Nordik Spa Village celebrates 20th anniversary in Chelsea, Que.

Melissa visits Nordik Spa Village in Chelsea, QC. as they celebrate 20 years of rest and relaxation.

The popular Nordik Spa Village in Chelsea, Que. is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Marc-Antoine Massicotte, VP of development at Nordik Spa Village told CTV Morning Live Thursday the facility grew into four different phases, transforming the founders’ vision into something tremendous. The founders came up with the vision in 2005.

Though the spa grew bigger and bigger, its focus to provide relaxation and resting spots hasn’t changed over the years, he adds.

“We’re quite proud of that,” Massicotte added.

Massicotte says the spa welcomes tourists all year round not only from the Ottawa-Gatineau region, but also from across the country.

“Canadians from other provinces, even international tourists who visit the capital will make a stop here. It’s about 15 minutes away from Parliament Hill,” he added. “But we’re especially beloved by locals. Our Ottawa clientele (have) been great throughout the past 20 years, and we intend to build on that.”

Expansion throughout the country has never been off the table, he says, citing Winnipeg’s 10-year-old facility.

“We have the older brother here and the younger one in Winnipeg,” Massicotte added.

Two years ago, another facility opened in Whitby in the Toronto area, Massicotte says.

“So, both of these spas have found tremendous success, and are now due for further expansion,” he added.

Relaxation techniques, restaurants, Aufguss ritual

Chelsea’s hidden gem offers techniques and rituals from all over the world for a world class experience according to Massicotte.

“Obviously at the heart of our offer is the thermocycle, so, you know, spending a good 15-20 minutes in the sauna, to then experiencing a cold bath, and then resting in a beautiful area,” he said.

The spa also has four different restaurants, a salt pool, messages and much more, he says.

Nordik Spa Village offers an ancient ritual that transforms a traditional sauna session into something much more immersive. This ritual is called Aufguss, which is a which is German for “infusion.”

Massicotte says this ritual is imported from Europe, the first in Canada and in North America.

“It’s guided by an Aufgussmeister or Ritual Artisan, as we call them in the Village, who pours water or snowballs infused with essential oils onto hot stones, filling the sauna with fragrant steam. They then use a series of towel-waving movements to circulate the air in a rhythmical choreography that’s as meditative as it is impressive,” reads Nordik Spa Village’s website.

“No two Aufguss sessions are alike. Some are serene and quiet, where the only sound is the swoosh of towels slicing through steam. Others are set to music, adding an extra layer of atmosphere.”

Nordik Spa Village is open year-round from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. except for Christmas Day.

“The morning experience is different from the night one, so it offers quite different journey’s,” he added.

More information is available here.