Why I Love Fairmont Spas

There's always another spa to discover. I can't wait to be pampered -- I mean, critique the establishment.

Fairmont Hotels Spas are among my very favorite spas in the world. Something about the Willow Stream spas will turn you into a (shh!) spa-junkie. It happened to me, and my standards have inevitably been shifted way high into the stratosphere. And no, I don't get paid to say that.

It's simply the truth. You see, they switched brands from the Solstice (my memory is working today!) about seven years ago and turned all the spa sites into the Willow Stream. Sounds pretty, conjures good images, yadda yadda. But until I experienced one myself, I never would have guessed.

It was a number of years back that my husband and I went on a memorable excursion to the gorgeous Banff, Alberta, region in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Places that the celebrities are starting to notice (please don't visit, celebrities!) are always bad news for us spa junkies. But good news for the parent company.

Regardless, the Fairmont Banff Springs is so beautiful you could cry. Rugged and remote, Banff is holding on to the vestiges of the unspoiled land it once was. Which is good, meaning there are few touristy shops.

You will never forget a stay at the Banff Springs. Among the spa's highlights is a water therapy modeled on Eastern European traditions. In a spacious pool area (coed, unfortunately), you have a choice of four places to take the plunge. A freezing little waterfall. Yup. I did it. You can, too. Then a still-friggin'-cold-but-not-freezing waterfall. Stay three minutes. Ha. I was happy to last 3 seconds. But then the reward: a hot waterfall! Or warm. Or much more temperate, let's say, than waterfalls Nos.1 and 2.

But the best part is the huge body-temperature real pool, with beautiful mosaic tiles and -- get this -- a skylight through which you can contemplate the Rockies! You're floating in this wonderful water, listening to underwater piped-in music -- talk about trippy -- gazing at mountains. Everything's right with the world.

No Iraq. No Bush. No poverty. For a few seconds, minutes -- the concept of time melts away -- you are allowed to forget it all and drift into a reverie you've earned. I know we did.

And then you start over again -- freezing cold, cold, hot/warm/body temperature! I felt like a little kid at a water park.

This was the most relaxing place ever. Before or after any of their massages or facials (I told you I hate "wraps"), this water journey is therapy for the psyche and the body.

Just make sure your Fairmont HAS the Willow Stream Spa. Not all properties do. If you're going to blow a wad of money, go for the full treatment! You deserve it. I know I did, and I am forever grateful.