From sun-soaked afternoons to breezy evenings under the stars, a summer spa day can be anything you want it to be. So how do the experts do it? Justine Nicole Dos Santos from our Guest Experience team is here to share her perfect summer day at the Spa Village, crafted with insider know-how and a love for sunny days off.
A Little About Justine
Justine brings boundless energy and positivity to Thermea Spa Village Whitby. Known for her “Care Bear” spirit, she lights up every room with her easy smile and genuine warmth. Whether she’s lending a hand at work or cheering on friends outside of it, Justine is the kind of person who goes the extra mile, always making those around her feel seen, supported and appreciated. It’s no wonder people love being near her: kindness just seems to follow wherever she goes.
Interview: Justine’s Perfect Summer Spa Day
The perfect summer spa day for me is simply being there—rain or shine—and disconnecting from the outside world. I start at 8 a.m. and finish around 9:30 p.m. Wellness is so important to me, and I need to take care of myself so I can take care of others.
Question: Picture your dream summer spa day. When is it?
Answer: Definitely a Tuesday morning! It’s not as busy as Friday to Sunday. It’s perfect throughout the day, leading into the evening. Simply bliss. I highly recommend starting at 8 a.m. and staying for the entire day. That way, you can add treatments, experience the different Aufguss rituals, try the food options from the three restaurants and most importantly, take a sweet nap.
Q: Who is accompanying you?
A: I love going solo, but if I’m going with someone, my ultimate favourite spa buddy is Lisa from Guest Experience. We both love our Spa Tuesdays and sticking to our usual routines.
Q: What’s in your spa bag?
A: My e-reader, sunscreen and my sunnies.
Q: You just arrived at the Spa Village. You got your robe and changed into your swimsuit. Where do you go first?
A: Two words: Steamhaus B. One of my absolute favourites at the spa. It’s eucalyptus and mint under the stars—so refreshing. Insider tip: one of the perks of being at the spa early is having Steamhaus B all to yourself.
Q: Where do you go next?
A: Following the thermal cycle, you’ll find me in cold plunge #10 at 10ºC for a minimum of 5 minutes. I love the feeling of going from hot to cold—it feels amazing. It helps with my sore muscles, improves my circulation, and gives me better sleep.
Q: And after that?
A: I like to rest by taking a nap in either the A-frame, Prospector tent, or on the loungers in the Biergarden.
Q: Do you have a ritual you’ve created for summer spa days?
A: When I get to my third round of the thermal cycle, I head to Logga for an Artisan Aufguss, then it’s cold plunge #9, the Biergarden loungers to rest and eat a snack. You must try the pretzels!
Q: Where do you grab a bite?
A: My favourite place to grab food is Le Resto and the Lounge. You must try the Hazelnut Kale Salad, the Coconut Lemongrass Mussels, or the Thermea Village Burger (make sure you get the dip for the sweet potato fries), paired with the Lavender Lemonade. For dessert, I highly recommend the Crème Brûlée Flight or the Seasonal Semifreddo paired with an ice or hot latte with a shot of salted caramel.
Q: Is there a hidden gem of the spa you’re willing to share?
A: The most underrated sauna is Flam. I absolutely love it. It feels like you’re in a cabin in the woods, with the sound of crackling wood. But always listen to your body when it comes to heat. You must try #11—the water buckets afterward. So, refreshing!
Q: Are you adding a massage to your dream summer spa day?
A: Absolutely! I love booking a massage during my spa day. My goal is to experience an Intensive massage from all of our amazing Registered Massage Therapists. My last massage was with Steven, who helped relieve tension in my bilateral triceps and supraspinatus.
Q: And how are you ending your day?
A: With a dessert from Le Resto followed with a hot bath.
Q: Any advice for people creating their own perfect summer spa day?
A: Alongside experiencing the thermal cycle, I encourage everyone to take on a greater challenge: disconnecting from your cellphone. In doing so, you’ll create space for calm, reconnect with yourself and the world around you, and rediscover the beauty in life’s simplest, most meaningful moments.
