Happy Relaxing at the Kingfisher Spa

I remember stopping in to check out the Kingfisher Spa a couple of years ago with my sister, and we always meant to book a complete spa day to try it out. It took us awhile, but we finally decided to check it out last November. We called and booked ourselves in for an indulgent massage and a stroll through the hydropath. When we first arrived, we were quite excited for our day of pampering. The atmosphere felt quite casual, yet elegant. We were greeted by extremely professional and hospitable employees.

At check-in, I was told that I would experience the Sea Stone Massage and my sister would try the Marine Mud Massage. My massage was given by a woman named Mayumi. It consisted of a relaxing full-body massage and the use of smooth, heated stones. The heat felt incredible and really helped to penetrate and relax my tense muscles. An hour went by, but it felt like only ten minutes! Mayumi was very skilled with those stones. It must be an art that takes a significant amount of practice. I felt completely at ease, and all of the tension melted away from my entire body. I highly recommend this massage.

The Marine Mud Massage involved laying back into detoxifying marine mud before receiving a relaxing massage. This massage was given by a woman named Judith. My sister gave Judith rave reviews as well. I giggled when I saw her lazily walking out from her massage with a half-crooked grin complete with towel marks across her face. Apparently she became so relaxed that she fell asleep! I am sure that happens all of the time while at the Kingfisher.

Our next appointment was the hydropath. I had been hearing about this amazing hydropath for years from many of my friends. I have to admit, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. The Pacific Mist Hydropath® is a unique destination in North America. It is not something that can be accurately described.  It must be experienced. The hydropath is a form of hydrotherapy, providing detoxification, re-mineralization, and relaxation. It consists of eight unique features, including a series of waterfalls, a mineral massage pool, and an aromatic steam cave, which were my favourites. With dim lighting, sandstone-sculpted caves, pools of water, and just the right amount of humidity, it truly feels like time slows down, taking relaxation to a whole new level. My sister and I went through the various features as a pair, but it can be done alone, with a group of friends, or as a couple – the setting perhaps providing a little romance?

The Kingfisher Spa first opened in 1998 and started with seven treatment rooms. Now, after four separate renovations, there are more than 20 treatment rooms, a yoga studio, a heated outdoor pool, a whirlpool, a steam room, and the famous Pacific Mist Hydropath®. With all of these amenities, the Kingfisher Spa has become quite popular, boasting upwards of 150 appointments on a typically busy Saturday. One of their particular draws seems to be the use of key sea ingredients, reflecting our unique West Coast environment.

There are many amazing specials and packages available at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa at varying times throughout the year. If you visit the website at www.kingfisherspa.com, the dates for specific offers are specified. So check ahead! Right now, the good deal that caught my attention was the Rainy Day Getaway, which is a great price and includes accommodations, a spa credit, restaurant credit, hydropath, a fitness class, and a gift card. It might even make a great Christmas, birthday, or anniversary gift.

Remember to book early for groups or couples. The gift of relaxation is always welcomed. Happy relaxing!