The Nordik Spa-Nature is the largest spa in North America, casually tucked away in the postcard-perfect town of Old Chelsea with a population of just under 7,000 people. It sits in the Outaouais region on the edge of Gatineau Park and is home to a 50-50 split of native French and English speakers.
While many relaxation techniques are used at the spa, the focus is on thermotherapy. This involves going back and forth between hot and cold followed by periods of rest. As the name of the spa implies, it’s a tradition that has been associated with Nordic countries for at least 2,000 years. Many health benefits are attributed to the practice’s healing properties.
Baths and Spa Services
With 10 outdoor baths, an infinity pool, and a saltwater flotation pool, there is no shortage of soaking options at the Nordik. Outdoor pools are surrounded by cultivated landscaping and architecture reminiscent of a ski lodge. It’s cozy, peaceful, and at the center of nature. In sun or snow, guests are equally as comfortable here.
The Källa treatment involves spending some quality time floating in an underground Epsom salt pool enjoying the feeling of weightlessness modeled after the Dead Sea. It’s five meters deep with one ton of salt mixed into the 1200 cubic feet of water. The pool stands at 98℉ and is surrounded by low mood lighting and silence.
Relaxation comes in many forms, and soaking is just one of them. If you prefer dry heat, nine saunas await your presence. Some have scheduled Aufguss rituals, where a host will circulate hot air formed by essential oil-infused snowballs melted over the heat source. It’s as much a show and olfactory experience as it is a full-body stress eliminator.
An exfoliation room designed for clearing the skin of dead cells will make you feel like a whole new person. Facials and other body treatments are also available. Add one of many types of massages at one of the outdoor pavilions or in the blissful indoor rooms, and you might just want to stay forever.
The wide range of options may just lead you to discover a whole new realm of relaxation with a treatment you’ve never experienced before.
For those looking to move their body and focus on the mind, a yoga and meditation room is also open to guests. When the stress and tension are gone, or after a round of thermotherapy, exhausted guests can find peace in one of many resting places around the property. If you need a little shut-eye before your next spa treatment, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon here.
Dining
There is not just one dining option available at the Nordik Spa-Nature but four. Four restaurants sit on the property and delight guests with their wares.
The first is Restö, touted as intimate dining with a seasonal menu and a large wine selection. The Biërgarden comes with a panoramic view of the sea along with the gourmet treats on its menu. Organic beer from a local microbrewery and specialty cocktails elevate your evening even further.
Friends and groups will be delighted by the Panorama Lounge, a space designed for enjoying good company as well as good food. The views here are also spectacular and overlook Gatineau and Ottawa.
And finally, there is the Mëzz | Café. The Mëzz is simply a place for a break. Grab a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate as you rest. Small bites you might find at a coffee shop are available. As evening approaches, guests can take advantage of the terrace and aperitifs.
In short, there are dining options for every mood and occasion at the Nordik. Food and drinks alike are fresh, local, and full of the creativity the spa has been known to inspire.
Cabins and Lofts
Two types of accommodations can be reserved for overnight guests. Perched at the top of a hill offering picturesque views of Gatineau Park and downtown Ottawa are two modern forest cottages that can host up to ten people, perfect for a gathering with friends and family.
These three-bedroom charmers are full of natural light from walls of windows making them ideal for curling up with a good book in between soaks. Balconies and outdoor barrel saunas are included with both.
Also open for business are the Lofts de Village in downtown Chelsea. Studios have space for up to two people, and lofts can host two to four. Breakfast is included at the cafe across the street.
Check prices, availability or book Nordik Spa-Nature | Chelsea
Getting There
The spa is 20-minutes from downtown Ottawa. Take A. 5 North all the way to Chelsea. Then, get off on exit 12. Continue on Chem. Old Chelsea to the Nordik.
Details
Address: 16 Chem. Nordik, Chelsea QC J9B 2P7, Canada
Phone: +1 819-827-1111
Season: Year-round
Website: chelsea.lenordik.com/en
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