SPA!SPA!SPA! THE LAURENTIANS

The picturesque Laurentians, 75 miles north of Montreal, are as popular for their spas as they are for their ski and golf resorts.

AMERISPA

It sits beneath the towering peaks of the Laurentians, surrounded by wilderness and lakes, yet Fairmont Tremblant is an imposing presence at Mont Tremblant resort village.

Significantly appealing, though, is the hotel's dedication of 10,000 sq.ft. to Amerispa, the ideal place to find serenity when the feeling of self-indulgence overcomes you.

If any doubts exist when you decide to pamper yourself, they will quickly vanish once you take a look at the spa menu. The variety includes hydromassage, facials, body scrub and wraps, Vichy shower massage, Swedish massage, pressotherapy, mud, algae or lavender baths.

I contemplate a 'Vichy shower massage' simply because it ultimately promotes toxin removal from the body and is non-invasive. As soft instrumental music plays in the background the masseuse in a bathing suit gently but firmly erases all those knots that accumulate over time and it also benefits Improved circulation and lymphatic flow.

It's a pleasant sensation to have your body cajoled into relaxing while water (at body temperature) rain down from shower heads, sprinkling drops in a steady flow. I am enjoying this so much, I am tempted to drift off to sleep, but I don't. Another memory that lingers? The sweet smell of the almond oil used to replace moisture loss.

After the hour-long session, I was off to a relaxation room to join my friends and enjoy the view with a sparkling glass of water and to experience pressotherapy. We don pressurized full leg boots as we lay on lounge chairs and voila -20 minutes later our tired legs are re-vitalized and ready for waling again!

SPA-SUR-LE-LAC

Spa-sur-le-Lac is Hotel Club Temblant's pride and joy of well-being, charming and blessed with its spectacular views.

I am beginning to adore these spas in the Laurentians. Here is another scene-stealer, a spa called Spa-sur-le-Lac, in English, Spa-on-the-Lake - Lake Tremblant that is.

Spa-sur-le-Lac centers its services on body care, aesthetics and also a beauty salon. Packages and a la carte treatments range from massotherapy, hydrotherapy, pressotherapy to body treatments, reflexology, facials and hair care.

My first facial is going to be quite an experience because I don't know quite what to expect. I lay on my back in a dimly lit room as soothing tunes fill the air, I close my eyes and the rest of the world disappears from my thoughts.

My cosmetologist describes the treatment to me. I suspect it's not only because she knows I am a novice spa visitor, but basic spa protocol just in case one has reservations about the products or procedures.

She begins by cleansing my entire face and prepares for exfoliation. Next she installs a steam machine aimed towards my face to open the facial pores. At this point she leaves for 10 minutes, but within that time I nod off. It's just so easy to do that without any guilt! She returns to remove the exfoliating mask and uses a hydrating lotion and massages it into my skin. Now this is great - my face, neck and shoulders respond to massage wonderfully and I wish it would never end. So much for pre-conceived ideas about facials!

LE SCANDINAVE

This is a spa with a difference that promotes itself as "Relaxation in the Heart of Nature!" - this is Le Scandinave spa in Mont-Tremblant.

A view from the observation deck is all that it takes to convince our party of three to join the folks already there. At Le Scandinave hot and cold temperatures work in tandem. The site features Finnish sauna, Norwegian steam bath, outdoor Jacuzzi and Swedish massage.

I am new to this theory, but soon discover it is quite exhilarating to step from the heated facilities and head down to the river. I recline on a bed of rocks in the free-flowing waters of Riviere du Diable, content to let the world go by while my friends indulge in the same luxury. Nearby we see a woman sitting motionless in the water meditating, while others come in for a quick dip to refresh themselves.

The inviting Nordic waterfall is steps away from the outdoor Jacuzzi and the scene is almost idyllic. I remember closing my eyes to the rest of the world and instead enjoy this special moment of being surrounded by the simple beauty we call nature.

After visiting the sauna, steambath and jacuzzi enough it's time to relax in one of the many colorful hammocks.

By day's end I am thinking it must be really nice to be here during every season of the year. We'll see.

THALASPA

The ThalaSpa spa located in the Mont Gabriel Hotel is very new and well equipped.

All the treatments on the spa menu are alluring, but at ThalaSpa the emphasis is on energetic skin care for the face and body. Seaweed, Dead Sea salt, colored clay and Mont St-Michel mud are among the natural skin remedies used to promote healthy skin.

I am lured by the inviting nature of the Royal Multi 252 jetbath. Newly launched in Canada, this treatment combines chromatherapy, hydro,massage, aromatherapy and musIcotherapy. Guests can choose essential oils with a desired effect of relaxing, cooling or energizing the body.

I love energy and with this in mind I make this selection. Who could resist the aroma of essential oils? Some are easier to identify but I am able to discern peppermint, lemon, thyme and lavender.

As Louise readies the bath I am full of anticipation. I step in and lay submerged, two speakers at ear level release relaxation melodies. It begins with pulsating jets concentrating on different sections of the body from my shoulders to the soles of my feet. For two minutes there is a steady rhythm and I begin to enjoy the sensation, then the jets continue along my body, and I wish it wouldn't stop.

Am I a fan of the Royal Multi jetbath? You bet I am. Especially after enjoying two sessions.

To achieve full relaxation the body scrubs and wraps work in tandem with the bath, but the crowning glory has to be the sea mist treatment room. In a capsule, this well-known European practice is great for the lungs and lifts your spirits.

Become a convert - at ThalaSpa you'll be welcome with open arms.