This article is from the winter edition of Boulevard Magazine. The gentle notes of a flute are almost drowned out by the deep baritone of the ocean swell rolling into the surrounding rocks. White spray mists the air with salt and the rhythmic sway of kelp caught in the surf has a hypnotic appearance. Settling back into a black lounger, I watch the sea and allow my mind to empty of the endless to-do lists, grocery orders and prep needed to be done for the upcoming holiday meal that will see a dozen or so family members gather in my home. Instead of focusing on all that still needs to be done – the birthday party I need to plan for my daughter and the Christmas shopping I haven’t started – I allow myself to be in the moment. It’s something I usually struggle with, but here, on the pool deck at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, it’s easy to get lost in the ambiance of Salish Sea. I’m here for the afternoon, enjoying the Boathouse Spa upgrade that gives me access to this serene waterfront. When I arrived at the spa, I was given a quick greeting while I was checked in, and then we were off on a tour. Past reception, I’m met with the smell of eucalyptus and cedar emanating from the indoor sauna. Tiled change rooms are stationed on the left – complete with a bathing suit spinner hanging on the wall outside them – and the last door on the right hides a private oasis filled with plants, cosy chairs and windows overlooking the pool deck. Despite two of the four walls being made of glass, the room feels private, like a secret retreat that offers hot and cold tea, infused water and a trail mix snack in case you find yourself peckish while you wait for your treatment. The treatment rooms themselves are not actually in this building; they’re nestled between the pool deck and the sea, and provide a front-row view of the ocean. Left to my own devices, I quickly change and wrap myself in the velvety plush robe provided before settling into a lounger beside the sea with a cup of iced yuzu herbal tea. It can be hard to give yourself permission to slow down during the holiday season, especially with so many commitments and expectations. But it’s vital to check in with yourself and be mindful of the harm stress causes on your body. While it was originally a reaction meant to protect our bodies from predators and other aggressors, stress has transformed to be triggered by everyday demands. Mayo Clinic staff note the nervous system response to stress triggers causes the body to release a surge of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. While adrenaline makes the heart beat faster and causes blood pressure to go up, cortisol increases sugar in the bloodstream. Cortisol also slows functions that would be harmful or non-essential in a fight-or-flight situation – changing immune system responses and suppressing the digestive system, reproductive system and growth processes. This reaction is meant to stop when the perceived threat has gone away but when stressors are always present, that fight-or-flight reaction stays on, putting you at risk for a number of health issues including depression, heart attack, heart disease, stroke, weight gain, sleep problems, trouble with memory and focus, and headaches, to name a few. That’s why the Mayo Clinic says it’s more important than ever to learn how to manage stress and relaxation is a key component. After soaking up the sea, it’s time to soak in one of the two hot tubs. I can feel the tension in my shoulders melt away as I lean back against the edge and look up towards the hotel. Rooted above the pool deck, its brown brick facade shines in the afternoon sun and its slate grey roof matches the rocks surrounding the hot tubs. While the furthest hot tub is tucked into a private little nook surrounded by greenery, the other is set higher up and gives views of the mineral pool and sea. After my body is sufficiently relaxed, I transition to the outdoor sauna. Inside this stargazer sauna I’m met with a large window framing the sea and making it feel as if I’m sitting on the rocks while the ocean laps at my feet. The heat from the 85-degree sauna immediately permeates my skin and I sit back against the bench. Breathing the cedar smell deep into my lungs, I look up and see the ceiling is also made of glass, showcasing blue sky. While tempted to cloud-watch, I turn my attention back to the ocean and continue to focus on the rolling waves, realizing they’re not grey, mirroring the clouds rolling past overhead, but a deep, dark aquamarine. Just as I’m starting to wonder how long I’ve been sitting here, the final grains of white sand fall in an hourglass timer by the door, indicating I’ve reached the end of the suggested 15 minute stay. Outside the sea air is chilly but refreshing and I hesitate beside the mineral pool, expecting it to feel frigid after the sauna. But I’m pleasantly surprised as I ease myself in. The heated pool is almost the temperature of a warm bath and I sit on the sunken ledge, allowing the water to wash over me as the sound of a little water fall trickles into the main pool. Deciding to complete the circuit, I venture back into the building to try out the eucalyptus-infused indoor sauna, returning to the pool again after 15 minutes. Looking at the subtle clock, I can’t believe I’ve spent two hours here already and it’s almost time for my treatment. With the holiday season usually packed full of events, meals and holiday cheer, it’s hard to escape for a weekend away to take a break from the hustle and bustle the season brings. An afternoon at the spa, however, can be just what the doctor ordered. Sitting in the lounge, enjoying a gemstone-infused glass of cold water, I’m greeted by Kim, my practitioner. She’s spent six years at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and more than 18 years in Korea perfecting her craft. Her enthusiasm is palpable but not overwhelming in the serene space. As she leads me back outside to the treatment rooms, I already feel like I’m in good hands. The Boathouse Spa offers a full menu of different treatments designed to help you slow down and unwind, including facials, massages and body treatments. Today, I’m receiving the botanical glow facial, which the spa describes as a cosmeceutical treatment that harnesses the power of nature while restoring the radiance of all skin types. Pre- and probiotics balance the microbiome while antioxidant-rich maple bark extract stimulates collagen and elastin. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps, leaving skin healthy, resilient and glowing. Just what I need with a teething toddler that’s leaving me to survive on four hours of combined sleep a night. Inside the room I’m tucked into a heated bed adorned with a fluffy duvet that feels as if I’m being wrapped in a cloud. Already, I can feel my eyes grow heavy as Kim advises me to take a deep breath, drawing in a eucalyptus blend that continues the earthy scents layered throughout the spa spaces. Kim gets to work as I try – and fail – to pay attention to what she’s doing. It’s a delightful blur of warm towel wraps, soothing cold compresses, and Kim deftly painting my face like an artist with her brush. She uses a combination of products by Babor, a German company known for being a pioneer in skincare and as setting the standard in skincare research. There are also scalp, hand and arm massages that leave me in a zen-like coma state that Kim has to prompt me out of with a repeated request for a deep breath of that eucalyptus scent once again. I wish I could tell you more about the treatment itself but I’m left in the best kind of daze, knowing Kim has carefully tailored each selection, and my face is glowing. She does offer advice as she goes and reiterates that she will write it down, noting I’m in no state to be taking mental notes. True to her word, she leaves me a detailed regimen, written on a ‘Doctor Babor’ Rx prescription pad, outlining what types of product I should use and when – all geared to my specific skin requirements. Advice this tired mama desperately needs as I have been woefully neglecting my skin – and body – while going through the first years of parenthood. And just like that, I’m back sitting in the lounge, sipping on a hot cup of the custom ‘Oak Bay Fog’ tea blend and marvelling at a state of relaxation I didn’t know was possible. All without even leaving Greater Victoria. DO. Take advantage of the heated outdoor mineral pools and hot tubs. Amenities on the pool deck include water and towel service, assigned lounge chairs and use of the stargazer sauna. This optional upgrade for spa guests will leave you feeling replenished as you take in the surrounding Salish Sea. SEE. The Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s Wellness Reset series wraps up Nov. 15 with a live taping of Jessi Cruickshank’s hit pop culture podcast Phone a Friend. The hotel is also offering a number of holiday-themed events including breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7, a Christmas Day brunch, and a New Year’s Day brunch. EAT. Guest utilizing the mineral pools also have poolside access to Boathouse Kitchen and Bar. The menu features a number of signature cocktails, slushy delights, wine and bubbles, and carefully curated brews that accompany lighter fares to nibble on. The Oak Bay Beach Hotel also offers coastal-inspired Italian dining at Faro, more traditional pub fare at the Snug Pub and premium cocktails in the Lobby Lounge. SLEEP. The Oak Bay Beach Hotel offers luxury accommodations highlighting traditional architecture with modern in-suite amenities. Choose from guest rooms, boutique suites, one-bedroom suites or penthouse options with either residential, marina or panoramic ocean views.
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