I went to Thermea last night for their Thermal Experience and.. WOW. It was a fantastic experience!

Thermea is a Skandinavian-style day resort with saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools and relaxation areas. It is designed so that visitors follow a cycle of Heat, Cool, Relax with 3 trips through the cycle for maximum benefit.

For the Heat cycle, choose between a large Finnish dry sauna, a small traditional dry sauna, and two scented steam rooms. After heating up for about 10-15 minutes, you go to one of the plunge pools: a 10 deg C cold pool or a 20 deg C temperate pool. After a few minutes of cooling, it's off to one of the relaxation areas: a room of heated tile loungers, a warm room with mats to lie down, or adirondack chairs around a firepit outdoors.

They also have a hot tub, restaurant, and a range of massage services. The whole complex is built like a ring with the plunge pools and firepit in the inner courtyard. The basic Thermal Experience costs $49+tax and it is an all day pass. We only had about 2 hours in there and next time I will allow myself closer to 3 hours.

Our experience yesterday happened to be on Getaway Tuesday so for a little extra we also received a light snack and sparkling wine in the restaurant. The package included bathrobe rental and they have plenty of towels. You really only have to bring a swimsuit. You can wear your bathrobe into the restaurant too, so it truly feels like one seamless experience until you're ready to hit the shower and leave.

BEST OF ALL, all areas of the Thermal Cycle are either whispering only or complete silence imposed. Don't come here to cackle with your friends (as our neighbours in the steam room did and someone had to shush them); save it for the restaurant later.

This spa is open year round and there are additional lounging areas available seasonally (they call it their "Forest Beach". We were here in March on an evening with light winds and probably -5 deg C and that was absolutely perfect.

After our experience I was so relaxed and we slithered home and straight into bed. My only regret is that it's clear across the city from our house so I don't know how often we will be able to go. However, we will go again! Many times, I'm sure. I highly recommend!