Spas, salons, and wellness spots have now reopened in Whistler

This article is part of an ongoing series in partnership with Tourism Whistler to raise awareness of how the destination is opening safely to welcome guests this summer. 

The past few months have presented unforeseen challenges for everyone, whether personal or professional.

But as BC moves through its gradual restart plan, it’s possible to safely enjoy the things that make us happy once again. Local travel is top of mind for many since going further afield is currently not advised. But that’s okay when you have access to a globally revered resort.

Whistler is welcoming visitors to return and enjoy the thrill of the natural environment at a new pace this summer. The alpine destination is the ideal place to get back to your regular self-care regime with a midweek trip — complete with modified services to put you at ease.

Health and wellness facilities in Whistler have reopened with new safety protocols like virtual care, increased sanitization of equipment, and customer capacity limits. During your next vacation, consider treating yourself to the following options for self-care.

Rejuvenating spas

Nita Lake Lodge/Jen Girardi

Living through a pandemic is bound to increase stress levels. When the body is stressed, our muscles can become tense. A way to relieve this? Visit a spa or wellness facility that offers a complete range of treatments to help you feel restored and refreshed.

The Scandinave Spa Whistler offers traditional therapy for modern tensions (think hydrotherapy baths and signature treatments). You can enjoy a day at the spa knowing sanitization measures have been ramped up for guest safety. The Spa at Nita Lake has a peaceful lakeside ambiance, and it’s operating in the same way. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is also provided for visitors.

Whistler Day Spa is another sanctuary-like spa to visit. It has a list of wonderful treatments available, and social distancing measures are in place at the spa. If a massage is your go-to, make a reservation at Aviva Wellness Massage Spa. Face masks are required to be worn by staff and visitors.

Beauty treatments

Elevation Hair Studio/Facebook

If you’re planning to dine al fresco in Whistler or perhaps indoors at one of the resort’s dining establishments with spacious seating, you’ll want to look and feel your best. Whistler has a bunch of options for esthetics and beauty services, so you don’t have to worry about visiting a salon before your vacation.

To get a summer glow without having to spend too much time outside, make an appointment at Be Beauty Spa & Tanning Lounge. For highlights or a fresh trim to take you through summer, book in at Elevation Hair Studio. Both guests and stylists are required to wear masks at the salon.

Over at The Whistler Barbershop, walk-in appointments are accepted. However, it’s advised to make a booking with a stylist ahead of time. PPE will be provided to clients upon arrival. For rejuvenating skin, face, or body treatments, visit Whistler Medical Aesthetics — a one-way flow system and private waiting rooms are in place.

Restorative therapy

Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane

With many people now working from home and cutting out their transit to work, much more time is spent in a sedentary position. During your stay in Whistler, take care of yourself by scheduling an appointment with one of the health specialists located in the Village.

If you require physiotherapy, massage therapy, or occupational therapy treatment, Back In Action Physiotherapy Whistler can help. The clinic is operating with customer capacity limits and frequent sanitization protocols. Peak Performance Physical Therapy also offers massage and physio treatments with the same enhanced procedures — plus online care appointment options.

Use holistic therapy to help improve aches and pains at Village Centre Chiropractic and Massage. There are now 10-minute gaps between patients to allow for sanitation at the clinic. Whistler Physiotherapy has additional options for physio and massage (with PPE provided).

Yogis, you don’t need to wait until you return home from Whistler to take a class and experience zen. Yogacara Whistler offers daily sessions for all levels. Make sure you book in advance as class sizes are at reduced capacity.

Nourishing fare

Naked Sprout Juice Bar Café/Facebook

The food we eat plays a huge role in our overall wellness. Indulging in delicious and nutritious food is the perfect way to complement a health or wellness treatment in Whistler. Whether you’re a vegan, follow a plant-based diet, or if you’re simply looking to eat more organic fare, the resort has you covered.

Head to the Naked Sprout for salad bowls, fruit smoothies, wraps, and everything in between. If you feel comfortable, you can dine on the spacious patio or order for takeout. The Green Moustache Organic Café also has options for plant-based whole food eats — for every meal of the day. Physical distancing barriers and contactless payment options are in place at the cafe.

There’s literally so much to see and do in Whistler this summer. With everything from hiking and outdoor activities, to relaxing lakeside, to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions in the Village — you’ll need more than a weekend to fit it all in. To get the best rates for your Whistler vacation, consider planning a three-night stay (or longer) or search midweek dates with rooms starting from $93 per night.

It’s important to remember that not all Whistler health and wellness providers are open at this time. However, more providers are gradually reopening and complying with the highest health and safety standards.

For more information on the post-COVID-19 Whistler experience before your trip and to see the full list of health and wellness providers currently open for business, visit the Whistler Doors Open Directory.