Whether you need a way to unwind from the slopes or you’re just looking for a peaceful mountain retreat, the Scandinave Spa is the best spa in Whistler to decompress.
What makes the Scandinave Spa the best spa in Whistler?
The scenery
If you were to vote on location, this would be the best spa in Whistler based on scenery alone. Just a short 10 minute drive from the heart of Whistler Village, you’ll find the Scandinave Spa. Set back from the highway, and up a hill, there is nothing else around the spa grounds allowing for maximum privacy. While at the spa you’ll find yourself in a forest of fir trees with views of the surrounding mountain range. Even as you walk into the spa there is a small babbling brooke running along the entry.
The services
This is not just your typical hotel spa. While you can get magical massages, this is a thermal spa. What is a thermal spa? A thermal spa is where you have pools of varying temperatures. Here there are (2) hot pools and (2) cold plunge pools. You’ll also find a sauna and a steam room, as well as relaxation rooms for reading, reflection, or napping.
Disconnecting
One thing that makes this spa unique is it is not only a technology free zone (no cell phones outside the lobby), it’s also a quiet spa. While not all groups take this seriously (though staff will come around to quiet people) having a quiet, cell phone free space allows you to truly disconnect and enjoy your time. This is also an adult (18+) only spa, so you don’t have to worry about children running around or screaming.
All of this adds up to making the Scandinave Spa the best spa in Whistler
What to know before visiting the Scandinave Spa
Reservations
While reservations are not mandatory, I highly suggest you have one, especially for weekends, and during peak season. You will need to select a time (you’ll have a 30 minute grace period) for your reservation. You can book a reservation for just the thermal spa or a package with the spa and a massage. Pricing and reservation information can be found here.
You can visit the spa without a reservation. The benefit of going without a reservation is the price is +/- $40 cheaper based on the day/season. However, you are subject to waiting based on the volume of people on that day. The walk-in appointments include towels, but do not include a robe.
When I visited the spa, the walk in line at 945am was so busy that there was an hour plus waitlist before they had officially opened.
You can add yourself to the waitlist the day of, and see times here.
Food & Drinks
You are not to bring in outside food. There is a small coffee shop with limited food. I strongly recommend that you have a hearty meal before arriving, especially if you plan to stay for 3 or more hours. There is no alcohol at the spa, save that for the village.
Phones & Reading Materials
As stated above, phones are not allowed outside in the spa area. You can take pictures in the reception lobby, but not at the pools or relaxation rooms. You are able to bring books or e-readers, which I strongly encourage.
Shoes
Be sure to bring a pair of sandals or flip flops to walk around the spa. All the facilities are accessed outside via the walking paths. Not only will you be wet, but also there’s a strong chance it may rain or snow from October – March. Sandals are not provided by the spa but are available for purchase (at an expensive price).
What to expect while visiting the best spa in Whistler
Arrival
There is free parking available however the parking lot is small. If you plan to visit in the middle of the day you may look at getting a taxi (they do not have Uber in Whistler) , see if your hotel has a shuttle available, or take the bus.
Upon entry there are (2) lines. One for reservations and one for walk-ins. Make sure you’re in the right line to avoid waiting unnecessarily.
If you book a 930 or 945 slot, know that the pools are not open until 10. This will give you time to check in, change, and grab food or a beverage from the cafe then hit the pools before the crowds arrive.
Check-in
Upon check in to the best spa in Whistler, you will receive (2) fresh towels and a robe. Note, only guests with reservations get a robe. Then the staff will walk you through the map of the facility and recommend the spa process.
Spa Process
The spa facilities (aside from massage) are broken up into (3) categories: Hot, Cold, and Relaxation. The staff recommends 15 minutes in Hot, 30 seconds to 5 minutes in Cold, then 15 or more minutes in Relaxation. Repeat this process as many times as you like.
Hot
The Hot facilities are the (2) hot pools, saunas and steam rooms. The pools are HOT at 40C or 104F, so you do not need to stay in them longer than 15 minutes.
Cold
The Cold facilities include (2) cold pools (one of which has a waterfall). These are VERY cold, set to 15C or 59F. If you can’t stay that long at least shoot for 10-15 seconds, or a full dip to your shoulders to get the maximum effect.
Relaxation
There are a number of Relaxation spaces from the relax rooms to the fire pits with Adirondack chairs. You can sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery, read or my personal favorite, take a nap. Let’s be real, if you’re in Whistler, there’s a good chance you’re also going hard either on or off the mountain. This is the perfect place to enjoy a little nap time after the hot/cold sessions.
The best relaxation room is all the way down past the cold pool with the waterfall. This building has a roof deck with chairs to lounge in the sun (when it’s out). But, tucked upstairs, in the back is also a large area with tiered mats for reading or snoozing. There are even blankets available. I was so comfy and tucked away in there that my friends couldn’t find me after their massages. If you need an escape, this is the spot to find.
How long should you plan to spend at the spa
If you are going for just the thermal spa, you should allocate at least 3-4 hours to get the most out of the price of admission. This will give you ample time to try all the pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation rooms. You’ll also have plenty of down time to read or quietly decompress. If you are booking a massage, add another 60-90 minutes on top of that.
There is no time limit while at the spa, but there are not in and out privileges. Once you leave, you’re done for the day, so make sure you have everything you need before entering/exiting.
Overview
If you’re looking for incredible scenery and ultimate relaxation then the Scandinave is the best spa in Whistler for your needs. It is an incredible experience that is, in my opinion, worth the price tag.
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