We wanted our concept to be subtle and contemporary, and to nod at the way people in these countries experience thermotherapy. The aim is to make people feel that there is an authenticity and respect for other countries’ culture and customs.
– Patrick Rake

Spa management group Groupe SKYSPA has opened an expansive thermal spa in Quebec, Canada, that will be designed by Blouin Tardiff and will offer bathing experiences from around the world.

Surrounded by forest, the 60,000sq m (646,000sq ft), CA$12m (US$9m, €8.3m, £7m) Förena Cité Thermale includes three thermotherapy circuits individually themed on Russian, Icelandic and German bathing traditions, along with three pavilions, outdoor bathing facilities and a restaurant.

"The idea of ​​opening a spa complex in Quebec was forged during my travels," Patrick Rake, president of the SKYSPA Group and creator of Förena, told CLAD sister title Spa Business. "I discovered unique thermotherapy rituals that I wanted Quebecers to discover.

“We wanted our concept to be subtle and contemporary, and to nod at the way people in these countries experience thermotherapy. The aim is to make people feel that there is an authenticity and respect for other countries’ culture and customs,” he said.

The Russian-inspired Buran thermotherapy circuit, is located in an individual pavilion and includes a steam bath, sauna, relaxation area and showers.

The Piterak experience consists of three outdoor Icelandic thermal pools which range in temperature from temperate, to hot, and very hot, and feature lava-lacquered standing stones, or menhirs.

Foehn – the German thermotherapy routine – cycles guests through an Aufguss sauna, outdoor cold pool, and finishes with a period of relaxation.

Guests can also visit an outdoor relaxation area which includes cold waterfall showers, firepit and relaxation areas.

Spa director Anne Bouchard told Spa Business: “Our goal has never been to create just another spa, but to develop something much more than that.

“Our inspirations come from places around the world where thermotherapy has lived throughout the ages. The authenticity behind these traditions and rituals comes to life at Förena and this is what makes us really stand out.”

The thermal spa – found in the main pavilion – has 18 treatment rooms with a menu offering massages, body treatments, facials, scrubs, wraps and nail services. Phytomer has been selected as product house, with its Holistic Sea treatment chosen as Förena’s signature offering.