Ayurveda, algae and antioxidants, oh my!

Floating Ophelia-like in a hydrotherapy tub I contemplate the still-bare trees etched against a blue sky. Adjusting the jets from rushing river to murmuring brook, I close my eyes and my mind floats in harmony with the flow of the Fundy tides beyond the window.

A spa day is a wonderful way to restore body and mind — to slough off winter’s dried skin and furrowed brow, to recharge batteries for spring, to relax and be pampered while the world is left outside.

My spa experience begins at the charming Inn on the Cove & Spa in Saint John, N.B. Relaxing by a crackling wood fire, beverage in hand, I ponder the panoramic view and gently rolling waters at the edge of the property. In addition to the spa, the Inn, a century-old former home, offers water-view accommodation, dining and rooms for business meetings, hosted by owners Willa and Ross Mavis.

Soon I am lying on a massage bed in a sunny room, my cares receding as the esthetician begins the stress buster.  She’s barely begun the salt-scrub exfoliation and I’m drifting into a state of relaxed bliss.

“More couples are enjoying quality time together at side-by-side spa treatments, and men are even visiting solo.”

Spas have been popular since Roman times. The word has been said to come from the expression “salus per aquam” — health from water. For centuries people visited European spas to drink or soak in the waters. Today water is an essential part of spa treatments, reflecting the fact that the human body is about 70 per cent water. This could explain why I’m in my element as the oligomer sea water completes the exfoliation process.

A full-body massage with moisturizing milk follows — feet carefully encased in warmed booties. Talk about being plugged-in to relax — I’m more than ready for a facial. A gentle cleansing with rose-petal-scented lotion is followed by a thorough inspection of skin type and suggestions for care. Algae-based exfoliation and a purifying serum mask continue the care, finishing with a “sublime youthful” day cream with marine-based ingredients.

Keep the super-relaxed, post-spa feeling by enjoying a cup of herbal tea and lunch, wave watching or simply walking the Inn’s unspoiled grounds.

Throughout the Maritimes similar spa experiences can be enjoyed. Every facility has its signature treatments as well as basics such as therapeutic massage, hot-stone massage, manicures and pedicures, and special pregnancy massages. All spas emphasize the increasing awareness of health and wellness for both sexes. For example, Willa Mavis says that because many men attend the Inn for business meetings, they are comfortable booking facials, massages, waxing and pedicures.

In downtown Halifax, Spirit Spa overlooks the harbour (again the water element), and exudes a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The facial and body treatments based on ingredients such as blueberries — full of antioxidants — plums, peaches, rosehips and seasonal fruits might make you think you’ve found the ultimate Eden.

Owner Linda Brigley says her visitors are mainly busy professionals who need to make the most of their relaxation time. “Spas are now part of their lifestyle,” she says. “They know what they like and value the experience.”

Constantly seeking a new “menu,” she recently introduced a jade-stone massage, the first in Eastern Canada. Similar to hot-stone massage, it balances yin and yang, with alternating hot and cold to stimulate circulation. Reiki and massage are available and some of Spirit’s favourite treatments are the fire and ice facial, sweet skin organic facial, blueberry body bliss, and the waterfall massage.

Brigley says more couples are enjoying quality time together at side-by-side spa treatments, and men are even visiting solo. “With environmental concerns, people are realizing they need to care for their skin and their bodies.” Treatments popular with men include all-sports massages, hot-towel facials and sandal-ready pedicures.

Most spa owners recommend a full spa treatment with each change of season, but somehow winter seems like the time we need it most. Spas also offer specials and packages as Mother’s Day and the wedding season approach.

To wrap up (or unwrap, rather) this experience, I savoured a chocolate-truffle body wrap at Escape Spa, Salon and Studio in Moncton. Full of potent antioxidants, the wrap is perfect for chocolate lovers, and a fresh twist on the ubiquitous box, often gifted on special occasions.

A dry exfoliation is followed by a coating with a paste of cocoa powder, vanilla oil and marine products, after which you are wrapped in a warming blanket while your feet are massaged. Too soon, you shower off before a cocoa-butter massage. It’s like being inside a box of truffles, and you receive a handmade chocolate to take home. Call it soft-centre surrender. •