Stay & Play Adventure Spa Series

Discover Forest Therapy and Spa Relaxation

De-stress and connect with the healing power of nature on a Forest Wellness Walk and then sink into a blissful state with a Signature Massage or Signature Spa Pedicure & Reflexology. Time among the trees with a Forest Therapy Guide helps you cope with what life sends your way, and embrace the gift in each moment. 

Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which is described as an immersion in the atmosphere of the forest. A walk is usually 2hours long, but may be 1.5 hours if requested. You move slowly, pause often and don’t go far, so a high level of fitness isn’t necessary. 

Choose your walk from one of the following destinations: 

• Beaver Pond Trail
• Gatineau Park
• Dominion Arboretum

Your Guide, Andrea, leads a sequence of invitations, for solo exploration or sometimes in pairs. These support you in quieting your mind and awakening to the gifts of the forest. The invitations often prompt you to tune in to a particular sense — sight, hearing, touch, even your “imaginal sense”. Andrea periodically calls everyone back together and offers people the opportunity to share stories or insights from their explorations. There’s no pressure to speak when you gather together. We end the walk with snacks and tea, made from plants from the trail we’ve just walked, and a chance to share any final reflections.

Upon selection of your walk Andrea will advise you of what to bring, what to wear, and ask you about any relevant allergies or health concerns. Post adventure you will check in at Holtz Spa where you will indulge in a Signature Massage or Signature Spa Pedicure & Reflexology. 

Andrea Prazmowski is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, trained by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (ANFT). She is also a mentor with ANFT and has been guiding since 2017. Andrea is a Certified Hike Leader with Hike Ontario, is certified in Wilderness First Aid, and has a Permaculture Design Certificate. She has qualifications in Reiki and Healing Pathway, studied with The Sacred Gardener School, and has facilitated learning groups and community partnerships of various kinds for more than 20 years.

$162 pp (minium 2 person booking). 

*minimum temperature requirement for Forest Therapy is 5℃

Escape Cycle & Spa Retreat

Our newest Spa Retreat combines adventure, fun and relaxation for both tourists and locals!

Escape Bicycle Tours are designed for leisure and recreational cyclists and includes visits to some of the most attractive sights and hidden gems in Ottawa.  Once your tour is complete (approx. 2 hours) it’s time to chill out at Holtz Spa with a well-deserved Massage or Signature Spa Pedicure & Reflexology.

A perfect urban escape for couples, friends or on your own.  You’re sure to make friends along the way!

How does it work? Once your appointment is booked and confirmed, simply check-in at Escape Bicycle Tours and your friendly Escape Tour guide will meet you and begin your bicycle tour.

The tour includes bicycle, helmet, printed map, water bottle and healthy snack.  Your leisurely tour will take you along the Rideau Canal Pathway and will give you a beautiful view of Ottawa’s Lansdowne Park and popular Old Ottawa South neighborhood.  A stop at Hog’s Back Falls will refresh you.  Continuing cycling, you will see the locks and stop at Fletcher Wild Life Garden and Arboretum, which is a beautiful historic green space featuring over 2000 varieties of Ornamental Gardens and remarkable trees.  You will stop at one of Ottawa’s most popular gelato shops before cycling back along the Ottawa River Pathway where you will see more of Ottawa’s natural beauty.  Your tour will end with a short visit to the Parliament of Canada before returning to the spa for your relaxing treatments.

An unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling happy, relaxed and inspired!

Couples $170 pp – includes Escape 2 hr. Bicycle Tour and Holtz Couples Massage

Friends $170 pp – includes 2 hr. Escape Bicycle Tour and choice of 50 min. Relaxation Massage or Holtz Signature Spa Pedicure with Reflexology

Singles $170 pp – includes Escape 2 hour Bicycle Tour and choice of 50 min. Relaxation Massage or Holtz Signature Spa Pedicure with Reflexology

*minimum 2 people per tour*