Massage, a much-"kneaded" treat for mind and body

ast summer, when I was looking for a spa to spend a few days with my daughter before she left home for her first year of university, an associate suggested Highfields Country Inn and Spa. Located in Zephyr, just a little over an hour's drive North East of downtown Toronto, this intimate, five-year old spa, owned and operated by husband and wife team, Norma and John Daniel, was just what mother and daughter needed: quiet, seclusion, a homey atmosphere and a full range of expert spa treatments and services.

We indulged ourselves for two days lazing by the outdoor pool, taking a long walk through fields and woodlands, pampering ourselves with treatments, watching classic movies selected from a library of books and video tapes, indulging in Highfields' home-cooking, and enjoying heart-to-hearts about my daughter's upcoming adventure. It was perfect.

Where to begin?
Unfortunately, finding a spa suitable to one's specific needs is not always so easy. While collecting recommendations from family, friends or business associates is probably still one of the best method of selecting a spa, sometimes that's not possible. Perusing publications to get first-hand experience from professional travel writers is another way to get the scoop on the spa scene. Or, you can consult the new guide to certified spas, published by Canada's national spa association, Relais Santé.

Based in Oka, Quebec, Relais Santé was established in 1993 by a group of seasoned spa operators looking to set standards for the rapidly growing spa vacation industry. Over the years, association members have developed and refined the standards against which they are measured and monitored in terms of quality, professional ethics and conduct: from the qualification of therapists (who must be certified in their own province as well as members of a professional association), to the quality of food (a health menu must be available) and lodging (must meet the standards of a CAA three-diamond classification).

Soothing facials stimulate circulation.

One of the association's prime commitments is to help consumers choose a spa vacation that matches their budget and their particular needs. Scenario: you need to de-stress after the hectic holiday season and you're seeking an ideal spa getaway. Are you looking for an intimate bed and breakfast environment (like the 7-room Highfields), or more of a luxury resort atmosphere (like the 390-room Relaxarium Manoir Richelieu on the shores of the St-Lawrence River)? Does a rustic setting like Ste. Anne's Country Inn & Spa in Cobourg sound appealing? Perhaps, a city-centre getaway such as Aqua Cité in downtown Montreal is more preferable.

And, what about specialty services? Are you seeking luxurious pampering? Bodywork? Renewal of body and mind? One of Highfields’ specialties, for instance, is true European Hydro Therapy consisting of an underwater jet bath and multiple shower head water cascade that leaves you totally relaxed, yet refreshed. You may be one of many spa goers who seeks to enhance the experience with workshops, fitness classes, sports (such as golf or tennis) or soft adventure outings such as guided hikes or cross-country skiing. You'll find that the Relais Santé guide details all such pertinent aspects of each member spa including cuisine, specialty, on-site facilities, nearby activities and packages.

In its seven years, Relais Santé has grown to 23 members: one in Nova Scotia, 19 in Quebec and three in Ontario (Highfields Country Inn and Spa, St. Anne's Country Inn and Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa in Cambridge). "We are now working to welcome members from all over Canada," says Lucy Octeau, association director. "We have a firm code of ethics in place, a disciplinary committee ready to handle complaints, and we are set up to make an annual mystery visit to each member spa."

With the approval of the Canadian Tourism Commission, the association's newest project is the launch of a Health/Wellness Tourism Product Club which, says Octeau, "will be researching the needs and requests of spa customers in order that members can better service their clients and offer more appealing packages."

For a copy of the Spa Association Relais Santé's free guide, call (800) 788-7594 or visit their Internet site at http://pages.infinit.net/relais.

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