Photo: Läka Spa
Walk in to Läka Spa and take a deep breath. The subtle fragrance of seven essential oils—including lavender, lemon and sage—instantly soothes and relaxes. They were specifically chosen and blended together to create the spa’s exclusive Northern Breeze signature scent, which is incorporated into Läka’s signature services and locker room sundries.
The scent is just one of many thoughtful, natural elements incorporated into the Nordic-inspired space, and—just like the spa services and sense of calm they induce—it’s meant to renew and transform. There are oversized, woven pod chairs with comfy cushions, natural light, a fireplace and soaking tubs, healthy snacks and hot beverages, and organic colors and textures used throughout the space. Skin care and spa products by Body Bliss and Naturopathica are organic and 100 percent cruelty-free.
Opened last fall, the boutique spa is designed for lakeside locals and out-of-towners alike, with “natural health and healing” the goal of every interaction, explains spa manager Karen Montanez. In fact, “läka” means “healing” in Swedish. Peels use plant enzymes in place of typical chemicals, and individual hydrotherapy tubs and steam showers allow guests to linger in style, making for a perfect retreat during these cold winter months. “Beautiful, natural light spills into the space, and there’s a lovely fireplace in the relaxation room. We encourage people to come early [for services], and stay late,” says Montanez.
The menu includes a full range of massages, skin care and waxing. The Nordic Radiance facial—recommended for “moisture-deprived, thirsty skin,” according to the website—incorporates a trademarked serum with a blend of copper, magnesium and zinc to energize the skin. It concludes with an energizing peppermint arm, hand and foot treatment. Swedish, deep tissue, alpine recovery and river rock stone massages—and a bevy of indulgent facials, scrubs and wraps—will give anyone a perfect way to unwind.
The attached Hotel Landing and Ninetwentyfive restaurant make the location a destination, whether for a romantic date night, a mid-week lunchtime massage or a full friends’ weekend. A full menu—yes, including wine—is available in service rooms. The all-inclusive set-up has been a hit with couples who have often come in to rest up after their wedding. “They can unwind and connect—without 150 of their closest friends,” says Montanez, laughing. One group of neighbors who’ve been close for over a decade chose an experience to share annually instead of birthday gifts. They worked with sales and marketing director Kim Nevins and Montanez to build a perfect staycation. The hotel-spa-restaurant can accommodate small groups and celebrations with ease.
“There’s this feeling of welcome, peacefulness and refuge here—we hope people turn off their phones, sit and relax and just be,” says Montanez. “We love those weekenders who cuddle up without their devices—it’s so gratifying to see people unplug. It’s a really healing environment.”
