Since Amy and I started dating, we have enjoyed getting out to Nordic Spa’s at least twice a year. Back in Winnipeg, we loved visiting Thermea. Everything from the pools to the food was an unforgettable experience each time, and it was something that we thought we would miss when we departed for the East Coast in the Fall. Luckily, we discovered that Nova Scotia has their very own Nordic Spa, Sensea! (Pronounced SEN-SEE, not SEN-SEE-UH). Booking was quite the challenge, with dates opening up at the start of each month and filling up almost instantly, so we had attempted a few times before finally getting a Saturday that worked with our schedule.
For some reason (we can blame Amy) we got up bright and early on our Saturday of relaxation, one thing led to another, and we both ran 10KM before our booking time at the spa. Now we definitely needed to sit in a hot tub all day. Sensea was about a 45-minute drive outside the city in Chester, NS. We’re starting to become familiar with the area, both Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg are nearby, so I’m starting to rely less on my GPS while driving.
Our booking started just before noon, and lasted for the remainder of the day. So we had a good 8 hours to take in the experience. After checking in and getting our belongings put in lockers, we went immediately to the hot tubs where there was a wonderful view of a lake that the property borders. Both of us love doing the hot-cold cycles: 15 minutes in the sauna followed by a quick shock (roughly 30-60 seconds) to the system in the cold plunge. We were feeling relaxed in no time.
There were plenty of saunas and hot tubs spread across the property so we didn’t feel like we had to wait for any of the facilities. The had two cold plunges: one at 18C and the other at 10C. Strangely enough, the colder pool actually felt warmer to both of us! Unfortunately, one of the steam rooms was closed and all they had was the Eucalyptus scented room, which felt like you were inhaling Vapo-Rub the entire time you were in it.
Time flew by and were starting to feel a bit hungry so we made a stop at the Relaxation Hut. They had a small food counter where you can get some small bites and drinks, along with some comfortable seating around a fireplace. We grabbed a bite and then hung out on the couches where I got to dig into my book, and Amy dug into the pillows, enjoying a long nap.
We ended our day doing a few more rounds in the saunas and cold pools, and even making a stop in the mud facial room. I gave it a try, and immediately felt my skin burning so I washed it off. Apparently, you are supposed to feel a burning sensation, but I wasn’t taking any risks.
Our visit lasted over 7 hours, which is definitely the longest we’ve spent at a spa, but it was so enjoyed! We would suggest to anyone looking to relax and take in the views of Nova Scotia to give Sensea a visit. They book fast, though, so keep a close eye on openings!
J & A's Adventure 
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