The Village Rituals feed on the emotions, reactions and energy of the group. Faced with the spellbinding dance of an Aufguss or with the sounds of a guided meditation, a calm settles over the mind and body, allowing a contagious joy to awaken. Sometimes festive, sometimes mesmerizing, these rituals are made for everyone, from the curious to the regulars.
Social Wellness Experiences
“Guided meditations for all and rituals inspired by elsewhere to reconnect with your inner joy. ”
What Is an Aufguss?
With the sound of a gong, everyone gathers in the Village’s largest sauna to experience this German ritual which optimizes the positive effects of thermotherapy and aromatherapy. As the Ritual Artisan enters, snowballs infused with essential oils in hand, silence settles over the space. The Artisan melts them one by one, at different moments, and moves a towel, sending waves of steam laden with an energizing scent.
Four Aufguss rituals are offered in the Village: the Discovery Aufguss, the Artisan Aufguss, the Meditative Aufguss and the Arboreal.
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New Village Ritual: Resin Diffusion
The Experience
Inspired by resin-smoke Aufguss, this sauna experience blends heat, steam and the captivating, earthy aroma of resin. Unlike a traditional Aufguss, this ritual offered in the Kelo sauna as a standalone diffusion, in a smaller group, for a more intimate first encounter with this rare scent.
The Fragrance
Rich and complex, resin can be woody, subtly sweet, vanilla-like or lightly citrus. Its forest scent runs deeper and more immersive than classic essential oils, creating a sensory atmosphere all its own.
The “Smoke”
Gently heated over charcoal, the resin releases a light smoke that mingles with the steam that the Ritual Artisan fans delicately through the air. Breathing in this scented mist draws on every sense at once: heat, humidity and earthy, woody notes come together for a deeply memorable moment.
Village Aufguss
Discovery
An Introduction to the Aufguss Ritual
The Discovery, the shortest Aufguss at the Village, offers a gentle introduction to this ritual that awakens all the senses. Music, waves of enveloping steam, and the soothing scents of essential oils come together to create a unique moment of well-being. This experience is perfect for those new to the Aufguss ritual or anyone with a lower heat tolerance.
Artisan
Music that awakens the senses
To the rhythm of the music chosen by the Artisan, a towel is gracefully moved to diffuse essential oil aromas throughout the sauna. With every movement, a wave of pleasantly aromatic wind soothes body and mind.
Meditative
The Aufguss experience
The purest form of the ritual begins with the sound of the first snowball melting on hot stones. After a few soothing breaths, a towel impressively wielded by the Artisan whips through the air. These movements, performed with respect for tradition, create enveloping waves of aromatic steam.
Arboreal
An imaginary expedition into our backcountry
In an instant, you are transported to the heart of Canada’s boreal forest. The towel is replaced by veniks, birch branches with their foliage, and the scents that fill the sauna are those of our wilderness. Throughout the ritual, temperatures fluctuate between intense heat and fresh outdoor air to soothe the senses.
Meditative Ritual
Guided Meditation
Anchored in the Present Moment
To the sound of a soothing voice or the gentle vibration of Tibetan bowls, the mind settles and the body relaxes. Each guided meditation is shaped by the Ritual Artisan leading it, drawing on sound, essential oils and visualization to guide guests toward the present moment. Whether this is a first visit or a regular practice, there is always something new to discover.
Unlimited Rituals Throughout the Day
Your Village access lets you enjoy various Village Rituals at no additional charge.
Rate
starting at
$128*
*Rates vary depending on the day of your visit. Taxes not included. View the rate calendar.
FAQ
The answers to the most frequently asked questions about Village Rituals.
No, Village Rituals such as guided meditations and Aufguss are included with your reservation.
The various ritual schedules for the day are posted by the Logga sauna, and in the vestibules leading from the main building to the Village. Our Artisans will be happy to help you on-site if you have any questions.
For the Discovery, Artisan, and the Meditative Aufguss, as well as for the guided meditations and Discovery Arboreal, you don't need to reserve your place before your visit. Simply consult the day's schedule and head for the sauna where the ritual takes place when you hear the sound of the gong. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that Village Rituals cannot be booked in advance of your visit to the Spa Village.
In Whitby's Spa Village, Aufguss rituals take place in Logga, the Village's largest ritual sauna. It can accommodate up to 90 guests during Aufguss rituals and up to 55 during Discovery Arboreal. Guided meditations take place in the Pergola.
Guided meditations take place in the Village's Pergola.
You can complete your thermal cycle at the end of the ritual by making your way to the cold plunge, followed by the rest stage. This ensures you enjoy the full benefits of thermotherapy after your Aufguss ritual.
Your bathing suit. Please leave your sandals, water bottles and personal belongings outside the sauna and bring your towel to sit on.
You can leave the sauna at any time to cool off if the heat becomes unbearable. You can also try sitting on a lower level, where the heat is less intense. The higher you sit, the hotter it gets. Once you leave a ritual, you may not reenter.