Spas going to new heights: "Sue Frause, Special to The Province
Published: Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Too many spas, too little time.

That's how I felt after several weekends of Whistler spa-hopping. With 20 spas to choose from, it was impossible to experience all of them but I did manage to put together a list that includes both hotel and day spas. Note that they all offer in-room massage therapies.

Whatever your preferred spa style or budget, Whistler is fast becoming a wellness destination. Glenn Iles, former director of sales and marketing at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, heads up a new company called Whistler Wellness.

As a web-based resource for 'all things wellness' in Whistler, it features spa listings, yoga schedules and a directory of health and wellness practitioners. There's also information on the site about the first annual Whistler Wellness Week, held this year April 28-May 7.

'The mountains have long been associated with wellness,' said Iles. 'At Whistler, the numerous outdoor activities are complemented by world-class practitioners offering treatments originating from around the world.'

I can vouch for that. I indulged in Chinese medicine, a Javanese treatment, Ayurveda from India and seaweed from B.C.

Spa-hopping at Whistler is a global experience, indeed.