Spas

Water is the driving force of all nature.

Leonardo Da Vinci

Da Vinci was absolutely right. It is a powerful element which can transform everything. As you may or may not know, I LOVE the water, whether it is a river, lake and oh yes, the mighty ocean!

Throughout the years I have developed a healthy habit, which is to restore my senses, revitalize, re-energize and indulge in water therapy, most specifically Spas and Nordic Baths which consist of alternating between hot and cold cycles as well as rest periods in between. This allows the body to release all stress, toxins and leave you in a complete and relaxing state. It is a mind-body-soul experience that has no price tag.

To be completely honest with you, I had been postponing my visit since I had been quite focused and occupied on a few things (work wise) and you probably (or may not already) know this but I LIVE for road trips! Time had finally come to escape or get away from the city and hit the road, heading north.

Amerispa is located approximately one and a half hour north of Montreal, in the stunning area (and clearly one of my favorites) The Laurentians, which is dotted with many mountains, lakes and charming towns along the way.

Getting there is very simple, there is only one highway to take and the precise directions on Google Maps make it a breeze!

The views of the valleys, cliffs, mountains and winding roads are post card perfect. The summer truly is a magical season and the lush green panorama is breathtaking. It stays in the eye of your mind for sure.

I followed the signs along the highway and an hour later I found myself in the parking lot of Amerispa Morin-Heights.

Just by looking at the path leading to the reception was a clear indication that I was about to enter a very special place.

Going up those stairs was my workout.

Actually it is a great touch as you come into contact with nature and with each step you take, and rest stop, you take the time to look around or down to see how far you’ve come!

I made it to the top of course and went to the reception area. Upon entering, a smiling face welcomed me.

Vanessa was on duty that morning and she made registration super easy. Since I was there for the Thermal Experience, she handed me the key to the locker assigned and handed a pair of rubber sandals (I actually brought my own but took them anyway).

She then proceeded to explain where everything is located in the spa from the panoramic window.

I went downstairs to change and was more than ready for the relaxing journey ahead 🙂

There is a plush white robe and fluffy towel already in the locker and must be brought back at the end of your stay.

I must say that the location is not that big but yet it has that intimate feel which I really liked at first glance.

First item on my Thermal Experience? The Eucalyptus Steam Room

I already shared with you that I suffered from Asthma at some point in my life and my lungs were obviously affected, thus I make sure to treat them right and strengthen my system. Therefore I went in and sat in the very hot room for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Inside the eucalyptus-scented steam goes straight to your airways and is so soothing! I felt as if I was getting an inner cleanse.

Sitting on the steps and feeling the drops falling from the ceiling over your skin reminds anyone to stop with the 1001 racing thoughts and focus on the moment. That sacred space and silence is really something we should all value and seek more often.

I’ll be totally honest with you and tell you that I was giving thanks to the universe for actually being able to be present there and how it was a gift! Moments like those are rare and cannot be repeated, so it must be cherished and greatly appreciate it.

Once I felt that my lungs and airways were very clean and fresh, I had to refresh my skin, basically cool off.

I stepped outside and headed to the Nordic Falls

I gathered my courage and slowly entered the icy cold water which almost made me scream! It was necessary, so I dipped down and came right back up in a few seconds and it wasn’t that cold anymore. My heart was sure racing but that made me feel so alive. Then after being acclimatized, I moved towards the second of the falls, which is a source of rushing water and it was like a thousand piercing needles hitting your body all at once.

It’s like they wash all your worries and pain away in an instant and the power of the water again here prevails! Not only it cleanses or purifies, it uplifts, rejuvenates, re-energize and yes it realigns your chakras in one swoop, I totally felt that and frankly, I LOVED it!

It was now time to give the body some time to recover and relax.

Around the property there are several resting areas, both indoors and outdoors. Since it was a stunner of a day (well the summer has been spectacular so far, no complaints), I opted for staying outside. I chose a chaise-longue right by a hill and surrounding nature.

As an avid book reader, I had brought my own literature to finish while drying out in the sun. A recyclable plastic bag is provided, thus I used it to put in my glasses, book and refillable water bottle to carry around.

This was my view, very nice eh?

It was a moment of pure joy and happiness if you ask me. The day couldn’t get any better than that.

After finishing reading, I wanted to walk around and explore the property. You know that I am curious, adventurous AND restless all at once and I just had to do it!

That little adventure reminded me that I had to continue with the second part of the thermal experience.

It was now time to head to the Finnish Sauna

The room is small, with wooden planks where you sit or lie down and sweat it out. The temperature is pretty high, between 70 – 80 Degrees. It helps your skin pores open and release more toxins and let it all evaporate.

I must admit that this was a bit more difficult on the lungs but most particularly on the breathing. I could feel my nostrils hurt a bit, thus I stayed only 5-10 minutes.

A group of people came in and that was a clear sign for me to leave which I did and decided to cool down in one of the outdoor whirlpools.

The water was lukewarm, not too hot, not too cold, just right and the best thing was that I had it to myself for a few moments!

I let the streams massage my back. I completely let myself go and relaxed by floating and stared at the sky. Nature’s original soundtrack (birds chirping) was a bonus. That soft breeze and sun rays on my skin made me appreciate the experience even more.

Some whispers were heard, so I looked up and saw a group of female friends and a couple that were getting ready to come in the water, once again it was my signal to leave and get some rest.

Honestly I was feeling sleepy, thus I went back to the area where I had rested before (it had a great vibe), I put some sunscreen lotion and worked on my suntan.

Truth be told, I lost track of time and you know what? It was fine with me. I slept like a baby and allowed myself to just be. It’s not every day that I get to completely unplug, detox (well digitally) and enjoy such a nurturing, healing and sacred space or environment. EVERYONE should absolutely do it, once a month at least or more! Our health is our wealth right?

Well all good things come to an end but I did not want to leave. Sadly, I had to come back to reality, to the real world.

Driving back was such a pleasure; I felt like I was floating on cloud nine and it was as if a heavy weight was lifted from my shoulders!

It was my first time visiting one of Amerispa’s locations and I was told they have other locations around the province and I must go back for more.

I would like to thank them for welcoming me as their guest even for a short period of time which I really enjoyed.

I invite you to find out more

Amerispa Nordique Morin-Heights

160 Rue Watchthorn

Morin-Heights, Quebec

J0R 1H0

Telephone: (450) 226-7722

on their site and social media profiles

Website: http://www.amerispa.ca/en/spas/details/nordic-spas/morin-heights/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmerispaSpaNordiqueMorinHeights/

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