Nordik Spa-Nature: This summer’s most unexpected experience

Hi everyone!

If you’re reading this, it must mean you’re in need of a day at the spa and are interested in knowing more about the Nordik Spa-Nature and its Banyä treatment! If you haven’t yet visited North America’s largest outdoor spa, take this as your sign from above to go ahead and book some pampering time for yourself on your next free day. Trust me when I say there’s no better way to relax.

Nothing compares to the Nordik Spa-Nature

But why should you trust me? You don’t even know me!

Let me introduce myself. My name is Marie, and I’m an Ottawa fashion and lifestyle blogger originally from Belgium (that tiny country between France and Germany). I’ve been on the Ottawa blogging scene for about 3½ years now and have had the chance to travel throughout most of Ontario and Quebec … and let me tell ya, nothing compares to the Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea, its incredible staff, the experiences you can have on site, and the food!

Having been to the Nordik countless times in the last 10 years, I’ve been able to follow the progress of the spa’s renovations and additions. They’ve added new buildings, restaurants, pools, experiences and rest areas, but I have to say the Banyä treatment is by far one of the best things you can do during your visit.

One of my best friends and I signed up for the Banyä treatment earlier this summer, and I thought I’d give you a quick recap of our time there to give you a better idea of what you can expect when booking the treatment.

The Banyä treatment

It all started with a shot of vodka … No kidding, they sat us down pre-Banyä and spent a few minutes explaining the origin of the experience we were about to have. It turns out this is a Russian treatment, so, of course, the tradition is to start with a shot of vodka. (It’s also supposed to help prepare your heart before you spend almost an hour in the sauna.)

Basically, you spend 4 sessions of 15 minutes inside the on-site Russian sauna. The four steps are: infusion with birch veniks (brooms made from birch branches infused in hot water); exfoliation with salt and essential oils; the most anticipated (and terrifying) whipping ritual with birch veniks; and finally the celebratory Aufguss ritual.

You read that right: whipping ritual with branches. When you hear these words, your mind immediately goes to something a lot worse than it actually is. In fact, it’s quite enjoyable to lie on your belly and have someone whip you with birch branches from your head to your toes. It gets your blood pumping and it’s really good for your skin! At first I asked our guide to go easy on me, but I soon asked him to up the intensity—and if I can handle it, you can too!

The entire experience was unlike anything I’d ever done, and I’m already planning to go back before the summer ends to bask in the last warm rays of sunshine on one of the suspended beds, enjoy the Biërgarden terrace, and get my little body whipped once more! 

Don’t forget to book in advance!

Make sure to book your Banyä treatment before you head to the spa, since they offer only two sessions a day, Monday to Friday at 2 pm and 6 pm, and they fill up fast. You can book your thermal experience online by clicking here.

The Nordik Spa-Nature is open every day, Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 11 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 9 am to midnight.

I’d love to know if you’ve experienced the Banyä treatment and what you thought of it. Would you do it again, and if so, who would you take with you?