Thermal spa operator Groupe Nordik has announced further details about its upcoming US$37.7m (CA$50m €34.4m, £29.4m) wellness project in Whitby, Greater Toronto.

Scheduled to launch in Q2 2021, the spa will open under the banner of the group’s new Thermëa Spa Village concept which combines wellness rituals from around the globe on a site with a distinctly Canadian character.

The evolution of the brand’s identity is part of the vision of Groupe Nordik owners, Martin Paquette and Daniel Gingras, who’ve confirmed the new concept will be the blueprint for its major North American rollout which will see its portfolio grow to 10 nature spas by 2027.

At the time of writing, Groupe Nordik has two Nordic-inspired spas in Canada and focuses on bathing and thermal cycles.

Prior to COVID-19, the company’s two spas drew 415,000 visitors a year.

The concept has been developed to transform the typical spa experience into an entire wellness village with a homey feel and something which offers a relaxing haven for reconnection.

“Thermëa Village is the culmination of 15 years of guest experience and extensive research, including travel to unique and renowned establishments from around the world,” said Paquette, president, CEO and co-owner of Groupe Nordik.

“Each spa village will become an icon, unique to the community in which it is built – from the mindful interaction with the natural surroundings to the rustic buildings of the traditional sauna village and the variety of meticulously crafted experiences.

“Every detail is thoughtfully crafted and dedicated to all things wellness.”

The flagship Thermëa Spa Village

The upcoming Thermëa Spa Village | Whitby will offer guests a variety of wellness experiences, featuring five outdoor pools, 25 treatment rooms, and a 120-seat sauna, along with indoor and outdoor relaxation areas.

Highlights will include a 1,200 cubic feet Källa saltwater flotation pool, big enough for 40 people, carved out of a rock filled with 12 tonnes of Epsom salts and is one of the only of its kind in the world.

Guests will also have access to massages, rasul mud treatments, Aufguss ceremonies and halotherapy in a Himalayan salt sauna.

“We’ve gone to great lengths, taking the individual elements that make our spas unique, in order to integrate them into the natural landscape of the village,” explained Groupe Nordik senior designer, Antoine Lagarec.

To read more about Groupe Nordik, check out Spa Business’ full interview with Alexandre Cantin, Groupe Nordik’s corporate development director.