Stay & Play

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

by Jennifer Merrick

Hot-warm-cold-rest-repeat. This outdoor hydrotherapy circuit is the foundation of the Nordic Spa. Esteemed for its therapeutic and stress-relieving properties, it has long been a staple spa experience in Scandinavia and Quebec. And now, it can be enjoyed in Alberta at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

Located an hour west of Calgary in the scenic Kananaskis Valley, this resort — part of the Marriott Autograph Collection –was everything a mountain retreat should be. Their 247 recently renovated guest rooms and suites were well-designed with large windows that showed off the jagged peaks of the Rockies; wood-burning fireplaces and cozy furnishings combine seamlessly with modern conveniences; and it has one of the most comfortable beds I’d ever slept in.

Restaurant choices included the Forte Restaurant, which featured favourite Italian dishes, especially the handmade pizzas done in wood-oven fires, and the Cedar Room. This more upscale eatery emphasised regional and seasonally inspired dishes. It was here I relished my first Albertan steak, which was justifiably famous for its juicy, tender textures and big flavours.

Surrounded by wilderness with well-maintained hiking trails, it was easy to succumb to the lure of the mountains at the resort’s doorstep or venture a little farther and explore the popular mountain attractions of Banff National Park and Canmore.

But we couldn’t forget the Nordic Spa. With the exception of the cold plunge (which was apparently excellent for the body’s circulation and immune system but tortuous to endure), every station had its own unique bliss: three different types of saunas, eucalyptus and alchemist steam rooms, hot and warm pools and an exfoliation cabin. The latter, inspired by the traditional Turkish Hamman, was an extra touch, designed to be the last stop, where you’re given salts to scrub off dead skin.

So here, the prescribed Nordic spa method was hot-warm-cold-rest-repeat and then exfoliate. It’s only a recommendation, of course. Personally, my circuit was: relax in the hot tub and look at the snow-peaked mountains while building resolve to jump in the cold plunge pool. Then stand at the edge of the plunge pool and count to three –dip my right toes in –beeline to the steam rooms. Once again, stand at the edge of the cold station and count to three – dip my left toes in — head straight back to the hot tub and look at the mountains, vowing to give up on the cold plunge — and then exfoliate.

But nevertheless, I emerged from the Nordic Spa soaked, steamed and scrubbed. And more importantly, feeling invigorated and relaxed, which was a perfect combination to enjoy the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

www.lodgeatkananaskis.com