For Immediate Release March 2009
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON SCANDINAVE SPA WHISTLER
WHISTLER, BC, CANADA - Construction is now officially under way on the new Scandinave Spa Whistler, bringing the unique concept of Scandinavian-style baths to British Columbia. The all-season facility will be located 1.5 km (1 mile) north of Whistler Village, and will build upon the uniquely Whistler attitude towards promoting healthy lifestyles and environmentally sustainable practices renowned in this resort community.
Scheduled for completion in January 2010, Scandinave Spa Whistler represents an $8 million investment and will be Gestion Rivière du Diable’s fourth Le Scandinave Spa. Pierre Brisson, GRD president, and Annique Aird, Scandinave Spa Whistler general manager, are thrilled to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of construction managed by Whistler Construction.
Initiated in 2004 by GRD’s Benoît Berthiaume and Pierre Brisson, along with Patrick St-Arnaud partner in Scandinave Spa Whistler, this project has now become reality. «What better place to be than at the number one ski resort in North America. This new location will without doubt become a benchmark for the development of our future spas », says Pierre Brisson.
The 20,000 square foot facility will consist of six separate buildings on three acres of forest hillside, on the edge of Lost Lake and Spruce Grove parks. Whistler architectural firm Murdoch + Company designed the spa to complement its natural setting, minimizing wherever possible its impact on the environment. « The success of the design architecturally relies on an ability to be ‘in the heart of nature,’ with the architecture and landscape working as one. » said Architect Brent Murdoch. Included in the design are: dry sauna, steam bath, solariums, hot and cold baths, terraces with outdoors fire pit, 12-room massage pavilion, reception area with health bistro and lockers, and staff housing.
In keeping with its eco-friendly mandate, Scandinave Spa Whistler will incorporate many green initiatives in its construction and operation, including vegetated “green” roofs, optimized solar access and passive solar heating on all major buildings, and energy star-certified products for heating and hot water. As Brent Murdoch explains, « The entire design of the project has been guided by principles of sustainability. »
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 December 2009 in Whistler, BC.
For more information about Scandinave Spa Whistler and the Scandinavian baths experience, visit www.scandinave.com or call 604-935-2424.
Media contact:
Jayne Lloyd-Jones
jayne@spectacularink.com
(604) 925-8187
Meaghen Ng
meaghen@spectacularink.com
(604) 925-8187