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NEWS
Authentic Finnish-inspired Nordic Spa opening north of Toronto in Q3 2021
POSTED 18 Jun 2021 . BY Megan Whitby
Vettä’s primary attraction will be its emphasis on spending quality time with others
A brand new Finnish-inspired day spa called Vettä Nordic Spa is on track to open its doors in Ontario, Canada in September 2021.

Realised by ISM Architects, the all-season destination will cover five and a half acres and feature a 12 treatment-room spa plus one of North America’s largest commercial saunas.

“Horseshoe Valley is already a vacation destination for many, and the natural beauty found here fits the Finnish-inspired escape so perfectly,” said Eric Harkonen, president and founder of Vettä Nordic Spa.

“Vettä will be an experience that allows guests to sample a taste of Finland for the day and an opportunity to feel relaxed, recharged and reconnected.”

Guests will be immersed in a dynamic journey of wellbeing including professional bespoke massages, steamrooms, authentic Finnish saunas, warm pools and cold plunge pools, as well as salt rubs, a hot stone room, multiple relaxation areas and outdoor wood-burning fire pits.

All are being designed to help guests restore their health and wellbeing through the emotional and physical benefits of Nordic bathing traditions.

According to Harkonen, “coming from a Finnish family, it stood out to me that people in Canada and especially Ontario, are missing out on the sauna experience and the opportunity to unplug for a while.

“Vettä will be a place you can visit that quiets the mind, and rejuvenates your spirit. It’s a place to come together, create memories and spend precious time with friends and family.”

Vettä’s primary attraction will be its emphasis on spending quality time with others and having meaningful conversations during their spa escape.

While there will be a designated zone for those who wish to relax quietly on their own, the majority of Vettä will function in accordance with the Finnish tradition of socialising with others.

Guests will be encouraged to enjoy time with friends or family by making the most of couples’ massage rooms, social spa zones and spacious dining areas.

Vettä’s saunas and range of multi-temperature outdoor pools are being built to allow guests to enjoy self-guided contrast bathing.

Guests will be able to enjoy their hydrotherapy cycles in the natural surroundings of Horseshoe Valley’s hardwood forests, emphasised by the changing seasons, and fresh country air.

In addition, Vettä will feature three distinct culinary experiences showcasing forest foraged delicacies including freshly-picked mushroom medleys, preserved berries, local ecologically-produced vegetables and smoked and fresh fish.

There will be also heated floors and pathways throughout the spa and waterproof RFID wristbands allowing guests to move around easily.

Looking ahead, Harkonen told Spa Business there are plans to expand the Vettä concept in future with more locations in Ontario.
RELATED STORIES
  Finnish wellness culture to land in Ontario with first Vettä Nordic Spa


A hydrothermal day spa designed to offer a taste of Finnish wellness will be launched in a grand opening ceremony on 23 January 2022 in Ontario, Canada.
MORE NEWS
Brain plasticity could be improved by manipulating the gut microbiome
Manipulating the gut microbiome could become a powerful tool for preserving brain health and resilience as people age, according to research led by Professor Paola Tognini, a neuroscientist at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Italy.
Jessica Sloyan establishes UK Academy of Sound and Therapeutic Arts
Jessica Sloyan, a wellness operations and training expert, has established an independent private training academy to provide professional qualifications for practitioners looking to offer immersive wellness experiences.
ISPA releases full 2026 US Spa Industry Study as annual industry revenue rises by US$1bn
The International Spa Association (ISPA) has published its full 2026 US Spa Industry Study, providing further insights into the region’s total US$1 billion (€855 million, £780 million) industry revenue increase from 2024 to 2025.
Hot spring wellness community Ameyalli sells residences and breaks ground on resort and spa
Ameyalli, the 78-acre wellbeing resort and residential community in Midway in Utah, US, has broken ground on phase two of the hot spring development – the Ameyalli Resort and Spa – which is due to open in 2028.
+ More news   

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

MSpa Oslo series: a timeless bestseller
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]

Elemis launches its first Red Light Mask, lighting the way to advanced skin health and restoration
Elemis has branched into LED skincare with the launch of its breakthrough Red Light Mask. [more...]
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COMPANY PROFILES
BC Softwear Ltd

Founded in 2002 by Barbara Cooke, we provide expertise in crafting premium spa linen, towels, bath [more...]
AKT Group

AKT Group is built on Franco-Italian expertise in spa and hospitality design, the Group delivers des [more...]
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CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

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DIRECTORY
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DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
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©Cybertrek 2026
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Authentic Finnish-inspired Nordic Spa opening north of Toronto in Q3 2021
POSTED 18 Jun 2021 . BY Megan Whitby
Vettä’s primary attraction will be its emphasis on spending quality time with others
A brand new Finnish-inspired day spa called Vettä Nordic Spa is on track to open its doors in Ontario, Canada in September 2021.

Realised by ISM Architects, the all-season destination will cover five and a half acres and feature a 12 treatment-room spa plus one of North America’s largest commercial saunas.

“Horseshoe Valley is already a vacation destination for many, and the natural beauty found here fits the Finnish-inspired escape so perfectly,” said Eric Harkonen, president and founder of Vettä Nordic Spa.

“Vettä will be an experience that allows guests to sample a taste of Finland for the day and an opportunity to feel relaxed, recharged and reconnected.”

Guests will be immersed in a dynamic journey of wellbeing including professional bespoke massages, steamrooms, authentic Finnish saunas, warm pools and cold plunge pools, as well as salt rubs, a hot stone room, multiple relaxation areas and outdoor wood-burning fire pits.

All are being designed to help guests restore their health and wellbeing through the emotional and physical benefits of Nordic bathing traditions.

According to Harkonen, “coming from a Finnish family, it stood out to me that people in Canada and especially Ontario, are missing out on the sauna experience and the opportunity to unplug for a while.

“Vettä will be a place you can visit that quiets the mind, and rejuvenates your spirit. It’s a place to come together, create memories and spend precious time with friends and family.”

Vettä’s primary attraction will be its emphasis on spending quality time with others and having meaningful conversations during their spa escape.

While there will be a designated zone for those who wish to relax quietly on their own, the majority of Vettä will function in accordance with the Finnish tradition of socialising with others.

Guests will be encouraged to enjoy time with friends or family by making the most of couples’ massage rooms, social spa zones and spacious dining areas.

Vettä’s saunas and range of multi-temperature outdoor pools are being built to allow guests to enjoy self-guided contrast bathing.

Guests will be able to enjoy their hydrotherapy cycles in the natural surroundings of Horseshoe Valley’s hardwood forests, emphasised by the changing seasons, and fresh country air.

In addition, Vettä will feature three distinct culinary experiences showcasing forest foraged delicacies including freshly-picked mushroom medleys, preserved berries, local ecologically-produced vegetables and smoked and fresh fish.

There will be also heated floors and pathways throughout the spa and waterproof RFID wristbands allowing guests to move around easily.

Looking ahead, Harkonen told Spa Business there are plans to expand the Vettä concept in future with more locations in Ontario.
RELATED STORIES
Finnish wellness culture to land in Ontario with first Vettä Nordic Spa


A hydrothermal day spa designed to offer a taste of Finnish wellness will be launched in a grand opening ceremony on 23 January 2022 in Ontario, Canada.
MORE NEWS
Brain plasticity could be improved by manipulating the gut microbiome
Manipulating the gut microbiome could become a powerful tool for preserving brain health and resilience as people age, according to research led by Professor Paola Tognini, a neuroscientist at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Italy.
Jessica Sloyan establishes UK Academy of Sound and Therapeutic Arts
Jessica Sloyan, a wellness operations and training expert, has established an independent private training academy to provide professional qualifications for practitioners looking to offer immersive wellness experiences.
ISPA releases full 2026 US Spa Industry Study as annual industry revenue rises by US$1bn
The International Spa Association (ISPA) has published its full 2026 US Spa Industry Study, providing further insights into the region’s total US$1 billion (€855 million, £780 million) industry revenue increase from 2024 to 2025.
Hot spring wellness community Ameyalli sells residences and breaks ground on resort and spa
Ameyalli, the 78-acre wellbeing resort and residential community in Midway in Utah, US, has broken ground on phase two of the hot spring development – the Ameyalli Resort and Spa – which is due to open in 2028.
AI firm Midjourney enters wellness with spa, fitness and body scanning concept
TLee Spas and Wellness has revealed the design concept for a high-tech spa with body mapping scanners to improve public health, for AI company Midjourney.
Swissline opens renovated urban wellness destination Labo Spa in Zurich
Swissline has opened a flagship day spa in Zurich, Switzerland, called Labo Spa.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

MSpa Oslo series: a timeless bestseller
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]

Elemis launches its first Red Light Mask, lighting the way to advanced skin health and restoration
Elemis has branched into LED skincare with the launch of its breakthrough Red Light Mask. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
BC Softwear Ltd

Founded in 2002 by Barbara Cooke, we provide expertise in crafting premium spa linen, towels, bath [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
31 Aug - 02 Sep 2026

SpaTec North America

Pier Sixty Six, Fort Lauderdale, United States
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS