It’s not just the hot rocks at a spa that can give off heat.  Visiting a spa is a sure-fire to ignite or in some cases reignite the flames of passion. Staying at a spa you can release those unhealthy daily stresses while at the same time unleashing your romantic side.  Think about it – idyllic and picturesque setting, relaxed state of mind, being pampered by highly trained staff.   The romantic gods are perfectly aligned to create some fireworks while being the perfect tonic to rejuvenate and relax your body and mind.

Canada is blessed with so many spas that exude romance from country inn, ocean and lakeside settings to luxurious hotel spas.  Choose what you prefer. Just make sure they have co-ed relaxation lounges, water therapy rooms, dining options, outdoor activities. Even Old Man Winter can’t dampen the spirit of romance – some of the spas are actually more romantic in winter – get a room with a fireplace and cozy up to your loved one.   Here are just a few of my favourite spas that are guaranteed to ignite the flames of passion – the rest is up to you and your partner.  

The Wickaninnish Inn – Tofino, BC  www.wickinn.com  The ruggedness of Vancouver Island’s coast and nature preserve meet the refined comforts of this 75-room award-winning inn.  Lovers of nature and of the heart are equally blessed and serviced at this well-appointed resort that features the work of many local artists and artisans. 

With the Pacific Ocean and Chesterman Beach as its look-out, romance takes a front seat with Mother Nature as every room has a picturesque view.  The spa located on the ocean level of the Pointe building provides a mix of privacy with a view.  They offer many West Coast nature inspired treatments.   Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre – Parksville, BC

www.tigh-na-mara.com Located on Vancouver Island in Parksville, this 192-log cabin style resort with a dedicated Spa Villa section (complete with Jacuzzi and fireplace and other romantic touches) is nestled next to a 3km beach and surrounded by a Douglas Fir-filled forest. Be pampered together at the uniquely designed Grotto Spa, featuring the popular Grotto Mineral Pool, cool-splash waterfall and whirlpool. Splurge for one of their romance packages in a private suite with a luxurious copper soaking tub.  After the pampering, don only your bathrobe and dine at the Treetop Tapas & Grill exclusively for spas guests.  

Sparkling Hill Resort – Vernon, BC www.sparklinghill.com Located in the stunningly beautiful and winery infused Okanagan Valley, Sparkling Hill Resort has made a name for itself when it opened in 2010 featuring KurSpa, Canada’s largest spa with 40,000 square feet of therapeutic and pampered bliss.

Innovative crystal architecture meets wellness at Sparkling Hill. The 149 luxury rooms feature spectacular views of Lake Okanagan or the Monashee Mountain range.  What woman doesn’t like a little bling?  Swarovski crystal fireplaces, crystal light fixtures, starry ceilings, two-person soaking tubs next to floor to ceiling views of Lake Okanagan guarantee a crystal and romance infused stay. 

  Fairmont Banff Springs – Banff, AB www.fairmont.com/banff-springs Fairmont Banff Springs rich and colourful history has been a romantic and honeymoon favourite since it first opened as a hotel in 1888.   Everyone from British Royalty to celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Clint Eastwood have graced this exquisite Canadian jewel.   Feel the pulsating flow of therapeutic waters in the mineral pool at the heart of the Willow Stream Spa. This large 38,000 square foot spa has 23 treatment rooms, steam and eucalyptus rooms, indoor mineral pool, luxurious deluxe couples’ suite and three waterfall-treatment whirlpools. The centerpiece of it all - venture outside the spa and feel the majestic Rocky Mountains surround and set the stage for a night of romance and tranquility.   

Ste. Anne’s Spa – Grafton, ON www.steannes.com Situated high up on more than 400 acres in the Northumberland Hills just an hour east of Toronto, Ste. Anne’s Spa is a Canadian spa icon when it comes to being innovative while still retaining its country inn charm.  Stay in one of their well-appointed spa cottages for those looking for privacy and solitude. Fine dining but you can eat in your bathrobe and bring your own favourite bottle of wine. Stroll amongst the rolling hills and trails hand in hand or join a yoga class and practice your breathing and body movement – it may come in handy later that evening!  

Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris, Shangri-La Hotel – Toronto, ON www.mirajcaudaliespa.com Prepare your body and mind for a mystical, mysterious and magical journey at Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris located on the 5th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel, one of the newest ultra luxury hotels in downtown Toronto.  The stress of the city is immediately left behind as you enter this spa sanctuary with décor and treatment influences from Paris, Marrakech and Istanbul. Enjoy intoxicating vinotherapy treatments like a Crushed Cabernet Scrub or Wine Body Wrap. Transform you and your loved one back to the vineyards of Bordeaux.  Unwind with a Destination Casablanca or Couples Ritual treatments for two with a hammam, gommage and massage or facial treatment.   

Le Nordik Spa-Nature – Chelsea, PQ www.lenordik.com Only 15 minutes away from the hot air of Ottawa’s Parliament Hill you can relax in warm and refreshing thermal waters at Le Nordik Spa-Nature, a day spa located in the tiny town of Chelsea.   Situated on the edge of the Gatineau Hills you are immediately transformed into a rustic Nordic experience with the comforts and sophistication of a luxury spa.  Le Nordik raises the bar of the Nordic experience with beautifully landscaped grounds with seven baths (hot, cold, temperate), eight uniquely designed saunas, infinity pool with stunning views of the Gatineau Hills, outdoor and indoor relaxation areas, and restaurant and plush lounge area.   

Fox Harb’r Golf Resort & Spa – Wallace, NS www.foxharbr.com Sometimes romance doesn’t come easy – especially for guys!  Sometimes you need to make a compromise. Fox Harb’r Golf Resort & Spa caters to the golf and outdoor enthusiast but is a perfect location for a romantic getaway. The resort is a two-hour drive northwest of Halifax. Let him play at the two championship golf courses (or play with him) and have him join you at the spa at Fox Harb’r which also features many male specific treatments. Whether you are dining together, having couple’s spa treatments, or even out skeet shooting – the view of the Atlantic Ocean won’t change.  It will be stunning and create the right mood for some old-fashioned oceanside romance. Let the romance begin.