New spa paradise in the Rockies: BASIN Glacial Waters at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Wellness oases like those in the Alpine countries are usually not found in North American ski hotels. Not even luxury resorts come close to European spa standards. Until now. As of this winter, there is at least one resort that can compete with the most beautiful spas in Alpine hotels: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Opened shortly before the 2025/2026 ski season, the Fairmont's BASIN Glacial Waters in Lake Louise is a spa lover's dream and, for me, a new flagship for the Canadian hotel group. With the spa designed by Matteo Thun, Fairmont has achieved a great success. The South Tyrolean star architect has created a minimalist-designed spa directly on the famous lake under the Victoria Glacier, which not only offers a large number of saunas, steam baths, pools and relaxation rooms, but also radiates a wonderful sense of calm and warmth. I, at least, could not have imagined the new spa at Lake Louise to be more beautiful.
Sitting in hot glacier water pools under the starry sky and the steam rising into the frosty air is a real treat for body and soul. Just like the view of the picture-book backdrop of the Rocky Mountains through large windows from almost all the saunas and relaxation rooms.
However, I still need to get used to the fact that North Americans take saunas in swimwear and have never heard of other basic rules of sauna etiquette. The fact that sauna sessions are lined up at lightning speed, as if the aim is to tick off the various saunas on the "bucket list" as quickly as possible, also seems strange to me, as it does to many other Europeans. But that's not Fairmont's fault, of course.
The BASIN Glacial Waters in Lake Louise is definitely an enrichment for Fairmont, Lake Louise and the entire Banff National Park. A visit to the spa is a must for all ski vacationers in Alberta, for whom a visit to the spa is the crowning glory of a great day's skiing.
Image credits: BASIN Glacial Waters
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