(To be fleshed out in a few days... return)
When our trip to the Azores was cancelled due to storms, Don worked hard to find a way to enjoy the highlights of what we would have done. He really wanted to find hot springs within driving distance of home. He found the Nordic Spa in Chelsea.
No idea how we didn't know about it since everyone else we spoke to did, and because we ate dinner around the corner from it the summer before. It is only a fifteen minute drive from Parliament Hill.
Spent 7 1/2 hours at the spa.
$99 plus tax, timed entrance but can stay as long as you want. We wanted to stay past dark to see the stars. Includes locker, towel, and bathrobe.
No cell phones, hence no pictures.
Similar to one in Melbourne, but not as varied. Melbourne had hot rocks and seemed to have a greater variety of temperatures and felt more natural.
Someone described this as a "garden spa," a phrase we will have to search on in the future. We wanted a geothermal spa.
Many saunas of different types.
Arbour Treatment: sage and peppermint reminded us of the Native American smudging ceremonies.
There was also a towel dance. Danced to Billy Joel's Vienna and something calmer. Thought of Aimee.
Some areas were deemed silent, others social. The panoramic area with views of nearby Ottawa were social.
Didn't see as many stars as expected.
Some rave about going in the winter. Then they are more on top of swapping robes and towels so you don't freeze to yours. The water has steam coming off of it in the cold weather.
Many places to simply relax. E-readers allowed. Many brought books. I'll bring a book next time, but maybe not a library book.
Some international people.
Adults only.
Mostly white. A couple of Black people. A few Asians. Variety of ages.
Odd eating dinner in our bathing suit and robe. Restaurant not overpriced.
Don had an underwater camera with him, but we forgot to use it.
Biggest question asked: why Ottawa?
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