After three rough days of snowboarding the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, there was never a worthier subject for a spa treatment - than me.

With bumps, bruises, and aches in muscles that I didn't know I had, I was more ready than ever for a morning at Red Earth Spa (www.bestofbanff.com/redearthspa).

Located at the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa at the north end of Banff Ave., the spa is known as one the area's best, and is a favourite of locals and visitors alike.

Arriving early, I signed in and was given a quick tour of the spa's facilities.  Red Earth Spa's big attraction is a large hot pool (perfect for easing aching muscles!), available for use to all hotel guests, along with it steam room and exercise facilities.

The spa also offers six treatment rooms including one deluxe couples' treatment room and a hydrotherapy room.  Manicure stations and pedicure chairs also offer a great idea for a girls' day off the slopes.  The change rooms are clean, bright, and modern, stocked with toiletries, towels, and have large, luxurious round shower stalls with rain showerheads.  Two spa lounges stocked with women's and men's magazines, citrus-infused water, tea, and fruit offer spacious privacy for various spa guests. 

With time to spare before my treatment, I had some time to relax and unwind in the steam room.  Soon enough, I was ushered to the treatment room for my re-mineralizing and detoxifying Earth Organic Eminence Body Wrap, a treat for dry winter skin.  The all-in-one treatment began with an apricot sugar exfoliation, an herbal mud treatment and wrap, a mini Hungarian facial and scalp massage, finished with a delicious chocolate moisturizing massage. 

Needless to say, I was putty by the time the 60-minute treatment was over.  It was definitely the cherry on top of an amazing winter weekend getaway to Banff and the Canadian Rockies.

If wraps aren't for you, try the specialized Sports Therapy Massage for a more targeted treatment, a foot massage for tired or sore feet, or one of their many couples' spa packages.    

Some accommodations packages at Fox Hotel & Suites or Banff Caribou Lodge offer discounts or included spa treatments at Red Earth Spa.  For more on Red Earth Spa, go to: www.bestofbanff.com/redearthspa . 

For information on visiting Banff National Park, go to: www.banfflakelouise.com.

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