A brand new Finnish-inspired day spa called Vettä Nordic Spa is on track to open its doors in Ontario, Canada in September 2021.

Realised by ISM Architects, the all-season destination will cover five and a half acres and feature a 12 treatment-room spa plus one of North America’s largest commercial saunas.

“Horseshoe Valley is already a vacation destination for many, and the natural beauty found here fits the Finnish-inspired escape so perfectly,” said Eric Harkonen, president and founder of Vettä Nordic Spa.

“Vettä will be an experience that allows guests to sample a taste of Finland for the day and an opportunity to feel relaxed, recharged and reconnected.”

Guests will be immersed in a dynamic journey of wellbeing including professional bespoke massages, steamrooms, authentic Finnish saunas, warm pools and cold plunge pools, as well as salt rubs, a hot stone room, multiple relaxation areas and outdoor wood-burning fire pits.

All are being designed to help guests restore their health and wellbeing through the emotional and physical benefits of Nordic bathing traditions.

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.”

Vettä’s primary attraction will be its emphasis on spending quality time with others and having meaningful conversations during their spa escape.

While there will be a designated zone for those who wish to relax quietly on their own, the majority of Vettä will function in accordance with the Finnish tradition of socialising with others.

Guests will be encouraged to enjoy time with friends or family by making the most of couples’ massage rooms, social spa zones and spacious dining areas.

Vettä’s saunas and range of multi-temperature outdoor pools are being built to allow guests to enjoy self-guided contrast bathing.

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.

In addition, Vettä will feature three distinct culinary experiences showcasing forest foraged delicacies including freshly-picked mushroom medleys, preserved berries, local ecologically-produced vegetables and smoked and fresh fish.

There will be also heated floors and pathways throughout the spa and waterproof RFID wristbands allowing guests to move around easily.

Looking ahead, Harkonen told Spa Business there are plans to expand the Vettä concept in future with more locations in Ontario.