OK, it does get better than just the soak in the pool. The Pleiades Spa (pronounced Play-a-deez), located in the bathhouse, offers massage, reflexology, reiki, shiatsu, body treatment, facial, aromatherapy wrap and packages combining treatments. The spa is located on two floors but is compact and only takes seven guests at a time. It's best to make reservations in advance. I had an aromatherapy wrap and 1/2 hour massage ($70CAD/$42US). I started with the massage which was fabulous. The therapist, Scott, had magic hands with a wonderful healing touch. I highly recommend scheduling an hour and a half with him. I am sure it would be well worth the $95CAD/$57US. After the massage, I had an aromatherapy wrap. I spent the first half hour alternating between a plunge pool filled with hot springs water and an aroma steam room. The hot mineral water stimulates circulation, promotes relaxation and detoxifies and re-mineralizes the body. After I was warmed up, therapist Tony Neves escorted me to the adjacent room which was filled with a number of treatment tables. He selected a blend of essential oils and sprayed it all over my body while I was standing. I then got on the table and and he wrapped flannel sheets around me. He dimmed the lights and I enjoyed the aroma, listened to the soft music, and relaxed for a half hour. This treatment is simple and unique. I haven't seen anything quite like it at other spas. There was a wedding party of seven coming in to have aromatherapy wraps after me. Many weddings are held in the gardens near the park administration building.

Tony is an aromatherapy enthusiast. On the benefits of aromatherapy, Tony says, "Since ancient times, people have used extracts from plants for therapeutic use to improve one's health and well-being.  Aromatherapy is the modern name for the educated and controlled practice of these techniques using aromatic extracts called essential oils. 
     "Current scientific research has helped to confirm the healing properties of essential oils.  One way they can help the body is by increasing its ability to efficiently transport oxygen and nutrients into cells.  This enhances our ability to deal with stress-related problems, improve our circulation as well as relax our muscles and nervous system.
     "I've been working in the spa for several years doing aromatherapy wraps.  Our customers' response to this experience has been wonderful!  Often people mention feeling relief from stress, sore muscles and respiratory complaints, to name a few."

Directions: Combine the following amounts of essential oils to create the desired blend. Add each recipe into a 120ml spray bottle filled with distilled water to create a spray or use 4 or 5 drops directly in a bathtub or steam room.

The way the spa is currently configured, after checking into the spa on the lower level, you need to exit the spa and use the main bathhouse stairway to get to the treatment rooms on the upper floor. Spa Director, Blake Johnson, says the spa will be remodeled starting November 5, 2001 to add an internal staircase for spa use only. A new treatment room downstairs will also be added to make a total of 6 private treatment rooms on both floors. The renovations should be completed by the end of the year. There will be a new and improved aromatherapy treatment introduced at that time. 

Footnotes

The Upper Hot Springs are on Mountain Avenue, four kilometres south of the Town of Banff. It is a day-use facility and offers no accommodations. However, there are plenty of places to stay in Banff from ranging from hostels to the ultra-deluxe. If you come to Banff to take advantage of all the national park has to offer - skiing, canoeing, biking, etc., be sure not to miss one of its most unique offerings, the Banff Upper Hot Springs.