I’d like to think that in some small part I helped make Le Nordik in Chelsea, QB what it has and still is becoming. At least I remember the time when you could walk in, change and enjoy the entire day of spa-ing without hardly seeing anyone. It’s been 9 years since we left Ottawa and, boy, have things changed. Le Nordik is working hard to innovate and to retain it’s title as Canada’s largest spa.
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About the time that I was moving away from Ottawa, Le Nordik was busily constructing their new phase, which includes 3 new saunas (maybe four), a flotation tank, a panorama pool and more fun relaxation space ‘en natur’. So last month when I visited, it was a pleasure to see the new arrivals.
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Of these new features, I loved the wood burning – fireplace sauna. I believe it was called a meditation sauna. It was among the hotter of the new additions and I felt really retained the initial reason why I loved Le Nordik in the first place. Something about watching a fire burn while you, yourself are burning up, produces a new level of intensity – and perhaps demands a state of meditation to overcome.
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The long-awaited flotation tank was an interesting experience for me. I had actually never been in one before, and likely will not repeat it. Walking down the red-lit staircase, prepares you for the womb-like experience you are about to encounter. After applying the petroleum jelly to my open wounds, I could already sense the salty humidity as I entered the darkened cistern.
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I couldn’t help but chuckle out loud a bit seeing the almost life-less bodies randomly floating in the calf-deep pool, slowly turning in the still water. It was like a sense from a sci-fi movie, where humanoid bodies had been stripped of consciousness by a robot autocracy. But I proceeded.
In the end not quite for me, I just got a little bored. But others that I spoke to said that they could have stayed there all day. I guess I couldn’t quiet my mind like I imagine you might have to when you are just floating in tepid water.
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The panoramic pool opened up the forest view toward the city of Ottawa and though I enjoyed it – it’s sure it’s much more beautiful in the summertime.
Finally, I was happy to see the the Aufguss ritual was alive and well. Though I did notice that it was not quite as hot as when they were first experimenting, so the middle sauna seat could have easily been the top.
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Overall I’m happy with the changes, however I was quite unhappy with the 45 minute line-up that followed these changes. This wait at the start really impacts the ability to truly have the full relaxation experience. I am however especially excited to see their new grotto – I think they are calling it ‘Caverna’ and their ‘banya’. I’m wondering whether they will actually doing a venik. The new yoga studio will be loved by many.
Such an amazing place still, and growing. Can’t wait for the next time that I’m there.
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