Healed by nature. The benefits of adding forest bathing to your visit.
Translated from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses. It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.
Here at the Scandinave Spa Whistler, we’re big believers in the restorative power of nature. Surrounded in all directions by majestic soaring mountains, and lush coastal forests, it’s impossible to not feel connected to our local environment.
Our spa grounds are internationally known for their natural beauty, and deeply relaxing hydrotherapy experience, but many people may not be aware of how they can take advantage of the surrounding forest to further elevate their spa experience.
Whether it’s before your visit to help relax, or after to extend your post spa bliss, the practice of forest bathing is the perfect companion activity to your visit to our spa. Learn more about the benefits taking advantage of this Japanese practice on your next visit to the Scandinave Spa Whistler.
CALM YOUR MIND
Our daily lives are so fast paced it’s not surprising that people can sometimes find it difficult to allow themselves to fully relax. A great way to start to unwind before your spa experience is with a leisurely walk in the forest. Positioned just steps from Lost Lake Park, and its network of trails, our location offers the opportunity for you to enjoy a pre-spa stroll and forest bathing.
On the path from our parking lot to the front entrance, you can join onto a trail into Lost Lake. Take your time, breathe deeply, and savour your surroundings. As you relax and become more mindful allow yourself to take in the small details like the smell of the fresh air, the sounds of birds or leaves rustling, or the deep green of the moss-carpeted forest floor. You’ll arrive in the perfect head space to savour a deeply relaxing hydrotherapy experience.
PREPARE YOUR BODY
The human body is made to move. Unfortunately, our daily lives often require being stationary for long periods of time. Whether it’s from sitting day after day at a desk job, or driving here on the Sea to Sky highway, getting your body moving before your visit can help you prepare for ultimate relaxation. For the perfect length of stroll before your visit, we recommend taking advantage of parking at Spruce Grove Park and walking to the spa. The journey takes about 15 minutes and will help you arrive with loose muscles and a relaxed mind.
Directions from Spruce Grove Park:
- Park your car anywhere in the Spruce Grove lot. It’s free, so there’s no need to register your car.
- Walk along the pathway between the baseball fields towards Lost Lake Park.
- At the far end of the outfields the path with join onto Centennial Trail. Continue on this trail to the left (North).
- Continue on this trail until you arrive at the Scandinave Spa Whistler.
After your spa experience, your walk back to your car offers a further opportunity to unwind and experience nature in your new deeply relaxed state. Take the time to stop along the way to reflect and enjoy this new deeper connection to nature.
DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
An important element to getting the most from your forest bathing experience (and eventually spa experience) is to allow yourself to be present. While technology has made it easier than ever to stay in constant touch with others, it can have the opposite effect on our own mental well-being.
On our spa grounds we ask that guests not use their phones or other digital technology. We provide secure lockers to keep them safe, and out of sight and mind while you enjoy a tech-free experience. We recommend you do the same for your forest bathing experience. Turn off your phone so your stillness isn’t interrupted by messages or notifications. Disconnecting can feel foreign and difficult at first, but you’ll be amazed how great you’ll feel for just a small break away from your tech.
Ready to start planning your visit to the Scandinave Spa Whistler? Our haven of relaxation and rejuvenation is open seven days a week from 10 am-9 pm. If you have any questions, or to enhance your experience by booking a massage treatment, our guest services can be reached at 1-888-935-2423.