Solace
The Spa at Banff Springs Hotel
by Madelyn Miller
With cascading waterfalls, mineral whirlpools and indoor and outdoor salt water pools, Solace is a retreat within a retreat. There are many ways in which guests can choose to melt away stress, with 16 treatment rooms, private solariums, lounges with fireplaces, steam rooms and saunas. Available treatments range from soothing to invigorating and include various types of body treatments, wraps, mineral/herb baths, facial treatment and massages.
Then I had an Aromatherapy Wrap. ($50 for 25 minutes) I must say I smelled great and so did all my treatmental. A nurturing technician applied a thermal mineral-rich cream combined with aromal-henapy oils. Then during the wrap, my face was gently massaged with an age-old 15 point acupressure exercise. My body was so pampered, I could hardly roll over for my Aroma Therapy Massage ($60 for 25 minutes, $95 for 50 minutes). This is an ancient art in which the essential oils of flowers and herbs are applied to the body for their healing, beautifying and soothing properties. Aromatherapy is for the emotional body, as well as for the physical body. Benefits occur through caring, hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and restore lost balance to mind, body and soul. And it works! This special massage incorporates a blend of Swedish, Shiatsu, and lymph drainage massage to apply an essential oil formula which is specifically prepared for the individual client. I went down the night before to sniff the oils and then chose a calming formula. The benefits come from the penetration and aroma of the oils into the body and relaxation invoked by the hands-on treatment. I finished with Reflexology (25 minutes for $60, 50 minutes for $95). In this unique massage technique, the therapist uses his thumbs and fingers on reflex areas located on the feet. These areas correspond to specific glands, organs and other parts of the body. This relieves stress and improves circulation. My reflexologist suggested I have a facial. But my body couldn't take any more pleasure in one day. I did agree to come back in the morning for a Fango Facial ($60 for 25 minutes, $95 for 50 minutes). This facial treatment is based on a unique all-natural Italian Fango Mud, rich in thermal water derived of minerals and trace elements to deep cleanse the skin while restoring youthful vitality. It included a skin analysis, heated hand treatment and a relaxing massage of the face and shoulders. As I lay on the table, looking out at the snow-covered mountains, I thought I was in heaven. The spa food at Solace is extraordinary. One night at a banquet, we were served an elaborate 5 course meal. At the end of the meal, the chef announced the dinner contained only 850 calories. Sighs of disbelief were heard around the table. I had virtuously declined dessert because I was sure it was a million calories. Wrong! For snacks or a quick meal, try the Solace Lite Restaurant. Although the Banff Spring Hotel has several restaurants, I went to Solace Lite Restaurant every morning once I discovered the cereal bar ($9 Canadian -- which at $6 American is a bargain). The bar has every kind of cereal and fiber you have ever tasted and more. I loved piling on the walnuts, almonds, dried blueberries and cherries and then topping it with yogurt. How would I rate Solace? During the week I was there, I lost 6 pounds, had a great time snowmobiling, enjoyed the baths, pools and treatments, and returned home rejuvenated. What is your idea of a perfect refuge? Are you skiing down a mountain covered with a thick blanket of snow? Playing a round of golf on a course with challenging fairways and manicured greens? Or are you simply being pampered with a variety of facial, wraps and massages? Solace has a variety of options and packages. "The Alpine" is the ideal package for any ski buff. Enjoy the rush of the mountains as you schuss down world class slopes. Package includes spa lunch or boxed lunch for the slopes, 50 minute massage of you choice, unlimited use of the spa amenities, plus a tri-area interchangeable lift ticket with transportation included ($145 per person daily). A gold lover's dream is realized in "The Fairways" package ($180 per person daily). It combines Banff Springs Hotel Championship Course and World Class Spa. Play the famous 27 hole course in the heart of the Rockies while also enjoying the use of all Solace amenities. Package includes golf green fees for 18 holes with cart plus spa lunch in the Solace Lite Restaurant or at the Golf ClubHouse, 50 minutes massage of your choice, and unlimited use of the spa amenities. |
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The Romans believed that the only way to unwind from the routine of everyday life was a trip to the baths, and that true wellness only could be achieved through Solus per Aqua (Health by Water). It is this philosophy that Solace adheres to in relieving your mind of the worries of the day and replenishing your body with all its valuable minerals.
I was lucky enough to attend the Solace opening weekend (after weeks of travel it was the perfect time to bliss out and be pampered.) I experienced several treatments and my body is eager to go back anytime to experience more. I started with a Solace Aroma Therapy Mineral Bath ($50 for 25 minutes -- it may have been the most expensive bath I ever had.) It was soothing and rejuvenating. It combined the benefits of pure essential oils and Hungarian thermal waters. (Hungary is a land especially well known for its therapeutic thermal mineral waters.)