Set in a UNESCO Heritage Site in the Canadian Rockies, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has long been a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts. It actually got its start in 1915 when it was just 10 luxury tents on the shores of Lac Beauvert and a main dining tent. Originally called “Tent City,” it was later taken over and renovated by Canadian National Railways. Upgraded to eight log cabins, it officially opened as The Jasper Park Lodge in 1922. Surrounded by stunning scenery, the property has continued growing ever since and now boasts an inviting lodge, a collection of cabins connected by picturesque paths, a golf course, and more recently, Reflections, The Spa at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Although the hotel had a spa for years, it wasn’t until late 2010 that it debuted the results of an overdue renovation. According to spa director Lindsay Griffith, the new 10-treatment-room spa enhances the lodge by giving guests the opportunity to experience a luxury spa in the rustic environment. It is certainly an enticing draw to those who want to unwind in the remote wilderness setting.
Reflecting the majestic mountains, awe-inspiring forests, and soothing streams that define the area, the spa’s design incorporates elements from the natural world. Upon entering the spa, guests are greeted with the sight and sound of water flowing over tiers of natural rock. The spa’s pine corridors are meant to represent tree-lined paths found throughout Jasper. The reflection lounge, another example, is also accented with pine and stone. Views of the mountains and a roaring fire in the stone fireplace make it an ideal place to relax before and after treatments. Also hard to resist is the nearby outdoor heated pool offering epic views of the Canadian Rockies. With names such as Breathe, Love, and Happiness, each of the treatment rooms reminds guests about what is important in life. “They were inspired by the journey that ensures an experience like no other—one that gives guests the time and space to breathe, dream, and reflect on the natural abundance that surrounds them,” says Griffith.
True to its name, Reflections offers guests a menu that also speaks to its spectacular setting. “We wanted to reflect the spa’s natural surroundings, making it authentically local with regards to treatment offerings,” says Griffith. Guests can enjoy the locally inspired experiences, such as the Sweet Maple Body Treat ($219, 90 minutes), which features a maple sugar body scrub, wrap, and massage; Alpine Infusion ($219, 90 minutes), which involves a grain body mask, wrap, and exfoliation, a fir-infused massage, and a marma-point face massage; or Mountain Mineral Ritual ($209, 90 minutes), which includes a moor-mud body wrap, a thermal mineral bath, and a massage with cypress, juniper, and lavender organic oils.
Because so many guests participate in the area’s many outdoor pursuits, the menu is designed to complement the variety of activities. For instance, the Skier’s and Hiker’s Retreat ($209, 90 minutes) is geared for avid skiers and hikers who want to hit the slopes again tomorrow. The highlight is the aromatherapy massage with energizing oils and heat therapy that treats tense back and abdominal muscles. The Golf and Sport Retreat ($209, 90 minutes) incorporates an invigorating eucalyptus foot bath; a mineral exfoliation; a stretch massage for the hands, feet, back, and hips; a nourishing wrap; and a hydrating mask. Although the spa’s nine massage experiences are always popular among guests, it’s the Jasper Wrap ($129, 60 minutes) that has proven to be the biggest winner. “It is a body treatment designed to relieve tension and hydrate the skin, so it is perfect for the mountain athlete,” says Griffith.
With 20 full-time and two part-time staff members, the spa is able to accommodate approximately 65 guests each day. According to Griffith, hiring talented employees is often the most difficult aspect of her job. “Recruitment can be a challenge, as we require the highest level of service provider,” she says. Fortunately, it’s the guests who benefit from setting the bar high, and there are no plans to change that as the goal remains providing guests with superior spa experiences. Says Griffith, “Each Fairmont spa experience is an authentic, inspired reflection of the destination’s energy, culture, and history.”
Owner: Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Spa Director: Lindsay Griffith
Opened: October 2010
Client Base
70% Female, 30% Male
Most Represented Countries:
Canada, U.S., Australia
Space
10,000 square feet; 10 treatment rooms
Cost of Spa
$6.7 million
Offerings
aromatherapy, Ayurveda, body treatments, couples’ treatments, energy work, eyelash and brow tinting, facials, fitness, hand and foot treatments, hydrotherapy, makeup application, massage, nailcare, waxing, yoga
Signature Services
Reflections of Blue ($219, 90 minutes), Alpine Infusion ($219, 90 minutes), Sweet Maple Body Treat ($219, 90 minutes)
Most Expensive Offering
Sacred Moments ($499, 2 hours), which includes a private steam, luxe soak, massages, and energy- aligning vital-energy-point sequence for two
Product Lines
Archipelago Botanicals, B. Kamins, Jane Iredale—The Skin Care Makeup, Kerstin Florian, Lollia, OPI, Sara Happ, Skeem, Tara Spa Therapy
Equipment
Living Earth Crafts, Oakworks, Precor, Silhouet-Tone, SpaSoft, Taji
Architect
Leblond (Calgary, Canada)
Interior Designer
Design 360 (Santa Monica, CA)