Thermëa Review: Running Hot and Cold in Winnipeg

I am not the best at relaxing. That’s not true. I can do active relaxation—yoga, hiking, watching a movie. Meditation or lounging on the beach, on the other hand, are difficult. I had heard about Thermëa, the new Nordic-style spa that opened in Winnipeg a couple of years ago. It looked like a big deal, and people seemed to be buzzing about it, but I put it in the category of lounging on the beach and dismissed it. As with so many of my assumptions, I was wrong! Thermëa has a different approach to relaxation.

You should know: Steve and I visited Thermëa courtesy of Tourism Winnipeg. As always, views and opinions are my own.

Winter Date at Thermëa

Steve was away on business on Valentine’s Day, so when the opportunity to visit Thermëa came about later in February, it seemed like a good place for a romantic date. Now, Steve prefers hot temperatures and begins shivering with winter’s first snowflake (I often refer to him as The Lizard). Despite that, he didn’t back away when I told him we were going to a spa with outdoor components that featured cold and warm pools of water. In Winnipeg. In February.

Photo Credit: NORDIK /PHOTOLUX

We arrived at 6 p.m. on a Saturday night, and after a quick orientation, we were given electronic wristbands that opened our private lockers where towels and plush bathrobes awaited us (you can bring your own bathrobe to save the $12 rental cost). Mobile phone use and cameras in the spa area are not permitted (I snuck one photo in to set the scene with permission from the supervisor).

Some Background

Thermëa in Winnipeg is the offspring of Nordik located in Chelsea, Quebec, which is apparently the largest spa in North America. Both locations feature a variety of relaxation techniques that follow spa traditions originating in Nordic countries.

Thermëa has sixteen different areas that are destined to have you feeling like a wet noodle after you’ve indulged in them. The surroundings are sleek and modern in that Nordic minimalist way.

The premise of the spa is based on a warm-cold-rest cycle of relaxation. The first step is heating your core temperature, you then engage your adrenalin by immersing yourself in cold (we actually do that every day during a Winnipeg winter), followed by a period of rest to turn off the adrenalin, which apparently releases endorphins and a deep sense of relaxation. Thermëa recommends you repeat this cycle three times for optimal benefit.

Heating Up

Rather than the passive experience I was expecting there is actually a lot of activity involved in a visit to Thermëa. We decided to begin warming our core in the steam and exfoliation area. Inside were two separate steam rooms featuring either orange or eucalyptus aromatics. The steam immediately wraps your body like a blanket and Steve’s lizard self was supremely content.

Photo Credit: NORDIK /PHOTOLUX

The exfoliation area houses one or two people at a time. Large bowls of a salt-like mixture that smelled like balsam are available to apply to your skin. After a bit of a rub, you can rinse yourself off under either a warm or cool shower head. We loved this whole area bouncing from the steam rooms to the exfoliation centre and back again.

Aufguss Ritual

As part of our orientation, we learned that at 6:30 we would hear a loud gong indicating that the Aufguss ritual was about to begin in the Finish sauna area. There, a sauna meister would prepare a special aromatic sauna and then use various motions with a towel to disburse the essential oil vapours throughout the room. Apparently, there is an annual international competition for this skill, and a sauna meister from Nordik competed last year.

Whaaat?

Ok, sounds a bit “out there” and even though it was explained to us ahead of time, I was not quite sure what to expect.

Photo Credit: NORDIK /PHOTOLUX

The aufguss ritual turned out to be one of the cooler aspects of the evening (figuratively not temperature-wise). It’s a mix of performance, music, scent, and sweat, so all of your senses are engaged.

Our sauna meister was a petite, fit young woman who I’m certain had some dance training. She began by ladling water over the large rocks area followed by tossing on large balls of ice, which I assume contained the essential oils. While evocative jazz music played, she swirled a towel as she spun and lunged to disburse the aroma. There were three cycles using mandarin, balsam, and eucalyptus. The spectacle was completely hypnotic.

Bring on the Cold

After the steam room and aufguss ritual, our bodies were as hot as they were going to get. The next step was to take a plunge in the polar pool. Alternatively, you can stand under a cold waterfall. The pool is 15 C. If you’ve ever gone swimming in early June in a Manitoba lake, this pool is likely warmer than what you have experienced. However, it’s outside, and this was February with an air temperature of about -15.

It took a leap of faith. A quick swim across takes about 5 seconds. Of course, you could lounge in there for a few minutes if you’re a VAMPIRE WITH NO BLOOD. It’s bracing! I could certainly feel the adrenalin kick in, which combined with a feeling of shock because Steve actually took the plunge! Steve doesn’t even drink water that is lower than room temperature.

Resting

This is where I think we cheated. Following the polar plunge, we headed for the luke-warm pool quickly followed by the hot tub rather than retreating to the relaxation centre or fire pit.

Photo Credit: NORDIK /PHOTOLUX

The hot tub is ethereal. As you ease yourself in, sliding your hand down the icy handrails, steam rises from the water, which adds to the otherworldly effect. It was a cloudy evening, but on a clear night, I bet the stars are lovely overhead.

We did finally make our way to the relaxation pavilion. Here you can revive with herbal tea or citrus infused waters while you rest on heated loungers. Alternatively, you can head into the no-talking zone and lie on a heated stone or comfy mattress. There were headphones at each station, although we didn’t check them out.

Repeat & Eat

Steve did two cycles, and I did three before it was time to head in for dinner at the on-site resto.

No need to change into clothes. Virtually everyone in the resto was wearing a robe, which looks odd at first glance. If this is your last stop for the evening, you might want to change into street clothes – especially if you didn’t towel off each time before putting your robe on between stations (see novice tip above).

We dined on the four-course table d’hôte menu. We had an amuse bouche, and then a choice of starter, main, and dessert – the last three courses come with wine pairings. Between the two of us, we tried every option other than the vegetarian.

Beet Borscht, Strawberry Arugula Salad, PEI Mussels, New Zealand Lamb Shank, Cornish Game Hen

We both thought the food was good. I’m not sure we’d make an effort to visit the restaurant without attending the spa, but it’s a nice option to round out the full experience of an indulgent night out. Perusing the menu, I saw a cheese plate. That might hit the spot with a glass of wine if you’re spending an afternoon and don’t want a full meal.

Overall Impressions

We came away from our Thermëa date night impressed. It’s certainly like no other spa experience we’ve had before. For me, the fact that you move from station to station and are engaged in some activity suits my kind of relaxation. On the other hand, if you want to just veg out with a book by the fire or on a heated lounger, people were doing that as well.

At $53 (weekends) and no time limit on your visit, this is a great value considering the amenities. It really does feel like a mini-getaway. We think it’s a perfect prairie winter activity when you’re longing for deep warmth and your skin is wind weary. Not only did my skin feel silky smooth, but I also had an excellent night’s sleep following our visit. I think I actually achieved relaxation! The Lizard enjoyed it too and wants to go back.

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