Ever wondered what a bartender orders when they’re off duty? Or which roller coaster ride is a theme park employee’s personal favourite? A florist’s bloom of choice? Lately, we’ve been curious: what does a perfect spa day look like for an Artisan?
Today, Andrea Ascione, a server in our restaurants, is answering that exact question. Step into her sandals and see the Spa Village through expert eyes.
Before becoming a server at Thermea Spa Village, Andrea was a pastry chef working 12-to-16-hour days for over two decades. Today, she feels lucky to be an Artisan where a healthy work/life balance is encouraged. She has learned to focus on her own wellbeing while taking care of those around her. Her favourite things are (in no particular order): baking, art, makeup, travel, snow, starry nights, dogs, coffee, patio season, volunteering and … carving pumpkins!
Answer: It’s a weekday, when the Spa Village is quieter. It’s fall—the leaves have changed colours, they’re crunchy under my sandals and the air has just a hint of chill in it. I close my eyes, feel the warmth of the sun, listen to the sounds of nature and the spa music and my mind totally clears.
A: My first stop is the fire pit right beside Logga. I start my first thermal cycle with an Aufguss ritual. My favourite ritual is the Meditative Aufguss. I love when a ritual includes an essential oil that is warm and spicy or bright and invigorating. My favourites are black pepper, spearmint and blood orange.
A: Next is a cold plunge, or a cold-water bucket. Although I prefer a solo spa day, if I had to pick a perfect spa partner, it would be Derek from F&B (don’t tell my best friend!). He truly embraces spa culture, and he’s the only one who will pull the cord on the cold-water buckets for me!
A: I like resting in a hot bath and drying off in the Flam or Kabin sauna.
A: Another thermal cycle! This one also starts with an Aufguss. After I’ve completed my cold plunge, I head to Kalla to rest—which will most likely turn into an hour-long nap.
A: Yes! I head to Le Resto for my meal. I’ll probably order the pan-seared salmon.
A: Straight to the A frame to read my book. After, I’ll squeeze in another Aufguss and thermal cycle, but I’ll switch it up and rest in Halo. Then it’s off to Steamroom B, along with another floating session in Kalla—access is unlimited for the day, so I make the best of it!
A: As sundown approaches, I get a to-go latte and relax under a blanket on a lounger and watch the sky change colours. Our coffee is delicious, so I usually include at least one latte in my spa day.
A: I have been lucky enough to try several of the treatments at Thermea Spa Village and my favourite is the Relaxation. I love that the treatment focuses on the entire upper body and that my back, face, hands and shoulders all get equal attention. I also love how at the beginning, the Artisan asks me to close my eyes, smell 2 different fragrances and choose the one who speaks to me. That specific detail always sets the tone for me to surrender completely to the experience.
A: Once the sun is down and it’s chilly out, my last stop is a hot bath to stargaze in. And once it’s truly over, the best way for me to end the day is to try and prolong the experience of peace and tranquility, even as I am leaving. I make a point to stop by the fireplace at the entrance outside and I do not check my phone until I’ve gotten home.
Every year, as the holidays approach, I find myself craving a slow day of relaxation amongst the heightened busyness of the season. This year, I found that slow day at Thermea Spa Village Whitby, and I’m still thinking about it days later.
This year, instead of searching for something to wrap, we wanted to give each other a different kind of gift. Something we both needed more than anything else: time together.
I’ve gathered a list of local gift ideas that I’ve either given, received or bought for myself (this is your permission to give yourself a Christmas gift). I also included a lot of experience gifts, since that’s what I’m wanting the most these days.
