A hydrothermal day spa designed to offer a taste of Finnish wellness will be launched in a grand opening ceremony on 23 January 2022 in Ontario, Canada.

The goal behind the day spa is to help guests restore their health and wellbeing through the emotional and physical benefits of Nordic bathing traditions, namely contrast bathing therapy.

Vettä Nordic Spa is the brainchild of Eric Harkonen, president and founder, and a proud Finn.

According to Harkonen: “coming from a Finnish family, it stood out to me that people in Canada and especially Ontario, are missing out on the sauna experience and the opportunity to unplug for a while.

“Vettä will be a place you can visit that quiets the mind, and rejuvenates your spirit. It’s a place to come together, create memories and spend precious time with friends and family.”

Launching in phases, Vettä will open in January with a 12-treatment-room Nordic Spa and a host of indoor/outdoor thermal wellness experiences.

Facilities will include two steamrooms, a hot stone room, four warm pools, two cold plunge pools, three relaxation rooms, outdoor fire pits, a spa bistro and a coffee bar.

In keeping with Finland’s integral tradition of sauna bathing, the spa will be anchored by four authentic Finnish saunas – one of which is claimed to be one of North America’s largest wood-burning commercial saunas.

“Offering our guests an opportunity to feel relaxed and reconnected with loved ones as a way to start the new year feels fitting to the brand and my Finnish heritage,” says Harkonen.

Guests will be able to enjoy their hydrotherapy cycles in the natural surroundings of Horseshoe Valley’s hardwood forests, emphasised by the changing seasons, and fresh country air.

ISM Architects is leading project design and taking inspiration from clean-lined architecture typical of Finland. The team will also add Vettä’s main level restaurant and retail boutique as part of the second phase.

Vettä’s culinary offering will consist of three distinct culinary experiences showcasing forest foraged produce including freshly-picked mushroom medleys, preserved berries, local ecologically-produced vegetables and smoked and fresh fish.

Early-bird prices are now available for booking, with a 60-minute massage and all-day access to the Nordic Spa, costing CA$249 (US$193, £145, €171). Meanwhile, a standard day package for the Nordic Spa costs CA$89 (US$69, £52, €61).

All guests will be asked for proof of double vaccination and must be 19 years of age or older.

Harkonen has high hopes for the Vettä brand and concluded by telling Spa Business there are plans to expand the concept in future with more locations in Ontario.

Authentic Finnish-inspired Nordic Spa opening north of Toronto in Q3 2021