Calgary may conjure images of cowboys and pick up trucks but there’s a softer side to the city. Top-notch entertainment offerings and a booming food scene is attracting international attention with an abundance of trendy restaurants, budding celebrity chefs and spectacular spas.
It’s the last day of March when I head to Calgary’s Stillwater Spa and the weather is unseasonably warm. In the downtown core, Stephen Avenue bustles with professionals heading to their offices, without coats and I spy a few fresh pedicures on feet unfettered by boots and closed toe shoes. Ah, Spring!
Originally I had been scheduled for a Stillwater pedicure, however a last-minute injury (foot vs broken glass) the day prior required a change to the Signature Facial. When I mentioned my injury during the courtesy confirmation call, the concierge immediately and seamlessly switched me to an alternate treatment. Her attention to detail was impeccable.
Housed within the Hyatt Hotel, Stillwater Spa is a welcome respite for both travellers and Calgarians. The spa has even crafted a Nooner Nourish Package, perfect for area office workers. An express manicure, pedicure or massage along with a healthy gourmet boxed lunch, all served in under an hour is quite appealing.
However, this is an experience I would never want to rush. After being guided to the change room, I slip on my bathing suit to relax for a few moments in the whirlpool, then visit the steam room to help prep my pores for the facial.
Relaxing in the lounge as I await my esthetician, I indulge in the array of treats available. There are all the usual spa suspects – cucumber water, tea, apples, pears and some dried fruit and nuts. But there are also organic chocolate wafers, lemon cranberry loaf and buckwheat honey granola bars made especially for the spa. I snack and sample while sipping my ‘wellness tea’ and gazing into the elegant fish tank adorning the wall. Such a tranquil way to while away a few minutes before my aesthetician, Tracy, arrives to collect me.
Warm and engaging, Tracy leads me to the treatment room and discreetly slips out while I slide under the covers and get comfortable.
“You’re definitely not a Calgarian”, she jokingly remarks as she evaluates my skin. “Your skin isn’t totally dried out like most of us locals”, she smiles.
For my facial treatment, she selects Aromatherapy Associates product. I’m thrilled, as I’ve been a fan of their line for years. Tracy sets about skillfully administering the treatment and even makes the extractions feel gentle. The rose mask and oil feel incredible on my skin. At various stages while the products work their magic, Tracy provides a hand and arm massage, then later a scalp and neck massage. Her skill set definitely extends to massage as I feel myself relaxing and melting into the bed.
Recognizing I’m a frequent traveller, Tracy recommends applying the rose mask on flights. “You can apply it before you take off, then leave it on. It doesn’t look like a mask”, she notes. It’s a great recommendation that I will definitely try.
The facial complete, Tracy shows me to the Serenity Room and invites me to relax in a beautiful ergonomic lounge chair while she graciously offers me a mimosa. What a lovely way to end a treatment!
Eventually I wander back to the change room, grateful for the clearly marked doors, avoiding any confusion in my post-treatment stupor. Stillwater Spa is one of the most easily navigable spas that I’ve visited. Some spas can be as confusing as a rabbit warren, but not this one.
After showering, I realize I neglected to pack any personal care items to make myself presentable. Not a concern, as I note the spa change room is well equipped with a hair dryer, curling iron, hair products, cotton balls and even a toothbrush.
Time to depart this spa haven and continue on with my day, feeling relaxed and rejuvenated – and nibbling on one of the spa’s signature buckwheat honey granola bars.
Stillwater Spa, Hyatt Regency Calgary
~ Wanda Love, Spas of America. Wanda is a fervent traveler, spa fanatic, lover of wine & food, crappy golfer and mediocre runner. She also works as a marketing & pr specialist for a range of luxury lifestyle companies. You can follow her blog at www.wandalove.com.
