Training for Book Authors
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
Truly, Madly, Deeply Relaxed: Stillwater Spa
Copyright (c) 2007-2023 Travel Alberta, All Rights Reserved
Written by: Travel Alberta
Spa vacations can last an hour or a week. Within an hour, it's the attention to details at Stillwater that lets the cumulative weight of the work week in my shoulders begin to drift, as water and hands gentle my back. And the relentlessly reassuring sound of the Vichy water, sprayed from the nozzles above, shoos my tangled worries away as if they were tumbleweeds.
If only I'd known that to be brushed, rubbed with Brazilian sea salts, slathered in mud, tucked in a cocoon, scrubbed with a Canadian Maple concoction and scalp massaged until my head tingled would result in my new, enlightened understanding of the word 'serenity'.
I would have tried it sooner, rather than rushing afterwards to schedule these treatments at Stillwater (at the Hyatt Regency Calgary) as a gift for my wife. I mean, every guy likes to score some points, and this is a sure-fire winner.
But that's the only rushing that arose from my spa vacation (over the course of a morning) spent at Stillwater Spa. I live in Calgary, but for business and leisure travellers, this oasis of calm should be a welcome respite from the hurly burly of getting things done daily – whether you're passing through the city toward a Canadian Rocky Mountains holiday or preparing for a summer event like the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede (July 7-16 this year).
Alberta's international gateway cities of Calgary (gateway to the Canadian Rocky Mountains) and Edmonton (gateway to the North) are each home to world class urban spas that provide swift access to unruffled peace. Here's a look at some urban spa options when you're visiting Calgary or Edmonton. Please check website resources at the bottom of this story for pricing.
Treatments Spotlight: Stillwater (Hyatt Regency Calgary)
Cool water garnished with a thin wedge of grapefruit; the fluffy white robe and blue massaging sandals; the treatment room, with its inspired and peaceful bowl arrangement, set out and then rolled up in a bamboo mat. All set the tone for a superb spa experience beneath dimmed lights.
I started the morning at the Hyatt with a signature breakfast dish, a new addition to the Hyatt hotel menus that provides selections which reflect regional tastes and traditions. It gives you a way into local flavours that you might not find otherwise. And you'll find that there are regional slants in the spa treatments as well.
Stillwater Assistant Spa Director Jennifer Cooke designed the Canadian Maple Body Scrub, a regional specialty. Stillwater is the spa brand for the Hyatt and you'll find each location has certain signatures, including scents.
Jennifer began my spa vacation with a full body loofah exfoliation. A combination of Brazilian (okay, not Canadian) sea salts, essential oils and fragrances is enhanced with the Canadian Maple scrub, which carries a fairly light scent that echoes Canadian Maple syrup (though this scent is more likely to transport you to sweet memories of the forest, rather than the breakfast table).
Once you're thoroughly exfoliated, you can enjoy the therapeutic Vichy shower aimed at each and every tender area, including those sometimes achy, precise points on your back and legs.
Urban Renewal Body Masque
Another treatment that works well for the urban traveller is the Urban Renewal Body Masque. This one is designed to detoxify and hydrate the city dweller's skin, and given Calgary's dry winds, it's a good one. You can customize your mud with a variety of blends. I chose Green Tea and Lime Leaf, which had a slightly invigorating scent, though there are citruses and floral options available, among others.
The treatment began with me lying on my stomach, while Jennifer applied a full body dry brush application. This step prepares the skin for the Baltic Black mud, by removing old and dry skin cells, so that the skin can absorb the mud's benefits. Organic colloidal improves skin texture and the mixture enhances cell turnover, while deeply hydrating.
Once it was applied, I was comforted by the warmth of an electric blanket. And while the mud worked its magic, I enjoyed a relaxing face and scalp massage. The scalp treatment is rich in alpha hydroxyl acids and a stimulating assortment of mint essential oils. It was during this 20 minute period that I was truly, deeply, madly relaxed.
Next, I was released from the cocoon (not that I wanted to be) and enjoyed a warm shower to rid myself of the mud during this morning spa vacation. At the end, I was lathered in deep moisture with the same scent (Green Tea and Lime Leaf) that I chose when I customized the mud.
During these treatments (usually 60 minutes each), there is a gentle layering and un-layering of towels, like a magician's trick. It's almost as if your body is being lightly shuffled in a deck of cards. Pure magic, easily accessed. And if you want, you can choose from in-house products (I purchased the Green Tea and Lime Leaf Body Butter – okay, not very manly, but I wanted to relive the experience) and the mint revitalizer conditioner for my too-full-of-things-to-do skull.
Other Urban Spa Choices
At Ripley Ridge Retreat in Calgary, you can actually take a tour of the wild flowers that grow at the nestled-in-the-forest facility and choose items that will go into a personalized treatment, such as the Wild Rose that is indigenous to Alberta. At Institute de Santé, which combines medicine and wellness with spa experiences, there is a Wild Rose Body Wrap and Rose Seed Scrub treatment that I've thoroughly enjoyed. At RNR Wellness in Calgary, men will find a great menu of treatments designed specifically for guys, aside from the menu for women and couples. And at Eveline Charles (in both Edmonton and Calgary), skin balms such as Calming Orange can help you relieve tension and soothe your skin.
Copyright (c) 2006 Travel Alberta, All Rights Reserved
Travel Alberta is the destination marketing organization for the Province of Alberta. Guided by the Strategic Tourism Marketing Council, Travel Alberta is the steward for the effective delivery of tourism marketing programs. For information about our organization, please visit our Travel Alberta industry web site at http://www.travelalberta.com
|
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Travel and Leisure Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Travel Alberta
Wild Women of the Woods
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-13 |
Word Count: 926 |
Page Views: 5316
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 1.74
If you don't hike or camp in the Canadian Rockies (an hour west
of Calgary, four hours from Edmonton) because you're afraid of
getting lost in the woods or encountering a hungry bear, a day
trip with Brenda Holder of Mahikan Trails mountain guides will
prepare you for almost anything.
Why Hire a Guide?
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-12 |
Word Count: 731 |
Page Views: 3758
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 1.29
Like hiring a guide to trek the Inca Trail in Peru, or signing up
for a guided safari in Africa, it pays to have a trained local
point you in the right direction, keep you out of harm's way,
and show you the area's secret treasures.
Where the Dinosaurs Roamed
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-12 |
Word Count: 934 |
Page Views: 4601
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 2.00
When our family thundered into the Canadian Badlands on a recent
dinosaur–hunting holiday, we did it in an armoured beast of our
own – a 25–foot recreational vehicle. We'd come to search for
the fossil remains of some of the most bloodthirsty beasts of the
Late Cretaceous period, and our kids thought it might be wise to
have a little extra protection. So, for five days our beloved RV
became our home–away–from–home.
Waterton: Haven't Been There. Ain't Done That
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-09 |
Word Count: 513 |
Page Views: 4128
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.87
The best way to absorb Waterton's many landscapes and spy its
wild inhabitants is to trek the Carthew-Alderson Trail.
Visit Spruce Meadows: World's Best Show Jumping
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-09 |
Word Count: 944 |
Page Views: 5003
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 2.05
The day is just beginning in the International Ring at Spruce
Meadows. A perfect Alberta sky stretches overhead, so high that I
swear I can see the curve of the horizon. Less than an hour west,
the Canadian Rocky Mountains rise up out of rolling prairie,
sending a cooling breeze to snap the bright national flags that
welcome visitors to the world's leading outdoor show jumping
venue.
Untouched Wilderness, Crowd-free Fishing: Central Alberta
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-08 |
Word Count: 1371 |
Page Views: 7172
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.35
Whether you're a novice angler or an expert fisherman seeking to
fly fish or explore lakes, the waters of Central Alberta offer
opportunities that are among the world's finest. Alberta's
spectacular waterways, from gurgling rivers to placid lakes,
provide experiences suited to anglers of every skill level.
Travel Top to Bottom: Heli-Tour Morning, Heli-Hike Afternoon
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-07 |
Word Count: 1130 |
Page Views: 3786
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.14
It was a tour impossible to resist: float far above the Canadian
Rocky Mountains in the morning for a helicopter's sky-high view
of the daunting Columbia Icefield, then grab some gear and spend
the afternoon heli-hiking some of the lower ranges we'd flown
over.
Travel Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: Live an Aboriginal
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-07 |
Word Count: 1024 |
Page Views: 4531
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 1.94
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. The name conjures lurid images, but
the legacy speaks of a beautiful, harsh and bygone era.
Train Vacations: Rocky Mountains Rise to Occasion
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-06 |
Word Count: 1213 |
Page Views: 4973
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.38
When you arrive in Alberta by train from the west, you confront a
wall of mountains. The Canadian Rockies rise to meet you and the
glittering, snowy peaks provide a shiver of primal recognition,
regardless of the season. As you cross the Continental Divide,
the tracks take you to the zenith of Canadian train vacations.
The 'Where's the Beef' Holiday
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-06 |
Word Count: 822 |
Page Views: 3288
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 2.15
I needed a vacation that wasn't going to take much time,
something that would deliver a punch strong enough to knock the
clinging, weeklong haze of too much work off my hunched
shoulders. I could travel swiftly from Calgary to the Rocky
Mountains, but that wasn't going to do it. I was in the mood for
a mountain on a plate. An adventure. Something I could scale with
a fork and a well-honed steak knife.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Travel Alberta Articles
Most Recent "Travel And Leisure" Articles
The Top 10 Cities Chosen by Italian Tourists for the Autumn Bank Holiday
Written by: Ilaria Aglietti |
Distributed: 2011-12-12 |
Word Count: 312 |
Page Views: 569
A study carried out by Italian travel comparison engine
VoliLowCost.it reveals that London was the Italians’ favourite
destination for the Halloween weekend.
South Texas Quickens with Wildlife
Written by: Jeff Parker |
Distributed: 2011-09-14 |
Word Count: 706 |
Page Views: 5214
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
While many of the world's other destinations lose species,
the Brush Country's heart beats a steady rhythm. Nature
here still thrives along the full spectrum of the food chain
and today more wildlife roams per acre in the Brush Country
than anywhere else in the United States. In fact, South
Texas' rich biodiversity has made it one of North
America's liveliest places for nature-lovers and wildlife
photographers to visit.
Honduras Delivers Wildlife Wow!
Written by: Jeff Parker |
Distributed: 2011-09-13 |
Word Count: 502 |
Page Views: 569
Adventure to Honduras' north central coast and discover for
yourself the untamed beauty and incredible wildlife that await
you and your lens. Here, its friendly Carribean people aren't
jaded from a constant onslaught of tourists and you can still
blaze your own trails, yet enough of a path has been cleared so
that you can comfortably enjoy the thrill of the jungles,
seashores, and mangrove estuaries of this often-overlooked
Central American jewel.
Las Vegas – One City, Many Destinations
Written by: George Cuthbert |
Distributed: 2011-07-26 |
Word Count: 816 |
Page Views: 6252
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 3.87
Many of the fabulous Las Vegas hotels are themed to
represent top attractions and places in other countries. Why
go on a round-the-world tour when you can experience
everything from the bright lights of Vegas?
5 Reasons Why Las Vegas Visitors Should Take a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
Written by: Keith Kravitz |
Distributed: 2010-11-04 |
Word Count: 606 |
Page Views: 4468
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 2.00
Helicopters can take you from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
in just 45 minutes, making these air tours the perfect day
trip. The West Rim is the only place where you can fly to
the bottom and land. It's also home to the world-famous
Grand Canyon Skywalk. Need more reasons to go? Read on...
South Rim or West Rim? How to Pick a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
Written by: Keith Kravitz |
Distributed: 2010-11-02 |
Word Count: 632 |
Page Views: 4497
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 2.00
If you are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, especially
from Las Vegas, you will need to choose which rim to visit.
This article gives you the tools to pick the rim that's
right for you.
Bunratty Castle in Ireland
Written by: Patricia G. McKinney-Lins |
Distributed: 2010-11-02 |
Word Count: 744 |
Page Views: 4593
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 2.00
Bunratty Castle is conveniently located near Shannon Airport
in Ireland. You will want to stop for a tour on your way in
or out of the country. Enjoy a medieval banquet with food,
drink and song and be transported back to the 1500s!
Things to Do With Your Kids in Toronto
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-07-30 |
Word Count: 1342 |
Page Views: 5533
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 1.33
There are a couple of things to keep in mind about Toronto.
One is the weather. While Toronto has a pretty mild climate
for a Canadian city, and it does experience four distinct
seasons, its winters can be a bit harsh. You can expect
snowfall from November through mid-April. Second, Toronto is
expensive. It's often rated as the most expensive city in
Canada in which to live. So while there's plenty for your
family to do in Toronto, you'll need to pay attention to
the weather and to your budget.
The 10 Best Places in America to See a Play or Musical
Written by: Kelly McCartney |
Distributed: 2010-07-27 |
Word Count: 531 |
Page Views: 4738
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.80
Beginning with Radio City Music Hall, Kelly documents ten
favorite vacation spots that allow you to take in a play or
musical...
Changing Patterns Of Travel For Affluent Parents With Children
Written by: Shelley Cheny |
Distributed: 2010-07-27 |
Word Count: 544 |
Page Views: 4443
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
One of the increasing trends we are seeing in today's
travel scene is the changes in spending patterns in parents
with young children. This article presents the case for
increased catering for children in luxury resorts and five
and six star accommodation.
Most Viewed "Travel And Leisure" Articles
Great Things To Do In Las Vegas Besides Gambling
Written by: Jason OConnor |
Distributed: 2007-04-24 |
Word Count: 981 |
Page Views: 25076
| Votes: 74 |
Rating: 2.61
If you want to visit Las Vegas but you are not really into the
gambling scene, that isn't a problem. There are many things that
the non-gambler can do in Las Vegas. Of course, the big shows are
always available. Some of the most popular shows in Las Vegas are
Cirque Du Soleil, Elton John and Celine Dion and of course, the
fantastic magic of David Copperfield and Lance Burton. But Las
Vegas has so much more to offer and there is something for
everyone.
RV Showcases Alberta Movie Making
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-02-23 |
Word Count: 1549 |
Page Views: 10070
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.60
RV rentals and Canadian road trips are rolling as the movie RV
(the top comedy in North America when it debuted in theatres)
showcases the diversity of Alberta's pristine,
mountain-and-prairies scenery.
The David Thompson Explorer's Trail: Drive a Famous Expedition
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-01 |
Word Count: 972 |
Page Views: 9547
| Votes: 30 |
Rating: 2.07
Family road trips can offer the perfect opportunity for an
invigorating and educational vacation – and what better place to
do that than in Alberta's own backyard? Steeped in history and
beautiful scenery, with hiking, museums, scenic drives and
plentiful wildlife all at your fingertips, you can put an Alberta
road trip at the top of your list of affordable family vacations.
Riverboat Cruises And Vacations For Families And Couples
Written by: Chuck Saddler |
Distributed: 2008-11-18 |
Word Count: 800 |
Page Views: 9111
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.63
The era of steamboats that most people think about is the
paddle-wheel steamboats of the Mississippi in the 1800's, but
the modern age offers a wide variety of riverboat cruises around
the U.S. and around the world.
Ride Into Sunset at Kananaskis Guest Ranch
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-02-21 |
Word Count: 1018 |
Page Views: 8351
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.00
Brewster's Kananaskis Guest Ranch has changed little since
opening in 1923, and guests can still enjoy the pioneering
family's tradition of Western hospitality within the rugged
splendor of Alberta's pristine mountains, rivers and lakes.
Bear Attacks - Guidelines For Those Of You Hiking Or Camping In Our Wilderness
Written by: Jane Baker |
Distributed: 2009-01-21 |
Word Count: 1166 |
Page Views: 8140
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 1.50
This is about a remote area in west central British Columbia,
Canada called the West Chilcotin. Since we have a high density of
both black and grizzly bear, this series of articles is intended
to help give you an idea of what you are dealing with when
vacationing in our area.
The Bahamas: Discover an Island Paradise
Written by: Clinton Douglas IV |
Distributed: 2006-08-24 |
Word Count: 350 |
Page Views: 7641
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 1.91
With more than 500 miles of the world's clearest, turquoise
water, this 100,000 mile stretch of 700 petite islands in the
Atlantic Ocean is one of the most scenic and secluded vacation
spots around. It's uninhabited, pristine beaches are ideal
grounds for scuba and deep-sea diving, world-class sport fishing,
kayaking and snorkeling by day and extravagant island dining and
dancing by night.
The Magnificent Seven (Days in the Saddle)
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-02 |
Word Count: 1319 |
Page Views: 7187
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 1.79
Once you have an idea where you want to go on your week-long pack
trip adventure, it's just a matter of deciding when and how.
Here are some of your options when planning a trek into the far
alpine reaches of the Rocky Mountains.
Iceland: Tectonic Plate Diving
Written by: Alex J Smith |
Distributed: 2007-10-19 |
Word Count: 763 |
Page Views: 7176
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.73
Iceland is Europe's westernmost country, and occupies a
strategic location in the North Atlantic, straddling the
Mid-Atlantic Ridge, on the edge of the Arctic Circle. One of the
coldest countries in the world, it is also one of the world's
most volcanically active hotspots. Iceland is known today for its
mix of glaciers, bubbly hot springs, rugged fjords and fiery
volcanoes.
Untouched Wilderness, Crowd-free Fishing: Central Alberta
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-08 |
Word Count: 1371 |
Page Views: 7172
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.35
Whether you're a novice angler or an expert fisherman seeking to
fly fish or explore lakes, the waters of Central Alberta offer
opportunities that are among the world's finest. Alberta's
spectacular waterways, from gurgling rivers to placid lakes,
provide experiences suited to anglers of every skill level.
Highest Ranked "Travel And Leisure" Articles
Las Vegas – One City, Many Destinations
Written by: George Cuthbert |
Distributed: 2011-07-26 |
Word Count: 816 |
Page Views: 6252
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 3.87
Many of the fabulous Las Vegas hotels are themed to
represent top attractions and places in other countries. Why
go on a round-the-world tour when you can experience
everything from the bright lights of Vegas?
Much To Do with Nothing
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-02-14 |
Word Count: 660 |
Page Views: 3747
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.14
It almost goes without saying that hiking in the Rocky Mountains
is a free activity. The same is true of mountain biking, provided
you bring your wheels with you.
Try This Cost-Free Way To Roam The Globe And Write About It
Written by: Charles Jacobs |
Distributed: 2009-07-21 |
Word Count: 1159 |
Page Views: 4627
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 3.08
Enjoy exploring the world, and discover the satisfaction of
sharing your unique experiences with others. With a little
discipline and some research, plus an inquiring mind, you can
craft and even sell travel articles.
The Beaches of Puerto Vallarta
Written by: Justin Burch |
Distributed: 2006-08-31 |
Word Count: 783 |
Page Views: 5067
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 3.05
The beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta may be the most diverse
in Mexico. Located at the midpoint of Banderas Bay, the area
surrounding Puerto Vallarta boasts 34 miles of coastline, 26 of
which are sandy beaches. Within the city, the beaches are elegant
and pristine, bordered by restaurants and resorts. Beaches to the
north of the city tend to be longer and wider, with great
opportunities for surfing and swimming. South of Puerto Vallarta,
the mountains topple into the sea in places, creating placid
coves and intimate sandy pockets.
Songs Drive Alberta's 'Brokeback' Landscape
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-02-26 |
Word Count: 1407 |
Page Views: 4081
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 3.00
Movies are changing the way we travel, inspiring tours that
revisit the landscapes we see in films. Some movies seem to grab
us by the lapels and shove us toward a new world. We want to
relive aspects of the movie, but we want to experience the
real-world ambience of where the movie happened, beyond what was
revealed on screen.
Cheap Air Travel
Written by: Alex J Smith |
Distributed: 2007-10-03 |
Word Count: 470 |
Page Views: 4067
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 2.88
Most people are really wishing to visit other countries or even
just a country once in their lifetime. Well, who will not wish
such idea? Everybody loves visiting other places, jumping from
one town to another and experiencing the adventure of dwelling
with other people with different cultures. In addition, traveling
will surely be a relaxing experience for anyone. A sound vacation
will definitely free you from the exhausting daily chores of your
work.
Waterton: Haven't Been There. Ain't Done That
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-03-09 |
Word Count: 513 |
Page Views: 4128
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.87
The best way to absorb Waterton's many landscapes and spy its
wild inhabitants is to trek the Carthew-Alderson Trail.
Why Chicago is a Classic Sports Town
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2009-07-08 |
Word Count: 955 |
Page Views: 4144
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 2.87
Chicago is one of the best sports towns in America. Not only do
they have knowledgeable and passionate fans but they also have
some of the oldest franchises and some of the most hallowed
playing fields in all of sports.
Family Travel Ideas in California
Written by: Alex J Smith |
Distributed: 2007-10-11 |
Word Count: 517 |
Page Views: 4046
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 2.86
California is a perfect place to go for family, there are many
destinations that the whole family would enjoy.
An Introduction To The Paradise Coast of Florida, Surrounding Fort Myers, Florida
Written by: Jeb Maxwell |
Distributed: 2010-01-13 |
Word Count: 603 |
Page Views: 4832
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 2.86
A wonderful place to visit and enjoy is southwest Florida, using
Ft. Myers as a base for your explorations. Ft. Myers is 90
minutes south of Tampa on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Ft.
Myers and the surrounding communities boast of having the
world's best weather from October through May (and it's not too
bad the rest of the year either).
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 972
Total Views: 3970
Article Rating: 1.73 of 5
Votes Cast: 15
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2007-03-08 10:12:00
Internal ID: #4450
|
|
|