Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Spring/Summer 2005 | Page 22

LIFE W hen it comes to managing stress, caring for your body or just enjoying life to its fullest, taking time out for yourself can make all the difference in the world. Whether you are simply looking for a unique, alternative experience or looking to completely rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit, there are countless retreats throughout Canada ready to fulfill your every need. Below, you’ll find information about two retreats that offer a wide range of services originating from all corners of the world that are designed to relax, rejuvenate and inspire. Enjoy. A healthy state of mind and body Elemental Embrace - The Wellness Spa Retreat, in Brighton, Ontario, is renowned for its detoxification treatment, aimed to rid the body of toxins that have accumulated from chemicals in food, the air, occasional drinking and/or smoking, medications – or simply the daily stresses of our lives. Spa owner Begum Teja refers to her beautiful 30-acre retreat as a “wellness destination in a spa atmosphere.” Every day she sees first-hand the physical and mental impact that high levels of stress and toxins have on people. “When they visit our retreat, it is a joy to see how much better they look and feel within just a few hours of being here,” she says. The treatments at Elemental Embrace are grounded in Ayurveda, which was conceived in India and has been practiced for over 5,000 years. The Sanskrit word ‘Ayurveda’ literally translates to the “Science of Life.” The treatment philosophy is intended to create a perfect balance within a person’s natural state of being, so that a flow of creative and vital energy that unifies the body, mind and spirit is established. Ayurvedic massages use a combination of precious oils and carefully prepared herbal extracts. Most are performed with four synchronized hands and are generally regarded as more luxurious and exotic than western massages. One of the most popular treatments, which is included in the detoxification regime, is the Shirodhara. In this treatment, a steady stream of warm medicated oil is poured onto the forehead and runs over the temples, scalp and down through the hair. The herbal oil is then gently massaged into the body and feet before the body is “steamed” to allow further absorption of the herbs. It is no wonder the treatment is so popular. While Shirodhara is deeply relaxing, it also is said to revitalize the central nervous system, activate and regulate the brain, relieve mental tension and induce a wonderful state of mind. On the range and at a spa Another unique experience can be found at the Echo Valley Ranch & Spa in British Columbia. This is a place where the sound of silence 22 has the power to soothe the soul. This spa offers the best of two unique worlds. The ranch itself is a working ranch that dates back to 1908. Guests are invited to help the ranch hand each morning by loading the hay, feeding the animals and collecting the eggs. Anyone comfortable with horseback riding can “be a cowboy” and help move the cattle on the open range. But the Echo Valley Ranch & Spa also has a “gentler” side. Here, western adventure, outdoor recreational activities, first-class accommodations and healthy gourmet food combine with the unique Baan Thai Spa, which is housed in a traditional Thai building - an unusual sight “out on the range.” Dr. Pinyo Suwankiri, architect to the Thai royal family, designed the traditional Thai structure and it is the first of its kind in North America. A combination of teak from Thailand for the interior and Canadian cedar for the exterior creates a welcoming building that is as beautiful as it is unusual. How did the unlikely combo of ranch and spa come together? Nan Dove, who owns the resort along with husband Norm, is Thai. “The soft adventure offered at guest ranches is in perfect harmony with spa treatments. They are healthy and good for the mind, body and soul,” says Nan. “This is a place where there is no pollution - air, water or sound,” adds Norm. “It is the perfect setting to enjoy hiking, horseback riding, white-water rafting and even panning for gold and combine these activities with the pure relaxation of wonderful spa treatments.” The spa offers Thai and Western massage, facials, hydrotherapy, pedicure and manicure. A real treat at the spa is the signature Thai massage performed by professionally trained Thai therapists. It takes more than 5,000 hours of training to become a Thai therapist and the high level of skill is evident to anyone lucky enough to experience this massage. The Thai massage is an invigorating combination of stretching and applied pressure to points along the body’s ten major energy channels or “sen” lines and is designed to free up the flow of energy throughout the entire body. Counter the tradition of a Thai massage with a traditional ranch cookout and this is an experience that is likely not duplicated anywhere in the world. What’s stopping you? The only tough thing about going to a spa is choosing which one to visit. In Canada, there are many, many great choices: yoga retreats, spas offering mineral hot springs, eco-friendly spas, day spas, resort spas and medical spas. But don’t worry; even if it is stressful trying to make a choice, once you’re there, the wonderful spa experience will make all tension slip away! PHOTOS: (INSIDE LEFT) COURTESY OF ECHO VALLEY RANCH; (OUTSIDE RIGHT) COURTESY OF ELEMENTAL EMBRACE relax