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Heavenly
Best kept secret
by Leslie Alexander
When I found myself heading to Ottawa recently, I arranged to visit The Spa.
A good friend recommended
it as Ottawa’s best kept secret.
As I stepped out of the car, I paused to admire the building. It is not very often one gets a chance to enjoy a spa in an old stone chapel. Inside, it was a serene, welcoming space with abundant greenery and comfortable leather seating. I was greeted and escorted across the polished, wooden floors to the second level for a pedicure.
Once seated, I was offered water, tea or coffee. As the sun streamed in through the arched windows of the old chapel, I took in my beautiful surroundings – the warm tones of exposed beams, the cool stone footbasins and soft leather seating. I was soothed by soft music and hushed conversations.
As my aesthetician, Tara Lynn, attended to my feet, I closed my eyes and drifted away. Floral and herbal fragrances wafted in and out of my awareness. An invigorating foot scrub of salt, sugar, rose petals and peppermint oil was followed by a soothingly-cool spearmint and aloe mask. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, she surprised me with a relaxing foot and leg massage. Bliss!
When it was time to choose a nail polish color, I wanted something FUN! Tara Lynn offered me several choices and I picked a bright deep red colour to match my rejuvenated spirit.
As I happily admired the results of my pedicure, I decided to purchase the nail polish to take home. On a small card, Tara Lynn wrote out recommendations for maintaining my new beautiful feet between professional pedicures.
I had gone to The Spa alone, but according to Tanya Farlinger, Director of Aesthetics, a growing trend is to organize a pamper party. Sisters, girlfriends of all ages, wedding parties, and mothers and daughters make appointments to enjoy treatments together.
I shall return, perhaps with my friend next time, for the popular “Pedicure of the Month” – because, most appropriate for a spa in a restored chapel, the experience was simply heavenly!
If you go . . .
For more information about The Spa you can visit their website. And while you are in Ottawa, take time to discover treasures in the old Byward Market or stroll along the historic Rideau Canal.
Leslie Alexander is a contributing writer in the Vancouver area. Her love of the spa experience entices her to seek out the ‘best kept secret’ spas in her travels.
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