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Press Kit
Fast Facts
Opening date:
January 30th, 2010
Hours:
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, rain or shine
Address:
8010 Mons Road
Whistler, British Columbia
V0N 1B8
Location:
1.5 km (1 mile) north of Whistler Village
In the area known as Spruce Grove, next to Riverside Campground
Reservations:
604-935-2424 or 1-888-935-2423
Web site:
www.scandinave.com
Technical details:
- 20,000 sq. ft. of facilities integrated over 3 acres of natural landscape
- 13 massage rooms of which 3 are duo rooms
Description of the services:
Scandinavian Baths:This age-old Nordic tradition, which is known today as hydrotherapy or Scandinavian baths, is widely known for its energizing and relaxing properties.
In addition to cleansing the body, the Scandinavian baths improve blood circulation and release endorphins. Above all, the baths contribute to improvement in one’s physical condition, the attainment of a better quality of life and a sense of well-being.
Taking place in the heart of nature, the Scandinavian baths experience with all its resulting benefits occurs in three stages. First, the period of warming the body, in which the surface blood vessels dilate and carry more blood to the skin’s surface. The raised body temperature produced through a Norwegian eucalyptus steam bath, Finnish dry sauna or outdoor therapeutic baths, causes profuse sweating that cleanses the skin. The second stage consists of closing the pores of the skin through a beneficial rinse in cold water via a cold shower or bath. The final stage is designed to allow the cardiovascular system to regulate itself through a period of relaxation in the privacy of the relaxation areas. Each sequence, hot–cold–relaxation, takes about 25 to 30 minutes and should be repeated 3 to 4 times for maximum results. The whole experience will normally take about two to three hours.
It is important to remain hydrated throughout the process so that most of the toxins are eliminated and optimal well-being is reached through this outdoor relaxation experience, in harmony with nature.
Swedish package
The Swedish package includes access to the Scandinavian baths and a 60 minute Swedish massage. Developed by the Swede Pehr Heinrick Ling and focusing on relaxation, this massage contributes to stress reduction, promotes circulation of the blood and eliminates nervous and muscular tension.
Swedish Duo package
The Swedish Duo package includes access to the Scandinavian baths and two 60 minute Swedish massages performed in the same room.
Ultimate Swedish package
The ultimate Swedish package includes access to the Scandinavian baths and a 90 minute Swedish massage.
Sports package
The Sports package includes access to the Scandinavian baths and a 60 minute sports massage. Using specific techniques and stretches, this massage relieves muscle tightness while focusing on enhancing athletic performance and facilitating recovery from sports activity.
Volcanic package
The Volcanic package includes access to the Scandinavian baths and a 90 minute massage with hot volcanic stones, promoting deep relaxation. Of indigenous origin, the technique is known for its purifying, liberating and comforting effects.
Thai Yoga package
The Thai Yoga package includes access to the Scandinavian baths and a 90 minute massage inspired by Thai techniques. This massage revitalizes the energy lines, as an initiation or a complement to yoga.
Components of the Scandinavian baths experience:
- Eucalyptus steam bath
- Wood burning Finnish sauna
- Outdoor hot baths
- Thermal and Nordic waterfalls
- Cold baths and cold shower
- Solariums and terraces
- Relaxation areas and hammocks
- Outdoor fireplace
Other services:
- Health bistro
- Boutique
- Bathrobe rental: $12
Note:
- No reservations are required for the Scandinavian baths experience.
- Reservations are required for the massage & baths packages.
- Prices include locker with lock and 2 towels.
- Bathing suit is mandatory, beach sandals are recommended.
- Shampoo, soap and hair dryer are supplied in the changing room.
- Taxes not included
- Clientele: 19 years and over
Story Ideas
We are updating our information. Please check back again soon!
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Backgrounders
Scandinave Spa Whistler: Scandinavian Baths in the Heart of Canadian Nature
A new destination for relaxation and well-being in Whistler.
Adding a Scandinavian flavor to the Pacific Northwest, the Scandinave Spa Whistler is the first Scandinave Spa to test the waters out west. With three successful east coast spas in Mont-Tremblant, Old-Montreal and a franchise in Blue Mountain, this newest destination opening January 30th, 2010 brings the Scandinavian baths experience to North America’s top ski resort. Situated 1.5 km (1 mile) north of Whistler Village on the edge of Lost Lake and Spruce Grove parks, this spectacular spot overlooks mountain vistas and valleys, engulfed in a forest of spruce and cedar.
While this Finnish tradition of Scandinavian baths may be age-old, Scandinave Spa Whistler, born and bred in Quebec under parent company Gestion Rivière du Diable Inc, has refined the experience for today’s lifestyle. Also known as hydrotherapy, the Scandinave Spa experience is largely organic, both in its attitude towards well-being and in its commitment to the environment so integral to the experience.
Annique Aird, Scandinave Spa Whistler general manager, says: «While the baths have a rich history, the concept is still surprisingly unknown in North America. This is why we have decided to offer this unique new outdoor experience in Whistler to people seeking a better physical and spiritual life balance. » Aird adds: ”What makes the project all the more interesting is that it favourably positions Whistler in the health and wellness tourism market by offering a product that differs from the various spas in British Columbia. »
The Scandinavian baths experience
The Scandinavian baths experience cleanses the body and skin, improves blood circulation and physical and aerobic conditioning, producing the effect of increased wellness and intense relaxation. Occurring in three stages, just a few hours are required to fully enjoy the benefits of these outdoor baths. In sequence, first heat the body in the eucalyptus steam bath or wood burning Finnish sauna to open pores, stimulate blood circulation and release toxins. Then, cool the body quickly in the Nordic waterfalls, cold baths or shower to close the pores and strengthen the immune system. Finally, relax in a solarium or enjoy one of the terraces with outdoor fireplace throughout the spa, to allow the cardiovascular system to regulate itself and blood circulation to decrease. For the ultimate relaxation, Scandinave Spa offers baths and massage packages such as Swedish or Duo Swedish massage, Sports massage, Thai-yoga massage and hot volcanic stone massage to complement the baths experience. Choose the Scandinavian Baths experience or a Baths and Massage Package. This is total release - relaxation at its peak!
Cutting-edge green technologies
Combining this traditional relaxation technique with cutting-edge green technologies, the 20,000 sq ft Scandinave Spa Whistler has integrated efficient green roofs for heating and cooling, uses recuperated heat from the baths and showers to preheat water throughout the spa, re-landscaped with regional plant species and reused local resources. From the positioning of its baths and solariums to maximize solar heat, to its recycling programs, Scandinave Spa Whistler aims for green. This year-round activity etched into three acres of pristine BC landscape offers a true relaxation experience in harmony with nature.
About Gestion Rivière du Diable Inc.
Gestion Rivière du Diable Inc. (GRD) is a group of private investors specializing in the design, construction and management of hydrotherapy spas. Scandinavian-style spas provide an exclusive and unique experience in a resort or urban setting. GRD’s portfolio currently includes a spa at Mont-Tremblant, Que, an urban spa in Old Montreal, Que and a franchised spa at Blue Mountain, Ont. The fourth destination is set to open January 2010 in Whistler, BC.
GRD COMPANY BACKGROUND
Quebec-based Scandinavian-Style Spa Specialists
Gestion Rivière du Diable Inc. (GRD) is a group of private Quebec-based investors specializing in the design, construction and management of Scandinavian-style spas. Operating under the brand Scandinave Spa and Scandinave Les Bains, the Company provides the exclusive thermotherapy experience in a resort or urban setting. By keeping the product simple and authentic, GRD has refined the thousand year-old thermal tradition with its cutting-edge facilities set in a contemporary design or integrated with nature.
In December 1999, the Group launched Le Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant. Nestled on the shores of the du Diable River, the Spa has gained an outstanding reputation and has been one of the major success stories in recent years in the health and wellness tourism market. Building on the success of Mont-Tremblant, in December 2006 GRD launched its first franchise operation at the Blue Mountain resort, situated amid the trees in Collingwood, Ontario. It wasn’t until January 2009 that GRD developed its first urban-style thermal spa, Scandinave Les Bains, in picturesque Old Montréal. With construction currently underway on GRD’s fourth Scandinave spa in Whistler, BC, Scandinave Spa Whistler etched into the hillside will be complete in fall 2009, just in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
A unique product in Whistler, BC
The site for the next phase of expansion for GRD is North America’s top ski resort. Scandinave Spa Whistler will be the Group’s first western Canadian spa. The $8 million project, a 20,000 square foot facility, will consist of six separate buildings on three acres of forest on the edge of Lost Lake and Spruce Grove parks.
Award winning spas
Le Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant and Blue Mountain have been listed among Canada’s Best Spas 2009 as best Outdoor Experience by the renowned www.TravelToWellness.com. Furthermore, the two spas have been chosen by the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) to be part of The Spas Initiative final list, becoming part of the CTC’s primary inventory of spa experiences across Canada. Mont-Tremblant and Blue Mountain Le Scandinave Spas will be developed into CTC marketing assets.
Partners’ Profile
Co-owners and founders of Le Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant, Benoît Berthiaume and Pierre Brisson possess more than 35 years’ experience in project management and marketing and communications in various recreation, ski and resort centers. Brisson was managing director of the Tremblant installations for Intrawest for eight years, and director of finances and operations for l’Association de villégiature Tremblant. NHL stars Vincent Damphousse and Éric Desjardins are also part of the GRD group and help develop the Scandinavian-inspired spas across North America. Benoît Berthiaume and Pierre Brisson together with Vincent Damphousse, Éric Desjardins, René Larouche, Steven Boulet and the FTQ Solidarity Fund form the Gestion Rivière du Diable Inc. group, based in Mont-Tremblant. The Caisse Desjardins has been a partner since the founding of GRD.
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Bios
Pierre Brisson – Construction and project management
Co-owner and founder of Le Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant and Gestion Rivière du Diable, Mr. Brisson brings to the table over 20 years of management experience in finance, operations and project management. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, he spent five years as Administrative Director for Lavalin International projects in Algeria, and then twelve years at the helm of ski resorts, of which eight were spent at Tremblant for Intrawest as Director of Property Management and at the Tremblant Resort Association as Director of Finance and Operations. Mr. Brisson is also known for his participation in regional business affairs such as the Laurentian Society of Economic Development and the Mont-Tremblant Chamber of Commerce.
Annique Aird – General Manager
Acting as VP Sales & Marketing for Gestion Rivière du Diable, Mrs. Aird brings to the team over 15 years of Marketing/Sales and Property Management experience. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing at Hautes Études Commerciales and a Minor in Advertising, she worked for three years in various media and advertising agencies in Montreal. She then joined the Intrawest-Tremblant group where, for ten years, she contributed to the company’s success while acting as Marketing Director and General Manager for a 400 unit property management division. Mrs. Aird was also highly involved in local tourism and business associations. She was Vice-President of the Mont-Tremblant Chamber of Commerce for 5 years, a member of the board of directors of Tourism Mont-Tremblant for over ten years of which five were as Vice-President. In 2008, she acted as President of Tourism Mont-Tremblant’s marketing committee responsible for a $1.5 million budget in repositioning the region with a new image.
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Media contact:
Spectacular Ink
604.925.8187
jayne@spectacularink.com
Meaghen Ng
Spectacular Ink
(604) 925-8187
meaghen@spectacularink.com