Banff
While your travel mate skis the day away at Sunshine Village, just a 15-minute drive southeast of Banff, you can indulge in a relaxing soak in mineral waters at Banff Upper Hot Springs. Located in the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, Banff Upper Hot Springs has been drawing travelers to its healing waters for over a hundred years. You'll find a historic bath house characterized by 1930s architecture, a spa and a modern outdoor pool that's filled with hot mineral water. Even if it's cold outside, the 37C to 40C spring-fed water in the pool will keep you warm.
Visit the Parks Canada website for more information on Banff Upper Hot Springs.
When you're ready for your first spa treatment, head to The Red Earth Spa (521 Banff Ave., Banff) in Banff Caribou Lodge. Bring your swimsuit to enjoy the facility's pool or steam room. Try the Accept Facial, a gentle cleansing, toning and exfoliating treatment that'll leave you with gorgeous glowing skin. Visit www.bestofbanff.com/redearthspa for more information.
Lake Louise
A skier's delight, Lake Louise is Canada's biggest ski area with runs on four mountain faces and 4,200 skiable acres of terrain to keep your skiing travel mate happy.
Stay at the gorgeous and historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (111 Lake Louise Dr., Lake Louise) where you can take a sleigh ride around the sprawling property after a day at Escape Spa & Salon, the hotel's on-site spa. Achieve total body relaxation with a simple and satisfying Elemental Nature Massage. Click here for spa services and pricing.
Canmore
Within a short drive to five major ski resorts, Canmore has a reputation as a pleasant meeting spot for skiers and snowboarders.
Take a break from your standard spa facility and let the healing continue at The Canmore Health & Wellness Centre for Integrative, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (105-1001 6th Ave., Canmore). Here, you can learn how to correct your posture-harming habits in a physiotherapy session, be empowered by positive thinking with hypnotherapy and get rid of any lingering tension with active release and hot stone massage therapy -- all in one day. There are more than 15 practitioners working in integrative, complementary and alternative medicine at this centre. You can look forward to a memorable experience that's personalized to address your wants and needs. Visit www.canmorewellnesscentre.com for more information.
Calgary
If you're headed into Calgary before boarding a plane that'll take you home, stop in at The Stillwater Spa (700 Centre St. S.E., Calgary) in the Hyatt Regency Calgary Hotel. Book an Urban Renewal Body Masque, designed to detoxify, exfoliate and hydrate your skin. During this body treatment, you'll feel the healing effects of a warm moist towel that gently hugs your face and melts away the tension you didn't even know you carried in your forehead and cheeks. A heavenly scalp massage will carry you into a dreamlike stupor while your skin soaks in the essential oil enhanced masque. Emerge feeling perfectly relaxed and rejuvenated, ready to take on the world again. Visit www.stillwaterspa.com for more information.
A vacation is the perfect time to indulge in some pampering and relaxation and Alberta's offerings of ski attractions and spa facilities can satisfy ski bums and spa-goers alike. Don't let a limited budget keep you from adding spa time to your travel itinerary; manicures, facials and pedicures can leave you feeling perfectly pampered without breaking the break.
Thanks to Travel Alberta and partners for travel arrangements and accommodations.
Going away? Get all you need to enjoy your summer travels at www.mochasofa.com/summer_escapes.
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