Authentic Finnish wood fired sauna

There is so much more to a sauna than sitting in a room, getting hot, and sweating…it is a unique, ethnic spa getaway.

Therapeutic benefits of an authentic wood-fired Finnish sauna go far beyond a cleansing experience… For the utmost in cleansing and relaxation, an authentic Finnish sauna exerience involves successive heating and cooling sessions in a cedar-lined fire-heated room.

It is a holistic cleansing and health regimen imbued with Finnish culture… passed down for generations, a real sauna takes hours and usually consumes most of an entire day.

Healthful steam is formed by throwing water on fire-heated rocks.

From slapping your skin with steamed birch saplings for improved circulation, to the art of fully appreciating each sauna intermission, to a cold dip in the river, this is an experience you will not want to miss!

Progressive cleansing techniques use loofas, sauna vastas (birch sapling bouquets), wash cloths, and showers.

Hot water is supplied from pipes running through the fire, and is then stored in a large tank for use on sauna day, and for days later.

Did you know the word “sauna” is the only Finnish word in the english vocabulary (and dictionary), and it is pronounced “sowna” (sow, like, cow …not saw, like paw).

Wood fired cedar hot tub

Relax after a day on the hiking trail in the heated waters of our wood-fired hot tub. Nestled in the forest under giant trees and sky, it makes no difference if it is day or night, sunny or raining, enjoy the quiet stillness looking out to the river as your body luxuriates in this passive spa experience.

Opportunities to enjoy private, clothing-optional hot tubbing are available for those who so-desire.

An outdoor hot and cold shower made from driftwood art is hidden in the trees next to the hot tub under the forest canopy overlooking the river.

The ultimate in reusing and recycling, the hot tub is about a quarter of a century old, having been passed down through three of Henry's brothers, and finally restored by us in 1999. Water is heated by wood fire in an underwater stove.

Massage

Have you ever experienced a melt-into-another-world massage? Since 2008 this unique relaxation massage has been offered with overwhelming client reviews.

Intuitive healer and relaxation massage thereapist Sky Fornasier (yes, that is really her name) has provided a unique blend of relaxation style massage, fused with Traeger style massage, fused with infant massage, fused with her own intuitive healing skills honed over the decades…the result is other-worldly.

Massage treatment may be added to many other packages from the a la carte menu. Facials are being newly-offered by Sky in 2011.

 

Other ways to relax at the eco retreat

campfire		riverside hammocks		zero-tasking

Campfire

Time spent around a crackling campfire is a mesmerizing experience enjoyed throughout the ages. It is an intriguing and mysterious pastime of deep simplicity to warm your body, mind and spirit. Listening to stories, singing to guitar, or sharing quietude readies you for evening retirement. The gentle sound of the river lulls you towards a restful and rejuvenating sleep.

The campfire remains a primal evening experience for relaxation and meditation. Enjoyed on your own, or in a group, there really is nothing like sitting around a fire watching the flames dance and flicker in the night.

There are many different activites that take place around a campfire…and it seems that each person gets jazzed in a different way…it is chopping wood for some, foraging for wood in the forest for others, lighting the fire, tending to its life, playing guitar, singing, or listening for others…quiet “meditation” whilst staring into the flames, with the river's lull providing background “music”seems to be a favourite for all…fine dinners rustically prepared just some how seem to take on a uniqueness not attainable in any other way.

Riverside hammocks

The riverside hammocks provide a wonderful way to de-stress and feel nature all around. Whether reading, resting, or sleeping, time spent in one of our riverside hammocks is soulfully relaxing.

Zero-tasking

As a newly-coined phrase, zero tasking is anything but new. It is the ancient art of ceasing all activity, and in many ways it is a lost art.

Whether sitting in a chair, lying in a hammock, or lounging at the beach, or resting in your Nest, the soothing lull of the Coquihalla River provides a wonderful backdrop for meditation, daydreaming, reconnecting, recharging your spirit, or simply enjoying the peace and serenity of nature.