The holidays, the Olympics, the Gwar concert — when will the madness end? When you finally have a moment to chill, head to one of these spots for your moment of zen.
Escape the sounds of the city with a silent retreat at Deerheart Sanctuary on Hornby Island. Choose your own adventure and tick off boxes for activities like bodywork, energy readings, guided hikes, and yoga and meditation in the heated yurt. Camp or stay in the cozy caravan. 7720 Central Rd., Hornby Island, 250-335-0952.
Dr. Taams Naturopathic Medical Practice & Holistic Spa Retreat offers the ultimate natural spa experience. The five-star Abbotsford resort boasts all the latest and greatest treatments like acupressure with thermal therapy, which involves infrared rays conducted through jade ball bearings. The sauna isn’t bad either. RR2 30061 Townshipline Rd., 604-856-5687.
Admit it, you read your girlfriend’s copy of Eat, Pray, Love and are dying to Zen out at a yoga retreat. Yasodhara Ashram on Kootenay Lake is the closest you’ll get to nirvana without going to India. Courses and retreats for yogis of all flexibilities. Kootenay Bay, 250-227-9224.
Stay close to home and experience the indulgent side of the Middle East with a hammam and gommage treatment at Miraj. The Hammam cleanses your body in a steam chamber before your gommage, which includes a full-body exfoliation with black Moroccan soap. After your rubdown, you can kick back on a velvet bed in the silky Sultana Lounge and be served sweet cake and tea. 1495 West 6th Ave., 604-733-5151.
Image courtesy of notsogoodphotography.
