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

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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