As I stepped out of my car and onto the parking lot of Thermea Spa in Winnipeg, I couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. The sky was a deep, foreboding grey, and the warm air was thick with the promise of rain.
I'd been looking forward to this visit for weeks and the thought of spending a gloomy day indoors was not exactly what I had envisioned. But, as I soon discovered, the rain only added to the allure of this incredible spa and my experience at Thermea was nothing short of amazing.
Remember, our boss is from Winnipeg. So, after four years of hearing about the city, I decided to check it out. Because our parent broadcast and publishing company -- based in Winnipeg -- has connections to many businesses, we were given media access to Thermea. I should note that because of this access, we were allowed to take pictures on site (which is not usually allowed) but we couldn't photograph other guests. The PR rep was with me for the photography. It was quite busy that day so imagery is limited.
As I entered the spa, I was immediately enveloped in a sense of calm. The warm, inviting atmosphere and the soothing sounds of gentle music and babbling water instantly put me at ease. The staff greeted me with a warm smile and I was quickly checked in and shown to the locker room to change into my Happy Bulge swimsuit. As I made my way to the outdoor pools, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. The rain was starting to fall, gently at first, but soon growing heavier, drumming a rhythmic beat against the pavement.
But as I slipped into the warm, crystal-clear water of the outdoor pool, all my doubts melted away. The rain created a misty veil that rose from the surface of the water, surrounding me in a mystical, ethereal atmosphere. It was as if I had stumbled into a secret world, hidden from the rest of the city. The warmth of the water and the coolness of the rain on my skin created a delicious contrast and I felt my muscles relax, my mind unwind and my senses come alive.
As I floated on my back, letting the water support my weight, I felt the stress and tension of the past few weeks melting away. The rain created a sense of intimacy, as if the spa had been transformed into a private oasis, just for me. I closed my eyes, letting the sound of the rain wash over me and felt my breathing slow, my heart rate decrease and my entire being relax.
But Thermea Spa is not just about relaxation; it's also about rejuvenation. The spa offers a range of treatments, from massages and facials to body wraps and scrubs. I opted for a massage, and as I lay on the table, feeling the skilled hands of the therapist work out the knots and kinks in my muscles, I felt like I was in a state of pure bliss. The rain outside created a cozy, comforting atmosphere and I felt like I was being pampered, indulged and spoiled. (And I kinda was because the session was comped!)
Heading indoors as the rain intensified, I cozied up in the restaurant for lunch. I had some nibbles and sips alongside the charming fireplace. The appetizer, the entree, the dessert and the drinks all added to the enjoyable experience at Thermea.
It was at this time, an attendant came by to let me know that the next Aufguss session. (That's the pic of the three snowballs above.) A gong is, uh, gonged?, to let guests know that the ritual would be starting momentarily. Quickly the sauna fills with people. Everyone gets into position and an attendant slams a snowball onto the hot coals and begins swinging and waving towels in the air to waft the aroma of the scented snow throughout the sauna as relaxing music completes the experience.
As the day wore on, I found myself wandering from pool to pool, trying out the different temperatures and textures. The hot tub was a favorite, with its powerful jets and warm, bubbly water. The cold plunge pool was a shock, but in a good way, leaving me feeling invigorated and refreshed. And the sauna, oh, the sauna, was like a warm hug, enveloping me in its gentle heat and soothing my skin.
The property also features a quiet room -- total silence -- where you could read a book, listen to music in headphones or just sleep. It was like a sound-proof booth. I thought I was deaf for brief moments! Just outside of that, is an enclosed firepit that delivers that smell of the cabin in the woods.
As I left Thermea Spa, the rain had stopped, and the sun was starting to peek through the clouds. I felt like a new person, refreshed, renewed and rejuvenated. The experience had been so much more than I had expected, and I couldn't wait to come back. The rain, which had initially seemed like a drawback, had actually added to the magic of the day, creating a sense of intimacy and coziness that I wouldn't have experienced on a sunny day.
If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, I highly recommend a visit to Thermea Spa in Winnipeg. Don't let the weather deter you; in fact, I think the rain adds to the charm. In fact, I've heard it's an even better experience on a frigid, snowy day in winter. (I shall be back!)